Six Book Clubs That Are Looking For You

What could be better than curling up in an overstuffed chair with a steaming mug of tea and immersing yourself in the world of a book?

Nothing in my opinion.

But a close second might be discussing that book with a circle of friends in a book club.

Who was your favorite character?

Why do you think Aunt Bertie locked him out?

Did you guess the outcome?

Have you experienced something similar?

I love book clubs. Mine, like so many others during Covid, has been meeting on Zoom. It’s not the same as meeting in person (no wine, no treats), but at least it’s accessible. Yesterday I was the guest author at an online book club. One member Zoomed in from Florida; two others joined from somewhere on their phones.

Are you in a book club? I know one that has been meeting for almost fifty years. They have a waiting list.

Instead of waiting for an invitation, why not try one of these book clubs? They’re looking for you!

1 BOOK-OF-THE-MONTH CLUB

This one is the classic, founded in 1926. My mother was an avid member when I was in high school, and I still remember seeing the latest selection carefully bookmarked on her nightstand. The focus is on early releases, fresh new voices, and debut authors. For $15.99, you pick your favorite from a list of five books. Your choice arrives on your doorstep in the famous blue box. You can skip a month or more if you want, and not be charged. The best part? You can create your own discussion online, invite your friends, and schedule a time to meet. Join at https://www.bookofthemonth.com. Topping the list this month is Black Cake, a debut novel by Charmaine Wilkerson.

2. REBEL BOOK CLUB

This book club reads only non-fiction and bills itself as a “tribe of open-minded thinkers who are motivated to invest valuable time and energy into learning, connecting, and cultivating a growth mindset toward life.” Based in the UK, the club meets on the last Tuesday of every month from 7 to 9 p.m., both online and in-person in England. The cost of membership depends on the plan you choose. Your first book is free. Membership qualifies you to vote on monthly book choices and matches you with readers in your location who share your interests. One of the new picks is Sleights of Mind –what magic can tell us about ourselves and our daily lives—by neuroscientists Stephen Macknik and Susana Martinez-Conde. Join at https://rebelbook.club.  

3. OPRAH’S BOOK CLUB

            This is the original celebrity book club. It’s easy to join, and the only cost is the purchase of books, which is voluntary. You can sign up to receive newsletters and monthly picks. The website features interviews with the authors and study guides. To join, go to https://www.oprah.com/app/books.html. Oprah’s latest selection is Bewildered by Richard Powers.

4. REESE’S BOOK CLUB

Books chosen by Reese Witherspoon feature women at the center of the story. Her motto is Women: May we write them truer, raise them higher, and read them here. I love the fact that she champions diverse voices and supports independent bookstores. To join, you simply download the Reese’s Book Club app and set up your profile. Finishing your first book seals the deal. Join at https://reesesbookclub.com. Reese’s latest pick is Honor by Thrity Umrigar

5. READ WITH JENNA

Jenna Bush Hager started her book club on the Today show in 2019. Her choices are often literary fiction or books featuring topics of current interest. Join at https://www.today.com/read-with-jenna, where you can find interviews with authors, download thought-provoking questions to guide your reading, and sign up for Jenna’s newsletters.  Her January selection is The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan.

6. SILENT BOOK CLUB

This is the book club for introverts. Their motto? Shhh: We’re Reading. Choices? Whatever you choose. Chatting? Homework? No thanks. This book club is about loving books, enjoying the (silent) company of like-minded people, and beverages—without having something smart to say. With over 240 chapters across 30+ countries, the Silent Book Club members gather to read in companionable silence. Check out their website https://silentbook.club to find online meeting times hosted from the U.S., Canada, South Korea, Germany, and beyond.

Do you belong to a book club? Do you read all kinds of books or focus on one genre?

Share your latest book club read below or on our Facebook page.