HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: Are you in a book club? Have you ever been? Every author will tell you they are the absolute pinnacle of delight. To be surrounded by people who love your books and want to talk about it --what could be better? And for readers, please know that so many authors are thrilled with a book club invitation.
The fantastic and brilliant Hannah Mary McKinnon, my dear friend, and founder of First Chapter Fun and now my partner in fictional crime, and wildly successful best-selling author (whose marvelous new THE REVENGE LIST is an instant Canadian bestseller!) has been on both sides of the book club couch: as an honored guest, and as host.
And today, she has some inside scoop on everything you need to know about book clubs.
HANNAH MARY MCKINNON: So, you want to start a book club?
As an author, I’ve had the pleasure of being invited as a guest to
Unfortunately, Covid hit three months later, but we persevered online, and have kept going for over three years already. It’s been great fun, and I thought I’d share some tips and tricks on creating your own book club, in case you’ve been toying with the idea but aren’t sure where to begin.
1) Find members
You could drop off a flyer at your library, community centre, or book store (or ask if they have an online option) — these all fabulous places to start. Personally, I posted about starting a book club in a local Facebook mom’s group and was inundated with replies. Although I only expected a handful of participants, over 60 women indicated their interest. That number initially settled at 18 and, over time, naturally reduced to around 10.
On average, 6-8 people attend monthly because of e.g., vacation, family commitments, and scheduling conflicts. It’s a great number as everyone gets to chat, and we’ve been able to get to know each other better in a smaller group.
2) Have an introductory meeting
I held the initial meeting at my house as a “meet-and-greet” where we introduced ourselves, chatted about the genre of books we enjoy (or don’t care for), and talked about the structure of the group. The biggest problem was figuring out what to do with all the food everyone generously brought.
If you don’t have the space or you’re not keen on hosting at your place, look for a local restaurant or coffee shop where the noise levels work with having conversations. I’ve found round tables work better for group discussions than rectangular ones.
3) Figure out how to pick your books and if there are rules
We opted for five rotating genres: Book Club Picks, Suspense/Thriller, General Fiction, Historical Fiction and “Wild Card” where anything goes. We plan the books two months ahead, and members make suggestions on which we vote afterward, so it’s always a consensus. Having themes means we read a variety of genres, and don’t have the same genre multiple months in a row. Other options could be whoever leads the meeting picks the book, or pulling book suggestions from a hat.
Will your club have rules? For example, do members have to finish the book to join the discussion (ours don’t). See what works best for your group.
4) Create an online 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 book club members have access, and I scheduled all our events for the year so everyone had the dates well in advance. The online group is also an easy place to share information about where we buy or from which library we borrow the books.
5) Invite authors
Admittedly, this is easier to do when you’re an author and you’ve made connections with other writers, but you might be surprised by how many authors love to be book club guests. Fortunately, with the wonders of technology you can beam them straight in via e.g. Zoom.
Whether they charge for their time depends on the author, but regardless, sharing photos and positive reviews of their novel on social media will be greatly appreciated.
Just do me a favor, please? Ask your book club members to withhold negative comments about the author’s work until after the author has left the discussion. Instead, focus on e.g., how they crafted the story, what research they undertook, which scene they had the most fun writing, and if they’d considered an alternate ending or title.
For a list of 101 questions to ask authors, click here, and if one of your group members forgets to be kind, gently jump in and recalibrate the conversation.
Still unsure about inviting an author? Two initiatives, https://invitd.ca/ and www.theauthorsbookclub.ca connect book clubs with writers who are happy to join your meeting—all you need to do is ask.
6) Ask for help
I have the great fortune of having branched out into writing romantic-comedies as well as my annual thrillers. That means I have two books publishing this year — The Revenge List (thriller) on May 23, 2023, and The Christmas Wager (romantic-comedy penned as Holly Cassidy) on September 26, 2023.
