How to start a book club

Judging from the number of book clubs around us - on TV (Oprah's is the most famous), online (devotees call them discussions without dinner) and perhaps in your own neighbourhood - getting together en masse to read and discuss books is a popular pastime for many. But how do you go about starting your own book club or joining one already in existence? There are no actual rules, but there are a few do's and don'ts that go a long way towards ensuring that your book club has a happy ending.

The five Ws of a book club
1. WHO - Calling All Readers
2. WHEN - Timing is Everything
3. WHERE - Small Spaces
4. WHAT - The Books
5. WHY - Questions and Answers

1. Who? Calling All Readers
First and foremost, you need members. Ask friends or relatives who enjoy reading, or advertise in your local library, book store or coffee shop. Emphasize that yours will be a group that meets to discuss books; some people associate the words 'book club' with organizations that allow you to orders books at a reduced cost.

Once you've found 10 to 12 members who can commit to monthly meetings, you have your core group. Some members may be intimidated by a larger group and find it difficult to speak up, and there is also the practical consideration of feeding and watering a larger group. At your first meeting, decide if guests should be encouraged to visit and decide what tack to take if an unwanted guest wishes to become a permanent member. Most members fade away of their own accord if they're not happy with the club.

2. When? Timing is Everything
One evening a month seems to work for many clubs; more than that and members won't have time to read the book. If they don't read the book, they often feel justified in skipping a meeting. Many ex-book clubbers note ruefully that the reason their book club didn't survive was simple; enough members didn't show up for meetings. Picking one evening out of a month's worth seems easily doable at the outset, but if too many members constantly miss meetings, your first meeting might well be your last. Usually, clubs take a hiatus during the summer and in December.

3. Where? Small Spaces
You could take turns meeting at each member's home with the host for the evening providing the food; each member decides upon the menu according to their capabilities. Some members make their meeting an occasion to be remembered and dish up a meal worthy of Julia Child. Others figure that dialing for a pizza is enough effort if the meeting is held during the work week. Members who prefer not to have to clean, cook and worry about having enough forks/chairs/room, might prefer to host their meeting in a restaurant or coffee shop. Discuss having coffee and dessert only, if members don't want to be distracted by dinner.

4. What? The Books
Perhaps the most important element (next to the members and probably the amount of wine served ...) is the selection of books. You want a book that will provoke a certain amount of lively discussion, because if everyone sits in your living room looking at their watch and wondering what they're missing on the West Wing, your evening will officially be declared a dud.

Have each member bring in three selections and throw them all into a basket and vote on them. Or, you could ask the person who is hosting the next meeting to pick a book that she has read and feels would be suitable. You could also decide at your first meeting if you'll only read paperbacks or books available at your local library, as some members will balk at paying $30 a month for a hard-cover book.

5. Why? Questions and Answers
You can have the most thought-provoking book in the free world, and still have everyone staring at the wallpaper, waiting for the person sitting beside to say something, anything. The leader for the evening – be it host or another member – might have to ask questions. What did everyone think of the characters, the plot, the setting, the author's use of dialect etc.? Most clubs have a combination: talkative members who have a view on everything and shyer members who may have to be prompted. Try to make sure everyone has a say; sometimes it's the quiet ones who have the most interesting thoughts. Remind members to make notes while reading the books and bring them in for discussion.

Although every book club has different aims and ideals, remember that meetings shouldn't remind members of grim English Lit 101, but should be enjoyable and, with any luck, verge on the educational. Keep that in mind and your book club will be a success.