HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: SO I just read the BEST book! It’s sinister, and simmering, and so incredibly unexpected, and I’d so love to talk to you about it…
And that’s true, specifically—and more on that in a moment. But how many times have you thought that? It’s fun to TELL someone about a good book, but so much more fun to talk WITH someone about it, comparing notes, and expectations, and opinions.
And usually in book clubs you go to someone’s house (True! I know it sound crazy, but it used to happen all the time) and share food (Again, true, I’ve even split things with other people!) and wine (from the same bottles!)
But now many of us are home, but that doesn’t stop us from wanting to talk about books.
Now. The book I was talking about above is SISTER DEAR, by the amazing Hannah Mary McKinnon. (She’s my partner in crime on First Chapter Fun—see below at * for the wonderful details! And you can check it out today!) But here on Jungle Red—for those who might be tempted to have a book club no matter what—she has some ideas for how to make that work!
And see **for a wonderful GIVEAWAY!
SO, YOU WANT TO START A VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB?
As an author, I’ve had the pleasure of being invited as a guest to a number of book clubs, in person and online. Each time has been an absolute pleasure, and what struck me the most was the camaraderie amongst the members, so much so that I decided to start my own book club earlier this year.
Enter the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measures, which means in-person book club meetings must be postponed, and it might seem crazy to even think of starting a new club. Except we need human connections and something to look forward to more than ever right now, and a virtual book club could add to the comfort we so desperately need. The solution? A virtual book club. Here are some tips to get you started:
1) Find members
You can’t have a book club without members but where to find them? I posted in a local Facebook mom’s group and was immediately inundated with replies. Expecting a handful of participants, I couldn’t believe it when over 60 women indicated their interest. That number settled at 17 members after people couldn’t make it because of family and/or scheduling conflicts. 17 is quite a large number for a virtual book club, and I’d suggest having around 10 members so it’s easier to chat with one another online.
2) Have an introductory meeting online
Make it a “meet-and-greet” where you introduce yourselves, chat about the genre of books you enjoy (or don’t care for), and talk about the structure of the group. To do this, use a videoconferencing tool such as Zoom (www.zoom.us). A “pro” subscription for up to 100 participants per meeting costs $20/month, but maybe one of your members has already signed up, and they can set the meetings up and share the link with the members. Participants can mute their mic when not talking to minimize background noise.
3) Figure out how to pick books
In my book club, we decided to have five rotating genres: Book Club Picks, Suspense/Thriller, Women’s Fiction, Historical Fiction and “Wild Card” where anything goes. We plan the books two months ahead, members make suggestions on which we vote afterward, so people have the chance to look up the books first. Having themes means we read a variety of genres, and don’t have the same one multiple months in a row. Alternatively you could have the host pick the book for the next (online) gathering, or go in alphabetical order instead. Maybe you pluck books out of a (virtual) hat. There are many different ways that allow each member to give input.
4) Create a Facebook Group
While I initially managed all communication via email, it was much easier to shift everything to a Facebook group. The group is hidden, meaning only members have access, and I scheduled all our events for the rest of the year. The group is also an easy place to share information about upcoming reads, where to find books, and to create the monthly book pick polls on which members can vote.
5) Invite authors
Admittedly, this is easier to do when you’re an author yourself and you’ve made connections with other writers, but you might be surprised by how many authors love to be a guest at a book club. The wonders of technology mean you can beam them straight into your chosen location, again by using Zoom. Whether they charge for their time depends on the author, but regardless, sharing photos and reviews of their novels on social media will no doubt be greatly appreciated. Still unsure about inviting an author? A brand new initiative called www.theauthorsbookclub.ca connects book clubs with Canadian writers who are happy to join your meeting—all you need to do is ask.
Creating a book club has been a wonderful experience and an excellent way to find like-minded friends with whom I can share my love of books. We’re living through an unprecedented crisis, and many of us in isolation, feeling disconnected from the world. A virtual book club might be another way for you to make new online connections, and have a ready-made new set of friends you can meet IRL once the pandemic is over. Are you in a book club? What other tips and tricks can you suggest?
HANK: I’m in a few! And I do enjoy them…including one on Facebook called Book Club with Style where Hannah is the featured guest next month and we’re all reading SISTER DEAR! (Although that's not publicly announced yet...) Small world!
Even if I don’t finish the whole book (wince) it’s still so much fun to hear the authors and listen to the chat. I always hear something that I hadn’t thought of before.
