There is something magical about gathering around a table with people who have all traveled through the same story.
This month, our book club gathered in my home to discuss Theo of Golden by Allen Levi, a novel that quietly invites readers to think about belonging, grace, friendship, and the beauty found in ordinary moments. Like so many of the books I love, it wasn't just a story to read—it was one to carry with you long after the last page.
As I planned the evening, I wanted our gathering to feel as thoughtful as the book itself.
Creating an Atmosphere
One of my favorite touches turned out to be the simplest.
Before everyone arrived, I printed black-and-white 8×10 portraits of each book club member and displayed them throughout our dining space.
At first, the portraits were simply beautiful decorations. But as the evening unfolded, they became something more. They reminded us that every person around the table has a story worth knowing. It was a subtle way of celebrating the people in the room before the conversation even began.
Sometimes the smallest details become the ones guests remember most.
Bringing the Book to the Table
To honor the setting and spirit of Theo of Golden, I prepared Portuguese-inspired refreshments. Bob created a beautiful meat and cheese tray full of delicious meats and cheeses from Spain and Portugal. One of the highlights was this Tomato Bread. What makes it spectacular is the fact that we used summer-ripened tomatoes. So good.
Food has a wonderful way of inviting people to linger, and lingering is exactly what a good book deserves.
Conversations That Went Beyond the Book
Of course, we discussed the novel itself.
We explored the characters, the themes, the relationships, and the moments that touched each of us in different ways. No two people experienced the book exactly alike, and hearing those different perspectives made all of us appreciate it even more.
(I'll include the discussion questions we used at the end of this post as a printable handout.)
But the most meaningful part of the evening came after we finished talking about the book.
Getting to Know One Another
I ended our discussion with relationship-building questions—not about the novel, but about ourselves.
Questions like:
- What book has shaped your life?
- What place feels most like home?
- Which ordinary day from your past would you love to revisit
The responses were heartfelt, thoughtful, and often surprising.
Even though many of us have known one another for years, we learned things we had never known before.
That's the gift of asking better questions.
Books often become the doorway to deeper conversations, but they don't have to be the destination.
After the individual questions, ask this to everyone: After reading Theo of Golden, what quality do you appreciate most in the people gathered in this room? What a beautiful ending to the evening, resulting in many hugs goodbye and a few tears by a few.
A Gathering to Remember
As the evening came to a close, I realized that while we had gathered because of a book, we left feeling even more connected to one another.
That's what I hope every book club becomes.
Not simply a place to discuss chapters and characters, but a place where friendships grow, curiosity is encouraged, and everyone leaves feeling seen.
After all, isn't that one of the greatest gifts a good story can give us?
It reminds us that every person has a story worth hearing.
If You're Hosting a Book Club...
Here are a few ideas that made our evening special:
- Display meaningful photographs of your guests to make everyone feel celebrated.
- Serve refreshments inspired by the setting or culture of the book.
- Prepare thoughtful discussion questions that go beyond plot and characters.
- Include a few relationship-building questions so guests leave knowing one another a little better.
- Create a relaxed atmosphere where conversation can unfold naturally.
The best book club evenings aren't measured by how many questions you finish.
They're measured by how many meaningful conversations begin.
From My Reading Chair
One of the reasons I treasure book clubs isn't simply because I love books. I love what books make possible. A good story opens hearts, encourages curiosity, and reminds us that every person around the table carries experiences that deserve to be heard. Sometimes the best chapter of the evening begins after the book discussion ends.
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