Writing two books a year means I must cut down on other things, and when I mentioned this to the group, two of the book club members immediately volunteered to take over. I can now attend as a member only without having to worry about all the coordination, and it’s been great to have fresh leadership.
When you create your book club, it’s worthwhile considering who’ll co-lead the group with you, so you don’t have to manage everything all alone.
Do you have a book club? How did yours start, how long ago, and what other tips can you share?
HANK: I was in a book club once, and it was great, and we all got to choose books. (When it was my turn, I chose one of my dear and forever favorites, Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton. Reds and readers, they all hated it. HATED. Anyway. We parted ways soon after, because I was about to be on the other side of the chat!
(And to find the perfect book, there’s also https://novelnetwork.com/ which will connect your club with 128 fantastic authors! Check it out.)
(And oh, we can all tell funny-now stories about questions we’ve been asked. SO true, dear Hannah!)
But now, in this life as an author, I give thanks for book clubs every day. And we’d love to hear more about YOURS!
Hannah Mary McKinnon was born in the UK, grew up in Switzerland and moved to Canada in 2010. Her suspense novels include THE NEIGHBORS, and bestsellers HER SECRET SON, SISTER DEAR, YOU WILL REMEMBER ME, NEVER COMING HOME, and THE REVENGE LIST.
She has also written the romantic comedy THE CHRISTMAS WAGER as Holly Cassidy.
Hannah Mary lives in Oakville, Ontario, with her husband and three sons.
Connect on Facebook and Instagram @hannahmarymckinnon, and on Twitter @HannahMMcKinnon. For more, visit www.hannahmarymckinnon.com
Congratulations, Hannah, on your newest book . . . I’m looking forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteBook clubs have always fascinated me despite never having actually been part of one myself. A small group of us share books we’ve enjoyed, and even talk a bit about them, but it’s certainly not as organized as a book club. Perhaps some day . . . .
Well, that sounds like all of the fun without any of the complications! Lovely!
DeleteThank you, Joan! Our book club is very relaxed. It's as much about the books as it is meeting up with friends :-)
DeleteI don't have a book club. My to be read pile is massive enough without someone else picking a book for me each month. On the other hand, I think I'd really enjoy getting to discuss a book with others. I just wish I had the time to read the books to participate in one.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your new book!
I read many books outside of Book Club, and often comment to the Librarian that such & such was a good book. I would love to have it added to the list of titles, just for the discussion around it. Sometimes you just want to see what others think and debate it. Goodreads is not enough, because you don't get the to and fro, and the chance to see the book from another point of view.
DeleteOh, I so agree! It is all about the conversation!
DeleteThe discussion part is always so much fun. It's great to hear other points of view and see how a story can be received so differently.
DeleteGreat guidelines, Hannah, and congratulations on the new book.
ReplyDeleteI was in a book club at work once, with fellow tech writers. Three were men with liberal arts PhDs, and they wanted to analyze the books to death. I finally dropped out, because that's not the kind of discussion I was looking for. As an author, I agree with you - they are so fun to attend!
One of the cozy series I write features members of a book group (that only reads cozy mysteries) who help the protagonist solve the murders that keep happening!
Oh, Edith, that is hilarious. I can absolutely picture that book club…Yikes!
DeleteI do have a lot of fun with the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries, set in fictional Westham on Cape Cod.
DeleteEdith, you have created a perfect book club in Westham. They do get up to a lot of mischief, though. LOL
DeleteThank you, Judy!
DeleteThank you so much!
DeleteI think we probably split our time 50% book chat, 50% other chat. It's fun!
Hi Hannah, so great to see you here today! I hardly ever miss an FCF, and I've found dozens of new-to-me authors with your and Hank's help.
ReplyDeleteI do not belong to a book club and never considered starting one. I do have a couple of friends whom I talk with about books, but only as part of our phonecalls. Now that I am retired, I read much more than I used to read. Between audiobooks and ebooks, I can read all day, so I could certainly fit a book club book into my month. It just hasn't happened. So, JRW and FCF are my book clubs.
we're so glad you're here with us Judy!
