I enjoy discussing books. But as I live in a small town, there are no book clubs or readers groups I know of I could attend. Besides, being shy, I often prefer to communicate online rather than in person. So I love several online readers groups, including Christian Romance Readers Gathering. Elizabeth Maddrey is an amazing hostess, and I admire how she comes up with new topics to discuss all the time!
While I enjoy participating as a reader, last year I had the privilege to co-host a Facebook readers group for a multi-author project, A Tuscan Legacy. For a first time co-hostess, I thought it would be scary. Instead, I had such a great time interacting with people. Everyone was so nice, and kind, and supportive!
But when one of my dear readers and online friends, Paula Marie, asked me whether I’d like to have my own readers group, the answer was immediately no thank you. I didn’t consider myself that popular or interesting. The idea was way too intimidating, though Paula Marie kindly volunteered to help.
Some time later, when Autumn Macarthur, Marion Ueckermann, and I discussed our tri-author projects, the topic of a readers group came up. Why not have a tri-author readers group? The answer was an immediate yes. (Okay, I do hope I prayed on it). I know Autumn and Marion are talented authors and awesome people. It was easy to think readers would be interested in their books and in talking to them, and maybe, they’d be interested in mine, as well. Blogger and reader Paula Marie wasn’t only on board, but was encouraging us in every possible way and became an essential part of it.
Three Authors and a Blogger was born, and I’d be thrilled for you to join us, if you haven’t already. We talk about books and many other things (I loved Autumn’s jigsaw puzzle post!) and sometimes ask for help naming a character or a pet. At the Birthday Club, each member not only receives congratulations on her birthday but also a gift–ebook of her choice from each author. There are giveaways exclusively for the members of the group. And you’re the first ones to hear about our new releases, giveaways, and much more! All in all, we just want you to have fun.
I’d be grateful for ways to improve. Are you a member of any readers groups/book clubs? What do you like about them? What do you dislike? What makes you join a readers group or leave one? What was one thing an author did for their readers group that made it stand out? Thank you very much for your input!
Giveaway! One randomly chosen commenter to this post will receive $5 Amazon gift card (the giveaway is open to people with www.amazon.com account) and an ecopy of my book, Love Me. Giveaway is open until 6 p.m. CST June 11th. I look forward to reading your comments!
Alexa Verde writes uplifting, diverse books about faith, love, and hope. She has had 200 short stories, articles, and poems published in the five languages that she speaks. After traveling the world and living in both hemispheres, she calls a small town in south Texas home. The latter is an inspiration for the fictional setting of her series Rios Azules Christmas and Secrets of Rios Azules. Alexa has a bachelor's degree in Spanish and a master's in Russian. She's worn the hats of reporter, teacher, translator, model (even one day counts!), caretaker, and secretary, but thinks that the writer's hat suits her the best.
I have never joined a book club. Not even sure there are any in my area. The main reason why I have not investigated this is that I want to just read for myself. The kind of books I like, without any pressure to hurry.
Hi Alexa:) I have never been in a book club before- mostly because I have never found any in my area. I do enjoy discussing books I have read with others, but mostly I read for my own pleasure. Teaching Literature gives me a chance to discuss texts with my students and I love watching them explore their responses to a text.
Blessings:)
Hi Alexa! As a German and English teacher, I spent 30 years discussing literature with my students. Before that I took German and English lit classes in college. In Berrien County, Michigan we are blessed with 14 local libraries and 11 of these libraries have at least one monthly book club. I live between 2 local libraries. Lincoln Township Public Library has two monthly book clubs. Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library has three monthly book clubs. I attend the Lake Bluff Book Club, which has been meeting for almost 30 years. Both libraries also have Summer Reading Programs for adults. I joined a book club, because I like reading and to be forced to read outside of my comfort zone. The reason the Lake Bluff Book Club is long running success is because each fall the participants choose the next year’s books to discuss. Our discussions are moderated by a library employee, but is freely run. Each participant states why they like or dislike the book. Everybody gets a turn and a few comments might be made to peoples’s responses. No discussion questions or formal agenda. Been attending with a friend for two years now. She loves non-fiction – so I know if I like the book, she doesn’t and vice versa. I also belong to several on-line books clubs. For on-line book clubs I enjoy author led discussions, because that is not possible with a library book club. In addition, our community is blessed with an independent book store – Forever Books. Monthly the owner brings in wonderful authors to lead discussions on their books. Truly blessed with a literate community. Best wishes and thanks Alexa for an interesting blog.
