In celebration of my newest novel, The Restoration of Celia Fairchild, I wanted to return to one of my favorite pastimes — book clubs. One of the greatest joys of reading is sharing a book with others, and book clubs provide the perfect setting for lively, rewarding conversations.
There really aren’t many downsides to joining a book club. Sure, you may not love every selection, but even that can spark memorable discussions. Debating a character you dislike or poking fun at an unlikeable plot twist can be as entertaining as praising a beloved novel.
There are so many good reasons to join a book club.
For starters, a club helps you find more time to read. Even though nothing dire happens if you don’t finish a book (I promise), belonging to a group creates a gentle commitment that makes it easier to carve out reading time. Book clubs also pull you out of a reading rut by introducing new authors, genres, and perspectives you might otherwise miss. And, of course, they are an excellent way to meet people and form friendships.
And then there’s the food.
Food Makes Everything More Fun
Many book clubs, particularly those that meet in members’ homes, place food and drink at the center of their gatherings. Menus can be as simple as a bottle of wine and a few appetizers or as elaborate as a full-course meal tied to the book’s setting or themes.
I’m especially fond of themed menus. Many readers tell me they enjoy pairing a novel with food that reflects the story or setting, so I created a four-course menu inspired by The Restoration of Celia Fairchild and its Southern backdrop:
- Parmesan and Sharp Cheddar Cheese Straws
- Grapefruit, Pecan, and Goat Cheese Salad
- Easy Bacon and Egg Breakfast Pizza with a White Sauce
- Key Lime Pie Bars with a Cornmeal Crust
How to Join a Book Club
Book clubs have a long history, but interest surged in the 1990s with national attention on group reading. Since then, clubs have continued to grow. Today it’s easier than ever to find one. Local bookstores, libraries, community centers, and places of worship often host clubs. Some focus on a specific genre — fiction, memoir, mystery, or historical fiction — while others remain open to all types of books. A little research will reveal clubs near you.
Go High Tech
Online book clubs have become increasingly popular thanks to the internet. They’re ideal for people who travel or whose schedules make in-person meetings difficult. I once moderated an online club on Facebook in association with Mary Jane’s Farm Magazine and a former publisher; it was a rewarding way to connect with readers. There are countless virtual groups focused on specific regions, themes, or genres, and many invite authors to join monthly chats. If an online community appeals to you, a quick search will uncover many options, or you might even start your own digital club.
How to Start Your Own Book Club
Starting a book club is straightforward, but making a few decisions upfront will help it run smoothly.
Who and how many will participate?
A book club can be as small as two friends meeting monthly at a coffee shop or as large as a group of neighbors or community members. Small groups allow intimate conversation; larger groups may require a moderator to keep discussion balanced. Clubs can be single-sex, mixed, or for couples — choose what suits your group.
What kind of books will you discuss?
Decide whether the group will focus on a single category, such as literary fiction, mysteries, or nonfiction, or rotate genres for variety. Some clubs set a theme for the year, while others let members take turns suggesting titles.
Where and when will you meet?
Choose a time that works for most members — daytime or evening — and a location: a member’s home, a coffee shop, a library, or a bookstore. If you plan to meet in a public venue, call ahead to confirm availability and any rules about food or capacity.
Will you serve refreshments?
Many clubs keep refreshments simple — coffee, tea, and cookies — especially when meeting in public spaces. Home-based groups often offer wine, cocktails, appetizers, or even full meals for special gatherings. Decide whether the host supplies food or if members rotate responsibility.
Who will pick the books?
How titles are chosen is one of the most important decisions. To avoid frustration, many groups rotate selections, allow each member a turn, or offer a short list of options to vote on at meetings. A democratic approach keeps members engaged and prevents the group from getting stuck reading the same type of book month after month.
Whether you join an existing group or start your own — in person or online — a book club is a wonderful way to read more, meet people, and enjoy thoughtful conversation. It’s a simple, social way to make reading a richer, more connected experience.