Use this guide if you want a regular reason to read and talk with friends, neighbours or colleagues. Have a rough idea of who to invite and whether you would meet in person, online or both.
Step by step
Decide the basics
Agree how often you will meet, where, and roughly how many people you want, as six to ten usually allows everyone to speak. Decide whether the club has a theme, such as crime, classics or non-fiction, or reads widely. Write these points down so newcomers know what to expect.
Invite members
Ask friends and let them invite one person each, or put a notice in your library, workplace or community group. Libraries often support reading groups and may lend sets of books. Set up a simple group chat or email list for reminders.
Choose books fairly
Take turns picking, or have the host suggest three and let members vote. Consider length, price and availability, including library copies and audiobooks. Pick a few months ahead so people have time to get hold of the book.
Prepare a few good questions
Before each meeting, jot down five or six open questions, such as what surprised you, which character you trusted and whether the ending worked. Many publishers provide reading group guides for popular titles. Keep a note of page numbers for passages worth reading aloud.
Host a welcoming discussion
Start with a quick round where everyone gives the book a score or one word, so quieter members speak early. Gently move on if one person dominates and ask others for their view. Make it clear that not finishing the book is fine and people can still join in.
Keep it going
Confirm the next date and book before everyone leaves. Keep a simple list of books read and scores, which becomes a nice record over time. Every few months ask members what is working and what to change.
Ready-to-use checklist
- Meeting frequency and venue agreed
- Theme or reading style decided
- Members invited and group chat set up
- Book-picking method agreed
- Next few books chosen
- Discussion questions prepared
- Next date confirmed at each meeting
- List of books read kept
Practical tips
- Mix well-known titles with shorter or lesser-known books to keep people finishing them.
- Online meetings on a video call work well for members who live apart or cannot go out in the evenings.
- Rotate hosting so no single person carries all the effort.
Common problems
Most people have not finished the book.
Pick shorter books or allow more time between meetings. Agree a spoilers point in the discussion so those still reading can leave or listen in.
The meeting drifts into general chat.
Give the social part a set time at the start, then move to the book with your first question. A light rotating chair role helps bring conversation back.
Attendance is dropping.
Ask members directly whether the day, time or book choices suit them. Changing the venue, adding an online option or inviting a few new people can revive the group.
This guide gives general information, not personal legal, financial or medical advice. Rules and prices change, so check the current position with the official service before acting.
This guide is free. Unlock all ABCDayZ guides from £3.99 – one payment, no automatic renewal.