What is a book club?

Well, a book club is a group where people meet to share opinions on books they like or dislike. These days you don’t even have to go out of the house to join a book club.

In fact, you can join thousands of book clubs on websites like Goodreads, OnlineBookClub, and My-BookClub. It’s just a mouse click away. Convenient isn’t it? So, why is there a need for you to join a book club?

Here are the top 10 reasons.

1. Being in a book club urges you to read more books.

   Face it. You know you love to read, but life always gets in the way. There are always things to do, and pretty soon you’ll find yourself ignoring that 500-page book you’ve been meaning to read.

   When you’re in a book club, this habit will change. Book clubs have monthly reading lists, and these come with a deadline that will push you to prioritize your reading. Moreover, if you’re a notoriously slow reader, other members can teach you reading techniques to help you read faster and finish that book.

2. You can talk to people when you finish a book.

   When you’re done with a book you will probably feel different sorts of emotions. You don’t have to go through this alone if you’re a member of a book club. You don’t have to lie in bed and stare at the ceiling for hours because you’ve already reached the end of a great book; you can discuss it with other members of your club.

   You can share your experiences while reading the book, discuss your reactions towards the ending, evaluate the characters in the book, contemplate how you are going to cope with book separation anxiety, and many more.

3. You can even get into healthy debates with other book club members.

   You may be in the same book club, but members can have different opinions about a certain book. If you love a book so much, but someone in your club begs to disagree, you can defend it and give your reasons as to why the book is worth the read. Book clubs can actually give you an insight into what other readers think of a book.

4. You get to read books outside of your comfort zone.

   While there are book clubs that focus on one genre, there are also others that read books of different genres. If you join a club like the former, you’ll get to read books that are of the genre that you prefer. However, not all titles may appeal to you. If you join one like the latter, you’ll get to read books that you wouldn’t normally read.

   Usually, book club members get to take turns in selecting what book the club is going to read for a certain month. Let’s say you’re a big fan of romance novels, but this month’s reading is from the sci-fi genre. You’ll have a reason to read the selection because your club is surely going to have a book discussion after the reading deadline. Getting outside of your comfort zone can definitely broaden your knowledge.

5. You get to meet new people who love books as much as you do.

   You love books, but your friends don’t. Sounds familiar? It’s hard not having anyone to talk to, right? When you’re in a book club, you are going to meet people who will listen to your rants about a book. You get to meet people who have the same interests that you have – reading, and possibly even writing. Furthermore, most book club members aren’t only devoted readers, they are also talented writers.

6. You can discuss the issues in the books that you’ve read.

   Being in a book club is like enrolling in an English class; you get a reading assignment and then you are placed in a group to discuss the issues that this particular book holds. A group discussion will give all the members in the club a chance to reflect on what they have learned from the book.

7. You can improve your communication skills.

   Reading improves your vocabulary. The more you read, the more your vocabulary expands. This will help you with your writing and in everyday conversations.

   Also, as mentioned previously, being in a book club involves participating in group discussions. You’ll get to learn how to interact with other people, especially if you’re an introvert. You’ll also get to learn the proper discussion etiquettes, such as knowing when to talk and when to listen.

8. You can borrow books from other members.

   By borrowing other members’ books and letting them borrow your books, you are all going to save money. Well, unless you’re planning to build a home library. If that’s the case, then you’re probably going to buy your own books to fill up those shelves.

   Anyway, if you want to save money you should only buy a book once it has proven itself “worthy” for you. Try borrowing a book from another member first, then go ahead and purchase a copy if you like it.

9. You can learn writing tips and techniques from the other book club members.

   Many book club members are also writers. If you are a writer, you can learn techniques that other writers in your club use in their craft. Also, you can share your own techniques with your fellow members. In a book club, you get to help one another become better writers.

10. You get to be part of a community.

    When you join a book club, you get to be part of a community. You will experience a sense of belonging – something that humans long for, even if many refuse to admit it. Being a part of a community will help you as a reader, as a writer, and as a person.

    Being a member of a book club will help you gather resources (e.g. books and other reading materials) more easily, help you make new friends and establish new connections, help you get the support that you need (e.g. emotional support, reading strategies, and writing tips), and help you empower yourself as well as other people.

    Being part of a book club is fun! Go ahead. Join a book club, or better yet, start one! You’ll be amazed at the positive effects it will bring to your life as a reader and a writer.

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