4 answers
Mina
Student
Japan
5
Questions
Asked
1427 views
What are good book recommendations to start a book club?
What are good book recommendations to start a book club?
4 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1334
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Jamirica,
Starting a book club is like throwing a party, but instead of dancing, you’re debating whether Mr. Darcy ( hope you know who I am talking about) was really that charming or just socially awkward. The trick is to pick a book that sparks conversation—something trending, something juicy, or something so wild that people have to read just to keep up or love to join in for a comment or share their opinion. I mean I would!
Here’s your game plan hope it gives in some planning idea to begin.
Start with a crowd-pleaser – Choose a book that’s either popular (think: "The Midnight Library") or so controversial that people will show up just to argue (cough "Twilight" cough).
Talk like you already have a club – Just start discussing a book online or in person. People love joining something that seems already cool. Fake it till you make it, they do say it but it works believe me!
Don’t make it a school assignment – Nobody wants to write an essay on chapter symbolism. Keep it fun, ask wild questions like "If this book had a theme song, what would it be?"
My friends and I used to do this alot we even gather audiences from upper seniors in high school, fun always works, unless you got a horror theme then maybe a horrifying prank 👀😎.
Snacks are non-negotiable – Seriously, people might forget their book, but they won’t forget a well-placed plate of cookies. Unless you are going virtual book clubbing. 😅
Let members pick too – If you force your reading taste on them (even if it's amazing), they might run. Give choices!
Lastly, just remember,
The real goal of a book club isn’t just reading—it’s making sure everyone shows up next time pretending they read the book. That’s how you know you’ve made it. Happy book-clubbing!
Starting a book club is like throwing a party, but instead of dancing, you’re debating whether Mr. Darcy ( hope you know who I am talking about) was really that charming or just socially awkward. The trick is to pick a book that sparks conversation—something trending, something juicy, or something so wild that people have to read just to keep up or love to join in for a comment or share their opinion. I mean I would!
Here’s your game plan hope it gives in some planning idea to begin.
Start with a crowd-pleaser – Choose a book that’s either popular (think: "The Midnight Library") or so controversial that people will show up just to argue (cough "Twilight" cough).
Talk like you already have a club – Just start discussing a book online or in person. People love joining something that seems already cool. Fake it till you make it, they do say it but it works believe me!
Don’t make it a school assignment – Nobody wants to write an essay on chapter symbolism. Keep it fun, ask wild questions like "If this book had a theme song, what would it be?"
My friends and I used to do this alot we even gather audiences from upper seniors in high school, fun always works, unless you got a horror theme then maybe a horrifying prank 👀😎.
Snacks are non-negotiable – Seriously, people might forget their book, but they won’t forget a well-placed plate of cookies. Unless you are going virtual book clubbing. 😅
Let members pick too – If you force your reading taste on them (even if it's amazing), they might run. Give choices!
Lastly, just remember,
The real goal of a book club isn’t just reading—it’s making sure everyone shows up next time pretending they read the book. That’s how you know you’ve made it. Happy book-clubbing!
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Mina
Is it easy?
Sama
Thanks for the advice.
M.
Lovd reding this 😃
Choo
Thank you so much for the advice.
Gena
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Gena
That sounds fun loved reading this! I agree about starting with something popular or even a little controversial to get everyone talking. I also did in a book club i joined and they went with starting a conversation about it and audience just began coming. What's a book you’ve read recently that you really enjoyed Jamirica?
Also Dr. H, what genres do you think work best for a book club to keep everyone interested and excited?
Hanna
Always welcome Jamirica, know we are always here for you!
Dr H
Thanks Dr H . Wish you the best
Mina
Thank you, to you too!
Dr H
You are amazing pale
Mina
It is easy if you know yourself around books and how to start a conversation that engages others to follow in, but you will never know until you give it a shot Sama.
Dr H
I agree that is true
Mina
Hey Hanna! That's great that you've been in a book club so, you know how one person's argument, interest, or dislike gets everyone talking. For book clubs, genres that spark discussion work best. Fiction with strong characters, mysteries that keep people guessing, and thought-provoking nonfiction are always solid picks. Books with universal themes, relationships, identity, or societal issues, lead to the best conversations because everyone can relate.
