The benefits of reading are known far and wide, and range from developing a young mind to keeping an old mind young. A passion for books – from frivolous romance novels to high brow literature – opens up a world of imagination which is often lost in mundane everyday life.
Sharing that zest for the written word takes the joy of reading to a whole new level, which is why it makes perfect sense to start YOUR own book club.
Where to begin?
First of all, it’s a good idea to think about what you want to achieve from organising your own literary meetings. Do you want to wax lyrical about Shakespeare’s sonnets or pore over the latest Hogwarts shenanigans? Will you be hosting formal gatherings or a more laid-back, intimate occasion?
Not only should you consider the various themes and genres of the books you’re going to discuss, but also have a think about the tone of the meetings.
Alert the Masses
Well, perhaps you would prefer to keep your book club to a small concentration of friends and family. It’s entirely up to you, it’s your club after all. Generally speaking, it’s wise to assemble groups of between 5 and 10 bibliophiles to help get the discussion flowing without losing individual input. Reach out to fellow readers via email and word of mouth, or try social media to attract new members.
Final Details
Once you have recruited like-minded bookworms, agree on a location, time and frequency that suits everyone, and send out an email that combines such details with general info about what members can expect. Then the real fun starts in deciding which books will make it into the selection.
Depending on how serious your club is, perhaps it’s a good idea to research each title beforehand and come up with a list of talking points. Whichever way you go about it, starting your own book club is sure to reward you with new friends, undiscovered literary gems and hours of reading bliss.
