PhotoLukasz WierzbowskiBOOK NERDS, ASSEMBLE// The first step is to find your book club
crew. Have you got bookish besties already, or are you keen to make
new friends? Shout out to your existing circles, post fliers at the local
library, or create your own digital gang on a website like meetup.com.
Once you’ve got some bites from literary-minded types, you’re best off
capping numbers at 10, for maximum book chat and minimum chaos.
SYNC YOUR WATCHES// Decide how often your book club will meet- once a month is a good starting point, as it gives everyone time to
actually read the book and formulate some feelings. Find a day and
time that suits everyone’s schedules, and make sure you stick with
it. It’s OK if people miss the occasional club meet-up, but for the
sake of your diaries and sanity, it pays to keep things consistent.
FIND YOUR NICHE// When it comes to the direction of your book club,
you have two options: change gears every meeting, or lock in a bit of
a theme. Maybe you want to focus primarily on Australian literature,
graphic novels or books that have been adapted into movies – chat
amongst yourselves to figure out your common interests. But don’t
feel like you’re limited to just one book per meet-up – it’s also fun to
discuss what each person’s individually reading.
BE DIVERSE// Even if you’ve settled on an overarching focus,
there’s plenty of room to keep things interesting. Switch between
fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, young adult, classics and new
releases – and don’t forget to try an equal mix of female and male
authors. Otherwise, things could get humdrum pretty quickly.LOCATION, LOCATION // Club members’ lounge rooms; your local
pub; a not-too-noisy restaurant; the closest park. These are all
excellent book club locations. (If your members are geographically
diverse, however, you could host meetings online via Skype or
similar.) Pick a place where you can hear each other chat, but also
knock back a drink or snack – your club is for book talk, but also
an opportunity to catch up with mates and get a bit silly.CREATE A PLAN // Here’s the thing: unfettered discussion doesn’t
often work. (See: work meetings; family forums; any gathering
where you want to actually get things done.) Perhaps start by letting
each person have a moment in the spotlight, to offer their thoughts
and a brief assessment of the book – after that, you’re ready to
dive into a free-for-all. Circulating a list of questions ahead of the
meeting can help set discussions on the right track. Consider things
like character flaws, writing style, plot twists, favourite quotes, or
even which protagonist you’d most like to take on a date.R-E-S-P-E-C-T // No book is ever going to please everyone in
your group, so be prepared for a range of conflicting opinions. But
remember: if someone disagrees with you, it’s not personal – in
fact, it makes for a more interesting discussion! – so try not to fight
back, all guns blazing. It’s good to be challenged and to challenge
your friends, so consider choosing divisive books that raise ethical
questions, like The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, My Friend
Dahmerby Derf Backderf, or Christos Tsiolkas’ The Slap. Just make
sure your book club stays fun and respectful at all times.KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING // Between official meetings,
there’s no reason not to keep in touch. Create a club Facebook
group for sharing thoughts on novels you’re currently devouring,
suggesting titles to others, or simply appreciating the hot bartender
at your last catch-up. Book clubs aren’t just about, well, books –
they’re also for forming friendships over nerdy shared interests,
so make the most of those new (and old) connections.how to start
a book club
GET INVOLVED IN A LITTLE
GROUP READING.
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