“A reader experiences countless lives before their time is up, whereas the individual who never opens a book lives but one.” -George R. R. Martin
One of the true highlights of my month is my book club meeting. I eagerly anticipate it, not only due to my passion for reading but also because it offers a wonderful opportunity to engage with a group of intelligent and fascinating women who appreciate literature as much as I do. I’m lucky to be part of a group with women who are not only avid readers but also excellent cooks and hosts, significantly enhancing the pleasure of our gatherings!
Book clubs can fulfill various roles depending on the different phases of life you’re in. For those living with tweens or teens, a book club mayserve as a much-needed escape from the unpredictable whirlwind of teenage moods that sporadically sweep through the home.
No matter what drives you to join a book club, the main thing is that gatherings with fellow book enthusiasts are hardly ever dull! Occasionally, the entire group may find common ground in their enjoyment of a book, leading to a delightful evening where everyone shares their favorite moments or characters. Conversely, there are times when a book does not resonate with anyone, and it may seem like there’s nothing redeemable about its characters. Surprisingly, this collective dissatisfaction doesn’t have to spoil the evening; I’ve found that some of the most intriguing discussions arise from books that some find objectionable, implausible, or even impossible to finish. What I cherish most are the debates that emerge when opinions are divided, with some members loving the book while others vehemently dislike it. This division leads to compelling and thought-provoking conversations, whether you choose to join in or simply listen.
I enjoy learning about other book clubs. I’m curious about their reading selections, member demographics, and overall group dynamics. I’ve chatted with a number of friends and acquaintances involved in various book clubs to learn what contributes to their success and the meaningful experiences they create. It didn’t surprise me to discover that many clubs, some active for 5 to 12 years, share common traits. Here are some recommendations for establishing your own book club:
- Seek out individuals who share your passion for reading. Your book club doesn’t need to be comprised of your closest friends; in fact, including people from diverse backgrounds often makes for a more fascinating and focused group.
- Cap your membership between 10 to 12 people. This size facilitates an easier distribution of hosting duties throughout the year. Additionally, if some members can’t make a meeting, you’ll likely still have enough participants (6 to 8) for an engaging discussion.
- Assign each member a month to host, and have them announce their reading selection well ahead of the meeting. My book club gives the hostess two months’ notice, which is ample time for everyone to read the book without forgetting what they’ve read!
- Explore a variety of genres! Incorporate at least one classic each year along with popular contemporary titles. Researching the authors can also enhance your understanding, as their lives can be as compelling as the narratives they create.
- Be mindful of the times of the year that may be particularly busy. Some book clubs refrain from meeting during the summer months due to travel. In November, my book club meets at a restaurant (everyone pays their own way), and we skip December. I know of one club that opts to see a film in January, recognizing that November and December are hectic and don’t afford much reading time.
- Prioritize the book discussions. While preparing an elaborate dinner is lovely, your club should not evolve into a contest to outdo one another in culinary skills.
- Maintain an open mindset! You won’t adore every book on your reading list, and not everyone will resonate with the selection you choose. The key takeaway is that you are reading and broadening your horizons – that’s what truly matters!
BOOK CLUB MUST-READS:
1. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
2. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
3. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
4. Loving Frank by Nancy Horan
5. Little Bee by Chris Cleave
6. Me Before You by JoJo Moyes
7. Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
8. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
9. This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper
10. Defending Jacob by William Landay
By Melissa Chaiken, Section Editor
Are you part of a book club? Do you have any tips to share with our readers?
We’d love to hear from you!
Send me an email at melissa@Themerrythought.net.