DeleteAnd we think that’s just perfect! Hooray!
DeleteYou and Irving discuss books, though, right? A mini book club, Judy.
DeleteYes, Karen, Irwin and I do discuss books quite a bit. We also share a love for some authors which is really nice.
DeleteIrwin!
DeleteOops, sorry, Judy!
DeleteOoh, I wonder if you'll start your own book club, Judy?
DeleteCongratulations Hannah, and thanks for the tips--and for all you do with Hank! I'd love to hear more about how you shift from thriller to romcom--in your mind, I mean?
ReplyDeleteSo agree! And we must get her to write about that… But you have a similar situation, right?
DeleteI would be interested to know the personal journey from Lucy, Jenn and Hannah about shifting from mystery writer to romance writer. There seems to be a natural transition.
DeleteThank you, Roberta! Yes, perhaps I'll write a piece about writing both rom-com and thrillers (and trying not to mix up the plots, haha).
DeleteANY time! We'd love to post it!
DeleteYes, I'm in a book club. It's a mystery book club and it is held at our local library. It was started by the library director about 5 years ago. I tried it out on a lark but enjoyed it so I kept going. We ended up having Ingrid Thoft join a meeting virtually and Edith Maxwell came in person to another meeting.
ReplyDeleteWe ended up having to stop the club when Covid hit. We didn't transition to an online meeting group so the club technically ended for nearly 3 years. The library director left and when Nancy wanted to re-start the group, she and I ended up co-running the 2.0 version of the mystery book club. It's been going along okay though the numbers have remained relatively stable. Personally I wish it would grow a little more.
Nancy usually does some kind of presentation tied to the book that the group has read, then we talk about the book. I usually share news about any area book signings the group might be interested in and then we pick a new book to read. Usually from a list of suggestions I have compiled. That's the one irritating thing is that I provide the majority of the suggestions because most of the members don't offer their own suggestions.
Our next meeting is June 20th starting at 6pm at the Wareham Free Library and we'll be talking about the Ann Cleeves book THE LONG CALL.
Oh, what a perfect choice!
DeleteI am curious Jay. As you are the one suggesting most of the books, how do you feel when it is not liked at all . Does it happen ?
DeleteDanielle
Danielle, I've had a couple books that weren't liked that much. One was absolutely hated by everyone else. I don't let it bother me really. I mean, I liked the book and wanted to share it. I have to be open to others not having the same level of love for a book. Does it stink? Sure, but that's the point of a book club, no? To listen to what others thought and maybe rethink something you had previously believed about a book. It didn't happen in my case with the one that they all hated but I listened.
DeleteAnd when we read a book that someone else suggested, there were a couple I wasn't overly fond of but one that I hated. So I figure it all balances out in the end.
The one thing that actually bothered me was when I suggested a book by a certain author and it was rejected out of hand by some of the members because they didn't like the author. That was annoying to say the least.
So when I make a list of books to suggest, I do it with the membership in mind. It saves time to not put books on the list I know they won't even consider. (Serial killer novels in particular. Ha!)
I belong to a book club, a group of women who get together once a month for an evening of food and wine and chat. Most of us have known each other for 30+ years. Sometimes we get together to go to the movies.
ReplyDeleteMy difficulty with book group is enduring other people's tastes and offering mine. I like non-fiction and murder mysteries. Most of them love what I think of as "heavy" fiction and also science fiction. For me, these are homework. Punishment. I laughed over Hank's experience with Edith Wharton. Years ago I offered what I thought of as a breezy read: Nancy Mitford's Love in a Cold Climate. They HATED it. Bored to tears! They didn't even think it was funny.
I stay in book group because I love having an appointment to see my old friends, not because of the books or even the book discussions. Frequently I just listen to the latter because I've given up on whatever depressing, dark story, anyway. Edith, how much I would love a book group devoted to cozy mysteries!
