SEATTLE — The only sounds you'll hear at this party are cocktails being shaken-a piano being played - and pages being turned.
The Silent Reading Party at Hotel Sorrento is THE place for introverts to introvert. They gather behind the blue velvet curtains in The Fireside Room twice a month, to bury themselves in books. This 1909-built hotel is the perfect place for it.
"Mahogany lined walls, crackling fireplace, and a piano. You've got to have all three," said author and editor Christopher Frizzelle, who is the inventor and host of the Silent Reading Party.
He did the first one in 2009 to celebrate the hotel's centennial. He wasn't sure if anybody would even come.
"And it was so crowded, there was a line out the door and there were people sitting on the carpet, all over the floor, just because they wanted to be in a room with everyone,” Frizzelle said.
15 years after the first one, the crowd knows exactly what to do as Frizzelle wraps up a quick welcome, complete with literary birthdays and death days and book recommendations.
"The last thing to say is, you know this, there is no more talking until 8 p.m., and I wish you happy adventures in your reading, whatever you decided to bring tonight,” Frizzelle said.
Chatting stops, and reading starts.
There's a rotating literary cocktail menu, and a sliding scale for places to cozy up. The fireplace seats are premium at $35 and the bar seats are a steal at $12. There’s also a $20 minimum on drink and food, so the hotel can keep hosting. And any place here is the perfect place to curl up with a book.
“It just feels like you're at Hogwarts studying, it’s super cozy old school just back in time,” said Lex Maloy, food and beverage director at Stella, the hotel’s restaurant.
Also, there's hardly a tablet in sight.
"You know, it's mostly books for the most part people bring books, they'll bring stacks of books,” Maloy said.
The party is so popular, readers join from all over the world via Zoom – it started when the party went virtual during COVID. The Zoom continues to this day, complete with a live shot of that fireplace, and Paul Matthew Moore at his piano.
This party may not be a rager. But it's perfect for readers who know that the only thing better than a good book - is sharing it with others.
“I think it's this idea that you're part of a group, you're part of a community. You're not just by yourself in your silent home,” said Frizelle. “Knowing you're part of something is just the coolest feeling.”
The Silent Reading Party at the Hotel Sorrento is the first and third Wednesday of every month, and Frizzelle is also lauching some late night and brunch reading parties at the Sorrento. For early access to tickets, which can sell out quickly, follow Christopher Frizzelle's substack, Frizzlit.
KING 5's Evening celebrates the Northwest. Contact us: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Email.