Welcome to the Club

From the New York Times bestselling author of Why We Can’t Sleep—and following in the footsteps of Bowling Alone and Passages—a generation-defining guide to building community and connection beyond the algorithms

Ada Calhoun found herself suddenly aimless after a life spent hustling thanks to a series of major, yet common, life changes: Her son left for college, she got divorced, and her father passed away. After so many years of caring for and centering others, she was now blessed (or saddled) with more time and autonomy than she could handle. What was she supposed to do? In a culture that teaches us to defer pleasure, glorify productivity, and prioritize our obligations to others and our work, is it possible to rewire our instincts when it comes to connection and success?

In the spirit of so many other seekers, including Gretchen Rubin and Robert Putnam, Calhoun transformed her question into a quest and project, one that, coincidentally, dovetails with subjects grabbing national headlines: Are we living through a loneliness epidemic? In the age of social media, how do we forge in-person connection and community?

The answer to our contemporary dilemmas could be a squarely twentieth-century solution: clubs.

So Calhoun spent a year saying yes to as many clubs as she could find—mah-jongg groups, Daughters of the American Revolution, LARPing, book clubs, and so many more—and throwing herself headlong into their histories and sociological underpinnings. In diving into dozens of different “third spaces,” Ada provides a twenty-first-century map to navigating age-old sociological and psychological challenges like weathering life transitions, resisting isolation and inertia, and building a social safety net. Every generation must face the question of “What now?” It’s our turn, and Ada Calhoun knows the way.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs