How to Start Your Own Bookclub

Isn't it frustrating when you finish reading a fantastic book (or an abysmal one for that matter), and have nobody to share it with? Forming a book club n your neighbourhood is a great way to alleviate that frustration, share the joys and inspirations, debate the differences of opinions and, vent your disappointments. It's also a way to become better acquainted with your neighbours and, perhaps form friendships with the like-minded among them.
adparams.getadspec('c_billboard1');

window.google_render_ad();

A book club is perfect for, but of course not restricted to, stay at home Mums, giving them an interest which extends beyond the confines of house and family. Women who, like me, crave a 'real' adult conversation and the chance to discuss books which do not feature fluffy, colourful characters or rhyming tongue twisters.
Here are some tips for starting your own neighbourhood book club:

1. Book Clubs can be as formal or relaxed as you like. Decide from the outset if you're looking for serious intellectual discussion in a rigid format or, an informal chat and a cup of tea.

2. Decide whether you want to restrict your club to one genre of books, ie. murder mysteries, or expand your horizons and include any and all genres.
This should be reflected in your promotion of the new club.

3. Decide how often you would like your book club to meet. Weekly to discuss each member's progress with the selected book/s or, less often (fortnightly, monthly) to share your views at the completion of the book/s.

4. Set a place for the meetings, or at least the first one. You may choose to meet in your home, alternate between the homes of your members or, utilise the facilities of a local library, bookshop or coffee shop.

5. Select a way to find members to join your book club. Please note, you may need to limit your membership numbers to allow everybody ample discussion time. Groups of 10 to 12 are ideal. You may wish to invite members in your neighbourhood by talking to them personally or by invitation in their letterbox. Alternatively, members could be sought at your place of work or, among other parents at your child's school or kindergarten etc.

6. Be clear in your invitations what your intentions in forming the group are (ie. like-minded people sharing their thoughts and interpretations of modern literature), and ensure that all of the details for the first meeting are included. ie. time, place etc.

7. Once your group is established, guidelines will need to be set by the group, preferably in the first meeting. Consider things like: how will you make book selections?; who will be in charge of ordering all of the books?; where and when will all future meetings take place?; will the host supply refreshments or will all members each "bring a plate"?

8. Finally, enjoy yourself! A book club not only gives you the opportunity to gain insights into literature, but also the chance to make some new and interesting friends.