How about you, reds and readers? Book clubs—do you think virtual ones work? Are you part of any of them? What’s your experience? Any additional hints and tips?
**And a copy of SISTER DEAR to one lucky commenter!
Here’s the link for Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/firstchapterfun/
And Insta @FirstChapterFun
Hannah Mary McKinnon was born in the U.K., grew up in Switzerland and moved to Canada in 2010. After a successful career in recruitment, she quit the corporate world in favor of writing. SISTER DEAR is Hannah Mary’s fourth novel. She lives in Oakville, ON, Canada, with her husband and three sons. For more visit www.hannahmarymckinnon.com
Beauty. Wealth. Success.
She’s got it all.
And it all should’ve been mine.
When Eleanor Hardwicke’s beloved father dies, her world is further shattered by a gut-wrenching secret: the man she’s grieving isn’t really her dad. Eleanor was the product of an affair and her biological father is still out there, living blissfully with the family he chose. With her personal life spiraling, a desperate Eleanor seeks him out, leading her to uncover another branch on her family tree—an infuriatingly enviable half sister.
Perfectly perfect Victoria has everything Eleanor could ever dream of. Loving childhood, luxury home, devoted husband. All of it stolen from Eleanor, who plans to take it back. After all, good sisters are supposed to share. And quiet little Eleanor has been waiting far too long for her turn to play.
She’s got it all.
And it all should’ve been mine.
When Eleanor Hardwicke’s beloved father dies, her world is further shattered by a gut-wrenching secret: the man she’s grieving isn’t really her dad. Eleanor was the product of an affair and her biological father is still out there, living blissfully with the family he chose. With her personal life spiraling, a desperate Eleanor seeks him out, leading her to uncover another branch on her family tree—an infuriatingly enviable half sister.
Perfectly perfect Victoria has everything Eleanor could ever dream of. Loving childhood, luxury home, devoted husband. All of it stolen from Eleanor, who plans to take it back. After all, good sisters are supposed to share. And quiet little Eleanor has been waiting far too long for her turn to play.
Congratulations, Hannah . . . “Sister Dear” sounds quite intriguing and I’m looking forward to finding out exactly what Eleanor has planned . . . .
ReplyDeleteAfter listening to [and enjoying] a few author book interviews on Zoom and Facebook, I think the technology would make a virtual book club work quite well. And while I don’t belong to a book club, I have to say that I’ve enjoyed being part of First Chapter Fun . . . .
Oh, isn’t it hilarious? I love how informal it is, and how we get to read and here just a snippet of new books! with so many other people. so glad you are attending!
DeleteThank you so much, Joan! Eleanor's plans are...dubious, haha. Yes, thank goodness for technology, which is making all these events and face-to-face connections possible. I'm thrilled you're enjoying the First Chapter Fun series. I find myself looking forward to the "days with a T" so much :-)
DeleteSister Dear sounds absolutely delicious! I can’t wait to find out how Eleanor plans to claim it all. I’m not in a book club at present. I would think the most difficult part of forming one would be getting the right balance of personalities and the right number of people.
ReplyDeleteYes! There have been some real doozies of meetings in book clubs I have attended! Sometimes attend as a guest, when they are reading my book. And it is truly fascinating to see the different dynamics.
DeleteThank you, Pat! I was so lucky with the book club I set up - a great mixture of personalities and a lovely group of like-minded women. I did have a LOT of interest though - about 60 people initially, but we're 16 in the group and when we meet (currently online) it's anywhere from 6-12 or so.
DeleteHank - I've had the pleasure of being invited to book clubs as a guest, too (online & in person) and it's such a treat.
Congratulations, Hannah, on the release of Sister Dear.
ReplyDeleteDespite being a voracious reader, I have never been a member in a book club. I enjoy learning about and discussing books online on Facebook and blogs like JRW. And it has been fun listening to you and Hank read on First Chapter Fun.
Good luck with those who want to set up/take part in virtual book clubs!
Grace, yes! It is so great to see you there! Hope you will join us in a couple of hours today!
DeleteI have a group walk starting at 10:00 but have my alarm set for 11:30, so I will be listening in while en route, Hank!
DeleteThank you, Grace! This is my first time being in a book club, too. I thought it might be stressful, what if I don't like the book, etc. But our rule is if you don't have time / don't fancy the book / don't like the book, it's okay. It's meant to be fun, not a chore :-)
DeleteWere you able to tune in to First Chapter Fun? I'm so impressed you planned on doing so while out walking!
