Books for new book club

[Anytime]

Hi, a friend of mine in starting a book club. We are mostly mums who work full time or sham's to 2+ young kids so the main concern is time to actually read the books and finding an easy going fun selection that appeals to (and therefore won't become a chore!) all. Quirky and clever is fine but nothing too heavy going. All suggestions very gratefully received!

Sorry for the typos, getting my son to sleep with the other arm!!!

Look for one that has book club discussion suggestions in the back. I think most Jodi Picoult do, and there will be many more that I can't remember, but someone else will. But if you're just getting started, I'd assume you need a few prompts to get you going.

Won't everyone take it in turns to choose a book? Isn't that how most book clubs work? (that's what we do). My mum's group gets a book choice from a local library list- means no-one has to do any work. Maybe your library has something similar?

We've had a really nice eclectic mix of books through the 'take it in turns' approach - currently reading 'This is going to hurt - Secret diary of a junior doctor', but last month's was set in Taiwan and was about bicycles!

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine and The Curious Pilgrimage of Harold Fry both worked well for our (very relaxed!) book club.

Thanks for the replies. I think the challenge initially is that my friend is bringing a number of mums (she's lovely but one of those mums who talks to and knows half of the school gate!) who are all fairly reluctant. I love the idea but terrified of fitting the actual reading in and see it as almost another chore! She has offered that she/I will pick the first couple of books. I used to read loads before kids but the last whole book I read was 5 years ago due to time! I do commute some days but even then I always have work on the train! I think we need to get the options right for it to work at the beginning.

Good ideas. Will google those, thank you! I'll also suggest trying the library to her for lists. Thank you!

The reese Witherspoon book club has some v good ideas. On instagram (and probs elsewhere).

Amanda Prowse might also be a good author to start with. She writes modern family drama and usually has notes for book clubs. It might not be a literary award but reasonably easy to read with plenty to talk about.

Equally reassure your friend that it might take a couple of months for the book club to find its own pace. Ask for recommendations from other members - generally different people would put forward books each month.

Thanks everyone. Some really good ideas. Let's just hope I find the time to read the first one!! It would be embarrassing to turn up knowing I've read an overview (and in working life I always have to be the best). Not doing the 'home work' horrifies me! Not to mention feeling I'll be letting my friend down!

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