Book clubs fail for ordinary reasons: books that are too long, meetings that drift into small talk, or one person doing all the organising. The clubs that last for years tend to share a few habits. They keep things simple, they choose books deliberately, and they make every member feel their view is welcome.
1. Decide what kind of club you want
Before inviting anyone, decide what the club is for. A clear purpose attracts the right members and makes book choices easier.
| Club type | Good for | Example focus |
|---|---|---|
| Social club | Friends or neighbours who want a regular evening together | Popular fiction, memoir, a mix of genres |
| Themed club | Readers with a shared interest | History, leadership, faith, science, a single genre |
| Workplace club | Colleagues building connection or skills | Business, productivity, communication |
| Faith or study group | Reading and reflection together | Devotionals, biographies, theology |
| Online club | Members in different towns or time zones | Any theme, with video meetings |
2. Invite the right people
Six to twelve members is a reliable size. With fewer than five, a couple of absences can cancel a meeting; with more than twelve, quieter members stop speaking. Invite people who will actually read, and mix personalities so discussions have range. Ask each founding member to suggest one person, which spreads the club beyond one friendship group.
3. Agree a rhythm and a few ground rules
- Frequency: monthly suits most clubs and most book lengths.
- Fixed slot: "the second Thursday of each month" is easier to protect than a date chosen each time.
- Length: 90 minutes to two hours, including time to chat.
- Spoilers: decide whether the whole book is open for discussion.
- Not finished? Agree that everyone is welcome regardless.
- Respect: disagreement about books is the point; personal criticism is not.
4. Choose books people can discuss
The best book club books are not always the best books. They are the ones that give people something to say: a moral dilemma, a divisive character, a surprising argument or an ending people interpret differently.
| Good signs | Warning signs |
|---|---|
| Characters or ideas readers will disagree about | Everyone will simply agree it was nice |
| Under about 400 pages for a monthly club | Very long books that most members will not finish |
| Easy to get in the format members prefer | Out of print or expensive |
| Connects to members' lives or interests | Chosen only because it is famous |
Ways to choose
- Rotate the pick: each member chooses in turn, which shares ownership.
- Vote from a shortlist: the host proposes three books; members vote.
- A theme for the year: such as biographies of leaders, a century of history, or books in translation.
- Alternate fiction and nonfiction to keep variety.
Ebooks help clubs start quickly, because every member can buy the book the same day and read on whatever device they carry. Members who prefer print can choose a paperback or hardcover of the same title.
5. Plan the first meeting
- Introductions: ask each person to name a book that has stayed with them and why.
- Agree the basics: rhythm, ground rules and how books will be chosen.
- Choose the first book together, ideally a shorter one.
- Set the next date before anyone leaves.
- Create a group chat or email list for reminders.
6. Run a good discussion
A light structure keeps conversation on the book without making it feel like a class.
- Open with first impressions: a quick round where everyone gives a one-word reaction or a score out of ten.
- Use three to five prepared questions, not twenty.
- Invite quieter members by name, gently, with an easy question.
- Read a short passage aloud to anchor a debate.
- Close with a verdict: would you recommend it, and to whom?
Discussion questions for any book
For fiction
- Which character did you understand best, and which frustrated you most?
- Was there a moment when your opinion of a character changed?
- How did the setting shape what happened?
- Did the ending feel earned? How would you have ended it?
- What do you think the author wanted readers to feel or question?
For nonfiction
- What is the author's main argument, in one sentence?
- Which idea or fact surprised you most?
- Where did you disagree with the author, and why?
- Has the book changed anything you plan to do?
- Who would you give this book to?
7. Online and hybrid clubs
Online clubs let friends stay together across cities and countries. Keep video meetings shorter than in-person ones, around an hour, and use a host who manages turns so people do not talk over each other. A group chat between meetings is a good place to share quotes and reactions as members read, with a spoiler rule agreed in advance. For hybrid clubs, put the laptop where remote members can see and hear everyone, and invite them to speak first.
8. Keep the club going
- Rotate hosting and organising so no one burns out.
- Keep a list of books read and members' ratings; it becomes a satisfying record.
- Refresh membership gently when numbers fall, by inviting friends of members.
- Mark milestones: an anniversary meeting or a themed dinner for a special book.
- Allow a "short book month" during busy seasons.
Books your club might enjoy
Recent additions in history and personal growth, both rich ground for discussion.
Reading together on BooksOasis
- Every member can buy the same ebook and start reading the same day, on phone, tablet or laptop.
- Highlights and notes help members mark passages to bring to the meeting.
- Members who prefer print can choose a paperback or hardcover where available.
In short
Start small, with six to twelve people and a fixed monthly slot. Choose books that spark disagreement and that members can finish. Give meetings a light structure with a few good questions, share the organising, and keep the welcome open to anyone who did not quite finish the book.
Questions
How many people should be in a book club?
Six to twelve members works well for most clubs. It is small enough for everyone to speak and large enough that the meeting still happens when a few people cannot come.
How often should a book club meet?
Monthly is the most common rhythm, because it gives members time to finish an average-length book. Clubs reading shorter books or excerpts sometimes meet every two or three weeks.
What if members have not finished the book?
Welcome them anyway. Agree in advance whether spoilers are allowed, and consider discussing the first half early in the meeting so everyone can join in.
How do you choose books for a book club?
Rotate who chooses, vote from a shortlist, or follow a theme for the year. Consider length, availability and price, and whether the book gives people something to discuss.
Can a book club meet online?
Yes. Video calls work well for members in different places, and a group chat between meetings keeps the conversation going. Ebooks make it easy for everyone to get the book at the same time.
Pick your club's next read
Ebooks members can open instantly on their phone, tablet or laptop.