Yes, Hannah, I was able to listen to First Chapter Fun while walking. It was a bit of a challenge...walking, listening and texting at the same time! I wanted to support Marissa, and learn more about her Arthur Ellis award-nominated book. Also wanted to send her positive vibes and wishes (From Ottawa) since they were being awarded last night.
DeleteThat's so lovely, Grace!
DeleteSister Dear sounds wonderful. I just preordered it from Amazon and can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteThe concept of a digital book club is intriguing. Like Grace, I'm a rabid reader, but never participated in a book club. We're moving in July to the other end of the country - from southern Florida back to the Crown of Maine - a virtual book club is a wonderful idea to reconnect with old friends.
Oh, so perfect! And Kait, I did not know you were moving… That is very… Adventurous? Exciting? Challenging?
DeleteThat's incredibly kind of you, thank you, Kait. I hope you enjoy the story.
DeleteGood luck with your move - Sister Dear is set in Maine, so is my previous book, Her Secret Son. I have family in New Brunswick, and we drive through the US when we visit :-)
I love the premise, Hannah!
ReplyDeleteI'm not in a book club, virtual or otherwise, but I (as Maddie Day) write the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries about a book group that only reads cozy mysteries, and also helps the protag solve crimes. ;^)
Yes, such a good idea!
DeleteThank you, Edith!
DeleteI love the sound of your Cozy Capers and how fun to have a book club solve the crimes. How did you come up with the idea?
My editor at Kensington suggested a book group series. I write cozies. It seemed fun (and "meta") to have a book group that only reads cozies! And who doesn't love Cape Cod?
DeleteI certainly do! :-)
DeleteFirst, let me congratulate you, Hannah, on a couple of things, your book and the First Chapter Fun FB page. I can say with all certainty that I will be reading Sister Dear. It sounds so thrilling. And, I think you and Hank doing the first chapter readings is such a brilliant idea. I have quite a few saved up to listen to this weekend.
ReplyDeleteI am not in a book club, virtual or in-person, but I think I’d really enjoy either. The only problem is that I stay behind in my reading as it is, so I don’t know if I could fit in another book. I love the idea of meeting at a restaurant for a book club, but I don’t know who I would want to have one with locally. All my reading friends are online, so that would be the best choice. Of course, online is all that’s safe now, too. I would prefer it be a genre specific club, with mystery/crime selections.
You will love SISTER DEAR—It is completely original and The plot is quite unexpected.
DeleteAnd I hope you will join us this morning!
Thank you, Kathy, I do hope you enjoy Sister Dear, and I'm thrilled you've discovered First Chapter Fun. It's truly a pleasure and I look forward to Tuesdays and Thursdays more than ever.
DeleteI completely understand your reservations about being in a book club. After a couple of meetings we set up the rotating genres to make sure we had a good mix of books. It seems to be working. There are book clubs which read only a specific genre, too. Are your reading friends in different time zones, too?
Congratulations on your book Hannah!
ReplyDeleteThough I never thought I'd be part of any kind of book club, I joined up with my local library's Mystery Book Club when they started it last year. I was more surprised than anyone when it turned out I really enjoyed taking part. But we haven't had our meeting the last couple of months. For obvious reasons, the library is closed to the public.
I think the idea was floated of doing the meeting virtually, but it went nowhere. Which is a good thing because I wouldn't have been able to take part. I don't think a virtual book club has the same feel as being there in person with each other and talking about a book. It also robs you of the chance to host authors in person if you are lucky enough to be able to bring them in (or they do you the favor of coming because they know you...thanks Edith and Ingrid!)
My substitute for an actual book club has been making myself an active poster on the Mystery Scene magazine message forum. It's not a very busy board but the people who do post there regularly have some pretty good recommendations for new books to read.
Oh, Jay! What is the address of that forum?
DeleteHank - https://www.mysteryscenemag.com/forum/index.php
DeleteThat's the link. But I thought I saw a post from you there already.
Thank you, Jay! I shall check out that link, too.
DeleteWe've had a couple of authors visit online, and it's worked out brilliantly so far. You're right, it's not the same as meeting in person and having snacks and maybe a drink, but on the other hand...no driving :-) I love attending book clubs and would be happy to drop in online when yours resumes. Are you missing the library a lot?
