How to Start a Book Club That Won’t Fizzle Out

Want to turn your love for reading into a great reason to get together with friends? Starting a book club is a fantastic way to do it. It’s more than just talking about a book; it’s about sharing new ideas, discovering different perspectives, and building a community around a shared passion. But if you’ve never done it before, getting a book club off the ground can feel a little intimidating. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with a simple, step-by-step guide to help you create a book club that your friends will be excited to join.

Book clubs are about so much more than just the book. While the novel is the centerpiece, the true value of a book club lies in the shared experience. It’s an opportunity to relax, connect with others, and step outside of your daily routine.

The Social Connection

Think of a book club as a ready-made social gathering with a built-in conversation starter. You get to catch up with friends, meet new people, and enjoy a fun, relaxed evening. It’s a chance to build friendships and find community with people who share a passion for reading.

A Break from the Grind

Our lives are often filled with work, errands, and to-do lists. Book club is a dedicated time to put all that aside and simply enjoy yourself. It’s a low-pressure way to engage your mind in a new story and a new conversation.

Shared Discovery

Discussing a book with others can unlock new ideas and perspectives you might have never considered on your own. Hearing what others loved, disliked, or noticed can completely change your view of a story. It’s a fun and rewarding way to deepen your understanding of a book and learn from the people around you.

No Stress, No Pressure

Remember, there’s no test or grade at the end of the meeting. Whether you loved the book, hated it, or didn’t even finish it, there’s no need to stress. The goal is to have a good time. A book club is a place where you can be honest about your reading experience and find humor in a shared frustration or celebrate a favorite character together.

Now the reason you are here…

Starting Your Own Book Club: A Step by Step Guide

1. Define Your Club’s Identity

Before you invite anyone, decide what kind of book club you want to have. This will likely be the most difficult step, but it will shape the identity of your book club.

• Genre: Will you focus on a specific genre (e.g., sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, non-fiction, historical fiction, memoirs) or be open to anything?
• Vibe: Do you want a serious, academic discussion, or a more casual gathering with food and drinks? Some clubs prioritize socializing and use the book as a starting point, while others are all about the deep dive into the text.
• Structure: Will you have a leader or organizer, or will responsibilities rotate? How will you handle food and drink? Will you meet in person or online?

2. Find Your Members

Think about who you want to invite. A group of 4-8 people is often a good size for lively discussion, but larger or smaller groups can also work.

• Friends and Family: This is the most common starting point. Ask people you know who love to read or who have expressed interest in joining a book club. Send out a blast to your friends on the socials to see who would be interested in joining.
• New Acquaintances: Consider expanding beyond your immediate circle. Ask a colleague, a neighbor, or a friend of a friend. This can bring new perspectives and keep the conversation fresh.
• Online Communities: If you can’t find members locally, or you prefer a virtual club, you can use social media platforms or dedicated websites like Bookclubs.com to find members who share your interests.

3. Plan the First Meeting

The first meeting sets the tone for your club.

• Date, Time, and Place: Choose a time and location that works for most people. If meeting in person, a home, coffee shop, or library can all be good options. For virtual meetings, decide on a video conferencing platform.
• Choose the First Book: You can choose the first book yourself, or you can present a few options and let the group vote. Pick something that’s accessible and will generate good discussion. Consider a book that’s not too long and has a satisfying narrative.
• Set Initial Guidelines: This is a crucial step to prevent future misunderstandings. Discuss and agree upon things like:
  • Book Selection: How will you choose books in the future? Will you rotate who picks, vote on a list of nominations, or use another method?
  • Attendance and Reading: Is it okay to come to a meeting even if you haven’t finished the book? What are the expectations for attendance?
  • Meeting Frequency: How often will you meet? Once a month is common, as it gives everyone enough time to read the book.
  • Food and Drinks: Will you do a potluck, have the host provide everything, or meet at a restaurant where everyone orders their own?

4. Run Your Meetings

Once you’ve started, a little bit of planning can ensure your book club thrives.

• Discussion Questions: Prepare a few questions in advance to get the conversation started. Many books have discussion questions at the end, but you can also find generic questions online or create your own. Encourage open-ended questions that go beyond simple yes or no answers.
• Rotate Hosting/Responsibility: To avoid burnout for one person, consider rotating who hosts the meetings, chooses the book, and/or leads the discussion.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Get Off-Topic: While the book is the reason you’re there, a healthy book club allows for socializing and connecting on a personal level. Don’t be afraid to take a break from the discussion and just enjoy each other’s company.

5. Remember: HAVE FUN

Your book club is a social space to talk about a common interest (book) with others. Certain feelings may arise, but just remember, it’s healthy and engaging when you are able to have a discussion with multiple view points and opinions.

So what are you waiting for? The perfect book club won’t just happen—you have to start it! Take the first step today by reaching out to a few friends. Grab your calendars, choose that first book, and get ready to turn the page on a brand new adventure together. Share your plans and a potential first book pick in the comments below!