Bookclub Tips, Tricks & Recommendations

We are one month into the New Year and I find myself stuck in the middle of what feels to be a very long prairie winter. It’s not been all bad; we’ve a new puppy named Frank, my kids are healthy and I’m writing up a storm on my current project.

Another highlight was meeting this great group of women a few weeks ago. Can you believe their bookclub has been going strong for 17 years? That's right, 17! Just think how many good books a person could enjoy in seventeen years.

​I also joined my first book club that same year, 2001. Unfortunately it went the way of many clubs: a slow descent from reading club to wine drinking club (that’s not all bad, right?). Before we ended things we’d read a few very good books, some of which I may not have discovered without the bookclub. The following are a few I still think about from time to time. In my opinion that’s a sign of a darn good read.

• The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
• Rush Home Road by Lori Lansens
• Atonement by Ian McEwan
  
• The Brothers K by David James Duncan

​If you’re thinking of starting a bookclub, or find yours is hitting a rough patch, check out these 8 tips from a few ultra experienced bookclubbers.
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​And for writers: have you gotten that first call inviting you to a bookclub conversation about your book? Don't get too nervous. Visiting with avid readers who’ve read your book and are ready to dish can be great fun! Check out my suggestions for visiting bookclubs as a guest author here.