So You Want To Start A Book Club?
January 29, 2008
Book Clubs are loads of fun.
When they are done right.
And this can be very tough.
So many clubs get started but do not succeed because they do not understand the secret that keeps them going.
That secret is having rules! And following them! Book clubs that are successful follow a plan. Of course you can tailor the plan to your specific needs, but all good reading groups that follow these guidelines are successful:
The First Rule of Book Club is…
1. Start with four core members, including yourself. After each member has hosted once, you can choose to add ONE MEMBER EACH. Your group should never more than double in size. Remember the old adage too many cooks in the kitchen?
2. Choose a specific day and week to hold your meetings each month. For example, if the first Tuesday of every month is free for everybody put it on your calendars. Meetings should never change unless there is an extreme emergency and the group makes a collective decision to move it. Otherwise, book club is a commitment that everyone must keep!
3. Each month a different member hosts. If you are the founder, chances are you will host first. This means you get to pick the book! Set up a hosting schedule and stay in rotation. The only change would be when adding new members. The host is responsible for the communication and entertainment for the evening.
4. Here is the CARDINAL, UNBREAKABLE rule of book club - you MUST read the book! The next book will be presented at the meeting by the person choosing it and like it or lump it you have to read it. Not reading equals dismissal from the group!
5. Each member should come prepared to each meeting with either a couple of discussion questions/topics or a favorite passage to talk about. An unfocused discussion leads to talking about which contestant got kicked off American Idol that week!
6. Be nice and have fun! Ask any book club member and they will tell you - the more controversial the book the more heated the argument the more everybody love loves your meeting, leaves happy, and cannot wait to pick up the next book selection!
I know, I know, it seems silly right? I speak from extensive personal experience! Book clubs that choose not to follow a set of rules never make it. They turn into large gatherings of people who sit around and complain about their jobs, their kids, their salaries, etc. This is not because the group has no interest in book talk but because they have no structure! Humans thrive on structure. The trick is finding a couple of people who share your passion for reading and are willing to give the guidelines the good ol’ college try. If you really love to read and really want to talk about books, you will be rewarded by following this plan!
Happy Reading!
Queenie D
Queenie D is an English teacher, mom, and lover of books!
Want more information on book clubs? Looking for a book to read? Want to share something you’ve read? Visit http://www.book-club-queen.com for a fantastic adventure in reading!
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This site offers tips and guides how to open a community book club.