I am part of your Book Club and I like it when we are asked to share personal experiences that are similar to a story we are discussing. It allows me to get to know everyone better and reflect on my life to discover any connections to the characters in the story.
The only challenge I come across is what to do regarding negative thoughts about a story. Sometimes parts of a story line just don’t work for me and it seems more respectful to remain quiet during those times than to share my true thoughts in an open forum.
Hello, Alexa!! I belong to your reader group, and a few others on Facebook. What I like most about them is getting to know the author’s and finding out what books they’re working on. I love interacting with you, Autumn, and Marion on yours, and doing the puzzles!! I feel like I’m now friends with all of you, and that just makes the books even better!!
That’s a good reason not to join a book club, Mary Preston! Thank yiu for stopping by.
Hello, Wemble! I didn’t know that you teach Literature. How wonderful! And yes, interesting to see how students respond to a text.
Renate, thank you so much for such a thoughtful and wonderful comment. This truly such a blessing to have so many libraries that have book clubs, and the local biok store bringing authors for discussions, too. My admuration goes to you for teaching German and English for 30 years! Of course, thrilled to have you as a member of the readers groups. Thank you so much for all your support!
Hello, Susan Bates! Happy to have you as part of Three Authors and a Blogger. :) I’m glad you like sharing personal experiences in how they relate to a story. As for sharing negative thoughts, I agree it can be tricky. Thank you for being so nice. I do think that while we want our readers to love all our stories (let’s be honest!), we have to accept that might not be always possible. Thank you very much for your thoughtful comment!
Good for you for doing it. I am much more comfortable also not being in a group. But I was once in a book club with a group of ladies from church. We would read a book once a month and at the end of the month get together and discuss it and socialize. For me those were fun and stressful times. I now know that I am an extreme introvert and I know how to deal with it so much better now. I do still read voraciously, and some friends and I will read books and share them. So we do a more of one on one talking about the book. I love this.
Hello, Trudy! I’m so happy you’re a member of Three Authors and a Blogger. So glad to hear you’re enjoying it, and I feel like we’re friends, too. We love interacting with you!
Hello, Lori Smanski! Sorry about the stressful part. I think you found a great way to read a book and share opinions by doing it one on one with a friend. Thank you very much for sharing!
I do like a book club but live rurally and often have times of the year when it’s inconvenient to leave. Like when lambs or goats kids are due. I’m the midwife in the barn.
Online book clubs work so much better for my lifestyle.m
I love the cute graphic you ladies had made! Who is the artist?
Thanks for sharing such a fun enterprise ?
I’ve never been a book club member but I did attend one once as an author. Like you, I prefer to do things online, but I think if I knew about a book club that read Christian fiction and met near me, I’d consider it.
Hello, Dalyn! Awww about baby goats and lambs. To be a midwife in the barn must be amazing! It’s totally understandable about being unable to leave. We’d be thrilled to have you as a member of Three Authors and a Blogger, if you’d like to join us. And thank you so much for your kind words about the graphic. Out talented Marion Ueckermann put it together, and I need to ask her who did the drawings. Thank you so much for stopping by!
Hello, Kimberly! Thank you for commenting. I think if I knew of a book club near me that read Christian fiction, I might consider it, too. Until then, I’m grateful so many things can be done online these days! I appreciate your input.
I was just talking about this yesterday with my husband. I am the only one I know of that loves books in my circle of friends and church. I am part of your group already and also loved the puzzle! I am also on the quiet side, but do enjoy the interaction
Hi Alexa! I love your article. I too am, in some ways, shy. But, if I could join a readers group, I would love to, but, like you I live in a very small town and if there’s one here, they sure have it hidden. lol
So, I am a member of your online readers club and I love it. The three of you plus Paula are terrific. You are all generous, gracious hostess. And I know for sure that Paula is an important part of it. I don’t know of any other groups that each author gives you an ebook for your birthday. That’s not to say it’s the gift as much as it indicates the type of person each of you are. So, online or, if I were to be so lucky to have each of you close enough to have a group in person, it is an honor to be a part of your site and life.
