There’s nothing better than sharing your love of books with friends. A book club gives you a reason to hang out, read more often, and discover stories you might have missed. If you’ve been wondering how to start a book club with friends, this friendly guide breaks it down into simple steps—plus a few ideas that make every meetup feel special.

1) Gather your people

Start small. A group of 4–8 friends works best—enough for great discussion, not so many that scheduling is chaos. Mix reading tastes so you’ll discover new genres together.

2) Pick a theme or style

Decide what kind of club you want. All fiction? Nonfiction only? Mysteries, fantasy epics, or “anything goes”? A light theme helps set expectations and speeds up book selection.

3) Set a regular schedule

Consistency is everything. Decide if you’ll meet monthly, every six weeks, or quarterly. Add a shared calendar invite so everyone stays on track without group-chat chaos.

4) Choose a meeting spot

Think cozy and convenient: someone’s living room, a favorite coffee shop, a public library room, or Zoom for remote friends. Rotate hosts to keep things fresh.

5) Make book picks easy

• Rotate who chooses each month
• Vote on a shortlist in your group chat
• Create a simple year-long reading plan

Keep it fair and low-friction so the focus stays on reading, not deciding.

6) Keep it fun

A book club shouldn’t feel like homework. Add snacks, themed drinks, or a quick icebreaker (“share a favorite quote”). Small bookish gifts like bookmarks or candles are great touches too.

7) Build traditions

The best clubs last because they feel special. Try a shared reading journal, a “quote of the night,” or matching apparel. Many groups love wearing book lover shirts or bookworm t-shirts—it’s a fun way to show your reader pride and makes for great photos.