Welcome to Jungle Red Hannah! and thanks for the wonderful first chapter fun idea! Your suggestions for setting up a book club are fabulous, and aren't they lucky to have you organizing!
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to read your book, Lucy/Roberta!
DeleteOh, thank you, Lucy, and First Chapter Fun is my pleasure. I'm so glad we'll get to read for you!
DeleteCongrats on the new book, Hannah!
ReplyDeleteI am not in a book club, virtual or otherwise. I like the camaraderie of a group, but I'm afraid I'd never be able to hold up my end of the bargain by reading the book. My schedule is so crazy these days. Ugh.
Oh, I have to admit, I have not always read every word of every book :-) but it is still fun to get together!
DeleteSee, I couldn't do it. Oldest child/Catholic upbringing. I'd never forgive myself. :-)
DeleteLol, Liz. Honestly, I was a little worried about that, too, especially as the organizer. However, my book club's rule is if you didn't like the book and didn't want to finish it, that's fine. If you didn't have time to read it, that's fine, too. Goodness knows there's enough pressure in our lives already. That's the nice thing about organizing your own book club - you get to make your own rules. Have I changed your mind about starting one, lol?
DeleteHannah Mary, what a time to start anything! But it sounds as if you've been wildly successful right out of the gate. Your club will probably sift out and settle at a dozen or so core members, I'm betting.
ReplyDeleteZoom book clubs are more fun than I thought they'd be, and knowing that one club was holding their next meeting online made it easier to attend, for me. I'm looking towards icy winter nights, when in the past our gathering would be postponed. And maybe holding a meeting online when someone is too ill to attend but still wants to talk about the book.
The scheduling two months in advance sounds great. On choosing books, the two clubs I belong to have very different approaches. The one that consists mainly of former librarians (four named Jeanne, and all pronounced with two syllables, I kid you not) has evolved into one member pretty much choosing the list months in advance, many of which are brand-new books. It's necessary to do that, since new books from the library tend to have waiting lists. They're mostly literary fiction. I very much like everyone in this club, but chafe against one person having most of the say. Their meetings are usually at a restaurant, Saturday late lunch.
The other club is the one I am most faithful to, and the one I enjoy the most. The original group has been together for over 25 years, and there are moms and dads and daughters and childhood best friends and long-ago academic colleagues and other interesting people who've collected along the way. I hope they find me one of those. This group is much more diverse, and more dynamic. And since two former members were blind, and because when they began no one was especially flush for buying books, everyone tries to choose books that can be found at the library, and also in audio or other electronic formats. They meet at each other's homes for dinner on a Thursday night, and everyone brings wine and potluck, usually tuned to the book in some way. And they are all excellent and inventive cooks.
One of the two things I like best about this group is how diplomatic it is. Whoever hosts book club chooses the next book. This also determines how far in advance we plan the next meeting. If it's a long book we will meet in six weeks, for instance. And we try to plan the next meeting for a night when the most members can be there. The only rule about choosing a book is it has to be fiction. Everyone has such different tastes, and we read wildly different genres, science fiction, literary fiction, women's fiction, dystopian fantasies, etc. (And is it hard to choose, when you know you don't get a pick for another year!)
The very best part, though, is how this group has always had male members, reading and nonreading. Since there's a family at the core, whenever there's a meeting, spouses usually tag along. And if they aren't reading, they gather outside or in another part of the house after dinner, and during the discussion. But recently, we've had more and more couples reading the books and discussing them at the meeting. This has changed the dynamic of the group so much, in a wonderful way. It's really fun to see how our various perspectives differ.
Kudos on a 25-year book club! What a treat!
DeleteOh! That is fantastic! What adventures you all must’ve had together. And I have to say, I love the idea of starting something now, you know? It feels very… Optimistic
DeleteSusan, I think I've been a member now for somewhere in the realm of 10-12 years. It was such an honor to be invited to join them.
DeleteAnd Hank, the history of the group involves so many life changing events, happy and sad.
Gosh, Karen, this sounds wonderful. The camaraderie was what struck me at some of the book clubs I attended as a guest - they've known each other for decades, and were such great friends. I love the fact there are male members in your group, too. I don't think it's that common, is it?
DeleteI wonder if anyone would like to have a JRW virtual book club?
ReplyDeleteI would.
