In the last few years, and then especially during Covid, I have gotten really into attending a book club! I already quite enjoy reading books and with the pandemic, I think it is a good self-care habit to learn during this tough time.
Reasons to be in a book club:
- You get accountability to read a book. I found that I tended to read more because I have a deadline. By the way, if you think you don’t have time to read books, know that you can finish a book by only needing to read 15 minutes a day. You can easily finish a 300-page book in a month!
- You get to enjoy and understand the book twice – once on reading, once in discussing. I have found it enriching to listen to other people’s thoughts about the book.
- The book club is an excuse to get together regularly (in-person or virtually) – so you get to see your friend(s) more!
My tips for running a successful book club:
- Do book clubs with friends you want to spend time with anyway (but they have to be up for it)
- Keep to not many people (max 2 couples or 3 people)
- Choose a theme for the club (a certain author, a certain century, a certain genre)
- Take turns to choose a book (and only veto is if someone has read it before)
- Keep book choices shortish (under 300 pages)
- Don’t be too ambitious; have the book clubs every month or every two months
There are plenty of resources online, even websites that help you organise a book club. If it’s for more than just you and one or two good friends, I guess!
Happy reading!
#self-care #resilience #bookclubs #Covid-19
Inspired? Read more about another type of self care – open sea swimming (pick up a new habit!)