There’s no wrong way — or reason — to read. Some people read to work through their emotions, while others want to escape into light-hearted entertainment. Certain readers enjoy books that mirror real life, while others hope to escape into fantasy worlds. You may dive deep into one category, or jump from genre to genre. No matter what type of reader you are, you’re not alone, and joining a book club can connect you with like-minded literary lovers.
The benefits of book clubs are as innumerable as the stories we love. Whether you want to make new friends, explore new ideas, or discuss your favorite authors, there's a group out there that gets it.
Below are five reasons why you should join a book club, plus a few tips for finding the right one for you.
5 REASONS TO JOIN A BOOK CLUB
1. It encourages you to read
Reading requires free time, and it can be difficult to carve out hours (or even minutes) to regularly sit down with a good book. Joining a book club, especially one with scheduled meetings or discussions, incentivizes you to get out of your reading slump and dive into a new story.
2. It’s social
You can join a book club with your best friends or strike out on your own and join a group of strangers.
Meeting new people who share a common interest creates a sense of belonging, and because you already have something in common — a love for reading and a shared reading list — conversation comes easy.
3. You’ll read books outside your comfort zone
It’s easy to fall into a rut, reading the same authors or the same types of books. And there’s nothing wrong with that — by all means, read what you like. But if you stick to similar books, you’re bound to miss a whole world of compelling literature.
Joining a book club usually means you’re not the only one choosing the book, so you’ll be introduced to works you might not have picked up on your own. As we all know, sometimes it’s those recommendations from friends or books you randomly stumble upon that you end up liking the most.
4. You’ll learn new things
Reading is one of the best ways to acquire knowledge. Participating in a book club means you will gain insights from the books themselves — but also through discussions with the other people in the group.
5. You might live longer
Seriously — according to a study from the University of Queensland, belonging to a social group like a book club is associated with a longer life, particularly once you reach retirement age. The researchers found social groups reduce risk of premature death and also foster a greater quality of life.
HOW TO FIND A BOOK CLUB
Book clubs aren’t one-size-fits-all. There are in-person and online clubs, along with groups based on your stage of life or favorite genre. There’s something for everyone — but how can you find a book club that’s right for you?
First, think about what type of club you want to be in, and consider the time commitment. Some groups speed through a book a week, while others read one book per month or every quarter. Search social media for local groups, ask your contacts for recommendations, or see if you can join a friend’s club.
If you want to join a virtual club, look around online. You’ll find large celebrity-run book clubs by Oprah, Reese Witherspoon, and Jenna Bush Hager, along with dozens of more intimate clubs run by avid readers who enjoy the shared experience of reading as a group. Many have discussion boards, video chats or other opportunities to interact with members.
Remember that making your own book club is a possibility, too, if you’re having trouble finding a group to join. (And signing up for Everand can assure that everyone has access to the books you decide to read together.)
Once you find your preferred book club, dive in and join the party. But remember, a book club should feel fun, not like an obligation, so feel free to switch clubs or take a month off as needed. Reading can be social, but it’s also personal. Take what you need from the club, and give back what you can.
