Reading used to be something people did alone as a way to escape the world, at least temporarily. Now, it’s becoming one of the most social things you can do. Between viral social media trends, celebrity book picks showing up in our feeds, and friends texting “you have to read this,” books are no longer just being read. They’re being shared and experienced together. In fact, reading has become so popular again that independent bookstores, not just big chairs, are opening and thriving. The American Booksellers Association reported more than 200 new members in 2024, with 190 indie bookstores scheduled to open over the next two years. In other words, reading is cool again, and if you’ve ever thought about starting something fun with your friends, there’s no better time to learn how to host a book club. Do People Still Go To Book Clubs? Think book clubs have faded out along with DVDs and dial-up? Think again! In 2023, book club event listings on Eventbrite jumped 24% in the U.S., while Meetup saw a 10% increase in local reading groups. So what sparked this renewed obsession? A lot of it has to do with #BookTok, a community on social media platform TikTok that allows readers to share their latest reads and authors to promote their latest books. With more than 220 billion views, #BookTok is the new Oprah’s Book Club for younger generations. Big names are joining the movement, too. Celebrities like Dua Lipa and Reese Witherspoon are hosting their own book clubs, while indie authors are building loyal followings on social media. So if you’re wondering if anyone even still goes to book clubs anymore, the answer is more than ever. The Logistics of Starting a Book Club You could invite a few friends over tomorrow and technically call it a book club, but without some ground rules (is the first rule “don’t talk about book club,” or are we texting our work bestie about it immediately?), things can get off track fast. Let’s tackle a few important details. What Kind of Book Club Are You Starting? Before sending out invites or picking out snacks, figure out what kind of book club you’re actually starting. A good starting point is to ask what kind of energy you want in the room: Literary fiction, memoirs, or self-improvement books for thought-provoking conversation Romance, fantasy, or thrillers for an escape from reality Genre rotation for variety #BookTok-inspired picks to keep up with the latest trends It also helps to consider your crowd. According to Penguin Random House, older avid readers (45+) prefer historical fiction, mysteries, and nonfiction, while younger readers (18-44) reach for romance, fantasy, YA (young adult), and romantasy. Where Will You Host Your Book Club? Next, pick a space that encourages natural conversation and keeps people from looking at the clock. A good rule of thumb is if people can relax, they’ll likely stay longer and feel more inclined to talk about what they’ve read. Consider hosting at: Your home or another reader’s home Local coffee shops Libraries or community centers Wine bars or breweries Parks or gardens Hosting a book club at home tends to give you more freedom over the space. You can make it cozier, add or remove as much seating as you need, offer snacks and drinks, and have free conversation. When Will Your Book Club Meet? Pick a schedule that people can actually stick to. Everyone’s juggling work, family, and half-finished books, so keep it simple: Weekly or bi-weekly for shorter books Monthly for busier schedules Longer for more complex reads A quick group poll can help you find something that works for everyone. Once you decide, stay consistent because the easier it is to remember, the more likely everyone will show up. How Do You Find Members For Your Book Club? You don’t need a ton of people to host a book club. In fact, smaller groups allow for more intimate conversation and gives everyone a chance to participate. If you need help finding people to join, consider asking the following: Friends Coworkers Neighbors Family members People in online communities on Facebook, Reddit, or TikTok People on apps like Meetup or EventBrite Look for people with similar interests. A mix of personalities keeps discussions engaging, but shared expectations (like showing up regularly) will make your club actually last. What Do You Need to Host a Book Club at Home? You don’t need much to host a book club at home, but you do want to make sure your guests feel comfortable. Here’s what to have before your first book club night. A Quiet and Cozy Space Start by making sure you choose a quiet space that’s away from noisy roommates, loud appliances, loud TVs and radios, and anything else that may compete for attention. Shut your windows if there’s noise outside, and give the room a quick declutter. Then, stack some pillows in the corner, fold up a few cozy blankets for guests to grab, and queue a playlist that matches the book’s vibe. cordaroys’ XL faux chinchilla or terry corduroy blankets are perfect-they’re oversized and look great draped over a chair or tossed in a reading pile. Comfortable and Structured Seating No one wants to unpack a 400-page novel while trying to find a comfortable position on a hard chair. You want people to feel relaxed and willing to stay to discuss one more chapter. Give people options to choose from so everyone has a spot