How to Pick a Great Book Club Book – My Style

I’m not officially in a book club because I hate the idea of having to read a certain book by a set time. Instead, I’ve joined a breakaway group called Bookalicious and we share and discuss books casually and intermittently. It doesn’t matter that we're not meeting officially  - or comparing our cake making skills at the same time!

I’ve heard on the 'book club grapevine' that some book club selections have been lacking in the ‘wow’ factor of late. A few members I have chatted to are asking “why did we choose that book?”


It’s impossible to choose a book that everyone in your book club can connect with, but because it is a monthly gathering, and in many cases a self-fulfilling ritual, this book selection is crucial.


Forget Oprah’s Book Club and Women’s Weekly Great Reads. There is a lot of influence from publishers pushing their books, with contacts in the media. Look up sites like Amazon and the Book Depository. Type in a book you have loved and it will tell you other titles, which readers who have purchased your book, have also bought. You start to see a pattern.


There’s a website called greatreads.com where you can also tap into what your friends are reading and recommending. Only trust friends who have interests in ‘quality’ books.


If you are not happy with this method, why not read a classic? Everyone can revisit a book like Harper Lee’s, To Kill a Mockingbird, her first and only published book.


Last resort would be to boycott book club and this will send a clear message that you refuse to read a book you don’t enjoy. Before you do this remember, you’re always going to select a few ‘lemons’ and it’s fun to rip apart a book (deemed as such) now and again.


This all said, nothing beats finishing a book that has taken your breath away, challenged the norm or been written so eloquently – especially if you have a cup of tea in hand and like-minded friends around you. Good luck and happy reading!


Here are my suggestions:


Mocking Jay by Suzanne Collins (you have to read Hunger Games & Catching Fire first)


Three Cups of Tea - Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Ralin


The Shadow of the Wind – Carlos Ruis Zafon


The Elegance of the Hedgehog – Muriel Barbury