Connecting Through Books with Taylor Harrington

Meet Taylor Harrington, the Head of Community at Groove—a coworking community designed to help people have better weeks working from home. Her background includes crafting transformative online workshops with author Seth Godin and traveling the country while hosting virtual gatherings called Craving Connection. At October’s Joyful Masterclass for Connection Professionals, Taylor shared a personal favorite activity: Bring Your Own Book (BYOB).

Her activity is a straightforward and memorable approach to getting to know someone better. In the workshop, participants were asked to think of one book that has profoundly influenced them—whether it was a recent read, a childhood favorite, or something in between.?

They shared what the book is and why it resonated with them, reflecting on where they were before reading it and how it shaped them afterward. Do you want to use this activity to spark deep conversations, revealing glimpses into people’s values, interests, and personal journeys? Have a look below to see how you can give this a try.

Give the BYOB activity a try in 3 simple steps:

1. Choose a Book That Matters Pick a book that has significantly impacted your life. It doesn’t have to be the “perfect” choice—just something meaningful to you.
2. Reflect on Its Impact Consider how the book influenced your perspective, habits, or values. Think about what made it stand out to you.
3. Share and Listen In a group setting, share the book and why it’s meaningful. Encourage others to do the same, and listen to their stories with curiosity.

BYOB opens a door to deeper connections; it’s a way to move past small talk and get to know the heart of someone else’s experiences.

What makes Taylor’s activity so engaging is its simplicity. It reminds us that books are more than just stories—they’re reflections of who we are and what we care about. By inviting others to share their personal connections to a book, we create opportunities for meaningful dialogue and authentic relationships.

Whether it’s during a team-building session, a family gathering, or even a chance meeting with someone new, this activity has the power to transform how we connect. The next time you’re looking to break the ice, skip the usual small talk and ask, “What’s one book that’s made a difference for you, and why?” You’ll be amazed by where the conversation takes you.