As busy moms, we crave connection and meaningful conversationsโbut finding the time to gather with others can be a challenge. Thatโs why organizing local meetups with other moms to discuss books and find connections in our parenting stories is such a great way to build community. Whether youโre looking for new book club ideas or want to start a group from scratch, these tips will help you create a space where moms can bond over their love of reading and parenthood.
If youโre looking for extra support with organizing book discussions, The Literary Moms’ Book Club is here to help! Inside our membership, we do many of these steps for you. Youโll join a community of women who are establishing guilt-free me time routines while also nurturing a passion for reading in their kids. Weโve laid out all the details, from book selections to discussion guides, so you can focus on enjoying your time with other moms and fostering a love of books in your family. Itโs all about making it easy and meaningful for you!
1. Find Your Tribe & Choose a Location for Hosting
One of the first book club ideas to consider is finding the right group of moms. Reach out to your networkโwhether itโs friends, neighbors, or other moms youโve met through your kidsโ activities. Youโll be surprised how many moms are eager to join a book club! Once youโve gathered a few interested members, you can begin planning your first meeting. I like to maintain about twelve people in a group. If it grows much larger than that, many people are unable to participate in the discussion.
For book club hosting, finding a convenient and comfortable location is key. You can rotate between homes or meet at a local coffee shop or park. Wherever you choose, make sure itโs a place where everyone can relax and feel comfortable diving into book discussions.
2. Select the Perfect Books
The heart of any great book club is, of course, the books! Whether youโre focused on parenting themes, fiction, or non-fiction, picking the right book club reads will spark engaging discussions. To keep things fresh and fun, you can rotate between different genres or themes each month.
In The Literary Moms’ Book Club, we focus on fiction books that are considered “good literature”โclassics, award winners, and those that have stood the test of time. Our discussions center around these thoughtfully chosen books, and Iโve created a special set of questions designed not only to analyze the story but also to help you apply its themes to your own life. This combination creates rich, meaningful discussions that go beyond the book and into your personal journey.
One of my favorite book club ideas is to ask group members to vote on the next book. This way, everyone has a say in what youโre reading. Need book club recommendations? Be sure to check out the Book Club Starter Kit shared above. It includes a list of my favorite books that are perfect for book clubs! You can also check out my reviews at the end of each year where I share my top ten favorite books I read that year. Remember to keep the reading interests of your group in mind, but don’t be afraid to challenge yourselves with something different that what you are used to reading!
3. Use Book Club Printables to Stay Organized
Staying organized is essential for successful book clubs, and book club printables can be a great way to help with that! A reading journal or log can be super useful, and you can find some beautiful options on Etsy. There are also plenty of creative reading challenges and book-specific reading guides available. However, be careful not to overdo it with too many printablesโsometimes less is more. A few well-chosen resources can make all the difference without becoming overwhelming.
If you join The Literary Moms’ Book Club, you’ll receive a versatile discussion guide that works with any fiction book you choose to read. Plus, we provide a seasonal workbook every three months to help you set rhythms and routines for the upcoming season. This workbook includes a self-care planner, a gratitude journal, a reflection journal, and places to record the books you want to read for both yourself and your kidsโalong with so much more. Everything is designed to help you stay organized and fully engaged with your book club and your reading journey!
4. Plan for Ongoing Book Club Activities
Once youโve gathered your tribe, chosen your book, and printed your materials, itโs time to think about the activities that will keep your group engaged month after month. One great idea is to start each meetup with a casual icebreaker or discussion about how the book relates to your parenting journey. This can create a strong bond between members, as you share both book insights and real-life experiences.
To keep things interesting, try switching up your book club activities. For example, one month you could have a more formal discussion, and the next you could host a themed dinner or craft night that ties into the book. Incorporating different activities helps keep the energy high and adds variety to your meetups.
5. Keep the Conversation Going
After each meetup, stay connected with your group. Whether itโs through a group chat, a shared calendar, or even a private Facebook group, keeping the conversation going between meetings will help strengthen the relationships youโre building. You can continue to share book club ideas, parenting tips, and book club recommendations that everyone will enjoy.
Organizing local meetups for book discussions is a wonderful way to connect with other moms while enjoying your favorite books. By using these book club ideas and incorporating book club printables, book club activities, and thoughtful book club reads, you can create a community where busy moms can thrive together.
