Published December 5, 2025 · The Digital Desk at America Publishers
Hello Sunshine Unveils ‘Sunnie Reads,’ a New Book Club for Gen Z Readers
Hello Sunshine is expanding its reach into the next generation of readers with the debut of Sunnie Reads, a new book club created “by and for” Gen Z readers. Announced this week, the initiative marks a strategic move for the Reese Witherspoon–backed media brand as it leans deeper into youth-driven storytelling and community-focused engagement. The club, which will select its first pick in January, aims to give young readers curated experiences that blend literature, culture, and conversation.
Hello Sunshine’s launch comes at a moment when Gen Z is reshaping reading culture in unexpected ways. According to research conducted by the company, 74 percent of Gen Z women report that reading is one of their top leisure activities, and more than one in three say they find community through book clubs. These findings reflect a growing national shift: after years of digital saturation, young readers are returning to books as a means of connection, identity-building, and self-expression. Sunnie Reads is designed to meet that momentum by creating spaces—both online and offline—where emerging readers can explore stories together. Through curated picks, immersive digital features, and shared rituals, the club positions Hello Sunshine to engage an audience that values authenticity, creativity, and culturally relevant storytelling.
“Our research made one thing unmistakably clear,” said Mukta Chowdhary, VP of brand at Hello Sunshine. “Gen Z women are actively searching for spaces where they can connect, reflect, and feel part of something larger. Book clubs already play a powerful role in their lives, so Sunnie Reads builds on that foundation. We’re creating a community that feels fresh, inclusive, and truly reflective of how young readers want to engage today.”
Sunnie Reads will launch its first official book selection in January, supported by a suite of digital and community-driven features designed to meet Gen Z readers where they already spend their time. The program will include author spotlights, interactive polls, book-inspired playlists, mood boards, and GRWM-style content to create a dynamic, multi-sensory reading experience. Hello Sunshine also plans to introduce Sunnie Stacks, a bimonthly, Gen Z–curated list of book recommendations set to roll out in 2026. These elements expand the club beyond traditional reading models, offering young audiences creative ways to immerse themselves in stories while discovering new authors and genres.
“We’re building something that goes far beyond a traditional book club,” Chowdhary added. “Sunnie Reads is about creating moments—through fashion, storytelling, rituals, and shared experiences—that feel authentic to Gen Z’s world. We want young readers to see themselves reflected in every element of this community and to feel inspired to engage in ways that are meaningful to them.”
With Sunnie Reads, Hello Sunshine is tapping directly into the cultural energy shaping how Gen Z discovers stories and forms community. By pairing curated book selections with creative, lifestyle-driven experiences, the initiative positions reading as both a personal ritual and a shared cultural moment. As more brands explore ways to connect with younger audiences, Sunnie Reads stands out for its intentional blend of authenticity, interactivity, and relevance—setting the stage for a new era of youth-centered literary engagement.
Source: Publishers Weekly, “Hello Sunshine to Host Gen Z–Focused Book Club,” Dec 03, 2025. Read more at: PublishersWeekly.com.