How to Build a Successful Book Club

Posted on

23 August 2015

| Last updated on 24 August 2015

Building a Successful Book Club

While I’ve been in a few different styles of book clubs, with members from all over the world, I think there are a few rules to keep in mind when setting one up and successfully keep the effort going.

First of all, and I am proud to admit this, I am a reader. I read fiction every day of my life. Sometimes its literature, other times it might be a bestseller and still others I might be in the mood for a romance. The thing is to find similarly minded people. Let’s face it, between work and family and other commitments, there are a limited number of hours in a day to participate in hobbies. Not everyone is a reader. So, don’t hold back – think beyond your immediate circle of friends. Think about those in your bigger circle. After all, one of the great things about being an expat is how many unique people we get to interact with.

So, once you’ve collected your group of like-minded individuals, have your first book club meeting – no reading required. No reading? I thought this was a book club! It is, but it’s also important not to scare anyone off. Seriously, there will be people who don’t want to let down others by not having completed something. Have a potluck at someone’s home (or take advantage of one of the many wonderful ladies nights in the city) and begin the discussion with easy questions like, ‘what’s your favourite book?’ ‘What are you reading right now?’ Even if everyone doesn't’t know each other, these are all easy questions to break the ice.

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When I was beginning a book club in Dubai, after we all shared our favourite novels (and the reasons we enjoyed them), we ultimately decided on choosing one of the books as our first to read together. You may also want to consider that, given the diversity in the Emirates, it might be important to choose a book that is available in multiple languages (if not at Kinokunyia, then via Kindle or Nook). Be democratic, have a vote and commit to a novel.

Probably the most difficult and important decision you’ll make is how long does everyone have to read the book? As a rule, I would suggest somewhere between 3-4 weeks. This is enough time for people to not only go out and get the book, but also then to read it. Also, go ahead and accept there will always be procrastinators. No matter how long the group has to read a book, there will be someone walking in the door who has only read up to chapter 5. Depending on how serious you want to be, that’s either completely acceptable or maybe not (for you).

Want to know a secret?

I actually like those that don’t finish the book! (I’ll explain in a minute).

When sitting down to discuss the book, make sure that someone in the group has pulled together some questions about the book (with some very popular books, this may even be included at the notes at the end of the book). As much as possible, try to ensure everyone answers the questions in their own way. Some questions will lead to other questions and so on.

SEE ALSO: Live in Dubai? Check out these great book clubs to join

Now, for the person(s) who did not get around finishing reading the book, seize the opportunity! Don’t make them feel bad, instead, tell them how the story ends. In the past, it’s always been interesting for me to see how people tell the ‘story’ of the novel. What sticks out for them? What did they skip over that you found important?

After the first month, there will be less people and by month six, you will probably have a core group who loves reading and some wonderful new books in your library. As an American, I loved all the books I got to read from foreign authors – stories I never would have picked up otherwise. Once you’ve got in the groove of your meetings, you can branch out to thematic meet ups and meal, a group trip to EAFOL, and of course, comparing the books to the movies.

Meet Courtney Brandt, American, 35, GCC expat from 2007. She moved from Los Angeles to Dubai in late 2007, then to Doha in 2011 and to Abu Dhabi in early 2014. She is in her 9th Year in the Middle East and wouldn't have it any other way. She is a blogger and published author. Try reading some of her books.