Full Breakdown
Inside Monrovia's Self-Help Smut Club: A New Approach to Romance Literature
1/12/2026, 8:22:48 PM
The Emergence of the Self-Help Smut Club
The Self-Help Smut Club, founded by marriage and family therapist Caitlin Harrison, meets at Black Cat Fables bookstore in Monrovia to discuss romance novels, focusing on their themes of intimacy and self-discovery. The club's inception was inspired by the rising popularity of romantic fiction on BookTok, a TikTok community dedicated to book recommendations. Harrison emphasizes the therapeutic value of discussing sexual themes in literature, stating, “It allows for very rich, honest conversations about what comes up for us.”
Community and Connection
Black Cat Fables, opened in October 2024 by Nicole Fabry and her friends, aims to fill a gap in literary events for adults aged 20 to 50. Fabry describes the bookstore as a community-focused space, noting, “We definitely wanted it to be community-focused and to become more of a third space for people.” The Self-Help Smut Club is one of many events hosted at the bookstore, which seeks to foster connections among attendees.
Conversations on Pleasure and Intimacy
During meetings, club members engage in discussions that range from light-hearted topics to deeper issues such as mental health and body image. Harrison leads conversations about the importance of pleasure and self-care, stating, “There are a lot of oppressive systems right now, and it actually is all the more reason to engage with smut, pleasure, joy, so that we can build a discipline of hope.” The club encourages members to explore their desires and reflect on their own experiences through the lens of fictional characters.
Diverse Perspectives on Sexuality
Members like Ella Rodriguez express the desire for both yearning and fulfillment in their discussions. Rodriguez shares, “I don’t want just to yearn. I also want the reward of pleasure, sex or romance.” Ashley Bagwell, another therapist in the group, highlights the uniqueness of a smut-focused book club, noting, “There aren’t smutty book clubs really anywhere. You can find a book club anywhere, but a smutty one, specifically? Not really.”
Official Statements and Responses
Caitlin Harrison aims to empower women through ongoing conversations about romantic fiction, stating, “I love the BookTok of it all. I think that there’s continually more and more breaking down of taboo around being able to talk about what is exciting and pleasurable.” The club's motto, “2026? More like 2020-sex!” encapsulates its playful yet serious approach to discussing sexuality.
Conclusion: The Future of the Self-Help Smut Club
The Self-Help Smut Club represents a growing trend of open discussions about sexuality and pleasure in literature. As the popularity of romance novels continues to rise, the club provides a safe space for individuals to explore their desires and connect with others. Harrison's initiative reflects a broader cultural shift towards embracing conversations about intimacy and self-discovery, making the club a significant addition to Monrovia's literary landscape.