Mixing things up helps too! 😏 Switching between light, fun reads and deeper, challenging books keeps things fresh and lets everyone explore different interests. The best books for a club are the ones that make people want to talk. A very popular one right now is Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros and of course, there are others, Good luck Hanna.
Dr H
You should start with easy books like wings of fire or dogman
Mina
I heard of it, thanks Mina i will diffeentely give that a shot she i start my book club. I have gotten more hope kver time. And its mostly having such an amazing friend like you. And thank you deeply dr h. You truly are wise and smart. Its incredible all your advices and i wish i could know you from close as well. Stay blessed Dr.
Hanna
YEP YEP, Mina is soooo right!! Hanna, this is like, the coolest thing ever to start with!! I bet even Dr. H would be like, "Woah, mind = blown!!" if she reads it!! Hehehehe!!
Gena
What good friends I have especially Hanna G and Dr H .
Thank you all stay blessed guys
Mina
Stay blessed all! And Mina you're such a gem, Wings of Fire is a fantastic choice indeed because it is full of adventure, friendship, and powerful stories! If you decide to dive into it, maybe start by reading a few chapters each day and jotting down your favorite characters or moments. Bonus tip: starting a little journal about what you loved (or even what made you laugh) can make the journey even more fun! 📚
Dr H
For instance you could just start somethign for engagement of a conversation 🤔:
Clay from the first book is such a heartwarming character to follow, always loyal, always kind. So you can begin with asking what do you think?Would you rather be a brave MudWing like Clay or a fierce NightWing like Starflight?
This is like a starter for a conversation but ofcourse as you read yourself you will gather your own ideas, especially if you enjoy books.
Dr H
I would be like tsunami strong and beautiful
Mina
thk you so much.... it is on my list to do right away when I step into my new class and when I start the book club I will diffenety recommend my great friends and mentors. 💙 I so happy so happy andgreful...
Hanna
Have a great first day of your new school when you do go you got this Hanna we are all here for you
Mina
I am happy to have you in my life Hanna
Mina
I am truly grateful for a friend like you Hanna I would have never made it without you and Dr H and G
Mina
This is the kind of friendship that makes life truly special—lifting each other up, celebrating every step, and facing new beginnings with courage. Hanna, I know you’re going to walk into that school and make it your own. And Mina, the support you give is just as powerful as any fresh start.
Keep looking out for each other, keep growing, and never forget—you’re both already writing an incredible story, one chapter at a time.
Dr H
AWWW thank you I wish I could meet you and Hanna and G one day
Mina
Ann McKnight
Writing (Blogger)
1
Answer
Ashland, Nebraska
Updated
Ann’s Answer
Hello!
I'm not sure what age group you are looking for book recommendations for, but I will recommend YA (Young Adult) titles that are similar to the ones you listed as personal favorites. I'll be honest, I have not read "Warrior Cats," but after reading the blurb I felt inspired to suggest "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis for a fun, fictional option.
The type of book you choose will certainly affect how your readers engage with it and what conversations you have about it. With fiction novels, readers often discuss the plot and themes of the book, mentioning their favorite characters and tropes.
With a fiction piece like the one I recommended from C.S. Lewis, you will most likely drum up good conversation about the content of the book. Whereas with a literary fiction piece like "The Giver" by Lois Lowry, you will probably talk more about the experience of the book or the abstract parts of the plot. With a book like "Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card, you may experience both. All of these books I wholeheartedly recommend. They are also the first books in their series, meaning that there is more content to consume if you end up adoring the beginning of these stories.
In short, the genre and type of book that you choose will affect the way that your group engages with it and how they engage with each other. The most important part is to enjoy the book and enjoy the group!
I'm not sure what age group you are looking for book recommendations for, but I will recommend YA (Young Adult) titles that are similar to the ones you listed as personal favorites. I'll be honest, I have not read "Warrior Cats," but after reading the blurb I felt inspired to suggest "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis for a fun, fictional option.
The type of book you choose will certainly affect how your readers engage with it and what conversations you have about it. With fiction novels, readers often discuss the plot and themes of the book, mentioning their favorite characters and tropes.
