How to Start a Book Club
A Guide to Literary Bliss
Reading is a solitary endeavour, but it becomes infinitely more enjoyable when you can share your thoughts, ideas and emotions with others who have experienced the same book. That's where book clubs come in. Whether you're an avid reader or someone looking to foster a reading habit, starting a book club can be a rewarding and enriching experience.
However, sometimes it can be hard to find the right book club. Maybe they are so full they have a never-ending waiting list. Maybe they only read a genre that is not to your liking. Yet, this is not the end of your book club journey, for you can always start your own.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to start a book club that will not only expand your reading horizons but also create lasting friendships.
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Step 1: Define Your Goals and Interests
The first step in starting a book club is to determine your goals and interests.
Are you interested in exploring specific genres like fiction, non-fiction or classics? Do you want to focus on literature from a particular culture or period? Are you looking for a casual reading group or something more structured and academic?
Identifying your goals and interests will help shape the direction of your book club and attract like-minded people who are also looking for this type of book club.
Step 2: Assemble a Group
Next, gather potential members for your book club.
You can start with friends, family members or coworkers who share your interest in reading. Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc) can also be effective for recruiting members.
If you plan to not stick to one genre, consider creating a group with diverse tastes to ensure a wide range of book choices and perspectives.
Step 3: Set a Schedule
Establish a regular meeting schedule that works for most of your group members.
Most book clubs meet once a month, but you can adjust the frequency to fit your members' preferences. Choose a day and time that are convenient for everyone and be consistent with your meetings to build a sense of routine.
If not everyone can meet in person, perhaps consider calling them in via Teams, Zoom or Discord.
Step 4: Choose Your First Book
Selecting the first book is a crucial decision for your book club. It will set the tone for your group's reading preferences and discussions.
To make this decision, consider the following:
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Take a poll or have each member suggest a book, then vote on the first pick.
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Consider a mix of genres to keep things interesting.
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Keep the book's length in mind, as some members may have limited time to read.
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Ensure the book is readily available in libraries, bookstores or as e-books.
Some book groups may even work with publishers. For example, we list our ARCs for free on Book Sierens, allowing a large variety of readers to get the chance to read out upcoming titles for free.
Step 5: Establish Meeting Guidelines
Create some basic guidelines or ground rules for your book club.
These may include how books will be chosen, how discussions will be facilitated and how members should handle disagreements.
Open communication and mutual respect are essential to a successful book club.
Step 6: Organise and Plan Meetings
Plan the structure of your meetings.
Decide whether you will meet in person or virtually (or both). Assign a discussion leader or rotate the role among members to moderate discussions. Prepare discussion questions in advance to facilitate meaningful conversations about the book. Some books even provide book group questions in them (make sure to check!)
Don't forget to incorporate some socialising time into your meetings, whether it's over coffee, tea or snacks. After all, it is for fun!
Step 7: Encourage Participation
Encourage active participation by creating a safe and welcoming environment.
Everyone should feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions, even if they disagree with others. You can also set up an online platform or group chat for members to discuss the book between meetings. Some book groups even have their own social media platforms to promote the book group online – attracting more members.
Step 8: Reflect and Adapt
After each meeting, take some time to reflect on what went well and what could be improved.
Be open to feedback from members and adapt your club's structure or guidelines as needed to enhance the overall experience.
Starting a book club is a wonderful way to connect with others who share your love of reading and engage in meaningful literary discussions.
By following these steps and remaining open to the diverse interests and perspectives of your members, you can create a vibrant book club that not only enriches your reading life but also fosters lasting friendships. So, gather your book-loving friends and embark on this literary adventure together!