Yes, it is difficult to find a book that absolutely everyone loves… I remember, though, everyone being enthralled over Bel Canto— the perfect book club book !
DeleteBel Canto - a most interesting book. As you say a book that everyone loves. The most interesting thing about this is that several of us went on to read more from this author, but she fell short. However, isn't that the point of reading something new - it may appeal to you or not, but at least you are introduced to a new way of thinking.
DeleteWhen things were the way they are supposed to, absolutely! And it is truly enlightening to realize that not everyone likes the same books, right?
DeleteA couple of our members almost always choose dystopian tragedies when it's their turn, and I detest them, and most science fiction. Every now and again, though, I'm really glad I read the books, Klara and the Sun, for instance. It was a treasure. But I've also made them sit through some picks they weren't interested in reading, so it evens out.
DeleteI love how you've known each other for 30+ years and are still getting together. That's very special.
DeleteBook clubs in my opinion are more of a social club than a serious discussion group. But, that is half the fun! I was in a book club for over 20 years (was one of the original members) but over time lost interest. My favorite book we chose as a group was A Fine Balance set in India.
ReplyDeleteIdeas for a successful book club:
*At the beginning of each year assign a month for each member to be responsible for leading
*The monthly leader should present a few book choices for the group to decide on in advance (we did this a year in advance).
*We had the monthly person responsible for a short presentation of the author (usually more of a bio type) and they also brought drinks and snacks. Then we had informal chats about the book. What we liked, didn't like, etc.
Brilliant ideas! Make sure you leave your name, if you can… We’d love to know who you are!
DeleteMaybe we could have a JRW book club - here online?
ReplyDeleteEvery other month a different Jungle Red would pick a book and we could all be involved asking questions to the author.
Or we could even just talk about the book! It might be difficult to get the author, but… Tell us more about your idea, and everyone weigh in!
DeleteI was thinking each JRW would be the online host for a book of their choice (hopefully it would be one of their books) and we could ask you questions.
DeleteWell, you have totally said the magic word! If we could do it for our own books, I’m sure everyone of us would be thrilled!
DeleteFrom Celia: GM, great discussion on books already, thanks Hank and Mary. When I read Joan’s comment my immediate thought was Yes a JRW online book club so I second Anons thought too. I would be happy to help setting it up. However i would like to hear back from our dear JRW’s, yes the 7 or is it 8 of you. Math hopeless here, as to whether any of you want this actually, or have the time or would prefer that some of us work it out and get it up and running. You are all so busy that I hesitate to ask for more. I will just put out that you can find me at Wakefieldpro then the Gmail attachment. Please if you write put JRW book club in the subject so I don't delete your email. Just a thought everyone.
DeleteI would absolutely participate in this type of book club, Celia.
DeleteI would partake of that book club, but I would like to see it as more of what the writers would choose as a book to read. It gives an insight into their life outside what they write - and makes them more into a person. I fear that readers would feel obliged to be positive to whatever the writer chose of their books, rather than offer an honest opinion. In our book club we have one reader who always is super positive about any book that has won a prize - regardless of whether she liked the book or not.
DeleteBookclubs – oh, yes!
ReplyDeleteI belong to 2, both are through the library. The books are free, and come in groups of 10, so ten members is the max. There are about 250 titles in the catalogue in all types of subjects. Some are good, some are terrible and some are ‘just don’t go there’. The books come in various formats (book, large print, ebooks, audio and sometimes cd), so it makes it easier for each of us to read as we choose. Each member gets to choose a book for their ‘hosting’ and there are 10 meetings a year – every 4 weeks. If it is your book, you bring the snacks; the library makes the tea. Our library is small, so we just meet there and a few patrons come in around us, but that just means we all chat with the patron, and then get back to the discussion at hand.
The books that seem to get the most attention always seem to be the terrible ones. Comments like “needs a better editor” or that was just weird, or why did the book wimp out at the end are often heard. We grade the books out of 10, and then answer the question ‘would you recommend this book?’ It is interesting how many times a book can get a semi-good review, but then not get recommended even though we all explain the why. Some books have never made it to a 5, and some books have been known to get a 12!