DeleteI agree it is very tempting! ! Maybe we could get Hannah Mary to organize it :-)
DeleteLol. You know me, Hank. Little Miss Organized (or Middle-Aged Mrs Organized, at least) :-)
DeleteCongratulations, Hannah, on the release of Sister Dear! Sounds fantastic and just the kind of story I love. I have been in book groups over the years ... but I find I’m much too picky about what I want to spend time reading. (No high marks here for “plays well with others”) Having said that I think book groups are great and often when I finish a book I am desperate to find someone to talk to about it .... go figure.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree this is why I consider reading as a solitary pleasure. I could not always follow a book club's schedule or book choice and enjoy it. But kudos to those who do, and like it.
DeleteSometimes one on one discussions are just fine :-)
DeleteThank you, Hallie, and I'm thrilled we read for you on First Chapter Fun. Thank you for being one of our guinea pigs for the new format :-) I thought the same about the book clubs, but it's been lots of fun to chat about the books and have such diverse opinions. No food fights or anything yet, fingers crossed, haha.
DeleteHallie, I've been dying to talk with people who have read Ann Cleeves' Shetland series, especially book four, Blue Lightning (no! how could she?). I wish I could find a book group for that book alone.
DeleteCongratulations on the new book, Hannah!
ReplyDeleteI had never participated in a book club until a little over a year ago. Our neighborhood has an active private Facebook group, and someone posted in it her desire to start a book club. There was surprisingly good response, and a dozen or so of us have been meeting monthly ever since.
Obviously it started out as an in-person club, rotating the role of host and sharing wine and light snacks, but when the pandemic hit we shifted to meeting by Zoom and it was pretty satisfying. My favorite thing about our club is the age diversity of the group. (Other than age, we aren't very diverse: basically a bunch of white women.) I would guess that our members run from late 20's to mid 70's, and sometimes that brings really different perspectives.
Getting together is a good thing! What are you reading now ?
DeleteTana French's The Witch Elm is up next. Previous book was Sue Monk Kidd's The Invention of Wings. We just selected July's book and it is Daisy Jones & the Six, by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
DeleteThank you, Susan!
DeleteHow funny, that's exactly how my book club started, too - via a private FB group and we shifted to Zoom. How have you found the transition? Do the same amount of people join in online as before? And you have a great selection of books!
Welcome Hannah. I look forward to your new book. While I know I'd enjoy the camaraderie of a book club, I can't imagine "having" to read a book. Choosing what to read next, for me anyway, is usually a midnight decision, right after I finish the book I'm reading. It is something I look forward to, and I'm not at all shy about reading a couple of chapters and throwing a disappointing book across the room, virtually anyway.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes from the JRW resident curmudgeon!
You are allowed to say that in bookclub! Every book club needs an Ann or two! In the one I was in, we affectionately called her Eeyore.
DeleteAbsolutely what Hank said! That's the beauty of a really balanced book club, the discussions and various viewpoints that differ from your own. It's often eye-opening and thought-provoking to see how others view the same thing you read, but from a vastly different perspective.
DeleteThank you, Ann - and I completely agree with Hank and Karen - not everyone having the same opinion in the book club is all part of the fun. As an author, am I allowed to admit I don't finish every book I start? I decided a while back if I'm struggling, then I try something else instead.
DeleteHank - did you really call her Eeyore? Hilarious!
We did! And she loved it! oxoxo
DeleteHahaha!! :-)
DeleteI was in a book club for writers for a year, moderated by Jaden "Beth" Terrell. We read a mix of suspense, thrillers, PI, and a few cozies--Wm. Kent Krueger, Michael Connelly, Val McDermid. Beth also published notes on the books which we responded to. A great experience!
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful, Margaret! Would you participate in another, in person or online?
DeleteAsking for a friend..and we'd adore you to visit First Chapter Fun!
DeleteBrrr! That was the shiver down my spine when I read about Sister Dear. I'm not sure I have the courage to read it. (Same goes for Hank's The Murder List. It's sitting there on my Kindle, giving evil little chuckles every time I notice it, knowing I don't have the guts to start reading. I am *so* unnerved by suspense !)
ReplyDeleteI joined a reading challenge on Goodreads this year (historical mysteries -- wow, I had no idea there were so many fabulous ones!), and I have already fallen dismally behind. But I think I would obey a book club better, whether virtual or IRL, because I have a horrendous sense of guilt, so I would feel really terrible if I didn't show up. (Note to self: join a weekly writing challenge in the hope of getting more words on the page. The guilt, chagrin, embarrassment, whatever, will get to me if I don't meet my goal.) OTOH, a book club would get me out of my reading comfort zone and force me to tackle, gasp, suspense!
