The thought of starting a quintessential ‘book club’ in today’s technologically-driven society might seem like nothing more than a fantastical, only-happens-in-movies daydream, but who’s to say that the tech and the tech-free can’t work in tandem?

 

At its core, a book club is a cozy space and an open floor for individuals to gather and discuss a great piece of literature (except, whether it’s ‘great’ is really up to the group to decide!). If you’re reading this article, we’re sure more than a few of you have been through a book club attempt – or two – with varying degrees of success.

 

So, whether you’re up for starting a new hobby this season, shooting the breeze with some friends, or are just rearing to get your hands on a good book and a great conversation, let us help you start your next book club on the right foot… er – page!

 

TIP 1: Bigger is not always better!

 

Yes, in theory we’d like to be able to host an eight or nine-person book club with a huge charcuterie board spread filled with cheese and sausages, but if this is your first book club attempt (or if bigger groups have not really worked out in the past), think about starting your club off with just two or three other members in discussion. This way, you and your other members will have more opportunities to speak up about the topics you – or the book club leader – presents to the group. You can also think about hosting a book club with just you and another person!

 

And, bonus, if you choose to hold your book club session outside of your or a fellow member’s home, you will have more outside options with a group of three to four rather than a group of nine or 10.

 

TIP 2: Agree to disagree.

 

Let’s be honest, not everyone will be thrilled with the books chosen for discussion. In an ideal world, your book club members might all have similar tastes in literary works, but life would certainly be boring if everyone was had the same mindset. Don’t take this dissatisfaction as an attack on your own preferences and likes! Everyone will like what they will like.

 

As a way to keep the playing field level, consider allowing your members to send in three book suggestions for a continuous flow of books throughout the year (for example if you have four book club members, each member can send in three book titles to end up totaling the 12 months of the year – and if you have six members, each member can send in two suggestion, etc.). Mix up the book titles and pick a new book each month – or whatever length of time you designate for reading. Adjust the number of book suggestions you need accordingly so that you can try and get through everyone’s suggestions before the year is up!

 

If you have a couple indecisive readers, just ask for book suggestions every time you finish with a book – that way, your book club members will be on the ready for the next time a suggestion is needed. Try not to pick the same member’s choice twice and strive for an environment that is inclusive of everyone’s likes! You never know what sort of book might catch another somewhat-uncertain member’s eye.

 

TIP 3: Find ways to keep things exciting (or field some suggestions on how to)!

 

It’s perfectly fine to keep a ‘book club routine’ in your back pocket. Maybe that routine is welcoming everyone in, letting them grab some snacks and drinks, then setting down to discuss a pre-written list of questions – or maybe it’s just getting right to the discussion itself – but make sure to do a couple different, real-life ‘adventures’ to accompany the ones you read on the page.

 

Suggest some ‘field trips’ with your book club to places that might be depicted in the books you read (if it’s within the group’s budget) or change up the environment of your discussion by going to the local coffee shop or library. Maybe you can host some ‘themed’ dinners based on your book selection or just head out to a big group dinner after your session is complete.

 

By keeping a running list of events that might keep things interesting every time you decide to meet, you’ll definitely be able to stop your book club from just becoming another cog in a stagnant machine.

 

TIP 4: Stay organized (and have fun doing it)!

 

If you find yourself becoming the leader of the next up-and-coming book club, try not to see it as another ‘responsibility’ on your to-do list but as a journey as fantastic as the ones you embark on through your readings.

 

Remember to have a list of questions ready in case the discussion falls quiet (like these suggestions by BookRiot) but also remember to let the discussion flow freely if it is already doing so. Don’t be afraid to change things up!

 

Also, make sure you see that everyone is on the same page (no pun intended) when it comes to dates, places, times, and details. It wouldn’t be optimal for someone to be left in the dark about your plans regarding the restaurant you all planned to eat at after your meeting! Think about setting up a group email, text, a GroupMe group, or a Facebook group to put all information into one place.

 

Lastly, just have fun (and we mean that in the most non-cliché way). Don’t take things too seriously and be open to differing views. Learn just as much from your book club as you do from the books you choose to talk about.

 

Happy reading!