Let’s Hear It for Book Clubs!

As an author, I love visiting with book clubs. Do you? As a reader, I love being part of a book club for all sorts of reasons you will see below.

Recently there seems to have been a marked upswing in book clubs inviting authors to visit  both in person or online. IMHO, nothing beats the in-person visit that allows for meaningful interaction in a short time with a wide variety of readers … not to mention delicious snacks and beverages. There’s definitely a foodie component to many book clubs.

The world is our oyster these days … how awesome is that?  For long distance visits FaceTime works best for me. I’m happy to hear of any other online vehicle you may use. 

Most authors I know, enjoy book club visits for all the reasons we writers understand.  

But I’ve been surprised by the number of times a reader has written to ask my opinion about joining a book club. 

Here’s some advice I offer that I always hope is helpful. 

YOU MAY LIVE LONGER … who knew?

Did you know you might live longer if you belong to a book club? So says a report by UK researchers that you can read about here. That’s advice I would like to believe. Live longer by reading books and sharing your thoughts with others. I can buy into that!

YOU DON’T NEED TO FOLLOW A CELEBRITY … your group can be even more fun!

Oprah Winfrey is quite possibly the highest profile person to encourage book club membership. From 1996 to 2011, she shared her love of reading through her own popular book club and encouraged literacy in every age group. Then in 2012, Oprah announced the launch of Oprah’s Book Club 2.0 in a digital format through her own television network and her ezine. 

However, she’s far from the only celebrity doing this. Emma Watson, Reese Witherspoon, and apparently even Kim Kardashian all have their own book clubs, to name a few. But you don’t need to be a celebrity, all you need is the desire to start your own group. Put the word out to your friends and see what interest there is.

You may be surprised to discover some of your friends already are members of a book club and you may be invited to join. Problem solved!

You might also check with your local library, community centre or neighbourhood bookstore. Often they have their own book clubs or know of local groups.

DIGITAL OR PERSONAL INTERACTION … your choice!

There’s an option for everyone. For those who are timid about interacting directly with people in a club, involvement with an online book club is one way of dealing with that. You can interact as little as you wish and yet still feel a part of the program. No one causes you to feel pressured about expressing your opinion. 

Mind you, in most regular book clubs there’s no pressure either. I’ve belonged to a few book clubs at different stages of my life and have found them to be nothing but supportive, inclusive and most enjoyable experiences. (And did I mention the food?)

To be fair though, there’s always the rare chance of an unpleasant experience or clash of personalities. If that’s the case, move on and try again. Don’t give up!

My first book club experience occurred when I was in my twenties and an avid member of the Book-Of-The-Month club. Back in the 1970’s that seemed to be all the rage and our group of eight young women would meet once a month to discuss a chosen novel. We also met to share delicious food, a glass or two of wine, and, inevitably, our latest personal news.  However, the latter did not occur until we had dutifully discussed the book. Honest!

In those days, authors did not as a rule include suggested book club questions, which is more or less the norm these days. Instead, each member of the group had the responsibility to bring along one question of her own about the story and its impact.

FIND A GROUP THAT SUITS YOU … there’s something for everyone!

You can look for clubs that are genre specific ~ science fiction, romance, mystery, etc. What’s your poison? Women only, men only, or mixed. Is age important? 

As happens when any group is presented with a work of art, music, film or literature, there is often a diversity of opinions and that makes for spirited conversation. This also encourages us to consider another way of interpreting a story. A sense of humour and respect for the opinions of others is key to having a successful book club. 

AND FOR THOSE OF US OF A CERTAIN AGE … *ahem*

Some benefits are the opportunity to network and stay engaged with others and to be introduced to some titles you might have never picked up. I was amazed to discover I actually enjoyed reading some genres that I had always avoided. Then there were others I didn’t care for, but that was okay too. Reasons for not liking or finishing a selection can also create lively discussion.

Are there literature genres you have never explored? You may be astonished at how your reading choices expand. It’s never too late!

It’s important to recognize that some seniors feel more comfortable expressing opinions with people their own age. Senior centres are a good place to enquire about book clubs. 

If your eyesight is presenting problems, there are large print and audiobooks available. Listening is the new reading!

If you find yourself in a book club that isn’t satisfying, for whatever reason, you can simply drop out. It’s not a lifetime commitment. But I’m willing to bet that you will find yourself in the midst of a group whose company you enjoy as you all share your love of reading. 

I’ve met some book clubs that actually began traveling together too! Another book club now gets together for a meal out once a month, with a hard and fast rule that books may not be discussed!

As well as sharing thoughts about books, these clubs can be about making new friendships at a time in your life when there are not so many opportunities.

Try it! You just might like it!

Huffington post offers five reasons to join a book club.

If an online book club still seems to be your first choice, here’s an article with five good options.

—

Patricia Sands lives in Toronto, but her heart’s other home is the South of France. She spends part of each year on the Cote d’Azur and once a year leads a women-only tour of the Riviera and Provence based on her novels. Her award-winning 2010 debut novel, The Bridge Club, is a book club favorite.  The Promise of Provence, which launched her three-part Love in Provence series was a finalist for a 2013 USA Best Book Award and a 2014 National Indie Excellence Award, an Amazon Hot New Release in April 2013, and a 2015 nominee for a #RBRT Golden Rose award in the category of romance. 

Drawing Lessons, Sands’ fifth novel, also set in the south of France, was released by Lake Union Publishing on October 1, 2017. The First Noël at the Villa des Violettes (Book 1) and A Season of Surprises (Book 2) in the Villa des Violettes series were released in 2019.

Patricia also contributes to such Francophile websites as The Good Life France and Perfectly Provence. Visit her online at www.patriciasandsauthor.com and follow her on Instagram @patricialsands. 

A SEASON OF SURPRISES AT VILLA DE VIOLETTES, Patricia Sands

The Love in Provence characters are celebrating a glorious spring on the Côte d’Azur. There are sweet-smelling blossoms, buds bursting into bloom, explosions of golden mimosa, dazzling sunshine, a shimmering sea … and a worrying disappearance! A hidden past is uncovered and shocking truths are revealed.

But life goes on. Kat and Philippe welcome their first B&B guests to the Villa and continue to be busy with other demands, all the while keeping hope alive as police search for their friend.

A special request from Simone and an unexpected appearance turn a planned motorcycle trip in Corsica into so much more.

Springtime at the Villa des Violettes is filled with secrets and surprises.

BUY THE BOOK HERE

 

Tags: featured, women writers

Category: How To and Tips