that’s perfect for them. Try seats like: A loveseat or couch for people who love to curl up with a blanket An accent chair near a floor lamp for the highlighter-and-notes type Bean bag chairs for anyone who wants to sink in and get cozy Floor cushions for guests who like to move around and sprawl out Hanging egg chairs for the introvert who wants to listen while still feeling part of the group Poufs or ottomans for the readers who want to kick their feet up and relax cordaroys’ bean bag chairs come in full and queen sizes that seat one, and king and giant sizes that can seat multiple people. If you’re looking for more support, our NEST chair comes with built-in head and neck support, as well as side pockets for phones, journals, or notebooks. If your group’s the kind that always stays late, make it fun with themed snacks, pajamas, and a book club sleepover. Since cordaroys’ chairs convert into beds, no one has to call it a night before the conversation’s done. Soft and Layered Lighting It sounds cheesy, but good lighting sets the mood long before anyone opens the book. Skip harsh overhead bulbs and go for a warm glow instead. Layer your light sources, like a floor lamp in one corner, a table lamp near the snacks, and a strand of string lights for a touch of literary magic. Light Food and Refreshments Snacks keep people happy and fueled for inspired conversation, but no one wants to juggle a fork and a plate in one hand and a book in the other. Stick to easy, one-hand options that won’t leave greasy fingerprints on the pages. Think simple and shareable: Grapes, popcorn, or mixed nuts Mini pastries or finger sandwiches Fresh fruit and veggie platters with dip Cheese boards or bite-size desserts Match your drinks to the group’s vibe: wine for evening reads, coffee or tea for daytime, or sparkling water or juice if you’re keeping it light. Don’t forget to include a few options for dietary needs! Gluten-free snacks or non-dairy creamer are small gestures that show you’ve thought of everyone, which makes people want to come back just as much as the book does. Conversation Ideas and Topics Come prepared with a few talking points in mind to get the discussion started. Then, you can let the rest flow naturally. After all, good questions can often lead to great tangents. Try asking things like: What moment or quote stuck with you the most? Which character did you relate to (or absolutely not)? How would this story change in a different time or setting? Did the ending feel rushed? What other books or shows gave you a similar vibe? Avoid spoilers that are disguised as questions (e.g., how did you feel when Edward died?) Choose a few strong topics instead of rushing through a list, and let people dig in. The best discussions are the ones that allow you to see the story through someone else’s eyes. Themed Decor and Ambiance If you really want to take your book club to the next level, turn it into a full-on experience. Here are a few ideas to get you started: Match your decor to the book’s setting or time period, like candles and an old map for a mystery or evidence props and a suspect board for a crime thriller. Serve relevant food and drinks, such as street tacos and margaritas for a treasure hunt adventure in Latin America or herbal tea and scones for a British comedy. Print memorable quotes or favorite lines and scatter them on tables or hang them with clothespins on a string. Encourage everyone to dress up for the vibe. Consider ripped jeans and band tees for a music memoir or funky sunglasses and beach cover-ups for a summer beach read. Can You Host a Book Club Virtually? Absolutely! Virtual book clubs are a great way to keep everyone connected, whether they live far away or they’re going on a trip but still want to join in. Platforms like Zoom or Discord make it easy to chat face-to-face without leaving the couch. Here’s how you can make your meeting feel as engaging as meeting in person: Encourage everyone to keep their cameras on. This will help with participation and keep the energy up. Rotate hosts. Let different members run the discussion as this can offer new perspectives and give everyone the chance to feel included. Try hybrid meetings so members can join in person or virtually depending on their schedule. Try out virtual backgrounds or props that match your book’s theme, like holiday lights for a wintery escape or a science lab for a dystopian sci-fi. Create a shared group chat or Discord channel for ongoing discussion, quotes, or memes between meetings. Of course, we can’t skip over the comfort factor. Light a candle, grab a blanket, and curl up in your chair with your laptop propped on a pouf. With a few small touches, virtual book clubs can still feel casual and personal, like a FaceTime hangout that just happens to include your favorite story. Make Your Home the Go-To Spot for Book Club Half-finished books and flakey RSVPs don’t mean your book club is doomed. People show up when the snacks are tasty, the chairs have the perfect amount of sink, and the conversation is juicy. Want your book club to last longer than one chapter? Follow these tips and start planning your next book night! Sources: Gen Z and Millennials are putting their own spin on book clubs | CNN Business From The Reader Lounge: A Dive into Avid Readers and Book Clubs | Penguin Random House
