There’s something magical about reading a book and then getting to talk about it with others who’ve read it too. Whether you’re laughing over a ridiculous plot twist, unpacking a powerful character arc, or passionately defending your favorite author, a book club turns reading into a shared experience—and it’s one of my favorite ways to connect with others.
Over the years, I’ve started, joined, and hosted several book clubs—some with friends, some online, and even a few themed around genres. I’ve learned that book clubs don’t have to be stuffy or overly organized to be meaningful. In fact, the best ones strike a balance between structure and fun.
If you’ve ever thought about starting a book club—or if you’re running one and want to make it better—here are my personal tips and a few great book suggestions to get you going.
1. Decide on the Vibe
The best way to ensure your book club is successful is to set the right tone from the beginning. Is it a relaxed gathering with wine and snacks? A serious literary discussion? Something virtual for people across different time zones?
My first book club was casual—we met once a month in someone’s living room, brought snacks, and didn’t stress if someone hadn’t finished the book. That low-pressure atmosphere kept people coming back.
Decide early:
- How often will you meet?
- In-person, online, or hybrid?
- Do you want a theme (women authors, historical fiction, new releases, banned books, etc.)?
- Will members take turns choosing books, or will you vote as a group?
2. Keep the Group Manageable
In my experience, a group of 6–10 people works best. It’s big enough for diverse opinions but small enough that everyone gets a chance to speak. Too many voices can be overwhelming, especially online. If you’re hosting virtually, consider a time limit or light structure to keep things flowing.
3. Don’t Overcomplicate the Discussion
You don’t need to be an English professor to lead a great discussion. Some of the best book club conversations I’ve had started with simple questions like:
- What did you love or hate about the book?
- Did you relate to any characters?
- Was there a part that surprised or confused you?
- Would you recommend it to someone else?
Pro tip: Let the conversation wander a bit. Tangents often lead to the most heartfelt or hilarious moments.
4. Make It Fun and Flexible
Life gets busy. Sometimes people won’t finish the book. Sometimes the discussion turns into a storytelling session about real life instead of fiction. That’s okay. A successful book club is as much about connection as it is about the book.
Consider mixing things up:
- Do a themed potluck or drinks inspired by the book.
- Read a book and watch its movie adaptation together.
- Occasionally choose a short story, podcast, or article if everyone needs a break from long reads.
5. Book Selection Matters
Some books are better for book clubs than others. The best picks usually spark conversation—books with layered characters, moral dilemmas, or emotional impact. Here are a few that worked really well in my groups:
Great Book Club Picks:
- The Midnight Library by Matt Haig – A what-if story about choices, regrets, and alternate lives.
- Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman – Quirky, emotional, and full of discussion-worthy moments.
- Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens – Part mystery, part coming-of-age with beautiful nature writing.
- The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett – Complex family dynamics and identity themes make for rich conversation.
- Circe by Madeline Miller – Mythology, feminism, and unforgettable writing.
- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern – Perfect if your group loves fantasy and beautiful prose.
- The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater – A nonfiction pick about justice, gender, and empathy, great for deeper conversations.
6. Make It Yours
There’s no one-size-fits-all book club. Some people love the structure of discussion guides; others prefer casual chats over coffee. Some meet monthly; others every other month. The beauty is that you get to create something that fits your lifestyle and your people.
When I started my latest book club, I printed little bookmarks with our next meeting date and book title. It was a small touch, but it made it feel special. Little things like that—fun bookmarks, a group chat for memes, or even a shared reading journal—can really bring your club to life.
Final Thoughts
Starting or running a book club is one of the most rewarding ways to bring reading into community. Whether it’s just you and a few friends or a larger group, the key is to keep it flexible, fun, and full of heart. You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to love books—and enjoy hearing what others think about them.
So if you’ve been thinking about it, here’s your sign: start that book club. I promise, it’ll be one of the best things you do for your reader’s soul.