Blessings
Hello, Andrea Byers! Great timing then. :) I’m so happy we cyber met you and that you’re one of our readers. So thrilled to have you in our readers group, and I’m glad you’re enjoying the interaction. I have the same situation in real life – hardly anybody around me here (where I live) reads books. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your support!
Hi Kathy! Awww, you nearly brought tears to my eyes (in a good way). Thank you very much for your kind words. We do love our readers and enjoy interacting with all of you. It’s so much fun! And the Birthday Club is just a small token of our gratitude for reading our books and supporting us! I’d totally love to meet you in person one day. Thank you so much for being part of our readers group and your kindness!
I love Facebook reader groups! I enjoy getting to know the authors and finishing new authors to follow. I really feel apart of something that’s really awesome! I really enjoy when they have contest and giveaways.
Hello, Christie! Thank you so much for your input! Loved it. :) Glad you enjoy being part of readers groups.
Hi Alexa, there are no book clubs in my area at present although I think the local library has run one at various times. I joined a group on Facebook run by an author who I liked when she wanted people to help her with her latest series of books. So I was happy to join the Three Authors and a Blogger on Facebook when it started.
I can’t really remember when I first read a book by Autumn but I think it may have been as part of a box set. I’m also not sure when I first came across one of your books but I’ve enjoyed everyone I’ve read.
Mary, those are exactly the reason why I don’t belong to a book club.
I tried a book clubs twice, but never found them useful. I like to read what I like to read, not what someone else likes to read.
Helen, awwww, you’re so sweet! Sorry there’s no book club in your area, but we’re happy you’re part of our readers group! And so thankful that you liked every book of mine that you read. All these wonderful response are making my heart sing!
I do not belong to any reader group in town. I don’t believe we have any. I do enjoy your group. And I like the group you belong to on line the give a ways are nice, but I also enjoy the little personal tidbits we learn about you all and the fact that we can share prayer requests and praises with each other!
Hello, Merrillee Wren! I totally see your point. Thank you so much for sharing!
I haven’t found any readers group in my small rural town. I have tried to get one going by loaning my books to finds so that we could talk about our likes and dislikes. I even started a church library. One lady took me up on it, however, she passed away shortly after. So now I join reader groups such as yours and I review the books online. I enjoy doing that very much.
HI Alexa I am a part of Three Authors and A Blogger Group and I love interacting with all you wonderful Authors on here Thank you so much for letting me be a part of such amazing Ladies!
Kathy – you are such a blessing to us as well, I simply smile every time I see your comments !
I am so humbled and honored to be apart of Three Authors and a Blogger, and Valerie’s Readers Group as well. These two groups alone have been a huge part of my life and honestly a blessing. I have met so many wonderful people and cannot tell you how much you all mean to me!
I had never joined a book club before I was invited to join 3 Authors and a Blogger, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I have so enjoyed my interaction with these lovely girls! I don’t need give-aways or incentives to be in the group, for me it’s a privilege to get to know them. Love you, ladies!
Hi! I am in online book groups. I enjoy them! Not sure what makes one stand out frmo the other except maybe that one has certain days they have a theme for that day and a certain day for giveaways. I like the author is interactive with the group. :)
Hello, Pam! So happy that you’re enjoying our groups, and thank you for your valuable feedback. I also love that in readers groups we can get to know each other better and there’s lots of interaction. And of course, prayers are appreciated, and I’m always ready to pray for my readers!
Hello, Joy! I’m so sorry there are no readers group in your small rural town. I’m, however, grateful to have you in our online readers group and in my street team. So glad you enjoy reading and reviewing books. Thank you so much for all your support!
Sarah Taylor, we love having you as part of our group! Interacting with wonderful readers like you is such a joy. Thank you so much!
Paula, right back at you! We love you, and you know you’re an essential and very important part of this group. So glad you, um, hinted on having our own readers group and helped us take the plunge! Many thanks for all your hard work, too!
Thank you, Dalyn, and what a fabulous job. My sister is married to a farmer, and he also has a few hundred Dorper sheep, Santa Gertruda cattle, and a handful of Nyala buck, so he is often helping with deliveries :)
Regarding our graphic images … they were all stock photo images. I just arranged them all together, put a few extra elements in like the book and our glasses :) Glad you like it. We thought it was fun and fit us :)
I have never joined a book club. I like to read at my own speed. :)
Totally agree with you, Alexa :) We love you, Paula!
