Book Club

Welcome to Your Book Club

A book club is less about finishing every chapter and more about giving people a gentle excuse to gather and talk about ideas. This guide will help you create a book club that feels relaxed, thoughtful, and easy to host.

Before You Begin

• Best for 3–10 people
• Works well at home, in a quiet café, or in a library corner
• Choose a book that feels inviting, not intimidating

Flow of the Gathering

1. Set the Scene (15 minutes)

• Arrange chairs in a circle or around a table
• Offer water, tea, or simple snacks
• Welcome people as they arrive and invite them to settle in

2. Open the Conversation (10–15 minutes)

• Ask everyone to share their name and one thing they’re bringing into the evening (mood, expectation, or hope)
• Do a quick “thumbs up / sideways / down” on how they felt about the book—no explanations yet

3. Deepen the Discussion (45–60 minutes)

• Start with gentle prompts: “What stayed with you?” or “Who did you feel closest to?”
• Move into a few prepared questions from your guide
• Let the conversation wander a little; tangents are often where connection happens
• Make space for quieter voices: “Does anyone who hasn’t shared yet want to jump in?”

4. Close the Evening (10–15 minutes)

• Ask everyone to share one line, idea, or moment they’re taking with them
• Confirm the next meeting date and the next book (or invite suggestions)
• Thank everyone for showing up and remind them they can come as they are next time too

Variations & Ideas

• Low-commitment club: Choose short stories, essays, or articles instead of full books.
• Theme nights: Rotate genres—memoir, mystery, translated fiction, poetry.
• Virtual option: Host via video call and use a shared doc for quotes and notes.