Want to start a Book Club?

As the nights begin to draw in, or perhaps if we’re holidaying on a beach, many of us like to escape into a good book. Sometimes you discover a whole new world that’s hard to leave behind when you finish the book.

Why don’t you prolong the pleasure by discussing the book with friends? Here’s how to set up a Book Club.

Decide on a meeting place.

If your group is small you could take it in turns to host the meeting in your own home. Alternatively, you may prefer to meet on neutral ground – a quiet corner in a local pub or over supper in a restaurant.

Number of members.

This may depend on how many people can be accomodated at the meeting venue. A large group may make it difficult for everyone to hear and take their turn in the discussion but too small a group may not result in stimulating discussions. Perhaps start with six members.

Choose a discussion leader.

This person needs to step in to allow everyone to have their say!

How to choose which books to read?

Hold a planning meeting where everyone can suggest their choice. These may be old favourites or ideas gathered from reviews from the Sunday papers or television or radio programmes such as the Radio 4 Book Club or Open Book. Either cast votes or allow each menber in turn to choose.

Buying books. You can have books from Amazon delivered to your door or you may have a local bookshop where you can negotiate a discount for quantity. Alternatively, approach another book club and see if they would like to swap books.

What to look for when reading the book choice.

Take notes as you go and note your emotional response to the book and whether you considered it well written, even if it is not the kind of book you would normally choose for yourself.

Was the characterisation good and were there themes that made you think? What was the most memorable description or dialogue for you? What were the books strengths and weaknesses?

Follow these links for suggestions for book club discussions:

The Apothecary’s Daughter: click here

The House in Quill Court: click here

The Dressmaker’s Secret: click here

The Palace of Lost Dreams: click here

2 thoughts on “Want to start a Book Club?”

  1. Let’s hope a great number of people read this, Charlotte, and decide to start a book club in their area. There can’t be any greater pleasure than curling up with a good book, and when it’s finished, extending its life, in effect, by discussing it with friends.

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