Aw, right back at you, Margaret :)
Aw, right back at you, Margaret :)
I also am on Three authors and a blogger!
I am a member of ACFW book club. You don’t have to be a writer to join. We are switching from Yahoo group to IO. It is done through emails. Some members are Delores Tiploff and Patricia Bradley. Usually the author of the book we are discussing will chime in, too. Martha A. Who is on Avid Christian Readers is the moderator. She gives us 12 books to vote on every 6 months. Top 6 are discussed. She schedules according to release date. This month was Unintended Target by D.L. Wood. She will ask for addresses of those who want to be in the drawing for a copy. You can join in or not. We usually start discussion toward the end of the month.
Bethany Turner started a book club once a month on Monday night.
Jaime Jo Wright just started a book club. She picked the first book but we voted on the book for the next discussion.
So you don’t have to leave the house to belong to a book club!
I have never joined a book club. I discussed books I read with my mom before she died. But haven’t since then. I used to be a fast reader but now I take my time. ?
I am on a few online groups too. I tried to get a book club happening at the church but no one responded. One lady actually said I don’t think many people read anymore! I then showed her the library borrowing form and how many were reading (the fact she does herself annoyed me). We are a small church and it wasn’t to be.
I am on a couple of email groups but have found I don’t participate much now as the books are not ones I would read or I don’t have the time or money to get the book in time to read them.
I am on a couple of FB groups and they are wonderful.
I have been in physical book clubs before, but it’s hard to find one where you all like the same kind of books. Many months the book chosen was nothing I was interested in.
I have never been in a book club.But I think I would enjoy one.
I second Paula! :)
Margaret, you’re so sweet! We enjoy interacting with you tremendously and happy to have you as a part of our readers group. It’s truly so much fun! Totally love you back. :)
Hello, Sabrina! Glad to hear that you enjoy readers groups, and thank you so much for your input. It’s an interesting idea to have certain days with a theme and certain days for giveaways. And it’s great to have interaction. Thank you very much for commenting!
Hello, Amelia! Totally understand your reasons! Sometimes reading at your own speed is best. Thank you very much for commenting.
Thank you for being a member of our readers group, Paula, and we love having you! Also thank you for such informative comment. You’re right, with more book clubs appearing online, one doesn’t have to leave the house to be a member of a book club anymore. Thank you for sharing!
Barbara, I’m so sorry.
Ausjenny, hugs about the reply from that lady and that book club at your church wasn’t meant to be. Thankfully, a lot of people still read and some people read a lot! Hmmm, I haven’t tried email groups, but it doesn’t sound like something for me, either. I’m glad you like Facebook groups. Thank you very much for your input!
Hello, Carol! I agree that can be an issue about the book club. In our readers group, we do our best to have fun discussions going about everything from favorite desserts to favorite place to read to simply what one had for lunch that day. We congratulate members who have birthdays that day. We share information about our giveaways. And we do other things, so even if members didn’t read chosen books, there are still enough other posts to comment on and have some fun! Thank you very much for sharing!
Thank you for commenting, Nancy! If you ever decide to join our readers group, we’d love to have you!
I’m always amazed that there are sooooooooooo many good books out there to read and just as many authors that write them. It’s like going to this massive book store with an unlimited supply. If I just had the funds to get all I wanted I’d probably be able to open my own book store. Shirl
I belong to two different local book groups. I like to report on books I have read and to socialize with the other people. I have learned about a lot of new authors and have improved my reading speed since belonging to these groups.
Hello, Shirl! I hope one day you’ll be able to get all the books you want! Thank you for stopping by. :)
Hello, Jackie Wisherd! Your local book groups sound great. I’m glad they helped you learn a lot about new authors and improve your reading speed. Thank you very much for sharing!
Members of book clubs become very close friends and it is very interesting to learn how different opinions of the same book happen.
I’m a member of 3 Authors and a Blogger, and love getting to know all of you better and to interact with you. I can’t imagine a finer group of Christian women. You all are a blessing to me.
I live rural so there are no book clubs close by. Thank you for sharing.
