Sharing a love of good stories is what book groups are all about.Friends and strangers can make up your group, which can be about any kind of literature.To start a group, you need to find members through word-of-mouth, flyers, and online postings.Everyone who wants to come should be able to find a time and meeting place that works for them.The key to a successful group is to have fun.
Step 1: Decide what kind of book you want to read.
Science fiction novels or poetry can be included in your book club.A variety of groups can be included in your group.Pick genres you enjoy reading.You will be able to find people who share your interests.If you want the group to be, you don't need to pick a specific book to read right now.
Step 2: There are special qualities you want in group members.
Most book groups are open to everyone.It's okay if you want something different.You can either start a women's group or just want your friends.You should think of these before forming the group.
Step 3: People you know should be invited to your group.
Invitationing your friends is the easiest way to start a group.Ask your friends and family if they would work well in your group.They should be interested in the books you want to read.A group of friends talking can take time away from book discussion.
Step 4: Ask people in your group to come with you.
Reach out to people you don't know.People reading books in libraries may be interested in joining a group.You can see what they're interested in by looking at their books.It can seem difficult to invite strangers to a book group.
Step 5: Everyone should recommend the group to their friends.
They may know someone who is right for your group.Someone they know may be brought by people who decide to join your group.It's possible that strangers have a recommendation for you.You can get group interest by word-of-mouth.Let them know if you know anyone who would be interested in the group.
Step 6: Post ads around town.
You can get some flyers from the group.They can be made at home or in a copy shop.A description of the group's focus is required.The group will focus on a certain book.You should include your contact information.There are community bulletin boards at schools, libraries, coffee shops, community centers, and other busy areas.If you have any special conditions for joining, note that as well.
Step 7: You can advertise your group on the internet.
Online is a good place to keep in touch with people in your group.There is a group on BigTent.You can share the group on social media.You can also post an ad in the community section of the site.
Step 8: Pick a location for your meeting.
Public places work well for a first meeting.You can reserve space at a community center, library, church, or cafe.Group members you have recruited to find a location.It is easy for everyone in the group to reach a good location.You want to meet near where you put your flyers.It is possible to have the meeting in your home, but it may be awkward for people you don't know.Reserve space for your group by contacting public venues in advance.
Step 9: Work together to have a good meeting.
Group members should show up as many times as possible.You can coordinate with your group members and the venue on a day when you are available.You need to stay open because everyone has different schedules.Many people are free from work and school on the weekends.The ideal group size is between 8 and 16 members.Too many people can make the group too busy, even though you need enough people to start a discussion.
Step 10: It is a good idea to invite everyone weeks in advance.
Give people a few reminders if they forget about the meeting.Before you hold the first meeting, you should collect contact information from interested members.Call or email two weeks in advance to get an invitation.Send them a reminder a day or two before the meeting.It's a good idea to remind you that you're looking forward to meeting everyone Saturday.
Step 11: Get to know everybody.
It is not necessary to discuss a book on the first day.It is helpful to get to know your new group members.They should introduce themselves and talk about their favorite books.If you want to relax, place questions in a hat and have people pick out questions to answer.It's helpful to include some book-based games.You can ask people to guess who said a quote or extend the end of a novel.
Step 12: Pick a group name.
Pick a unique name for your group.A good one makes your group feel like it belongs.The members should suggest names.
Step 13: You should plan out when your next meeting will be.
It is a good time to give feedback on the group.You can find out when everyone is available.Ask them if they like the location and time.How often do you want to meet?If you have to move the group to a new location, make sure the other members agree to it.You can keep things fresh by alternating meeting areas.Everyone in the group can host at their home.Give people who live further away an opportunity to drive less.During future meetings, stick to the schedule.Everyone in the group can get what they want when they know what to expect.
Step 14: Establish a reading schedule.
Discuss this with your group if you haven't picked out a book yet.Determine how much members need to read for the next meeting by coming up with a perfect starter book.The right length depends on the difficulty of the book and when you will be meeting next.If you have a lot of people in your group, you can limit the reading to a few chapters.Make sure these chapters are easy to complete and compelling to discuss.Group members, bestseller lists, or recommendations from other book clubs can be used to come up with ideas for books.Group members should be reassured that they are welcome even if they don't finish the reading.They can still be part of the group.Adapt the schedule as you go.You may need more time to discuss a previous reading.Group members should be consulted to come up with a plan.
Step 15: The next meeting will be led by someone.
The person who suggested the book was allowed to lead the discussion.You will probably do this on your own at first.You can take turns when you move on to new books.If you want to spread the responsibility around to other group members, don't force anyone to lead.A few questions or discussion topics are what the leader should bring in.The questions don't have to be complex.A simple question is, "So what did you think of the book?"
Step 16: Discuss the schedule.
Some groups are more social than others.Most groups benefit from having both.Make it known what you want from the group.It is possible to set the tone by working with your group members.You can limit the time you spend socializing to an hour.
Step 17: Ask about drinks.
Everything is better because of food and drinks.You will probably not need to bring anything if you are meeting at a restaurant or cafe.You might decide that everyone should bring a dish.It is possible that you will provide a light snack.Determine what your group should have and who should bring it.One person might not be able to prepare all the food if everyone brings a dish.You can create a schedule and alternate who brings what.
Step 18: Write down your thoughts on the book.
The parts that stand out to you should be written down as you read the book.Important quotations, character developments, or other details can be marked.Everyone can find these parts again if page numbers are included.You can use your notes to have a great discussion.
Step 19: Come up with some questions.
Asking people what they thought of the book is a good start.Search online for discussion ideas, or use your notes to come up with deeper questions.In case discussion stalls, write out a list of non-specific book questions."Who did you identify with?"How did the characters change?Why did the author choose this title?
Step 20: When the discussion ends, keep things moving.
It is your job to keep people engaged.When people don't seem enthusiastic about a topic, pay attention.It's important to keep up the energy level in your group.People will not come back if they are bored.Ask the group about the book.Explain what the character did or the author wrote if the discussion is slow.
Step 21: Group members can ask questions.
The floor should be opened to the other members.They want to ask about the book.They should be involved in the reading and have their take on it.An interesting discussion can happen because of a question you didn't think of.Ask them if anything confused them about the reading.