If you’ve ever been on forums for book lovers, you would find that not all book clubs are successful. More often than not, half of attendees don’t even finish the books, or trash the book without even finishing it.
Now more than ever, book clubs can thrive not just with the rise of BookTok or page-to-screen adaptations, but also because people are looking for something real. People are always on the lookout for real connections, or people they can talk to about any piece of media they read or watch that they find compelling.
If you’re one of those people, and you want to run a book club that everyone enjoys and learns from, here’s a step-by-step guide and a list of essential tips you need to know and follow.
Know Your Why
To start off, why do you want to jumpstart a book club? Do you want people to discuss books with? Are you looking for accountability to read more? Maybe you want a space to unpack complex themes, or just to have fun with fellow book lovers. Knowing your reason helps shape the rest of the process. It also keeps the group from drifting later on.
Create a List of Goals
Once you know why you’re doing it, it’s now time to figure out your hows and your S.M.A.R.T. (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) goals. Do you want to finish one book a month? Are you aiming for diverse authors or certain themes? A clear set of goals helps keep meetings intentional. It also gives your group something to work toward, not just chat about.
Consider the Size
It may be tempting to invite as many people as you can, but as they say, too many cooks in the kitchen can spoil the vibe. Large groups tend to break into side conversations or make it hard for everyone to speak. Start small–four to eight people is a sweet spot. It keeps discussions focused, and scheduling much easier.
Be Picky About Who You Invite
Find people who genuinely love to read and not just those who simply want something social to do. A book club is only as strong as the interest of its members. Invite individuals who can commit to finishing the material and showing up prepared. It’s better to have a small, reliable group than a big one full of no-shows. Pick members who respect differing opinions and who don’t have the tendency to dominate every discussion.
Have a Leader
Since the book club was your idea, you can start being the leader with the idea of rotating leadership later on when the club is more established. A point person helps keep things organized, whether that’s reminding people of the schedule or keeping the discussion on track. Without structure, meetings tend to turn into social hours. Leadership doesn’t mean control, just direction.
Join Book Lover Forums
To find book lovers in your area, try joining online spaces like Reddit threads, Facebook groups, or Goodreads communities. These places are full of people looking for exactly the same thing. Some may even be searching for a local group to join. It’s a low-pressure way to connect and gauge interest. It also helps in gathering ideas for future reads.
It’s Okay to Start with Strangers
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to start clubs with people you’re already familiar or close with. In fact, strangers can bring fresh perspectives and more honest takes. Shared interest in reading is often enough to build connection. What matters most is mutual respect and commitment. Some of the best discussions happen when people come from different walks of life. Don’t let unfamiliarity hold you back. It’s an excellent way to meet new people, too!
But Exercise Precautions!
But of course, if you’re inviting strangers or acquaintances you’ve never had long conversations with, be sure to practice some safety precautions. Ask around, make sure other people can vouch for them. Check their social media accounts if you have access to them. Meet in public spaces for the first few sessions. If anything feels off, trust your gut. Building trust takes time, and that’s okay.
Create a Reading Schedule
This is especially important if you’re doing a book that’s pretty long or a heavy read. Cutting it off into smaller pieces will help everyone manage their time better. Assign chapters or page numbers per week and send reminders. It sets expectations and avoids people showing up only halfway through. A clear schedule increases the chance of full participation.
Take Turns Hosting
Just because it was your idea, it doesn’t mean it’s your job to host every single session. Rotate hosting duties so the group feels shared. It also mixes things up and keeps meetings from feeling stale. Hosting can mean opening one’s home, or simply leading the session at a café. Everyone contributes when responsibility is spread out.
Do a Weekly Theme
From food to decor, themed meetings make book clubs more fun. Pick something that ties into the book, whether it’s cuisine from the book’s setting or a costume related to the plot. It helps the story come alive and makes meetings feel more immersive. Plus, people are more likely to show up when there’s something a little extra planned.
Have a Structure
For the meeting itself, it’s paramount to create at least a guideline or schedule to keep conversations on track. Consider having opening thoughts, key themes, and closing takeaways. Some reflection questions might be good as well. Without a structure, discussions can spiral into unrelated chatter. A light format encourages focused participation while still keeping things relaxed.
Try All Genres
Once you’ve got the meetings down pat, or once you’ve successfully completed a book, don’t be afraid to venture into other genres. From sci-fi and memoirs to thrillers and non-fiction, there’s a lot to explore. Switching genres keeps things fresh and ensures everyone eventually reads something they enjoy. It’s also a great way to broaden perspectives.
Try Parallel Activities
Your book club doesn’t have to be confined to a single room every meeting! Consider trying other activities that are relevant to the book you’re reading. For example, if you’re reading one of the Hunger Games, perhaps an archery day is in order. These parallel events deepen engagement and give members something to look forward to beyond the pages.
Be Flexible and Practice Democracy
Nothing kills a social club more than an iron fist. If members feel like they’re not part of the decision-making process, or that their opinions aren’t being valued, they might disengage. Take group votes on the next book, schedule, or activities. Be open to change if something isn’t working. A democratic and flexible environment makes members feel heard and more likely to stay long-term.
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