Maybe it’s just me, but whenever I’m reading an amazing book, I can’t help but talk about it, all the time. But unfortunately, most of the people around me aren’t reading the same book, and they’re not really interested in hearing my insights into a story they’ve never read. That’s why joining a book club is a great idea.
If you’re an avid reader who loves to talk about books, then it’s a no brainer. You get to swap insights with other readers and share your thoughts about every element of the story, and you might even make some great friends at the same time. And now, you can do all of this from the comfort of your own home.
Here are 7 of the best online book clubs you can join. I’ll give you an overview of each one, so you can decide which is the best fit for you.
The Best Online Book Clubs
The Reddit Book Club
The Reddit Book Club is one of the largest online book club communities out there. There are over 80,000 members, and you can drop in as little or as often as you’d like. It’s completely free, and there are no membership requirements or forms to fill in.
Around once or twice a month, the community members cast their votes for the next read. There are several discussion threads on the go which you can join in with, and they remain posted, even after the month is over. That means there’s no rush to finish a book by a specific time, and you can join in discussions about several books, all at once.
The Rumpus Book Club
The Rumpus Book Club is a paid subscription book club that lets you read brand new titles before they’re even released. They’ll post a physical copy of the book to your door, and throughout the month, the community discusses it together. And to top it off, at the end of the month, there’s an exclusive, members-only Q&A with the author.
If you’re a poetry fan, then the Rumpus Book Club could be a good choice for you, as they also have a poetry club that works in the same way, with a substantial discount if you sign up for both.
Now Read This
PBS News Hour and the New York Times have joined forces to create this super popular online book club, covering top titles from both fiction and non-fiction genres.
Most of the book choices are newly released bestselling titles, which are generally available in paperback, so getting your hands on them won’t break the bank.
As well as online discussion groups, there are also author profiles for each title. Throughout the month, all members are invited to submit questions, and at the end of the month, the author answers the best ones live on PBS news hour.
There are no membership fees and no sign-up process; to join, you simply need to head over to their Facebook group or sign up for the book club newsletter.
Poppy Loves Book Club
Poppy Loves Book Club is run for women, by women, and features all female authors. They describe themselves as an online and local book club, all in one. That’s because you also have the chance to create, or join, a real life version of the book club in your local area.
You’ll follow the same reading schedule as the online version, and receive tips, prompts, and conversation starters to help you and your group make the most out of these in-person meetups.
It’s wonderful to know that you and a whole bunch of other women all over the world are reading the same book at the same time. The author also usually joins in the discussion, and there’s plenty of opportunities to ask them questions and share your thoughts.
The Procrastinators Book Club
Procrastinators unite! If you love reading but you struggle to prioritize it and carve time out of your day, this is the book club for you. This Goodreads club is designed to help members finally get around to reading those titles that have been gathering dust on their shelves for months or even years.
There are monthly group reads and discussions, as well as reading challenges to get you started and keep your reading momentum up. There are also fun reading-based games you can play as a community. Members say this is the book club that’s finally helped them to get back into reading.
New York Public Library and WNYC Virtual Book Club
This brand new online book club was created to help readers in New York and around the world stay connected and inspired while we’re all stuck at home during the global pandemic.
Public radio station WNYC teamed up with the New York Public Library to introduce brand new titles and host live discussions on their radio show between readers and authors.
The New York Public Library also hosts virtual satellite book clubs, which anyone can join. They have online discussions and sharable reading lists to ensure you’ve always got a good book on the go.
Oprah’s Book Club
No list of online book clubs would be complete without a mention of Oprah’s world-famous reading powerhouse. The super-host has been inspiring readers around the globe since 1996, and it’s now easier than ever to join in and see what all the hype is about.
The book club describes itself as an interactive, multi-platform reading club that brings passionate readers together to discuss inspiring stories. Her selections are always top-notch, and since it’s been going for so many years, there’s a truly incredible back catalog to explore if you need some reading inspiration.
Conclusion
Book clubs are a fantastic way to connect with other readers, discuss your favorite books, and reignite your passion for literature, and nowadays, you can do all of this without even leaving the house.
Are you a member of an online book club or reading community? Let me know in the comments below!
Check out these other great posts!
How to Start and Run a Book Club? The Ultimate Guide
5 Best Book Club Books for Discussion