A few weeks ago, a friend of mine asked if I'd like to participate in his “Books, Authors, and Wine Tasting” event. I had just published Sleeping Tigers, so I said yes. I wasn't expecting to sell any books, really—I hadn't started marketing the novel yet, and this was the kind of event where the authors sit at tables displaying their wares, like a craft fair, while potential readers wander around with glasses of wine.

As I lugged my box of books up the icy driveway that night, part of me was longing to be at home, sacked out on the couch and reading or watching TV. Imagine my surprise, then, when... Click here to read the rest of the article

I love to read.

You probably do too, given that you’re reading an article about book clubs.

Let me ask you, gentle reader:  how many times have you read a book and felt the urgent need to discuss it with somebody else? For me, this happens about once per week whenever I finish my latest read. If not for my book club friends, I’d never have a chance to talk about any of them –my husband is just not interested in Irving’s depiction of Owen Meany as a Christ figure. Go figure…

Maybe you’re eager to join a club but aren’t sure where to find one. Perhaps you and your friends want to start a brand new club together. Or, you might consider the reading experience private and would rather not discuss every little detail of every single book you read with others. Touché.

Not sure what to think? Take a few moments to respond to the quiz below, and we’ll give you our honest assessment as to whether a book club is right for you.

Ready?... Click here to take the book club personality quiz.

It’s easy to settle into a routine with your book club when it’s time to discuss the book. We’re all creatures of habit, and there’s something comforting about knowing what to expect when you show up at your reading group meeting. Routine has the advantage of making it easier for you when you’re the one in charge of leading the discussion, too. If you follow an established formula, you can be relatively sure that book talk will go smoothly.

Yet sometimes following an expected pattern can get boring, and your predictable group may run the risk of its members losing interest. That’s why it’s good to liven up your discussions every now and then. Here are a few ideas for ways to bust out of your meeting ruts and get everybody energized. Click here to read the ideas to energize YOUR book club

When book club members get together you can usually count on good fun, good company and great socializing. What’s not to like? But with all the fun you have at meetings, it may be easy to forget that you need to exert a little effort too if you want to have good discussions. You may balk at the idea that book club has to be work at all. Sometimes what you’re looking for after a long day at work or with the kids is just to escape. The last thing you may want is another obligation hanging over your head...  Click here to find out more about how to be a good book club member