Love the idea of a book club, but don’t want the commitment of regular membership? A virtual book club can be a great option for people who want the flexibility to read and comment on their own schedule. It’s also a simple way to get your feet wet discussing books with other readers.
While Oprah’s Book Club is the oldest and best known virtual book club, today, there are dozens. There are celebrity sponsored clubs, media-sponsored clubs, website sponsored clubs and library sponsored national clubs. Most work the same way, members read the month’s selection and post their comments on social media at their convenience. The clubs often offer fun extras such as giveaways, podcasts and livestream author interviews, online author Q&A sessions, reading guides and more.
Here are links to some of the most popular clubs. Click to learn more and find out this month’s read:
Star Power!
Andrew Luck’s Book Club– The former Indianapolis Colts QB selects a book for “Rookies” (kids) and “Veterans” (adults) each month. September’s books are Preaching to the Chickens: The Story of John Lewis by Jabarie Asim (Rookie) and The Color of Water by James McBride (Veteran).
Reese’s Book Club– Actor and author Reese Witherspoon shares her favorite new read each month, mostly focusing on women’s stories. September’s pick is The Last Story of Mina Lee by Nancy Jooyoun Kim.
Read with Jenna– Today Show host Jenna Bush Hager is the daughter of a librarian, as well as a former president.
Oprah’s Book Club– The online club that launched dozens of best-sellers is still going strong. This month’s book is Caste by Isabel Wilkerson.
Media and Libraries
New York Public Library/NPR– A joint effort between the New York Pubic Library and New York City’s pubic radio station. This month’s selection is The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett.
Now Read This– This club is sponsored by the PBS News Hour and the New York Times Book Review. Each month the club picks four selections to read and discuss.
The Los Angeles Times Book Club– Sponsored by the LA Times, this club features online author chats and events. In September, the club will read Brit Bennett’s The Vanishing Half.
Websites
Goodreads Choice Awards Book Club– The Goodreads Groups tab takes you to a hub for book clubs catering to every interest, including some of the clubs listed here. The Choice Awards Book Club reads books selected by Goodreads members as their favorites, covering a variety of genres. September’s choices include How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi, The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead, City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert and The Tyrant’s Tomb (Tales of Apollo #4) by Rick Riordan.
The Girlfriend’s Book Club– A private Facebook Group for women 40 and over, sponsored by AARP’s Girlfriend’s bloggers. The club offers frequent book giveaways, and ongoing book chats.
Find your favorite online club, and start reading!