Turning the Page: Inside FRANKIE4’s CHAPTER4 Book Club

02 Jul 2025

There’s something about slowing down with a good book... much like slipping into your favourite pair of FRANKIE4s. That’s exactly the feeling behind the creation of our CHAPTER4 book club; a space where comfort meets conversation and great stories bring us together.

We caught up with Gemma Swanson, Brand Manager, and Lilya Boundy, Social Media Manager, to talk all things books, connection, and why this club feels a little bit like the heart of FRANKIE4 — just with more coffee and paperbacks.

10 Quick Question with Gemma & Lilya

Q1. What inspired the creation of the CHAPTER4 Book Club?

Gemma: We’ve always seen FRANKIE4 as more than just footwear; it’s about community and how we make them feel. The book club came from that same spirit of connection. We wanted to create something that brings people together; a moment to slow down, reflect, and share stories that bring comfort (like a great pair of shoes does), inspire, and entertain.

Q2. Why “CHAPTER4”?

Lilya: It felt poetic. FRANKIE4 has always been about evolution and growth, and “CHAPTER4” fits perfectly with the next chapter of our story. Plus, it nods to our brand’s original four pillars connecting to comfort, style, innovation, and purpose. It’s where storytelling meets those same values, just in book form.

Q3. What does reading mean to you personally?

Gemma: Reading is my reset button. It’s how I switch off and find new perspectives... a moment that’s completely mine. I love that every book gives you something different: calm, challenge, laughter, or a bit of escape. It’s like travelling without leaving the couch.

Lilya: Reading makes me feel connected; to ideas, emotions, and the people around me. I’m always chatting with the team over lunch about what we’re reading, swapping recommendations, and updating my Goodreads list. It’s such a fun way to stay inspired and see what stories are resonating with everyone. True reading inspiration.

Q4. How do you choose which books make the reading list?

Lilya: We pick stories that make you feel something; whether it’s joy, reflection, or just a spark of curiosity. It’s not about being “book experts,” it’s about starting conversations and finding meaning in unexpected places.

Q5. How does the book club fit into FRANKIE4’s bigger picture?

Gemma: FRANKIE4 is all about making people feel good — and that doesn’t stop at shoes. The book club extends that same sense of care to the mind and heart. It’s another way to nurture our community, just through storytelling instead of footbeds!

Q6. What’s been the best part so far?

Lilya: The conversations. When people share what a story meant to them or how they related to it, that’s the magic. You suddenly realise how books can bring complete strangers together.

Q9. Any plans for what’s next?

Gemma: We hold virtual discussions and in-person events once a month with a special host, which has been so much fun. Moving forward, we’d love to keep exploring a wide range of genres, growing the club, and bringing it to more FRANKIE4 locations. It's all about giving our community even more ways to connect, share stories, and inspire each other, both online and in person. There may also be some surprises in the works along the way too.

Q10. Describe the CHAPTER4 Book Club in one sentence.

Lilya: A cosy corner of the FRANKIE4 world, filled with stories, connection, and comfort.

Gemma: A welcoming space to share stories, spark conversations, and feel part of the FRANKIE4 community (all in good company, of course).

Bonus Q. We couldn’t leave without quickly asking: what are you reading right now?

Gemma & Lilya: You’ll have to wait just a little longer to find out… we’re excited to announce our next CHAPTER4 read on Monday 27 October.

See the next launch here.

Join the Story

CHAPTER4, where comfort meets conversation and great stories bring us together. It’s more than a book club: it’s a shared space to pause, connect, unwind, and reflect as a community; a little moment of mindful living. Here, we celebrate the joy of reading alongside intentional discussions, kindness, and yes, a little wardrobe inspiration too.

Join our CHAPTER4 closed Facebook group to chat with our book lovers' community of fellow readers, share your thoughts, be first to hear about the next CHAPTER4 gathering near you, and stay connected. We’d love to have you turning the next page with us.

JOIN THE GROUP