That's so funny, Barbara. We all need those sticks and carrots to a certain extent, don't we?
DeleteOne of the really fun parts of book clubs is reading--or trying to--something you would not have chosen on your own.
DeleteAgreed!
DeleteCongratulations on your new book, Hannah Mary, and welcome to JRW. We've been expecting you! Your book sounds deliciously creepy.
ReplyDeleteI love First Chapter Fun. Love it. Now that I've found it, I want to listen to many of the recordings you have made and also cannot wait to hear the Jungle Red's books as they have their turns.
I've never been in a book club. I was a lit major in college and loved my classes where we discussed so many books. I always took part in class discussions, 50 years ago, now.
My friends and I discuss books and authors and make recommendations to one another. One friend and I sometimes buy books for one another as gifts and to support particular authors. I just mailed the first five of Deb's Kincaid/James books to RI to my best friend from High School who is at the end of her rope with their library closed. She received them last night and was gushing! Interestingly, my husband and I have been reading lots of the same books (no cozies for him, though) and now I have a home made book club.
One neat thing going around Facebook is the 7 day book challenge. A cousin challenged me to post covers of 7 books I have loved for 7 days, no explanation needed or reviews, for the sake of literacy, just select someone else each day to take up the challenge. The response has been incredible, the authors I never knew about, the range of books, outstanding. It was a gift and my kids all participated, and passed it along to their friends and cousins. Just WOW.
Thanks so much for sharing the books, Judy! I hope your friend enjoys them. (And returns them, lol)
DeleteThank you, Judy! I'm thrilled you like the sound of Sister Dear, and that you're enjoying First Chapter Fun. It seems to be resonating with so many people and I hope that will still be the case when this pandemic is over. I know I'm thoroughly enjoying myself alongside Hank :-)
DeleteI love how you have a home made book club! My husband reads one book a year (mine, because I make him, haha), so we don't get to chat about books. Do you purposely pick books both of you will read, or is it still more coincidental?
How lovely that you and your friend gift each other novels, I love that idea. My mother-in-law is an avid reader and every year for my birthday she buys a copy of my latest book and gifts it to the library. When she suggested it, I was so touched.
I did see the FB challenge and it's really neat. Can you tell us which books you posted?
Oh, that sounds like so much fun! I know I would truly overthink it. And hurray! See you Tuesday on FCF--and pssst. We're reading Strangers at the Gate from our dear pal, Catriona McPherson!
DeleteJudy, I also did that 7-day book challenge and it was a lot of fun. A big surprise for me is that I chose non-fiction books on 6 of the 7 days to post. This is so unexpected since I mostly read fiction (now) and my massive book collection at home is 90% mystery fiction. So it was a learning experience and I also saw some interesting titles posted by my friends.
DeleteI am an avid reader and reading is my best ever form of entertainment. I have never been involved in a book club. I am very occupied now with my 2 grandsons, 6 & 8, since there is no school, no day camp in June etc. and this has been ongoing for 2 months. Taking care of them is a pleasure but does reduce my reading until nighttime.
ReplyDeleteOh, gosh, you must be so busy, but 6 & 8 is such a great age. I have three boys (16, 15, 15) and they've been at home since mid-March. How are your grandsons coping? They must be missing their friends?
DeleteYou are a rock star! But I'd truly love to know what they're thinking.
DeleteI hadn't been in a book club for a while, but I found the perfect one for me in the Casual Book Club. Instead of picking a book for all of us to read and discuss, we choose a theme for each meeting (e.g., locally set books, humor, mystery, music, classics, food, etc.), and at the meeting we present one or more books we have read that relate (even peripherally) to the theme. That way, we can pick our own books, rather than being forced to reread something or to read something that doesn't interest us.
ReplyDeleteUntil recently, we met for lunch at a restaurant for 1.5 hours (no talk about books), then walked down the street to a high-end coffee shop and sat outside (when possible) to discuss the books (another 1.5 hours). Fantastic, right? Of course, now we are meeting on Zoom, and it is working well, although the food and coffee have to be provided at home.
What a great idea, Margie!
DeleteWhat a lovely, lovely idea, Margie. I joined a book club early this year different to the one I started) and we decided not to choose books for a few months but to just chat about life and/or the books we'd read. It certainly reduces the stress, doesn't it?
DeleteThat is FABULOUS. xoo
DeleteI like the format of your Casual Book Club, Margie! That is one that I could possibly join.
