How to Start a Book Club With Friends

If you’ve been looking for a reason to hang out with your friends more often (beyond your usual group chats and coffee runs), starting a book club is honestly the perfect excuse. I mean, who doesn’t love a good book, some snacks, and quality time with your people? Whether you’re obsessed with novels, self-help, or just need an excuse to meet up regularly, here’s how to make it happen—the easy way.

Step 1: Decide What Vibe You Want

Before you start texting everyone you know, take a second to figure out the kind of book club you want. Is it going to be super chill with easy reads and wine nights, or are we talking deep discussions about life-changing books? Maybe you’re somewhere in between. Think about:

• What you’ll read: Fiction, memoirs, self-development, or a mix?
• How often you’ll meet: Monthly is always a good vibe.
• The vibe: Casual hangouts or structured discussions? You decide.

Step 2: Text Your People

You don’t need a massive group. Honestly, 5-10 people is perfect. Hit up your friends, siblings, coworkers—anyone you think would actually enjoy reading and hanging out. You can even post about it on Instagram and see who’s interested. Keep it low-pressure and fun.

Step 3: Figure Out Some Ground Rules (But Make Them Fun)

Okay, “rules” sounds serious, but you just want to make sure everyone’s on the same page (literally). Decide:

• How you’ll pick books: Take turns, vote, or create a list together.
• Hosting duties: Rotate houses or stick to one go-to spot.
• What’s expected: Will everyone read the whole book? No judgment if someone’s skimming…life happens!

Step 4: Pick Your First Book (and Grab Some Conversation Starters!)

This is where the fun starts. Go for something that most people will love or something trending that’ll spark good convos. Bonus points if it’s an easy read—you want everyone to feel excited, not overwhelmed.

Want to make your book discussions even better? Use the Friend of Mine Book Club Conversation Cards (a collab with Keaton Milburn) to keep the conversation flowing and spark meaningful discussions! They’re perfect for diving deeper into themes, characters, and personal takeaways—without the pressure of coming up with questions on the spot.

Step 5: Host Your First Meeting

Now for the best part—the actual gathering. Here’s how to make it extra special:

• Where: Your living room, a cute café, or even outside if the weather’s nice.
• Snacks: Always snacks. Think charcuterie boards, cookies, or a fun drink station.
• The vibe: Start by chatting about the book, but don’t stress if you end up talking about life instead. That’s the whole point—connection.

Step 6: Keep It Chill

Don’t overcomplicate things. The whole point of a book club is to have fun and spend time together. If someone doesn’t finish the book, no big deal. If your group ends up talking more about their week than the plot, that’s totally fine too.

Pro Tips to Make It Extra Fun

• Plan Ahead: Set dates for the next few months so it’s easier for everyone to plan.
• Get Creative: Add themed snacks or playlists that match the book.
• Use Apps: Goodreads or even a shared Google Doc can keep everyone on track.

Honestly, starting a book club is such a fun way to make reading social and spend time with your favorite people. So, text your friends, grab a book, and let the good times roll!