How to Start a Monthly Book Club with Your Best Friends

Purpose: A book club can deepen conversations and provide structured time together. This blueprint helps you launch a small, sustainable monthly club with simple selection rules, adaptable meeting formats, and pairing ideas to keep meetings lively.

Club setup

Decide group size (4–8 is ideal), meeting cadence (monthly), and format (in-person, virtual, or hybrid). Agree on communication channels and how the next month’s book will be chosen (rotating picker, vote, or curated theme).

Selection criteria

Keep the list diverse: mix genres and lengths, and include a few short nonfiction or novella picks to accommodate busy months. Use a shared spreadsheet for nominations and voting.

Meeting formats

1) Casual conversation: open-ended chat with a few guiding questions. 2) Themed night: pair the book with food or music that matches setting. 3) Guest-led: rotate discussion leads to spotlight different perspectives.

“The best clubs are less about being critical and more about being curious together.”

Discussion prompts

• Which character surprised you and why?
• What scene would you recommend adapting into a short film?
• How did the book challenge your assumptions?

Snack and atmosphere ideas

Pair regional dishes with books set in specific places, or create a playlist that matches the book’s mood. Keep snacks simple and shareable — cheese boards, small tapas, or themed desserts make meetings feel special without heavy cooking.

Conclusion

Book clubs are about shared curiosity and the rituals of gathering. Keep expectations light, welcome diverse opinions, and enjoy the way reading together sharpens shared memories.