Remote Bookclub

Reading books and getting lost in your own world for a bit of time can be a great way to disconnect from the stresses of normal life. It can allow you to put your focus on something else completely, and as a busy parent it can be one of the most relaxing things that you do in a day. However, sometimes a book requires more than just getting lost in it to really get the full value out of it.

Discussing the contents of what you’re reading is extremely helpful when you want to get the full value out of a book. Some books may not require much discussion as they have simple plots. However, many books have some type of deeper meaning or something that you will miss. While you can try talking to your kids about the book, they probably don’t care too much. You need an adult to discuss what you’re reading.

Bookclubs are the perfect way to be able to read and discuss a book with someone else who has a rooted interest in a book as well. They are also reading it, and so at the very least will have a basic understanding of what’s going on in the book. Bookclubs are an excellent way for you to more fully understand and discuss deeper meanings of a book, and to help you see points of view that differ from your own.

Getting together with other book lovers is great, but sometimes it’s not possible. Whether you’re all too busy to find time to gather for an actual hour, or if you live in different states and locations, physically meeting up can often serve as a great challenge. Fortunately, we live in a day and age where physical meetups aren’t required - hosting a remote bookclub is as easy as it’s ever been.

Hosting a remote bookclub really is no different than hosting a physical bookclub. In fact, it should be easier as there is no need to coordinate where you’re actually meeting and no need to provide any type of snack for the meeting (not that you have to anyways). Coordinating the book you’re reading and when you’re going to meet is the same as a physical meetup.

If you’re transitioning from a physical bookclub meetup to a virtual bookclub meetup, you will likely run into a few issues along the way. The primary issue is that meeting virtually is not quite the same as meeting in person. Some people simply won’t enjoy it as much, but there’s not really much that can be done about that - those people will have to either get over it or stop attending. Do your best to make the bookclub feel as similar to your in person meetups as possible through the discussion.

If you’re just starting a new bookclub, your hardest job will likely be getting people to attend. A virtual meetup allows for people to easily skip or forget. They have busy lives and hopping on the computer for another discussion may fall lower down their list. You need a semi-committed group of readers to form an online bookclub - you need a semi-committed group for an in person bookclub as well, but it’s generally a little easier.

Virtual bookclubs are a great option if you’re looking for deeper discussion and being able to connect with others on the interesting things that you’re learning and reading. Virtual bookclubs are great for busy parents as they take less time, but still allow you to connect with others.