Musings - Online Book Clubs

Online book clubs are big ever since Oprah exploded the idea back in 1996 and the phenomenon brings joy to my heart.  It helps to have a big name behind the book club to get exposure thus Reese Witherspoon and Good Morning America's book picks are successful.  But now we have a plethera of online book clubs to meet most every need.

The structure of an online book club typically includes: 

• A reading schedule or deadline
• Regular discussion sessions
• Sometimes may even include guest appearances by authors  

The deadline ensures all members are at the same point in the book during discussions. Such structure can motivate regular reading while knowing there will be discussion promotes consistency and looking for deeper meaning while reading.  

The online factor makes it more convenient for today's busy people.   Discussions can take place in live video chats, discussion boards, or a comments section.  Technology allows authors to join these discussions and provide their insights into the book and a special opportunity for members to interact with the creators of the books is an added bonus.

Let's get into a few of the myriad online book clubs available.

Of course I have to feature the mystery book club: 

Murder and Mayhem Book Club uses the Fable app and features a "variety of exciting mystery and thriller titles over time, from classics to hot topics."  (Find them here) 

Big Library Read (click here).  first Global ebook club that utilizes Libby app for reading the book with no waiting to check out the book and the discussion.  It is the largest online book club with 1000+ participating.  On the website is the "Join the Discusson" tab where you answer the questions and then read other's responses. 

The Heavy Hitter Big Names:

• Oprah Book Picks that Oprah has personally picked is a newsletter you join (click here) and then the disccusion takes place on Goodreads (click here)  
• Reese Witherspoon  features books with a woman at the center of the story.  (click here)
• Good Morning America Book Club takes place mostly on Instagram (click here)
• Jimmy Fallon Book Club is back - follow @FallonBookClub on Instagram for the scheduled book and join the conversation (click here)
• Los Angeles Times Book Club uses their newsletter to organize and communicate book picks and solicit recommendations. This is specifically for Southern California because they tend to arrange for a live author event with tickets because they get stars like LeVar Burton and Dean Koontz. (click here) 
• Read With Jenna Book Club (Today Show) (click here)

Notable and Popular:

Teen Banned Book Club at NYPL

selecting young adult books that have been challenged or banned from schools and offering them free nationwide via digital access. The book club also hosts the authors for an event. (click here)  

NoName's Book Club featuring books written by POC with active chapters in 14 cites for incarerated. (click here)

Subtle Asian Book Club  

created in 2020 with the goal of uplifting Asian voices and storytellers. You can read along with the monthly book chosen, join on social media, and watch videos of their live author interviews. (click here)

Mocha Girls Read

Monthly book club of Black women who love to read. They currently have chapters in 14 cities across the U.S. Starting in 2024, anyone can join “an IG Live every first Saturday of the month at 5 pm PT.  (click here)

The Stacks Book Club

Began as a podcast that chats all about books, and added a monthly book club! The book chosen for the month is discussed on the podcast the last week of the month with a selected special guest. (click here) 

Between Two Books Book Club

with a vibrant online community of avid readers. The unique aspect of this club is that it features book recommendations from various artists, writers, and directors, allowing members to explore diverse voices and perspectives.  book discussions take place on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, where we feature readings and Q&As with authors. (click here)

Others you may find interesting: 

Rebel Book Club (Non-fiction) based in UK for live and virtual meetings. (click here)

Beth's Book Club is a subscription based community of thousands of women reading together all around the world. They set about creating a platform that would offer members plenty of community, fun, learning and self-care opportunities. They discuss the book of the month via Facebook, have a bookswap, and a newsletter. (click here)

Ladies Lit Squad (click here)

Girlfriend Book Club from AARP (click here)

Andrew Luck Book Club He's the quarterback for Indianapolis Colts (click here)

Addicted to YA Book Club on Goodreads (click here)

The History Book Club (Goodreads) (click here)

That is just a few, there are scores more of every type imaginable.  Share yours in the comments.  Let me know if you found one of these particularly good for you and you joined.

Thank you for reading this blog and please recommend to friends and family who will enjoy it.