One of the joys of reading a book is sharing the story with others. Book clubs can be a fun way to transform a solitary hobby into a more social one.
What do you hope to get out of your book club?
People join book clubs for many reasons. Some readers enjoy a lively discussion or debate, diving into themes and symbolism. Others take a more casual approach, with a light discussion of the story and more time spent socialising and meeting new people. Finally, some may simply be looking for motivation to read more! Deciding on the tone of your group will help set expectations and attract like-minded readers.
What books do you want to read?
The tone of your club may also help you choose which books to read. Classics and non-fiction may lend themselves to more structured discussions. Bestseller fiction and memoirs may spark a more casual conversation.
You can also pick a theme for the group. Are you into mystery novels? Do you love romance? Will you focus on women authors? A theme can make picking books easier. And you can always pick a new theme if people begin to tire of a particular genre.
Another popular way to select books is by putting it to a vote. Solicit 3-5 suggestions from club members, the bestsellers list or your local librarian. Members can vote for the next book at the end of each meeting, via an online poll, or by emailing the group leader. If several choices are popular, you can plan a few meetings in advance (this is especially useful if you choose longer books).
Who will lead the group?
Deciding who will moderate your group may depend on the amount of work needed. Group leaders are typically responsible for spreading group details-- selections, venue, meeting time. They may also research the book and author, and prepare or find discussion questions.
If you’re keen to take on the work, that’s great! However, asking for help from a reliable member or two is also fine. Someone with excellent organisational skills can schedule meetings and communicate with members. Those with connections to local cafe or pub owners can arrange the venue. You may decide to rotate who moderates each meeting, so everyone gets a chance to research their favourite book and lead the discussion.
How will you spread the word?
Letting others know about your book club is important. You want people to show up, right? A small, informal group can communicate the details via email, text message or private Facebook message.
Going online is a great option for those organising a larger group or looking for new members. You can create a free Facebook group and add upcoming events to the page. Ask members to RSVP publically to each event and share them with friends for more visibility. You can also create a group on MeetUp, a popular site designed to bring people with common interests together in real life.
You can also advertise your club in more “traditional” ways, like hanging flyers at the local library or community centre.
Have fun!
Once the details are sorted, it’s time to have fun! Enjoy reading your selection and come to the meeting ready to talk about your favorite quotes, characters and scenes. If you didn’t like the book—don’t worry! Great discussions can also come from disliking a story. It’s more important to relax and have fun sharing your love of reading.
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About Author: Momentum Life is a leading provider of Life insurance and Funeral insurance in New Zealand.
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