Good books are even better when shared with friends. Book clubs are a fun way to meet new people and have great conversations. Make it a party by sampling delicious drinks while you chat about the story. Get inspired by these book and beverage combos from clubs around Berks.
1. Literary Pub Hop.
Experience the local pub scene along with arts and culture books. Discover Patti Smith’s memoir, Just Kids, while tasting Schaylor Brewing Company’s Lunar Eclipse. The Reading Readers began when Alana Coates moved from Texas to curate the Freedman Gallery at Albright College. The Reading Readers meets monthly on the last Wednesday, location varies. Club contact: Alana Coates, alana48@gmail.com or request to join by visiting Reading Readers at facebook.com/groups/2200594956870983.
2. Cool Characters.
Named after the club’s first host, the Alison Welsh Book Club started in 2002. Members gather in each other’s homes and hosts choose the month’s book. Toast with some Magners Cider and introduce your friends to your favorite characters, like in Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman. The Alison Welsh Book Club, meets the third Tuesday evening of the month. Club contact: Heather Pendergast-Baker hpendergastbaker@berkscountyliving.com. Membership by invitation only.
3. Nurture Nature.
Get some fresh air and fresh perspectives in the garden of Rodale’s 333-acre organic farm. Since 2013, the Rodale Book Club has been a gathering place to discuss environmental health topics. Sip some Chardonnay while discovering the link between agriculture and medicine in Farmacology by Daphne Miller, MD. Rodale Book Club, meets Sundays 1-3pm in June, August and October, Rodale Institute Organic Farm, 611 Siegfriedale Rd., Kutztown. Club contact: Heather Gurk heather.gurk@rodaleinstitute.org.
4. Local Interest.
Explore the possibilities of science fiction. Raise a goblet of Cabernet Sauvignon and immerse yourself in Binary Storm by Christopher Hinz, a local author. Formed five years ago, Berks Book Junkies is a group of 13 book enthusiasts who meet at local spots like Bertie’s Inn and Klinger’s on Carsonia and also in club members’ homes. Berks Book Junkies, Club contact: Mary Cornelius, facebook.com/groups/267134086818725. Membership by invitation only.
5. Other Worlds.
When a story beckons, Bunny’s Book Club meets in members’ homes. Originally a children’s playgroup, the Blandon-based group changed into a game night get-together before becoming a book club. Step between the pages of Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, enjoy a Southern Sangria, and try to solve the mystery. Bunny’s Book Club, Club contact: Lori Campbell. Membership is closed at this time.
