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How to Start a Book Club You’ll Love

By Terri Steffes Post a Comment
In 1996, I began a book club as part of the requirements for my professional development plan for the district where I taught. My principal recognized I needed a different type of plan and suggested I try to start a book club.  Back then, there wasn't a lot of guidance, but a parent in my class owned a bookstore and offered her expertise.  She recommended our first book, Snow Falling on Cedars, which received high reviews.  To this day, this book club meets monthly!  That's over 29 years!  We named our book club Pickwick Society.  On this page, you can see the books we have read and the names of the original members.



Since then, I have retired and moved to another city.  One way I found to make friends was through books. So, I started a second book club at my new home in 2012.  We meet monthly, and I have found lifelong friends through this adventure!  This book club is named The New Town Book Club.




Gather your people, pick your books, and let the conversations begin!

If you’ve ever finished a book and wished you had someone to talk to about it, it might be time to start your own book club! Whether you're dreaming of cozy living room chats, Zoom meetings with fellow bookworms, or monthly dinners themed around your favorite reads—this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Step 1: Define Your Book Club’s Vibe

Before sending invites, think about the kind of experience you want:

  • Social or Serious? Is this more wine-and-laughter or deep-dive discussion?

  • Theme-Based? Consider:

    • Historical fiction

    • Memoirs & biographies

    • Seasonal reads

    • Foodie fiction (perfect for dinner pairings!)

  • Audience: Friends, neighbors, coworkers, or online connections?

OGL Tip: Start simple. You can always refine your focus later!

Step 2: Set the Logistics

Your club should fit into your life, not complicate it. Decide:

  • Where to meet: In person or virtual?

  • How often: Monthly or every 6 weeks?

  • Hosting style: Rotating homes or a regular location?

  • Group size: 6–12 members keeps the convo flowing

  • Meeting length: 90 minutes is perfect

OGL Tip: If you're meeting online, use a recurring Zoom link and calendar invite.

Step 3: Choose the Right Books

Book selection can be fun, not stressful! Here are a few methods:

  • Create a list of suggestions and vote

  • Let members take turns choosing

  • Plan seasonally (light reads in summer, longer ones in winter)

  • Choose books with discussion questions or guides

Need help picking a book? I’m happy to suggest titles by mood, theme, or season—just comment below!

Step 4: Lead Great Conversations

You don’t need to be a teacher—just a gracious guide.

Try this:

  • Open with a light icebreaker

  • Ask 3–5 discussion questions, like:

    • What surprised you most?

    • How did the character’s choices make you feel?

    • Did the setting impact the story?

  • Let conversations evolve naturally

OGL Tip: Silence is okay. Give people time to reflect before responding.

Step 5: Add a Little Magic ✨

Turn your book club into a memorable ritual with small, thoughtful touches:

  • Themed snacks (cheese boards for Paris novels, iced tea for Southern fiction)

  • Seasonal decor—a vase of tulips in spring, candles in fall

  • Soft music during arrivals

  • A reminder email with a quote, meeting details, and snacks

Make it cozy. Make it yours.

Bonus Ideas for Your Book Club

  • Start a private Facebook group or group chat

  • Host a wrap-up party with awards (Best Twist, Most Loved Character, etc.)

  • Keep a Book Club Journal or scrapbook


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