Loyal followers of my blog know I’m a fervent supporter of independent book stores. They provide opportunities and services to authors and booklovers that Amazon, big chains and discounters cannot.

On an even more personal level, book clubs also benefit authors and booklovers. At first glance, the benefits are obvious: readers share the reading experience and authors whose books are selected potentially see group sales (read more in my April 27, 2014 post, Ace of Clubs).

Imagine my surprise, then, to discover an ongoing controversy over the value of book clubs (which camp are you in?). Some people adhere to the belief that reading should always be a solitary experience. If you’re in that camp, you can stop reading here … but I hope you won’t.

There are many types of book clubs to choose from:
Single title – every member reads the same book;
Multi-title – every member is reading a different book at any given time but each book makes the rounds of the members;
Library – usually librarian led with books made available by the library;
Online – a variety of formats for how books are selected and information shared;
Broadcast – example: Oprah’s Book Club;
Book reading – using audio books or members taking turns reading aloud from the book;
Author led – includes the author of the current book as part of the discussion; often concludes the discussion with a live conference call or webinar.

Some clubs center meetings around social activities while others focus on the book discussion. Like any club, a book club’s success depends on its leaders and structure. Camaraderie or discord among members, and each individual’s experience, will flow from that. Like choosing a new pair of shoes, you seek out a certain style but you have to try it on for fit. Choose well and you’ll meet interesting people (possibly creating enduring friendships beyond the club), read good books you might not otherwise have chosen, expand your view of books through other people’s insights, maybe even eat some great food. Most of all, you’ll have fun!

Author bonus: Starting or participating in a book club offers extra benefits to authors. Obviously, reaching out to existing “author led” club gives you a platform to explain your work and build a loyal following for your future work. Another benefit of joining a book club is the likelihood you will sometimes read outside your comfort zone; genres and styles that are different from what you usually read can inform what you write. Whether the group reads your books or others, discussion and analysis give you insights from readers that will improve your craft. Reading With Purpose: Four Reasons Why Every Writer Should Join a Book Club provides more thought on this subject.

Sources to help you find the right book club for you include Reader’s Circle; My-Bookclub.com; Goodreads; and Meetup.