Begin at the Beginning

1. Starting a book club is easy--all you need is to gather a few friends, coworkers, neighbors, or classmates who like to read. The beauty of starting your own group is that there are no set rules--you can include men and women of all ages, and you can make the group as large or small as you like. Some people are more comfortable with a smaller group of 4 to 8 people, but even groups with 12 people can work (some members may not be able to make it to every meeting). If you are feeling adventurous, and are interested in meeting new people, you can always check out the bulletin boards at your local library, coffee shop, or bookstore, and find an already established group to join.

2. Once you have a core group you should schedule your first meeting. At this meeting you can determine the logistics of the book club--where, when, and how often you'd like to meet. Some book clubs enjoy dining (and discussing) out; some prefer the comforts (and cooking) of home. You can be as structured or as flexible as you like, whatever best fits the group dynamic. You should also determine the format of the group--how you will choose titles, and how discussions will be held.

Typically, most reading groups meet every 4 to 6 weeks, although you can always allow more time between meetings for especially long books. You should probably allow 2 to 3 hours for discussion (and there is usually some amount of socializing before, during, and after the discussion of the book).

The most common place for book groups to meet is at another member's house; often members take turns hosting the event. On the other hand, you can always meet at a restaurant, bookstore, library--anywhere you feel comfortable holding a discussion.

There are many different options; only your group can decide the best method. The host of the meeting can choose the book, or every member can bring a book to the meeting and then the group can vote on these picks. You could choose to organize your group around themes or genres or particular authors. Some groups choose to follow bookstore suggestions (you can always get your inspiration from Amazon.com Book Clubs), or other national book clubs picks from Oprah® , The Today Show , Good Morning America , Reading with Ripa, etc. Keep in mind that you must give all members enough time to purchase and read the book, so books should be chosen well in advance of the meeting.

3. Once you have selected, read, and scheduled your first official discussion meeting, you can start thinking about the discussion, and how to not only keep the discussion running smoothly, but how to ensure that all the members are involved. There should be no need to have formal rules for discussion, as long as everyone agrees to discuss the book. Extra-large groups (10 or more) may look into bringing in a moderator to help move the conversation along.

Often, the host of the meeting, or the member who chose the book can begin the conversation. It can be helpful to have each member bring one issue/question/comment to the table. Depending on the dynamic of your group, you may want to keep an eye on the clock to ensure that everyone has a chance to contribute. Another tip is to choose books with reading guides and use them to kick-start discussion. Your group could decide to choose a leader for each meeting who will come prepared with questions and thoughts to help move things along. You can't be expected to remember every single thing you loved and hated about the book, so it helps to jot down notes as you read, marking pages and passages as you go.

The most successful reading groups are informal, friendly, and imaginative. It's important that all the members feel comfortable sharing ideas and experiences. Creating a trusting and open venue for meetings will encourage a free and lively exchange of thoughts and ideas. Brainstorm new ways to gather and discuss with your group. Maybe you want to meet over dinner. Perhaps you'd rather do drinks and snacks? You can match the food, drink, atmosphere to the book you choose. For Under the Tuscan Sun, you can serve wines and cheese of Italy. For a discussion of Candyfreak: A Journey Through the Chocolate Underbelly of America serve candy bars and treats as snacks. Experiment with new ways to enliven discussion. If you read The Da Vinci Code you can bring along a printed copy of Da Vinci's Last Supper , or an art book that includes his work. You might try to choose books that coincide with an author reading at your local bookstore. Your reading group can attend the reading, and discuss the book and author after the reading.

4. Keep in mind that discussion is the heart of a good book club, and some of the best discussions can be over the myriad of ways that the members hated the book. Don't be afraid to disagree with something someone said--give members a chance to talk you out of hating (or loving) the books. You may not always agree, but you are certain to walk out of your meeting with a different perspective. Feel free to let the conversation stray off course. You don't have to stick to a rigid agenda. The most important thing about your reading group is that you talk about the book and have fun doing it.