Deleteyou win, Margie Bunting! YAY! Email me at h ryan at whdh dot com and tell me your address! (US only, right?) xoxo
DeleteCongrats, Margie!
DeleteI belonged to the local library book club for many years, but stopped when scheduling became a problem. I miss the juicy discussions -- especially when there were mixed reactions to a book. A local independent bookstore has asked me to organize a mystery book club and I think I'm going to take her up on that. Thanks for the inspirational push.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, Cheryl! Good luck with putting the club together. Will you keep us posted on how it works out?
DeleteOH, hurray! Let us know how we can help--I have a whole roster of authors :-) I know would be thrilled to appear!
DeleteReading allows me to dream, experience, travel and enjoy life. It takes me away from my problems, aches and is always enlightening and special. I do not belong to a book club but may consider it in the future.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree! Both reading and writing have been a fabulous distraction for me during these difficult times. Do you find you're reading more since the pandemic to escape as much as you can?
DeleteI am off to prepare for first chapter fun! More to come… Hope to see you there in about an hour!
ReplyDeleteYou were wonderful, Hank!
DeleteOh, thank you! I am still so nervous every time!
DeleteI am not a book club reader. That is, I love to read but I cannot read "to schedule" and the few isolated times I've ventured into an organized discussion forum, I have not enjoyed the process. So, I just continue to read my own choices and have fascinating conversations with myself about my response to the author's work. This likely makes me an outlier...
ReplyDeleteI was exactly like you! For me it depended on the rules of the club. I didn't want to be "told" to read, and I know one club where if you didn't finish the book, you weren't allowed to attend the meeting. I wanted my book club to be fun, not a chore, so I made my own to control the rules. This likely makes me...bossy? :-)
DeleteReally? You weren't allowed to attend? That is HARSH. oxox
DeleteYikes, that is why I did not want to join book clubs, Hannah...way too strict and harsh.
DeleteBut virtual "fun" book club sounds much better!
Hannah, your book looks intriguing, especially since my just sister has arrived to help find me a new home. I've known about her forever so no surprises there and I truly don't want her life.
ReplyDeleteBook clubs intimate me. I've never been a fast reader so I don't think I would ever be comfortable participating in the discussion.
Have fun in First Chapter today, I'll see you in the reruns.
Hi Deana. Book clubs need to be comfortable and friendly, I feel, not stressful. I'm thrilled you've discovered First Chapter Fun. Do stop by and say hello :-)
DeleteYAY! See you in the reruns! Let us know what you think!
DeleteI'm not part of any book clubs. I don't have the time in my reading schedule for someone to pick a book for me to read. A localish library has been hosting a "talk about any book you want" book club a couple times a month on Zoom the last couple of months, and I've popped in for that, which has been lots of fun.
ReplyDeleteThat does sound like fun, Mark! Have you picked up any books from new-to-you authors because of those talks?
DeleteOh, good question, Hannah!
DeleteI did. I read a non-fiction book a couple of weeks ago that was mentioned at one of the meetings.
DeleteHank, thanks for introducing me to a new to me author and novel. I'll check it out! And thanks for the link to the Facebook book club too.
ReplyDeleteHannah, welcome to Jungle Reds! Is your novel a mystery or a thriller? Not too violent? Your novel sounds intriguing and I will check it out! And thanks for the tips regarding virtual book clubs. I have tried to start book clubs on Instagram. I rarely use Facebook these days. I started a Maisie Dobbs book club for fans of Maisie Dobbs. Love the series! I have been participating in several IG book clubs started by friends. The Nancy Drew book club by Emilee, The Agatha Christie book club (there are several) with abibliostyle (Sela) and writtentea; a Classics book club with Reading with Classics (Helena) and the Reese's Monthly Book Club with Reese Witherspoon. Reese has this knack for picking books that I liked 98 percent of the time!
Diana
Hi Diana,
DeleteThank you so much, I'm thrilled to be here. Sister Dear is a psychological thriller and definitely not violent. Stuff happens (and by stuff I mean death) but it isn't graphic. I can't believe how many book clubs you participate in. How fabulous? Where do you find the time? Do you read a book for each one every month?
Hi Hannah,
DeleteWith shelter in place and since I am not going anywhere, I have more time to read. Two book clubs are easy because I read the Nancy Drew and Agatha Christie novels years ago and the re-reads are quicker. We are reading Lorna Doone for the Classics book club and I think it will take about two to three months since we are reading ONE chapter per day. The language is challenging to read! Reese's books grab my interest and it's often a joy to read the books that she picked!
