How to Organize a Book Club

The read on book clubs is that they're hotter than ever, thanks in part
to Oprah. There are even radio- and Internet-based book clubs that
let you share your thoughts with readers around the world, as well
as mother/daughter groups and clubs for couples.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide how big you want the club to be and the criteria you'll use to pick members. Important factors include: Will they show up consistently? Are they likely to read the book? Are they intelligent and opinionated? Do they have a sense of humor?

2. Discuss how you'll choose the books. Some clubs select titles for an entire year. Others pick their next book at each meeting. Will the host pick the book or will members vote? Will you read only paperbacks or only books available online? Strictly classics? Will you prohibit best sellers? You might pick a genre and period, such as 18th-century English literature, for the entire year. BookmarksMagazine.com can get you started.

3. Figure out logistics. Will you meet once a month, at the same day and time? If someone can't make it, or the date needs to be changed, will this be communicated by phone or e-mail?

4. Determine the discussion format. Will the host lead the group or will there be an informal exchange of ideas? Will you take turns offering feedback or will it be a casual free-for-all? Will the first half-hour or so be set aside for dishing (and eating)? Will someone research the author, period and subject matter? Set ground rules, including how to get the group back on track if it digresses.

5. Get serious. If your book club has degenerated to a gossip fest, hire a professional facilitator to lead the discussion, provide background information and choose the next book. Ask a bookseller or librarian for references, or look up the Association of Book Group Readers and Leaders based in Illinois. Sure, the pros are pricey, but you're guaranteed an insightful and informative discussion.

Tips & Warnings

• Invite an author to speak at a meeting.
• Food, of course, is key to your club's success. Decide if the host will provide the food or if meetings are potluck. Bring food inspired by the book: sushi if you've read The Life of Pi; dim sum for The Joy Luck Club; brats, curly fries and beer for Moneyball.
• Remember that book clubs are extracurricular activities. If personality clashes are taking the fun out of it, quit and start a new one.

[mstoller]

on 7/1/2009 For creative ideas about organizing and conducting a family book club, read "The Parent-Child Book Club: Connecting With Your Kids Through Reading" (Melissa Stoller & Marcy Winkler, HorizonLine Publishing, 2009, www.parentchildbookclub.com). We offer easy and economical ideas about starting a book club with your family, as well as 20 "Book Club Model Guides" that include discussion questions and related enrichment activities. Make reading fun by creating a community of books in your own home!