Book clubs sound great; I'm sure you'll enjoy it. We have several at our library. One of my best friends belongs to one that chooses books that spark a lot of in-depth discussion. I would call them "difficult" books, although that doesn't quite describe it. Not necessarily difficult to read and understand, but difficult to enjoy--at least from my perspective. I do read for information sometimes, but mostly I read for fun. I can't imagine a book club discussing JD Robb's "In Death" series, for example, one of my favorites. How much can you say about it? LOL I belong to a writer's "club"--a group of five. We meet regularly to discuss each other's writing, which is useful to us, and usually enjoyable as well. Wine, beer, and snacks add to the fun.

You are all so wonderful. Kath started me out with some great suggestions and the rest of you are equally brilliant. Let me see if I can add more info. We don't get LOTS of snacks, but we get some GOOD snacks. I like the idea of everyone bringing a plate or a snack. That seems a fair compromise. Our reading is a bit limited due to our shared interests: the books must be based in the UK - from Beowulf to Bridget Jones, but they must be based in the UK. I think it is limited, but perhaps not by that much. The members all tell me that it is just lovely and fantastic and wonderful but yet... but yet... commitment is a big problem. Jan mentioned charging. Since it isn't really a class and we have no handouts at all, I don't think that will work too well. I can see how paying for something increases the level of commitment, but I honestly think it would be viewed in a negative manner. It is a rather small community and most of these folks I see on a regular basis on a social level or at the schools. cece and bookmom both suggested that we meet in restaurants. This idea is simply grand. I will approach everyone and see how they feel about it. It would definitely take a lot of pressure off of the hostess. And we could order food/drinks if we wanted them or not. And, like bookmom said, the hostess's family wouldn't be umm, interferring. Time of day is an issue. We have three stay at home moms who gave up professional jobs to raise kids. And two women who work full time. Daytime meetings aren't really an option at this point with our current members. And interestingly enough, it's not just the moms that show up or just the moms that don't respond, it's everyone. I think at this point, I'd be just as happy if people showed up who have not read the book just to have people attend. Maybe I am just too "into" reading and for the others it is more of a hobby, something they do IF they have time. I MAKE time for reading in my day. I do not know how they feel about books and reading, I only know how I feel about books and reading. Perhaps it's not that they aren't committed, but perhaps I am overly committed. (I am going TO BE committed if I keep over-analyzing this, aren't I??) Do your book clubs have commitment problems? I know some of you mentioned that your members are commited and that you hound the ones that don't show up.. that's hilarious! I envy that very much. My other book club seems more commited... the books are worse, but the level of commitment is greater. We all get along really well when we finally do get together. I think the biggest problem is the commitment to the club. For example, the meeting is tonight. I've heard from one person to say whether or not she'll be here (she won't be attending as she's out of town.) From the others, nothing but silence. Like Liz, I am the instigator. I started it all. It is my fault that the ground rules were specific about books, but not...

Well, I'm in my book club primarily for the socializing! I would read books anyway. I enjoy the social aspect of discussing books with others, and I really like the women in my group. I realized one day that while I had garden friends, and sewing friends, and friends I used to work with, I knew almost no one who lived the same town as me, despite having lived there for 18 years. I knew that the mother of one of my daughter's friends was in a book club, and asked her if they were taking new members. The rest is history, and I'm having a whale of a time. I'm even reading books I'd otherwise never have encountered on my own. Some I like, some I do not, but it does expand my horizons.

Terriks, I'm also hosting book club next week, also 9 ladies and me. Book club is fun but I do relate to not having a lot of space inside! I used to be self conscious because the other members all have houses that can handle bigger crowds but as I've gotten older I don't worry so much. I try to keep in mind that for a dinner party, as long as there is good food, good wine and good conversation everyone's happy right?! My dining room table will seat 10 with the leaf although that then takes up my entire dining nook ;), but I don't have 10 DR chairs, so I'm using my folding IKEA chairs 4 to a side with 'real' DR chairs at each end. Book club informal rule is that the hostess prepares the main dish and the members bring the rest: wine, salad, appetizers, dessert, vegetable sides etc. I'm probably going to serve chicken marsala and the Pioneer Woman make ahead mashed potatoes since I can do both in advance. I don't like fussing around in the kitchen, it's lots more fun to be able to sit down, have some wine and talk about the book. For the December meeting we also do a gift exchange. I'm doing a combination gift of the tea package suggested in another thread along with this mug. Seems to be a fitting theme for book club, at least I hope it is. I also bought a package of bookmarks so I'm giving each of the members a few of those tied with a pretty ribbon as a little holiday extra. (Those might make good stocking stuffers too for some of the readers in my family).