Book Clubs
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The Jewish people have been known through the centuries as the People of the Book, but it would be equally accurate to call us the People of Books. We read, we write and we discuss books. We understand, as few groups do, that not only Bibles and prayer books but many kinds of books are sacred objects, possessing the power to change people's lives. Whenever one of my books has come out, I have always found my best, most receptive, most attentive audiences through the Jewish Book Council .
-- Rabbi Harold Kushner
-- Rabbi Harold Kushner
Starting a Book Club
How to Start
Do you like to share your thoughts about the books you’re reading? Join a book club, or if you can’t find one you like, why not start your own?
Begin with two or three other book lovers who agree to recruit at least one person each. Your goal is about 8-10 people, but don’t worry if your group is smaller, or you don’t get perfect attendance. Discuss in advance how your group will admit new members.
At your first meeting, establish the basics.
- Set up a schedule for the first few months. Once every 4-6 weeks works well.
- Do you want to rotate homes or meet in a public venue like a library, restaurant, bookstore, synagogue, or community center? Be creative—vary the venue according to the book’s theme or setting. In a home, the host can set the tone with music or snacks that reflect the book under discussion.
- Decide whether the group wants a leader and if so, who—the host? Will you rotate leaders? Some groups hire a professional leader or facilitator.
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