Have you ever joined a book club and faced any of these dilemmas?
* In order to please everyone, your club chooses “safe” books.
* You can’t find a copy of the current book club selection at the library or books store.
* You just aren’t interested in the books selected by the group, but want to participate.
* It’s challenging to navigate the various taste levels and content concerns, such as subject matter/language/sexuality/violence within a diverse group.
* You haven’t finished the month’s selection and wonder if you should attend.
Traditional book clubs offer a great deal of benefits, such as:
* Exposure to books, authors, and genres you might not select on your own.
* The opportunity to form your own impressions about a book, then engage in group discussion to learn how others experienced the same book.
* A new way to get to know your friends through their literary selections.
* Thoughtful, eye-opening, engaging discussion about a character, setting, plot, themes, and more.
If a traditional book club isn’t working for your group or you are simply looking to mix things up, choosing a monthly theme for your book club can be a refreshing change!
How does a themed book club work?
* Book club members volunteer to host each month and the host selects a theme of their choice.
* Themes can be very specific – ie, Non-fiction, historical novels – or broad – ie, Love Stories.
* Members choose a book based on the theme and prepare to share a brief synopsis and impressions.
* Participants engage in stimulating, thoughtful, eye-opening, engaging discussions about the theme and how it relates to the books they selected.
* The host records the books shared at the meeting and sends a follow-up email with the list to participants.
What are the benefits of a themed book club?
* It’s not necessary to please everyone with a book selection.
* No searching for multiple copies of the same book at the library or purchasing a new book each month.
* Participants can be guided by their own tastes and comfort level with content.
* You can always come and share something you’ve read that month, without worrying that you haven’t finished the book or will hear spoilers.
* Each month brings a wide selection of new book reviews and recommendations from friends you trust.
My Experience
I’ve participated in a themed book club for about a year and a half now and love it! We begin around 8:30 pm and the atmosphere is very relaxed. To be honest, people don’t always stick to the theme, but often just share what they read that month. While this sounds like it would be chaotic, we enjoy amazing conversations and stimulating group discussions into the wee hours of the morning!
Are you part of a book club? What tips do you have for groups just starting out or looking to mix things up?
I belong to a book club and have trouble reading the book every month out of interest. I like this idea. Gives some flexibility.