Talk about creative!  The ideas you all have come up with to make your discussions fun are over the top! In our 2011 survey, you told us about many, many of the unique notions that have worked for your groups, and we’re passing on a few of them here. Maybe some of your colleagues’ ideas will work for your group, too!

“One of our book meetings is done during a weekend at the beach—we call it our ‘ReadTreat.’  We also throw a yard sale, culling gently-used articles from our households over the year, to raise money for our weekend at the beach.”
Carol-Lee, Wine Women and Wit, Midlothian, VA

“The best thing we did to get better discussions is to have each member rate the book.  Sometimes it seems like we are through discussing the book, but when we start going around the room to get the ratings, new discussions pop up!”
Bea, The Words and Wine Book Club, Liberty Lake, WA

“Get involved in literary activities in your community and keep your members apprised of them.  You'll haveeven more fascinating activities to enjoy together.”
Sally, Book Club, Princeton, NJ

“Once a year we have a husband/wife book group dinner; the person hosting the dinner gets to pick the book. The men enjoy it so much that they have asked us to do it more often.  We told them to start their own bookclub!”
Lisa, Newton Book Group, Newton, MA

“A diverse range of ages REALLY helps the discussion!”
Maria, Georgetown Book Club, Washington, DC

“I highly recommend including in your book group someone with a little beach getaway nearby! We had one great, memorable, bonding weekend together at such a getaway. Be true to your book club, hold it dear, and be ready to defend fellow members in any situation!! Your book club should offer refuge from reality as well as a point from which to explore the real world safely. Be the best baker you can be, and don't be afraid to overdo it with the refreshments, but avoid Moon Pies, even if your book takes place in Maine, because they are too huge and members will be embarrassed to be seen eating something so bad that's so big; this really happened. Decaf, period. If someone hasn't had a chance to read the book, but has made the effort to attend the meeting, find a constructive way to include her or him in the discussion. Make sure everyone gets to choose a book and lead a discussion. Is that enough?”
Susan, The Bluestockings, Avon, CT

Well, Susan, that’s a lot, but there are many more ideas!  Click below to learn more...

Many More Ideas