I am in the process of putting together a “real life” book club. I am doing it with a few girls who work at a local coffee shop and will be posting a flier and also hosting it there. This is being done for two reasons, A, I like to read and B, it could be an opportunity to meet new and potentially like-minded people. I’m currently in a group through my library, and while 90% of the time I enjoy the books, but almost all the members are 20 to 30 years my senior and the environment is a little sterile. Because the beginnings of this club is almost all through advertisement and word of mouth I’m unsure of the age group.
Now we come to the purpose of this post, I’m starting to compile a list of titles. They could be YA or adult but the general consensus is that it be fiction, and probably under 600 pages, that seems manageable to read in a month. Maybe it would be best to start with books I am already familiar with and enjoyed?
Here are three that I have come up with:
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
- The Kitchen Boy by Robert Alexander
- Loving Frank by Nancy Horan
So what do you think yay or nay? Any suggestions or ideas would be great!
To be honest, I just joined a local bookclub and my first meeting is next Wednesday so I don't have any suggestions to give. I wanted to say good luck though because I think it will be fun!
Thanks, and I hope you have a lot of fun at your first meeting 🙂
Have fun, Whitney 🙂 I'd suggest picking books that have usually gotten mixed reviews. That way, I think you'll have a lot to discuss! Probably some book like The Enchantress of Florence ( which I read for my book-club )
I think The Book Thief is a great choice 🙂
Thanks, that's a great idea! I loved The Book Thief, it brings up so many emotions.
hello! i mentioned you on my blog today as one of my favorite blogs to read!
The Book Thief would definitely sit at the top of my list! I think you would have some great discussions around that book.
Unfortunately I've never been in a "real life" book club. I did love The Book Thief, though. The Help might be a good one, too.
Kathleen– Enjoyment The Book Thief seems unanimous here. I may have to go with that one; I think it would make for a good subject starter as well.
carolsnotebook–I'd been thinking about The Help, thanks for reminding me.
Awesome news about the book club Whitney, have a lot of fun. I haven't read any of the books you have mentioned here but they sound good for I have heard a lot about The Book Thief…also The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society will be a good choice I think…it's a wonderful book 🙂
Thanks, I actually thought about The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society but I thought it sounded a little too tuchy feely for me. But then again, it's not always all about me is it?
Whitney, I run our staff book group and we meet every six weeks. The next book up for discussion is The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz. I haven't read it yet but it looks bizarre in a good way. Let us know how you get on.
I'd been thinking doing every six weeks as well, with people who work and have a busy schedule four weeks may not be long enough to read 400-500 page book.
I read The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao a few years ago, and enjoyed it. I thought the ending was a little predictable but was still a good read.
You've gotten some great recommendations already! The Book Thief is my very favorite book. I'm not in a real-life book club, so I can't help with organization stuff, but I would recommend The Postmistress by Sarah Blake also. It's pretty hot and hard to get at libraries, so if that's how most people will be getting their books, you might want to wait a while before choosing that one if it's something you're interested in. Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout would be another good choice.
Good luck with everything!
I've read all 3. Start with Book Thief. I've found 400 pages to be more realistic for my group.
Good luck with your book club! I am the facilitator of a friend book club, and I joined a library book group 3 years ago because I knew they would read different books that my friends (but I'm not so thrilled with the librarian's choices, either). A book selection is the biggest challenge. Even among friends, there is a wide range of tastes. The more they are involved in the choice, the less pressure you will feel in trying to please everyone. I personally am not concerned if people like or love the book — is there something to discuss or any relevance to our lives today? I enjoy a variety of genres.
We have read some good books this year. My favorite so far was Still Alice (besides Guernsey).
Jennifer G– Thanks for the recommendations, I should really start a file.
Kim– I think I will suggest The Book Thief as the first (or one of) the books we read. Also, I think you're right, 400 pages seems more realistic since everyone reads a different paces.
Thanks for all the great suggestions/advice I really appreciate the feed back!