There’s something magical about sharing a great story with others. Whether you’re revisiting the classics, exploring new Australian authors, or just enjoying a light-hearted mystery, a book club can be a wonderful way to combine a love of reading with friendship and conversation.
If you’ve been thinking about starting one but aren’t quite sure how, don’t worry – it’s much easier than it sounds. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a book club that will leave everyone looking forward to the next meeting.
Before you gather your members, think about the style of book club you’d like to run. Will it be purely for fun, or will you focus on a theme such as Australian history, biographies, travel memoirs, or prize-winning fiction?
Some clubs dive deep into literary analysis, while others simply enjoy a social catch-up with a book as the conversation starter. Being clear about the purpose helps like-minded members join in and ensures everyone is on the same page (pun intended!).
A book club can be as small as three members or as large as 10 or 12. Anything bigger and discussions can get a little tricky to manage.
Friends, neighbours, and members from community or hobby groups can be a great place to start. You might also find keen readers at the local library, seniors centre, or even through online community forums.
The important thing is to choose people who are committed to reading and attending regularly – half the fun is seeing familiar faces and hearing their takes on the story.
You don’t need to meet in person if that’s not practical. Many book clubs successfully run by video call, making it easier for people who live further apart or travel often.
That said, in-person meetings – perhaps over tea, coffee, or a glass of wine – offer that warm social connection many of us treasure. Some clubs rotate hosting duties so everyone gets a turn, while others meet in a favourite café or library room.
Monthly meetings work well for most people – there’s enough time to finish the book without it dragging on.
At your first get-together, agree on a time and day that suits the majority. Consistency helps: “the third Thursday of each month at 2 pm” is easier for people to remember and plan around.
The fun part! You might start with something short and engaging to ease into the routine. Make sure it’s readily available – ideally in libraries, e-book formats, and bookshops – so everyone can access it easily.
Some clubs take turns nominating books; others vote from a shortlist. Whichever method you choose, make sure everyone has a voice – it builds excitement and inclusivity.
Some members will be chatterboxes; others a little quieter. As the organiser, you can gently encourage everyone to share their thoughts.
You could prepare a few starter questions such as:
What did you like (or dislike) about the book?
Was there a character you related to most?
Did the ending surprise you?
Avoid making it feel like homework – laughter, tangents, and personal stories are all part of the fun.
Over time, your book club will develop its own personality. Maybe you always share a themed snack related to the story, or swap second-hand books after the meeting. Some clubs take a yearly “field trip” – visiting a museum, author talk, or literary festival.
These little traditions turn the club from a simple reading group into a much-loved social event.
Life happens. Members will sometimes be away, or not have finished the book, and that’s fine. The idea is connection and enjoyment, not pressure. If the group’s energy shifts over time – towards different genres, meeting styles, or even incorporating movies based on books – embrace the change.
Finally, the heart of a great book club is warmth. Be open to new members, celebrate birthdays, and make space for different opinions. Your club doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s – it just needs to bring people together.
Final word:
Starting a book club is about much more than books. It’s about laughter over tea, new friendships, and seeing a familiar story through someone else’s eyes. One book leads to another, and before you know it, you have a circle of people who meet not just for the novels, but for each other.
So choose your first book, set the date, and send the invitations – your next chapter is about to begin.
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