Family Connections: Book Club

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Two years ago the stars aligned with David’s work schedule and the leave-ability age of our youngest, and I was able to attend a few meetings of a local Well-Read Mom book group.

I came home late at night from the monthly meetings, energized by the discussions, the laughter, and the sharing. It was a treat to talk to others about books and life.

The only downside to Well-Read Mom was the whining of the kids before I left and after I got home. “Why do you have to go?” “What did you do there?” “Can we come to Book Club next time?” “I wish I could go to Book Club.” Ugh. It was almost enough to keep me from going the next time.

“We’re going to have OUR OWN BOOK CLUB!” I declared one day to short circuit the cycle of whine. It worked. They were quiet. Their eyes got big as I explained how it would work.

Their job would be to find a book– any book– that they enjoyed. Then they would bring it to the table, where I would have snacks (perhaps the most important component of any book club) and drinks ready to go.

After we and the refreshments were assembled, we would each take a turn introducing the book we picked and why we picked it. Reading a favorite passage was encouraged as well. Everyone else would have a chance to comment or ask a question, and then the next person would share.

(This is not actually how real book clubs work. I know. But all the kids were at such different reading levels, and I wanted a chance to talk about *my* recent read–All the Light We Cannot See–, to show my kids that grownups read for fun, too.)

It was a smashing success. The kids were visibly excited to sip cinnamon tea (yup– that’s just cinnamon and honey in hot water) out of mugs and talk about their books.

In our Book Club everyone only has a few sentences to share, so we don’t get a full play-by-play, just the highlights. (Have you ever noticed how a child giving a summary of a picture book often takes twice as long as it does to just read the picture book straight through? Oy.)

It’s worth noting that we never comment on whether a book is at, below, or above the person’s reading level. There aren’t any worksheets to fill out or tests to take. Book Club treats reading like a hobby, not an academic subject.

Although I’d highly recommend starting a Book Club in any family, it’s more about a shared experience than the books. If your family isn’t into reading, maybe you could have “Music Club” where everyone shares their current ear worm. Or even just a generic “Hobby Club” where members get a chance to share about the fun activity they’ve enjoyed lately.

Even with five participants, the whole process takes about fifteen minutes, so it’s not a huge time commitment. If you’re worried about how your kids will react, focus on getting some quality snacks before introducing the concept. Everyone is more likely to be in a pleasant mood when there are good snacks.

Of all the ways to connect with my kids, Book Club is a favorite. (And that’s not just the snacks talking.) Listening and sharing are a big part of any relationship, so I’m grateful for the opportunity to practice that with the people closest to me.


Family Connections ABCs: Simple Ways to Grow in Joy
A: Apologizing
B: Book Club




Since it’s Friday, I’m linking up with Kelly, and you can see more “B” posts at Vintage Blue Suitcase.