There are a number of different ways to start a book club.  Book Clubs shouldn’t be hard or stressful.  It’s a way to get together and discuss books and ideas!  Above all else, have fun!

Some Ideas to Get Started

• Number of people to invite-  Too small of a group stifles discussion; groups that are too big can become chaotic and members can feel they can’t contribute.
• Day and time- Try to hold your book club the same day and time every month.  Once a month is usually good.  Some book clubs have found summer is too hard and busy to hold book clubs.
• Place-  Home or library or somewhere everyone can sit comfortably and hear well.  Also, a place that allows food is a good idea! Everyone can take a turn hosting as well.  The host can pick the book and be in charge of the treats.
• Book- Give everyone a chance to choose a book.  The first meeting could be to discuss rules, ideas and make a list of the books everyone wants to read. 
• On time award- This gets everyone there on time so there are fewer interruptions.  Everyone likes to win something!
• Review Author- Find a picture and short biography of the author.  Authors stories of how they started writing and why they wrote the particular book are usually very interesting.
• Review and discuss book-Find questions and trivia on internet or the back of the book. There are many sites devoted to understanding books better.
• Treats- Have book related game and treats if possible. It’s a fun way to wrap up your book club!

Book Club and Book Ideas

• Mother/daughter book club: Stargirl, Ella Enchanted, Princess Academy, Frog Princess, Yellow Star, Wednesday Wars
• Teens: It’s a Mall World After All, My Fair Godmother, Fairest, Keturah and Lord Death, Princess of the Midnight Ball
• Women: Austenland, These is My Words, The Guernsey and Potato Peel Pie Society, Scriptures, Host, Pride & Prejudice
• Father/son: Fablehaven, 13th Reality, No Talking, Rangers Apprentice, Farworld, Alcatraz and the Evil Librarians, Thief of Attolia, Wednesday Wars, Harry Potter, Dangerous Book for Boys