There’s nothing quite like finding a likeminded group of people that share your interests. What’s even better? Those interests being books, of course! Whether you’ve already got a gang of book besties you can’t wait to chat books with, or you’re actively seeking a bookish community, here at She Reads we have some great ideas to help you start your dream book club!
What type of book club?
In today’s digital age, book clubs has evolved, offering readers both in-person gatherings and virtual alternatives. While in-person book clubs foster a sense of community and lively discussions over coffee or wine, virtual book clubs provide convenience and accessibility, allowing members to connect from the comfort of their own homes. Whether you prefer the warmth of face-to-face interactions or the flexibility of online discussions, starting a book club in 2024 offers endless opportunities for literary exploration and camaraderie.
Picking a name
When going virtual, this step is extra crucial. Selecting a name for your book club involves brainstorming with members to capture the group’s personality and interests, considering factors like preferred genres or themes, and incorporating wordplay or literary references for creativity. Once you’ve generated ideas, take a vote to decide on the final name, ensuring availability for domain names and social media handles. Test out the chosen name by saying it aloud and visualizing it on promotional materials to ensure it accurately reflects the club’s identity and resonates with members, making the process enjoyable and reflective of your group’s uniqueness.
Invite your book friends
Book people always find each other, so you probably already know a few pals that might be interested in joining. But don’t let that hold you back from finding some new book friends as well! A lot of great things grow over time, so don’t be afraid to start small. One of the best parts about reading is how it opens our mind to new perspectives, so bringing others into the conversation only expands us further. I’ve met some of my favorite friends through reading!
If you’re just getting started, you can seek out those in your area through neighborhood social media groups, local bookstores and libraries, as well as places like your kids’ schools, work, family and friend circles.
Location, location, location
One of the joys of in-person gatherings is the variety of hosting options available. Members can rotate hosting duties at their homes, adding a personal touch with snacks aplenty. Alternatively, exploring new venues adds excitement; imagine book club meetings at different a different brewery each month! Or meeting at a bookstore with a cozy café provides the perfect backdrop for lively discussions and the irresistible temptation to leave with a new book in hand.
Online Book Club
In the realm of online book clubs, the possibilities are endless. Platforms such as Bookstr, Facebook, Goodreads, Discord, and Book Movement offer diverse options for virtual book clubs. You can also take advantage of the robust book communities on places like TikTok (#BookTok) and Instagram (#bookstagram) The format is entirely customizable—whether you prefer continuous discussions, monthly Zoom meetups, or any other configuration that suits your group’s preferences and schedule.
The important part is that someone take the lead to get organized so that selection and interaction can follow a schedule that members can depend upon.
Choosing a book!
Okay this is the fun part! Choosing a book. Selecting the perfect book for your book club is both an art and a science that offers countless avenues for exploration and discussion. One approach is to rotate the responsibility among members, with each person taking a turn to suggest a title that reflects their interests or a theme relevant to the group. You could also consider compiling a list of potential reads and holding a vote to determine the next selection, ensuring everyone has a say in the decision-making process.
For those seeking variety, embrace themed months or seasons, such as focusing on award-winning novels, debut authors, BIPOC authors, or exploring different genres to keep the reading experience fresh and engaging for all members. Remember, a book with a little controversy or unexpected themes can be great opportunities for conversation and friendly debate.
Book Club Agenda 101
You’ve done all the behind the scenes, the planning, the inviting, the snacks. Maybe you even went so far as to create a theme with decor and the option to dress up in costumes! Now, your book club day is here and you’re kind of freaking out. We get it, and we got you.
1. Everyone arrives and greets one another, they marvel at your charcuterie board.
2. People take their seats and pull out their book, kindle, notebook, whatever.
3. Start with an icebreaker! This helps create an engaging and relaxed atmosphere. Some ideas are: Bookish Bucket List or Literary Two Truths and a Lie. Go around the group, introduce yourselves, say how long you’ve been in the group, and name a book from your Bookish Bucket List (this is a great way to get ideas for future books)!
4. Discuss! Come prepared with a few questions or conversation starters to get things flowing and see where the conversation goes from there.
5. When the conversation starts to wrap up, it’s time to choose the next book! Whether you take a vote or one of the members chooses, be sure to add in a dramatic drum roll.
The key is to foster a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels invested in the book club’s literary journey. Hosting a book club can feel like a lot of pressure, but it is well worth it! Creating a safe space where likeminded folks can share their thoughts and hearts is huge, and so important! *Claps, Applauds, Throws Roses*
Special Guests?!
Inviting authors to your book club adds an exciting twist, offering members a chance to dive deeper into the book’s world and the author’s mind. Reach out through social media or email with a personalized invite, expressing admiration for their work and why your club is the perfect fit. Be flexible with scheduling and respectful of their time. Hosting an author promises lively discussions and a memorable experience for your book club crew!
Pro Tip: One way to make it easier for an author to join would be to select a debut author, an indie author or a local author. The big names may not be available, but there are so many budding authors who would be thrilled to join in.
Looking for Inspiration? Here are some online book clubs and platforms to check out:
The Well-Read Black Girl is an online community and in-real-life book club hosted nationwide. In 2019, the American Booksellers Association partnered with Well-Read Black Girl to bring book club meetings to independent bookstores with the goal of amplifying Black women writers. Founded by Glory Edim, this book club celebrates the voices of Black women writers and fosters vibrant discussions centered on their literature. It offers an exceptional community for readers passionate about embracing diverse literary voices.
Rebel Book Club is unique in the way it focuses on non-fiction books with relevant topics like race and AI. Each month, a book is chosen that highlights lesser-known authors and publishers, fostering meaningful discussions both online and off.
BELLETRIST is an online reading community founded in 2017 by best friends Emma Roberts & Karah Preiss, dedicated to selecting a new book each month for their members to read together. With over 75 books chosen for the book club and various content features across social media platforms and newsletters, BELLETRIST has expanded into Belletrist Productions, producing popular television series and developing numerous film and TV projects.
Of course, you can also follow along with the big celebrity book clubs like Reese, Oprah and Jenna if you want to do away with the selection process and keep it simple.
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