The best part of each book is that we feel obliged to read it. This means that I have to read Margaret Atwood (at least the first chapter), The others in the club get to mock me because I miss some nuances as I usually listen to books. There are many titles that the comment is “I would never have read that if I didn’t have to, but I am glad that I did.”
You can comment on the book, even if you don’t read it, but pull that excuse too often, and mockery ensues. Unfortunately we are all too polite to say ”look, if you just came for the tea and cakes, would you like to move on, so someone else can take your place”, so we have to wait for attrition.
Lunch (usually egg salad sandwiches and squares) is noisy with the sounds of recipes, ‘how is the fishing?’ ‘Are your kids home?’ “How are you feeling now?’ ‘I just read a new book – title given’ - all sounds of people in a community with a love of everything.
Our librarian is retiring in August. She is a part of Book Club. Some have suggested that we move it to various people’s homes – so we could have wine – but that would probably deteriorate to more chit-chat and less book chat. I hope it remains with the structure that comes with having it in the library.
That sounds absolutely wonderful! Oh… Egg salad. Perfection!
DeleteI've never been in a book club. If I didn't like the book, I'd feel forced to finish it because, rules, and I have a towering stack of books I DO want to read.
ReplyDeleteThey are certainly not for everyone, that is for sure!
DeleteIn our group nobody has to finish the book if they don't enjoy it :-)
DeleteWe have one member that always starts her comments, "Well, I'm still reading this one..."
DeleteCongratulations, Hannah! And great post! I've been part of several book clubs over the years. The first one was pretty social and involved people I knew from work. It eventually naturally disintegrated. I'm currently in a book group with about 7 members. We do have some rules--we read only books by women and we try to read cross-culturally. We select books by discussion and keep an on-going list of suggestions. We've been lucky enough to have two authors join us, both because members of our group knew them. Leni Zumas joined us to discuss her book Red Clocks, which we all really liked. The other was a YA author whose name and book I've forgotten (she joined us on Zoom) though I liked the book. We are trying to meet in person again, and will be meeting at the home of our oldest, ill member, with a back up in case she has to cancel.
ReplyDeleteThen there's my church book group, which is on hiatus now because we have gone through a clergy transition, but will hopefully start up again soon. We read and discussed several books during the pandemic, including See No Stranger by Valarie Kaur (highly recommend). More recently and separately from the English book group, we have started bilingual Spanish/English book discussions. In 2022 for Lent, we read Dear America Notes from an Undocumented Citizen by Jose Antonio Vargas and did the discussions on Zoom (as the Zoom host, I am delighted it worked well!),. This year we met in person to discuss a book that had the same daily readings in Spanish on one page and English on the next, written by a variety of Latino voices from across many parts of Latin America. The time we spent together felt very sacred to many of us, enriched by two newly arrived Nicaraguan political prisoners. We hope to offer another bilingual discussion during Advent.
That is absolutely inspirational! And yes, I think they are fabulous for offering us books we might not have chosen on our own. Perfect.
DeleteNever been part of a book club. I have similar feelings to what Liz posted above.
ReplyDeleteMy towering TBR mountains are calling to me all the time.
You are a force of nature!
DeleteSorry for the 2nd blurb, but I think Book Clubs and their success is dependent not just on the members, or the subject matter but on how it is run. In one of my library ones, we go around the table beginning with whoever choose the book, and each of us gets to say our spiel. There is a bit of chit-chat, but predominantly the person speaking gets to say what they think. Meeting takes about 90 mins, then snacks are up. Book Club 2, also in another library is a free for all. There are only 5 of us, and it is just say what you want, when you want. Meeting takes about 30 mins (no tea and cakes!)
ReplyDeleteThe main library used to have a Big Read once a year, where all over the library system we read the same book, and then came together to discuss it. This was overseen by one of the English Professors, who led it as I suspect a PHD review would happen – no fun at all. Tea and fruit at the end.
