Book clubs provide a space for sharing thoughts, ideas, and stories.
They also offer readers a sense of community and connection, along with the opportunity to explore different perspectives. Plus, reading and discussing books with others adds to the fun of it.
Book clubs were invented centuries ago by women who wanted to meet other women, and chat about books and life – who doesn’t want to do that?
They have reached a new popularity in recent years, with a rise in book clubs among women.
This increase in popularity could be down to the fact that women’s book clubs often focus on literature that resonates with a female perspective.
They also provide a platform for discussion that is more relatable and relevant to their lives, fostering a sense of community and empowerment among readers. They are a safe space, where female readers can connect with other female readers and share their experiences.
So, why have book clubs become so popular in recent years?
There are lots of reasons why women join book clubs, including to meet new people and make friends. Girls need their girlfriends, and a book club is the perfect place to meet those who share your love of reading.
Being a part of a club allows you to learn and grow as part of a group. With a new book each month you are being introduced to new genres and learning something new each time. Reading also is known to reduce stress; improve communication skills and wellbeing.
In today’s world, most book clubs will have some kind of group chat either on WhatsApp or another kind of messaging app, where the club will share thoughts on the book of the moment and organise meet-ups.
Attending a book club meeting could include meeting up in a café, with your favourite hot drink and discussing the club’s current book, or you could find yourself at a bar, having a few drinks and getting to know the other members.
Whether you’re a stay-at-home mum of four or working from 9 to 5, joining one of these clubs would be a great way to wind down and relax after a busy day.
Online book clubs became popular during the Covid-19 lockdown as many in-person meetings were cancelled and moved online. Despite the pandemic being a thing of the past, online book clubs are still very popular… especially among celebrities.
In 2020, Kaia Gerber set up her own online book club as a result of the pandemic.
In an Instagram post, the model said: “I know we are all feeling isolated right now, so I was trying to think of easy ways we can stay connected (beyond just scrolling) and decided I’m gonna start a book club. I read a lot on my own but would love to be able to talk to you guys about it”.
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Irish creator Keelin Moncrieff has also recently started a hybrid book club through the app, Fable. The book club will have meet ups in Dublin, all of which will be organised through the app.
Keelin’s club is all for women empowerment as it will only feature books written by female authors, with the first book being Talking at Night by Claire Daverley.
When it comes to book clubbing in 2024, there are a few books that we think would be perfect.
Dublin author Cecelia Ahern dives into female emotion in her book In A Thousand Different Ways. Published in 2023, the book follows main character Alice on a journey to find herself while battling her emotions.
Emerge yourself into conversations about female emotions with this one, and who knows, you might end up learning something about yourself.
Another must for book clubbing in 2024 is The Sober Girl Society by Millie Gooch. This book would be a perfect read for dry January and is sure to open up conversations about alcohol, society and getting sober.
Whether you’re a bookworm or your new year’s resolution is to become one, why not join a book club? They’re all the rage.
Words by Grace Sweeney