“Books give a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” — Plato
What’s more enjoyable than losing yourself in a good book? Sharing that experience with other eager readers. Whether you’re a lifelong bookworm or are just discovering the joys of the printed word, starting a book club after retirement is a fun way to sharpen your cognitive function, boost critical-thinking skills and explore new perspectives—all in a relaxed social setting. So, grab your coffee mug and let’s explore how to get started.
Extending the Invitation
How many people should your book club include? There’s no one right answer, but a good rule of thumb is that four to eight people should keep the discussion lively, but manageable. As for whom to invite, brainstorm a list of friends, neighbors or even folks you volunteer with. And if you already play cards with friends or have dinner with people from your house of worship, why not start a book club with a group that already exists?
Once you form your group, it’s time to decide where you’ll meet. Perhaps members can take turns hosting, or maybe you’d prefer a bookstore, library or coffee shop. Your local museum or art gallery might also have a room you could reserve. When the weather is good, you could even hold your book discussion in a local park surrounded by trees.
The Fun Part: Choosing What to Read
Mystery? Historical fiction? New York Times Best Sellers? The list seems endless. If you’re not sure where to start, consider something short and popular like The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman, Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt or Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. Online resources such as Goodreads and Reading Group Choices may be great places to find recommendations as well.
Your local librarian can also suggest some intriguing titles and help you reserve multiple copies of the same book. They can also point you toward large-print and audiobook versions and provide discussion guides that keep every story enjoyable for all.
Make Every Meeting a Page-Turner
Different book clubs create their own unique rhythms, but this sample agenda will help keep everyone engaged and give all members space to contribute:
- Catch up while grabbing some drinks and snacks (you can even create food and beverage themes based on the book).
- Discuss everyone’s favorite and least favorite parts of the book.
- Share reflections, personal stories and interpretations. Not sure where to begin? Try an online guide to moderating your discussion.
- Choose a time, place and book for your next meeting.
You may also consider having a different moderator for each meeting. Rotating this role allows everyone to put their unique stamp on the discussion while opening the door to a more diverse range of questions and perspectives.
Mix Things Up a Bit
An animated book discussion is just the beginning. Try adding some variety to your meetings by watching the film adaptation of the book—then discussing the similarities and differences. You can also invite a librarian, local author or other guest speaker for a Q&A session about the book, or about the craft of writing.
Another idea is to introduce a mini theme for several meetings. For example, your group could “travel around the world” by reading novels set in different countries. Or members could choose a favorite author from their younger years and share a walk down memory lane. The possibilities, like books themselves, know no bounds.
Springmoor senior living community offers residents not one, but three book clubs for the voracious readers who reside here—and plenty of cozy spaces for them to meet. Call 919-651-4844 to schedule your tour of our 42-acre campus—and our resident-run library.
