Anyone set up a book group?

[Bumperlicioso]

I'm thinking of setting up a local book group. I set up one back at uni, but it seemed easier then. I'd like to set one up again but a bit nervous. I would quite like to set up a 'mums' one, would that be a bit weird?

Anyone got any tips? How should I advertise it? How do book groups generally work?

I started one about six years ago and it's still going strong. I asked 4 friends, and asked them each to bring one other person. We now have about 13, but we're rarely all there.

It's good to choose a set date ie, last Wednesday of the month. We have it in each others houses, and the hostess lays on nibbles, and we all take wine.

We have a rota for choosing books, and we choose 2 months in advance - so, someone tells the group in April what her choice for June is. We discuss the book, and give it marks out of 10. I keep a note of all the books we've read and the marks we've given.

Our only "rule" is no hardbacks or misery lit.

If you have a local library that runs a book group, they can give you a list of books that they have multiple copies of. We find this quite useful.

I love my book group, and it's the one non-negotiable night out.

Hope this helps.

Ps - we are a woman only group, ranging from 22 to 70.

Thanks. I think I might advertise in the local library. I don't really know anyone in this area (used to live in the next town over) so I'd like to meet people round here.

Your library may well be able to help you actually- our local libraries assist book groups in getting hold of enough copies of the book (assuming you still have a local library...)