I don’t know many people that absolutely hate reading. More so, I find there are two camps of readers - those that are always reading a book and casually have a yearly goal of reading 50+ books… and those that have good intentions, but struggle to pick up a book consistently.
Last summer, I joined a book club at my church where we meet once a month for three months and read Jane Eyre together. I felt alive after every evening we gathered together, even those evenings I wanted to curl up on the couch rather than make an effort to see people. There was something about those evenings… women ranging from their early 20’s-60’s, good literature, the opportunity to analyze literature like I was in college again without the stress of a grade, and good food. It was a breath of fresh air and such a natural way to get to know others. Through discussing the book, we were sharing our thoughts, and little by little, who we were and how we saw the world.
After the summer ended, I knew something needed to happen. Another book club! Maybe my book club! It felt like the answer to many of my questions at the time. How do I gather with women more often? How can I host friends consistently and not feel like I’m planning something new every time? How can I avoid awkward mingling? How can I get more out of my reading rather than feeling as if I struggle with short-term memory loss? The answer - make a book club.
…
Whether you’re merely nosey about what I think the steps are for starting a book club, or seriously considering one for yourself, happy reading!
1. Envision the book club… don’t be afraid to dream a little. What are the reasons for starting a book club and what are you hoping to get out of these evenings - exercise your baking muscle? Reach your neighbors? Thinking about this will quickly help you decide your priorities so that you can plan accordingly. There are so many possibilities!
2. Gather your community. Is anyone else excited about a book club too? You may be surprised by how many women would love the opportunity to gather in your home, or even a coffee shop, and discuss a book. Women desire companionship and the feeling of doing life in community, they just sometimes don’t know where to turn sometimes! Don’t think about having the perfect group of people too much - just start with a few friends or family members, and don’t shy away from friends of friends! I’ve found the more diverse the group, the sweeter the discussion & time.
3. Choose the book. Whether you have a few books in mind or no ideas at all, send out a quick google form to get started! Not sure what would make a good book for discussion? Let me know!
4. Send out discussion questions. Make questions based on your own reading/what you want discussion to consist of or search the internet. There are many great book discussion questions online that keep your book club from becoming overly complicated to organize.
5. Reading is hard work… don’t forget the refreshments. ;) Have fun with book club! Make a sweet treat, offer tea or wine, and don’t be afraid to ask for volunteers to contribute a refreshment! You’re gathering with community so it isn’t unnatural for it to be a communal effort!
Do you have questions or thoughts to add? I’d love to hear and learn from each other!
*note: I haven’t been a part of a book club with both men & women yet, but I think it’s a great idea! Older couples, younger couples, college students… a great way to gather in community and find commonality, whatever the season of life!