Except for the Classics book club (76 chapters and one chapter each day), we read a book for each club every month.
Psychological thrillers are my cup of tea. I loved the psychological thrillers by Louise Penny. I'll check out your new novel. Congratulations again!
Diana
WOW--I love hearing about this! And yes, Reese--are you listening, dear Reese?--is quite brilliant!
DeleteHank, did you meet Reese? She looks like my great aunt.
DeleteDiana
Oh, wow! I am so excited for this book - coming from a family with more skeletons than a graveyard and the baggage that accompanies them, this is a perfect read for me! Congratulations on the release, Hannah! Love First Chapter Fun - delightful to watch you today, Hank. Sadly, I mostly attend book clubs as an author. But someday I hope to be a member again!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Jenn. And we need to know more about those skeletons..., lol. Thrilled we'll be reading for you on First Chapter Fun. I'm so pleased you're enjoying the series!
DeleteOh, thank you! I am SO glad I didn't know you were there--so intimidating. And we are thrilled to be reading Paris is Always a Good Idea. SO GOOD!
DeleteWhat a great topic for these strange times we are in! And such helpful suggestions, too. I was in a book club for many years - I helped to start it when I was a new mother desperate for adult conversation. Love it for years, look back fondly, but it changed over time, and I did, and reading became my job more than my recreation, and I lost interest.And these distracted days I do find it harder to lose myself in a book.What a treat when something just grabs me!
ReplyDeleteHi Triss,
DeleteThrilled you found the suggestions helpful. Do you think you might start up a new book club now? You're right, there's so much going on right now it's easy to get distracted. Honestly, that was part of the reason why I started First Chapter Fun. I needed a...distraction from all the distraction, a new project that would occupy my brain instead of Covid. It worked!
When you say reading became your job, in what capacity is that?
Thanks for asking. I am a librarian. When I realized I would have to pay more for childcare than my salary with the public library (no kidding)I moved into business research and worked in a corporate world company library for many years.(Retired now)I followed several diverse but related industries, which meant reading many trade and general business journals and even more weekly newsletters- I needed to keep up with the news and build reference files. On my own time, I decided I was only reading what caught my personal interests! I didn't care if someone else loved it - or spurned it, either. And I was starting to write my own mysteries then, too, so I had another area to become more educated about, too.I do miss discussing books - we researchers did it a lot, informally - but I still want to read 1. what appeals to my own interests, including mysteries of course or 2. mysteries I want to learn from
DeleteThat's fascinating, Triss. I can imagine how you must miss discussion books, it's so much fun.
DeleteCongratulations on the new book, Hannah! It sounds deliciously chilling!
ReplyDeleteI have never been in a book club, although I've enjoyed the ones I've attended as and author/guest. I am always so behind on my want-to-read/must-read piles that I can't imagine squeezing in something else. However, I share books with my friend Gigi and with my daughter, so we discuss them, and there is always plenty of interesting talk about books on social media. And now there's First Chapter Fun, so I'm off to catch up on today reading!!
Thank you so much, Deborah, and I'm very much looking forward to us featuring you on First Chapter Fun. My TBR is ridiculous now, particularly with FCF, and growing each day. How do you prioritize the books you read? I love how you share books with your friend and daughter. Our eldest loves thrillers, so I now give him recommendations, which is a lovely. Do you and your daughter have the same taste in books, too?
DeleteSo eager to read your book, Debs! We will do you proud. xooxo We'll have a big watch party for all the Reds!
DeleteCongratulations on your book! I would love to win it! lindaherold999(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda!
DeleteI can't wait to read Dear Sister!
ReplyDeleteI'm only in one book club, and it is run by the friends of the library group. Books & Bars meets in various brewery/restaurant locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul with a lovely moderator from MPR. It is a lot of fun! Well, it WAS a lot of fun before it went virtual. It's still fun, but now you have to drink whatever you have at home.
Thank you, Denise! Books & Bars sounds like a lot of fun. I hope you can meet again in person very soon!
DeleteAND THE WINNER IS: Margie Bunting! YAY! Email me at h ryan at whdh dot com and tell me your address! (US only, right?)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Margie! Email me too hannah at hannah mary mckinnon dot com and I'll send you some signed bookmarks :-)
Delete