I am so, so cheap when it comes to buying books. I’ve used the public library, borrowed from friends and peeked into little free libraries my entire life. Just something about spending $10-$20 on something I will read once seemed silly to me? I cringe when I look at the price of paperback fiction books, self help books, etc. I never read anything current because I either have to wait MONTHS to get off the waitlist for it at the library or wait until a friend offers to lend it to me randomly.
Then my friend Katie approached a few of our mutual friends and I about starting a book club. I was honestly hesitant to join. Spend money on a book every single month??? I can’t do that!!! But then, I thought about all the fun and new books I would miss out on if I said no. FOMO (fear of missing out) kicked in hard, and I quickly agreed to the book club.
I am not going to lie though, I had some regretful thinking after agreeing. How am I going to work a new book into my budget every month? How will I justify this unnecessary purchase?
Well, friends. As soon as my book came in and I texted a picture of it to our book club group chat, I got it.
This is my first time being part of a book club, but I have known countless friends and family members who participate in them over the years. I never truly got it, but I definitely do now. There is just something so endearing about reading, laughing, crying and “gossiping” over the characters you’re all simultaneously getting to know. I was already looking forward to us all getting together and discussing this book before I even picked it up!
All this to say, I highly recommend joining or starting your own book club. It is already so rewarding.
My aunt was involved (maybe still is) in a book club that regularly met at rotating members’ houses. Each month the host is tasked with creating a menu around whichever country or theme the book is set in, and I always loved helping her brainstorm ideas from whichever country it happened to be on her week.
So which book did we read first? American Royals! I had seen this everywhere, and I knew there was a second book we could potentially use as a second book club pick, so I threw it out as a suggestion and everyone quickly jumped on board.
This book was SO good. We didn’t really have a serious discussion about it (we’re not really serious gals!!), but take my word for it when all our members recommend this book.
We also picked our next book- The Guest List, looks like it’s going to be the perfect slightly spooky read for this time of year.
Have you ever thought about starting a book club? Let me know by messaging me on instagram!