How to Create a Book Club Reading List

Participating in a book club is a productive way to interact with fellow book lovers and to express your opinions about chosen books. A book club's reading selections can affect membership and the overall group dynamic. Although the responsibility of creating a book club reading list is great, it's not impossible. Making appropriate reading list choices can ensure your book club stays around to finish the reading list.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Determine the time span your reading list will cover. This will help establish the number of books needed to finish the list. Many book clubs create seasonal lists to have structure, but allow for change as time progresses. Creating reading lists that cover too much time can alienate new members and leave little room for imagination.

2. Follow selection guidelines set forth by the book club when creating a reading list. Some book clubs have strict rules regarding title selections. For example, a church book club may prohibit the selection of books dealing with romantic themes. Other book clubs may be devoted to the reading of specific authors. Read the rules carefully to avoid upsetting book club members and wasting time sifting through unusable choices.

3. Get recommendations from current book club members. Keep everyone involved by periodically asking for reading list suggestions. While more vocal members may feel comfortable expressing their book choices during meetings, others may feel more comfortable submitting their selections in private. Consider setting up a lock box for members to submit their selections anonymously.

4. Keep up with best seller's lists. This will help keep your reading list fresh and also encourage the members to try new authors and genres. Follow the lists that best suit the focus of the book club. For example, keeping up with best-selling business books may be appropriate for an entrepreneur's book club while, keeping up with best-selling parenting books may be appropriate for a new mother's group.

5. Consider the lifestyle of the book club members. Many book club members have active professional and personal lives. Choose books that can be read within a month to avoid book burnout. While the length of the book is important, you should also consider the reading level and depth of each reading list possibility.

Tips & Warnings

• Add little-known authors into your reading rotation to combat members trying to "wing it" having only read condensed book notes. Consider using e-books to help the group save money on book purchases.
• Never make a book club reading list without getting input from all current members. Resentment can set into the group if the list seems unbalanced.

Resources

• Consult the New York Times Best Sellers List.
• Get tips on keeping your book club successful.