With a fiction piece like the one I recommended from C.S. Lewis, you will most likely drum up good conversation about the content of the book. Whereas with a literary fiction piece like "The Giver" by Lois Lowry, you will probably talk more about the experience of the book or the abstract parts of the plot. With a book like "Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card, you may experience both. All of these books I wholeheartedly recommend. They are also the first books in their series, meaning that there is more content to consume if you end up adoring the beginning of these stories.
In short, the genre and type of book that you choose will affect the way that your group engages with it and how they engage with each other. The most important part is to enjoy the book and enjoy the group!
Karthik Ramachandran
Senior Manager
8
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Karthik’s Answer
If you are looking to start a book club, I would look at recent winners of major literary awards like the Booker Prize winners (and shortlisted/longlisted titles), Pulitzer - Fiction winners, etc.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_winners_and_nominated_authors_of_the_Booker_Prize
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulitzer_Prize_for_Fiction
The books that are shortlisted and longlisted for these awards are usually universally accepted as good works of literary fiction, and would be a good place to start. These books also tend to be available in most book stores and will be easy for your book club participants to get access to.
Hope this helps
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_winners_and_nominated_authors_of_the_Booker_Prize
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulitzer_Prize_for_Fiction
The books that are shortlisted and longlisted for these awards are usually universally accepted as good works of literary fiction, and would be a good place to start. These books also tend to be available in most book stores and will be easy for your book club participants to get access to.
Hope this helps
Joanne Williams
Associate Professor
41
Answers
Olivet, Michigan
Updated
Joanne’s Answer
Jamirica,
I am not sure what age group you are, so I am going to answer generally.
First, the "mission of the group" - do you want to challenge your members with new materials or start with comfortable, more familiar works?
Do you want a themed book club - nature, sports? Or, do you want a certain type of genre?
If you are open to all, start with classics and award-winners. And, go down the list, choosing authors and stories that might spark interest and conversation with your members.
Ask friends and family for recommendations. Do some research. EXPLORE. That is the best part about books - they are so unique, just like you I bet! Joanne
I am not sure what age group you are, so I am going to answer generally.
First, the "mission of the group" - do you want to challenge your members with new materials or start with comfortable, more familiar works?
Do you want a themed book club - nature, sports? Or, do you want a certain type of genre?
If you are open to all, start with classics and award-winners. And, go down the list, choosing authors and stories that might spark interest and conversation with your members.
Ask friends and family for recommendations. Do some research. EXPLORE. That is the best part about books - they are so unique, just like you I bet! Joanne
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Mina
Thanks for the advice.
Choo
Thank you for giving me advice.
Gena
What do you think is the most important factor when selecting books for a book club to ensure lively discussions?
Hanna
Meetings to get to know each other
Mina
Hey team book club!🤗 Well, Honestly, the secret sauce to a lively book club? 🤔 Pick books that make people feel somethin 😌whether they love it❤️, hate it💔, or can’t stop yelling, “Wait, WHAT just happened?!”😱 Books with juicy drama, wild twists, or those "I need to talk about this NOW" 🫨moments always get the conversation going. 😏 And anything that dives into relatable stuff, relationships, identity crises, or messy life choices, will have people spilling their thoughts.
And Jamirica’s got a point! Getting to know each other is key, Why? Well, because let’s be real, it’s way easier to share your spicy book opinions when you’re not worried someone will judge your hot take. So, a little bonding, a little drama, and boom, you’ve got yourself a book club that no one wants to miss! 😉🙌
Dr H
that's really lovely name Mina. Its nice to meet you. I am Hanna. Also thank you Dr.H for such a enjoyable method you have answered me. I surely enjoyed reading it.
Hanna
Hi Hanna how are you? Your name is also lovely
Mina
Welcome Hanna!
Dr H
Delete Comment
Flag Comment
Delete Comment
Flag Comment
Delete Comment
Flag Comment
Delete Comment
Flag Comment
Delete Comment
Flag Comment
Delete Comment
Flag Comment
Delete Comment
Flag Comment
Delete Comment
Flag Comment