SO interesting to hear how the different ones work!
DeleteThe best part of belonging to my book club is the acceptance that we all have an opinion and may not always agree - I tend to (always) choose a mystery title and would never pick a good rom-com/historical fiction/nonfiction/narrative nonfiction/literary fiction, etc. without my book and LIFE friends. We've been at it for over twenty years.
ReplyDeleteAawww...that is SO wonderful! The power of books and friendship....
DeleteI was in a workplace (in my case middle school employees) based book club for several years. It was nice to get to know people on a more personal level. Some months it was more about the wine and whine than about the book, but generally the leaders would rope us in and get a good book discussion going. And like you Hank, people did not like the books I picked. On the flip side, I read a lot of their picks which I didn’t like.
ReplyDeleteNot very conducive to inviting the author, but there are book clubs where everyone reads their own book and shares about it rather than everyone agreeing on the same book. Also, I have read about Silent Book clubs, where each person brings their book to read for an hour and then have some social time.
Silent book clubs--where you just read together? I have never heard of that!
DeleteI've never been part of a book club, per se, but have been part of what was called a Literary Society. When a bank is the sponsor, they have the money to attract big name authors. The society is no longer active, but it was a lot of fun. We had no say in the books, often they did not arrive much in advance of the meetings, and once came months after, but to hear authors speak as diverse as Barbara Tayor Bradford, David McCullough, Dick Francis, and Edward Albee speak about writing and their journey, priceless.
ReplyDeleteWOW! That's amazing. What a lineup!
DeleteHannah, thank you for that link to questions to ask authors. I’ve saved the article.
ReplyDeleteMy wonderful book club meets tonight, and I can't wait. I had to miss the last one, so I missed discussion of my pick, Bonnie Garmus's Lessons in Chemistry. Which apparently, everyone loved. Tonight we're discussing The Summer Book by Tove Jansson, a Finnish classic enjoying its 50th year since publication. Each host gets to pick the next book.
ReplyDeleteWhat I love about this group is the mix of members. We nearly have as many men as women, several college professors/teachers, a couple architects, a minister, a doctor (the last two, both women, are married to each other), a chef, lots of artists and an author of more than 50 children's nonfiction science books. We read everything, from this sweet story of a family on an island to dystopian tales that would curl your hair to classics to Icelandic noir, as long as its fiction, and the person picking is not questioned about their choice. Everyone is a good cook, and we take turns hosting potluck dinners that attempt to call back to the story we just read.
Tonight's meeting will be special, because it's a beautiful day and we will enjoy our dinner in a wonderful garden, eating food made from the veggies grown right there. I'm so lucky to have been invited to join them about 15 years ago.
Wow, I am swooning! That's great!
DeleteI'm in an on-line crime fiction book club. We read everything from cozies to dark suspense/thrillers. I read the books as a writer, appreciating structure, character development, plot twists, setting. Having read across the spectrum of crime fiction gave me the ability to discuss two page partials in group agent round table discussions at Killer Nashville.
ReplyDeleteThat's brilliant--because of course reading like a writer is a totally different experience, for better or for worse!
DeleteAnd I would love a JRW "ask the author" day with each of you!
ReplyDeleteWelllll....we could try that! I'm in. ANyone else?
DeleteYes that would be so great. To have a JRW as a host here on this site first (and then maybe later as a Zoom or ?) to discuss a book they've written and we could ask questions. That would be so informative and useful. And a lot of fun to get the inside scoop on the main characters, etc.
DeleteHi Hannah! It's always a treat to see you here, and I'll be preordering A Christmas Wager. What fun!
ReplyDeleteI've never belonged to a book club, although I have friends that I discuss books with. My daughter, however, has formed a book club in her neighborhood and it sounds like a lot of fun. I'll pass this post on to her!
Oh, what a legacy! Her book club must think you are such a rock star! (and they are right!)
