Wow, when we started our online book club early in 2020 I was not too sure how well it would go. So, where are we now? Ready for a quick online book club review and then a snapshot of the books we have discussed. I can definitely say I am SO glad that we started one and invite you to join us for our next one, click this link to join!
Online book club review
What have we learned over the last four books? Well, we love to talk and be with other people. Hmmm… who would have thought humans would be social creatures?
Best practices
Set the tone, rules, and format from day one. Every book club is a little bit different but I was aiming for the communal get-together vibe. All are welcome, even if you didn’t read the book! It is a great time catching up, talking about a book and it how it connects to our lives, and just being awesome women (not moms/spouses/caregivers/whatever other hats we wear).
We utilize Zoom for our calls which presented a learning curve the first meeting but we have rocked since then. I always print a listen of questions for our to use as a springboard to discussing the book.
Also, we are all over the country so finding a best time is challenging. I create a poll in our Facebook group to gauge which day and time would work the best for most.
Area for improvement
Time machine? Our biggest issue is our time zone spread across the country. My biggest piece of advice to anyone else thinking about starting one is to maybe keep it regional.
I should probably create some engagement posts in the Facebook group to allow those that cannot attend to share their opinions on the books, too.
Going forward
- Create more engagement between books to keep everyone in the loop about the next book.
- Open up the suggestions to others for the next book.
- Read the book before the day of the book club (oops…) LOL
The Busy Llama book club bookshelf
What would an online book club review be without a quick review of the books we have read? The goal was to not get stuck with just one genre, I think we have succeed!
We’re All Okay
This one had promised a good laugh or two and it delivered in my opinion. Read my full review here!
Bitter is the New Black
Jen Lancaster is snarky, funny, and a hoot to read. This book covers some upheaval in her life when she lost her job, her way, and some pretension. A great weekend read when you need a break from reality. #booksmut Snag a copy here!
this is how it always is
This book is beautiful and I appreciate Laurie Frankel writing it! I highly recommend that everyone reads this book, especially those who struggle to accept the concepts behind gender fluidity. It follows the story of a family doing the best they can, and isn’t that true for all of us? Grab a copy here.
Hidden Figures
Based on our discussion about this book, watch the movie. That being said, there is some amazing information in the book that the movie doesn’t do justice or takes a bit more creative license than is deserved. If you treat Margot Lee Shetterly’s book more as a resource than a way to pass the time it is better. Personally, I was not impressed with whoever editing the book. Snag a copy and let me know your thoughts.
What’s next?
We already have our next book picked out! Join the community, we are cool.
Want to discuss starting your online book club? Drop me a line or comment below.
Got an idea for books that we should read? I would love to hear those, too!
Happy reading!
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