Do you love to read? Have you found your reading tribe? If not, you are surely missing out.
I have loved reading every since I was a little girl. My love for reading started with books like The Baby Sitters Club, Sweet Valley High and Nancy Drew and evolved over time into books like 50 Shades of Grey, Bared To You and some awesome Autobiography’s. This is just the tip of the iceberg! There is no greater feeling then when I am curled up on the couch with a good book and a throw blanket. Can you relate?
The only problem is trying to contain my excitement after a juicy snippet or an unexpected ending! I want to talk about it, share my thoughts, pick someone else’s brain, or get a second opinion. Some books are just too good to keep all to yourself. Surely, KB and the kids aren’t the ones! That’s why I’ve been on the hunt for my reading tribe and I think I finally found them.
This is something for me. Trying to balance the daily chaos of parenting and marriage is no easy task! So, setting aside small increments of time for myself to indulge in a good book is my favorite form of self-care and its the perfect escape when I can go absolutely no where. Keeping this in mind and all the excitement of finally finding my reading tribe, I pondered on what actually makes a successful book club.
I’m sharing my recipe with you down below!
5 Elements Of A Successful Book Club
CONSISTENT READERS
The longevity of a book club depends on its members. That’s why its extremely important to have consistent readers who have the passion you do for reading. They need to be serious, open minded, suggestive and not afraid to open up and share their thoughts on the topics of discussion.
Keeping your book club small and intimate will help with consistency.
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MONTHLY MEETINGS
In my opinion if you are having meetings every blue moon you are not a book club. The strength of a book club depends on the frequency of books being read and the time scheduled to discuss them. This is the foundation of a solid book club. So, set up monthly meetings for your book club. Rotate locations, pick cuisine or places that compliment the book.
Location Ideas:
- Cafes
- Library
- Book Store
- Restaurants
- Park
- Members home
- Club House
- Bar/Lounge
- Museum
- Shopping Mall
ENGAGEMENT
Keeping your members engaged in between meetings is a must. Set up your book club on some platform that will allow for communication along the way. It can be a Facebook group, a Groupme chat, a group text, or on Marco Polo. It really doesn’t matter, just keep the members engaged. Ask simple questions, gather ideas on future meetings, create polls, get to know each other better…get creative.
If you can’t find a book club that suites your reading style,
Create your own!
MAKE IT FUN
Make your book club meetings fun! Raffles, ice breakers, swag bags, scavenger hunts and other simple games will be the most memorable. Creating an atmosphere that promotes reading is key. For example, placing a book mark at each place setting for your members sounds cute. Even ending a meeting with a book swap amongst members would be fun!
Luring your members out on the town sounds like a blast! Maybe you all will go patronize a book signing at your local book store or go see a movie centered around book clubs.
Have fun!
SWITCH IT UP
If you find that your book club is selecting only fantasy novels, for example, step in and switch it up! The beauty of book clubs is that you can read whatever you want. Why not read different genres!? You can rotate between fantasy, classic, historical, horror, autobiography’s, young adult, romance, urban, etc..
If you are hosting your meetings at the same location every time, switch it up! Try assigning a new member each month the task of planning a future meeting. It will bring a fresh perspective every time.
Have you ever been apart of a book club?
What are you waiting for!?! GO OWN YOUR FANCY!!!
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This is awesome! I’ve honestly never thought to start a bookclub, but it sounds kind of fun. 🙂 Maybe I’ll get one started up! There are none in my community as far as I know.
Glad I sparked some interest! They are really fun and insightful if you are a reader. If you’re lacking one in your area I say go for it!
My friend is in a book club and I’ve been thinking about joining one. I used to be a voracious reader, but now I’ve switched to audiobooks when I’m running errands. I’d love to get back into actual reading.
I haven’t tried audiobooks yet. However, they sound real convenient. To me, it’s just nothing like having that paper in your hands.
I’ve never been a part of a book club but I think the idea of switching things up is very helpful!
You should try it at least once!
This makes me want to start and/or join a book club again. I miss reading!
You should! Make it fun!
Great ideas. I love books as well. Taking time to slow down and read is another thing. It gives you a chance to take in everything at a slower pace because our minds are already so spastic. Thanks Brandi
Thank you! I couldn’t agree more and it’s much needed in a time where everything is so fast paced.