How To Create A Badass Book Club

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I've participated in 2 book clubs in my life - one when I was in Boston and the other one I recently created with a coworker. Let me tell you, book club aint no joke. It's difficult to choose a book, it's tough to get enough people interested and together at the same time, and it's even more disappointing when you realize you're ready a really boring/crappy/not-for-you book. That being said, I still love book clubs. It's a way for book lovers to share their interests with others and have a place to discuss books that just need to be discussed. Here are my thoughts on how to create a successful book club:

1. Decide you want to create a book club and commit to that decision! It's easy to say you want to do something and then not do a thing about it. Book club is no different. If you say you're going to start a book club then mark a "launch date" in your calendar.

2. Name your book club. The one I created with a coworker is called the "Badass Book Club" because it's amusing. Come up with a really creative name or a really boring name - it doesn't really matter. Things become real when a label is attached.

3. Select your book club members. Invite people who you think would enjoy this. Invite people who you know will have differing opinions and can create interesting discussions. Do NOT invite the person who you would punch if you disagree on a topic. Invite their friend who you don't mind getting into a debate with instead. The purpose of book club is to discuss what you read whether it's "OMG THAT WAS AMAZING RIGHT?!" or "HOW CAN YOU THINK THAT!? CLEARLY NEVILLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE CHOSEN ONE!" you want that discussion to happen.


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4. Get to know everyone's food allergies, drink preferences, etc. Book club is as much about the social experience as it is about the books. Food and drinks make everyone feel welcome and at home leading to a fun time for all.

5. Plan on only talking about the book for 30 minutes then gossiping for hours on end. It happens. Let nature take its course.

6. Choose a time and date that works for a majority of people (ok, so this should probably be higher up on the priority list.) If your bookclub is with coworkers then have your meetings during office hours over lunch. If it's with friends outside of work then maybe it's better to meet on the weekends.

7. Location, location, location! I once went to a book club meeting in a bar. The bar was nice and the food was good, but it was crowded and loud. It wasn't the best venue for a bookclub. Rotate hosting between members. Have as many meetings as possible at someone's house/apartment.

8. If you're reading a bad book either drop it as a group or chug along collectively. Misery loves company right?

Now go forth in your book club journey and don't forget to subscribe for more!