I have joined readers groups. The problem is, I forget which author I joined with. Now I don’t know which books I was supposed to review. It’s hard to remember who you joined when sometimes you get added by entering a contest. I want to help authors, but I can’t do it if I read the wrong books.
Hello, Gladys! That’s a great feature of a good book club. Thank you very much for sharing!
Lisa, awwww, and you’re such a blessing to us! We’re tremendously grateful to have you. You helped me so much! It’s such a joy to interact with you, and I’m super thankful we cyber met! Thank you so much for everything.
Hello, Lelia (Lucy) Reynolds! Sorry to hear there’s no book club near you. If you ever decide to join an online readers group, we’d love to have you. Thank you very much for stopping by!
Hello, Shari Smith! I totally agree, it’s difficult. Hmm, I’m surprised that people are added to readers group by entering contests. I imagine this could be very confusing to readers. I hope authors or moderators of the groups will assist you in regard to the books because it’s very nice of you to be willing to help them. Thank you very much for helping authors. I appreciate you sharing.
I’m super grateful for all this great response! Many thanks to all who commented!
I live in Atlanta, GA so I’m sure there are thousands of book clubs to join but I have neurological health issues that don’t allow me to drive anymore. As I already have a hard time finding ways to get anywhere, so I know it would be way too hard to keep trying to figure out how to get to the meetings.
Plus I also struggle with my language skills and comprehension on bad days, so that makes it so hard at times. I didn’t always have these health issues and I get self conscious about it all. The internet has changed all that, being able to connect with authors and readers who share the same interests is so fun and cool!
Hello, Cindi Knowles! I’m so sorry to hear to hear neurological issues and that you struggle with language skills and comprehension on bad days. Praying for you! Yes, internet changed many things, including giving us possibilities to connect with people with the same interests, and it’s so much fun indeed. I hope things will get better for you, and I’ll keep praying. Thank you very much for sharing!
I should say the email groups are ok its just recently they haven’t been books I have read or been able to either buy etc. Some of the original books I really enjoyed.
Hello Alexa. I have recently joined several book clubs or groups on Facebook that you and your other friends have. Let me tell you it has made my life so much better. I feel like I’m in a community of liked minded people for the first time in my life. I love to read and to expand my knowledge in different areas. Plus I’m a Christian and I really enjoy the good clean books.
I live in a rural area and we dont have any book clubs available. So blessed to have found them on Facebook!
Hello, Amanda! So happy you joined these groups and are enjoying them! Of course, we’re thrilled to have you as a member of our readers group. I love that being in online groups helped you in so many areas. Yes, difficult to find book clubs in rural areas, and I’m so glad internet offers us new possibility to connect and interact. Thank you so much for sharing!
I’ve never really tried a book group before. My problem would be having the time to participate.
I think our library has a book group but I don’t belong. I’m pretty introverted so I would be pretty intimidated to join. That, along with the fact they wouldn’t be reading my type of books, is enough to stop me going. I also have a hard time remembering the details of a book once I’ve started the next one (which is generally immediately after finishing the last one!).
I will sometimes discuss a book I’ve read with my mom but, to be honest, I don’t have any interest in joining a book club. Like Merrillee said, I like to read what I like to read and I don’t really care if anyone else is interested in it or not.
Hello, Melanie! I hear you on the lack of time. So many things to do so luttle time! Thank you very much for stopping by!
Sherri, I can totally understand you on being introverted. It’s so difficult for me to communicate person to person in real life. Thankfully, online communication is so much easier, which is one of the readers I love online readers groups. And true, book clubs might choose to read totally different books than you like. If you’d like to try an online readers group one day, we’d like to have you as part of ours! It’s more a community than a readers club, and we have different fun activities. Thank you very much for sharing!
Jessica, totally see your reasoning. Thank you very much for sharing!
I’m not part of any reader’s groups except this one, if it counts. lol
How do I join the Three Authors & a Blogger group? Sounds like fun!
I forgot to click the box for notifications on this post, so am replying to my own comment so I can do it now. Is there an easier way to have done this? I’m such a blonde. LOL
Lisa, so sorry it took me a while to reply. We’d love to have you in our group. Just click on the name of the group in the post and it will take you there. Then click join. :)
Don’t know why I’m just seeing your reply, lol, but I have now requested to join the group. Thanks for the reply!