The author, a self-described introvert, always dreaded networking events. For years, he attended gatherings at bars and alumni mixers, hovering near the hors d'oeuvre table, unsure how to approach others. Despite studying books on networking and friendship, his skills didn't improve, and he felt inauthentic. Then, a professor suggested joining groups based on hobbies. After the pandemic, he started a book club with a twist: members bring the books they're already reading and give a short summary. He posted on Meetup.com in April 2022, and soon, the group grew exponentially. Within months, he made new friends, hosted parties, and even connected a cancer patient with a survivor. By the one-year anniversary, the club had over 500 members. Today, it has nearly 700. The author emphasizes that focusing on passions—like fly fishing or books—helps build meaningful connections, unlike generic happy hours. He believes that quality over quantity matters in friendships, and his book club even led to a toast at his wedding.