DeleteI currently go to lunch once a month with 2 friends and the books we have been reading are always part of the conversation and we often pass books back and forth.
ReplyDeleteHANNAH, welcome to JRW! Congratulations on your novels! Today is Thriller Thursday so I will see if I can find THE REVENGE LIST,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the tips regarding book clubs. The tip about Facebook sounds great. However, how do I know if the FB profiles that want to join are real people? There is also the option of just having people you already know in the FB Book Club?
Before the pandemic, I tried to start a book club and no one could agree on a book so I gave up. LOL. That was before Instagram too. After starting my bookstagram account on Facebook, I joined the Nancy Drew book club and we reread books from our childhood. The host asked great questions. And I have hosted several book discussions. Now that I am focusing on my WIP, I do not have time.
A good friend, for many years, has a book club. She taught in the public schools for many years and even after retirement, continued the book club. The book club members all are work colleagues - friends who taught at the same school. I remember she gave me a list of books that they read. I remember they read THE BONESETTER'S DAUGHTER by Amy Tan. I love her books and I can read anything by her.
Thank you,
Diana
Re-reading books from childhood. Wow. I bet that engendered lots of fascinating conversation!
DeleteHank, my friend said the book club was a good excuse to get together and gossip.
DeleteLOL. Diana
HANK: That novel by Edith Wharton is new to me. I wonder if it was available at the library? I dated a man who loves literature, including novels by EW. I am going to see if I can get a copy of that book from the library.
ReplyDeleteSurprised that No one wanted to read the book that you chose!
Diana
Oh, yes, yes, get it. It'll be easy to find. ANd it is SO timely now! xx
DeleteI love the age range--that is so important! ANd yes, I so agree--to read a book you never would have picked is always an adventure!
ReplyDeleteThis is such an information rich post, Hannah! I love visiting bookclubs and someday might join one - if I find a minute :) Also, I got a sneak peek at THE CHRISTMAS WAGER and it is absolutely wonderful! A perfect holiday read. Pre-order today!!!
ReplyDeleteJenn, I'm going to preorder THE CHRISTMAS WAGER. Thanks, Diana
DeleteHannah, I can't wait to read THE CHRISTMAS WAGER! I am a total sucker for holiday themed romance and mystery.
ReplyDeleteAnd what a great resource for forming a book club. I've visited many in my day and have never been part of one, but it always sounds like so much fun. Readers - I'm one of those authors who is always up for a Zoom book club visit, so please ask me!
Yes, yes, so agree!
DeleteI've never been in a book club. I visited one once and I am still shuddering. So much depends on having a nice mix of people. I keep reading the library calendar and seeing there are three (!) book clubs sponsored by the library. So far I have been too chicken to visit one. Maybe some day.
ReplyDeleteI just burst out laughing. xoxo
DeleteI was in a book club for a few years back in the aughts with work friends. When it started, we all worked at the same elementary school. Eventually people retired, moved away, etc. so it fizzled out. I’ve wanted to join another so might check my local library branch.
ReplyDeleteWe did have a different kind of book club among my elementary school librarian friends. We’d meet somewhere and each bring a kids’ book to discuss. We’d go around the table and tell about the book. It was very enjoyable because a) we weren’t complaining about the District administration as we usually did when gathered together and b) we were talking about the thing we all loved - kid lit! None of us had the time to find and read every new book so this way we could share with our colleagues. Eventually that, too, petered out. But it was great fun while it lasted.
Nice to see you here, Hannah! Love you on FCF! — Pat S.
That is a fun idea! And thank you for the kind words about FCF! xxx
DeleteI was in a book group ages ago. What I enjoyed most was reading books I wouldn't ordinarily pick for myself. That's also what I enjoyed least. Diverse tastes are good up to a point.
ReplyDeleteYou are endlessly hilarious! xoxoo
DeleteThe ages in ours also range from mid-40s to early 80s. The different perspectives are fascinating.
ReplyDelete