How to Start a Book Club (And Why You Should).
From Reese Witherspoon’s literary empire to Dua Lipa’s cultural deep-dives, book clubs have officially entered their It Girl era. But while the celeb stamp of approval is fun, the real magic? It’s what happens after the reading.
Today, book clubs have taken on many variations. So while the traditional format suggests a group of friends get together monthly after reading the assigned book, many are shaking it up by getting together to enjoy discussing the books they read on their own or to swap and trade new favorites. Groups who fan-girl over specific authors also attend author discussions and new release parties at their local bookstores. One group even took it up a level by merging their walking club and literary love by organizing an audiobook club.
No matter what form, book clubs are becoming powerful micro-communities where stories turn into connections.
Bianca Bahamondes, an expert in building community as an Executive at Secret NYC and founder of the Secret Book Club, told The Newsette that these gatherings go way beyond the book.
“It’s not just about the topic itself, but the sense of belonging that comes with it,” she said. “When people connect over something they truly love, that loyalty and excitement can be really strong.”
Bianca’s own book club started as a casual conversation between coworkers. “Some colleagues and I realized we were reading the same books... I also personally felt like I was missing that sense of community, so I decided to build it myself.”
Her bookish brainchild is well on its way to becoming a thriving hub for readers who have gathered in places like Bibliotheque, the bookstore meets cafe and wine bar.
So, thinking about starting your own? Here are Bianca’s top tips:
Read early. Depending on how you plan to run your group, it helps to read the book ahead of time so you can guide conversations with confidence.
Be consistent. Choose a clear direction, whether that’s specific genres, themes, or vibes, and stick with it. Consistency helps the group stay engaged and makes decision-making easier.
Be a reader first.