Why I’m Loving Online Book Clubs
I’m not really one for drastic New Year’s resolutions but this time last year I made a list of few of the things that I wanted to do more of, and one of those things was read more books (travelling more was another, ha!).
I’ve made similar resolutions in the past but I’ve found the two things that held me back has always been either not finding the time to read or not finding books that really grab my attention enough to get me truly motivated about picking up the book. If you’re struggling to find the time to read I have a blog post here with my top tips on how to incorporate reading into your routine, but today’s post is all about where I find new books that I’m genuinely interested in. May I present, online book clubs…
A small disclaimer before we get started, I’m generally not very good with formal book clubs. I’m a slow reader and I have never been the kind of person who can persevere through a book I’m not enjoying just to get to a group discussion at the end. If I’m not enjoying a book, I shelve it and move on, and certainly don’t waste more time finishing it, so prescribed reading isn’t really for me. But what I do love is using online book clubs to find new books that I probably wouldn’t have found on my own. I see the monthly announcement, read the blurb, maybe a review or two and decide whether or not it’s for me.
If by chance I do love it and read it before the scheduled book club discussion, then that’s just a bonus. So here are a few of my favourite online book communities to help inspire your reading journey…
Hello Sunshine / Reese Witherspoon Book Club:
Like many of the films and television shows that Reese produces, her online book club focusses on female stories and authors. It highlights incredible narratives from all over the world and includes a great mix of fiction and non-fiction. Often the picks are new releases, and there’s a Facebook, Instagram and Goodreads account to chat to fellow members if that’s your thing, but the monthly recommendations alone are worth the follow.
Oprah’s Book Club:
The queen of favourites, Oprah’s selection almost always guarantees ‘bestseller’ status. As any viewer of her show would expect, her online book club highlights powerful and emotional stories of struggle, overcoming adversity and human strength. They are often ‘heavy’ reads, but extremely worthwhile. Her picks often include important memoirs, poignant fiction and many historical non-fiction titles.
Beth’s Book Club:
I love the diversity of this book club. Each month’s selection switches up the genres and includes popular as well as lesser-known fiction titles. The group has a really active Facebook and Instagram where there’s constant book chatter (not just about the current book) and a collection of avid readers who are all ready to give their recommendations and reviews. I always look to Beth’s online book club when I’m after a new thriller or romantic comedy, they’re typically easier reads and always enjoyable.
The Edit Book Club:
Founded by Anna Newton from The Anna Edit, I’m much newer to this one, but I’ve loved some of her book recommendations over the last couple of years, so I’m stoked she’s has formalised her love for reading into a Facebook group. You can follow her on Goodreads or Instagram too, if you’re just after her recommendations, highly recommend checking out her stories for brief summaries of her reads!
If these online book clubs aren’t quite enough book inspo for you, you can always check out the countless ‘Bookstagram’ accounts across Instagram and Youtube where you can find independent people who just love to read and share their thoughts on the books they love. There really has never been a better time to use modern technology to help you enjoy a very ancient hobby. Happy reading!
