For bookworms, burying themselves in a good read can be as scrumptious as a bowl of chocolate ice cream on a hot summer day. And the cherry on top? Digging into rich literary discussions with people who are as fascinated with plots, dialogue and character flaws as they are.
Interest in book clubs is again on the rise, particularly since Oprah Winfrey announced she is retooling her once popular book club as “Oprah’s Book Club 2.0.” In Berks County, finding, joining or creating a book club doesn’t have to be a mystery. Whether you prefer to curl up with Fifty Shades of Grey, 100 Years of Solitude, The House on Mango Street or a little Shakespeare at night, take note of these novel tips.
Outline the plot
Determine the type of book club you want to start or join. Are you looking for an academic book club or one that’s more social and casual? Do you prefer to meet in public places like the Wise Owl Bookstore in West Reading, or would you rather hang out in someone’s living room? If you’re creating your own book club, Elaine McDevitt of Spring Township suggests having a meet-and-greet beforehand. “Discuss ideas for the book club. Talk about how you will select the books. Set guidelines so everyone is on the same page and feels comfortable,” she says.
Select a genre
Ask yourself what type of titles and authors appeal to you, from poetry to historical, suggests Reading resident Robin Costenbader-Jacobson. “In our book club, we try to mix it up and have diverse reads,” she says. “It helps you to challenge yourself and try different kinds of concepts.”
Not thrilled about reading all genres? Join a book club that focuses on specific topic you enjoy such as cinema, science fiction or self-help. Either way, to keep you from becoming bored or disengaged, it’s best to settle into a club that suits your reading interests.
Choose characters
Choose book club members wisely to ensure a good dynamic. Generate interest by creating a Facebook group, chatting with fellow book store customers or hanging posters at church. “Book clubs can become very intimate,” Costenbader-Jacobson says. “So it’s important that you enjoy socializing with these people, and that you share similarities and have [a sense of] camaraderie.”
One tip, suggests Sandy Christel of Wyomissing, who started a book club eight years ago, is to reach out to your current friends and acquaintances. “I called the people I knew, and then I asked them to invite someone else,” she says. Her club now has 10-12 steady members.
Set the scene
Schedule regular meeting dates and locations. “Everyone in the group hosts a meeting,” McDevitt says, adding that restaurants aren’t always a good option because of the extra noise. “Meeting on a regular day each month makes it so much easier for people’s schedule.”
Establish dialogue
Determine how members will discuss the book. Will you pull pre-written questions from a hat? Or will you have an open forum? Christel and McDevitt say their book club begins with members each rating the book on a scale of 1-10 and explaining their rating. “I love the insight that is shared at book clubs. What I’ve gained is an appreciation for books that I never thought I would enjoy,” McDevitt says.
“I like the socializing and the opportunity to get that synergy going and listening to other people’s perspective on an issue,” adds Costenbader-Jacobson. “I think it’s a really great sharing and learning experience. That’s what is great about book clubs.”
