CELEBRITY INFLUENCERS Clubs devoted to sharing books were created by Benjamin Franklin , Margaret Fuller , J . R . R . Tolkien , C . S . Lewis , James Joyce , Gertrude Stein , F . Scott Fitzgerald and Virginia Woolf . Oprah Winfrey and her book club , begun in 1996 , hugely impacted the literary world . More recently , actor Reese Witherspoon and news personality and author Jenna Bush Hager created their popular book clubs : Reese ’ s Book Club and Read with Jenna .
Librarians such as Shannon Haddock consider celebrity book clubs “ gateways to reading ” since even non-readers respond to book recommendations from favorite famous people . Haddock is a program specialist and book club moderator at Hoover Public Library , located in a suburb of Birmingham , Alabama .
Some clubs focus on fiction , others non-fiction and some include both in their selections . Specialized clubs focus on history , mystery , classics , cookbooks and every other conceivable category . Meeting settings vary , too , including libraries , bookstores , restaurants or people ’ s homes , the latter especially favored when socializing is on the agenda . Some clubs offer elaborately themed meetings , including meals and costuming echoing the stories read , while other gatherings are a no-frills , straight book discussion .
Clubs become bonding experiences beyond the book and are a great way to make or strengthen friendships . As a moderator , Haddock says , “ I ’ ve had a lot of folks move away and , through the internet , they ’ ve been able to still stay connected .” She adds , “ I think everybody is yearning for stories and entertainment and something that stimulates their brains . They are looking for connections .”
HOW TO START AND RUN A BOOK CLUB First , decide what type of club you want — strictly book talk or a social gathering with literature . Choose a focus on fiction , nonfiction or a mix . Seek members through word of mouth , social media and avenues such as bookstores and libraries . Limit the number of members . “ Ten is a good size for diverse discussion ,” Haddock recommends . Have a moderator , either permanently or rotating , so that the group is organized and discussion stays on track .
The typical cadence is approximately one meeting per month , but could increase in frequency if socializing is integral . “ Is it going to include wine and potluck ?” asks Haddock . “ Or is it a working book group , i . e . meeting after work or during lunch ?” If not ordering online , check book choices locally at bookstores or libraries to ensure availability . Book length should not be unwieldy . Haddock suggests a 350-page limit . Keep members engaged in between meetings via email . “ Ask , ‘ How far have you read ? What do you think of this ?’” Haddock suggests .
Keep discussion involvement at the comfort level of members . “ Watch body language ,” Haddock advises before attempting to draw quiet people into the conversation . Curb conversation hogs and ask open-ended questions . “ The worst question is ‘ Did you like the book ?’” notes Haddock .
Invite authors to attend in person or through digital platforms . “ The worst they can do is say no ,” Haddock says . Check author web sites . Many include a book ’ s research , inspiring or historical pictures and other details to enhance the discussion .
THE CLOISTER LIBRARY AT SEA ISLAND
Located steps away from The Cloister lobby , the library at Sea Island is crafted from heart pine and fit to satisfy any reader ’ s fantasy . Wheeler Bryan , Jr ., historian and VIP services specialist , loves the stunning library featuring knee-to-ceiling shelving , a layered , gorgeously glazed ceiling and cozy , elegant seating .
One might expect leather-bound collections and rare books . Instead , the room serves as a true lending library . “ It has every genre that you would find in a public library , as well as reference books , a small children ’ s section and even a set of encyclopedias ,” Bryan says .
There is no checkout process . Guests merely peruse , then choose . If they don ’ t finish the book before their stay ends , they can take it with them , but most opt to leave them in their rooms . The library ’ s collection was originally formed by book donations from members and guests . Today , it features about 10,000 volumes of contemporary reads . Unless the library is otherwise engaged , the doors are open to members and guests all day , every day .
54 SEA ISLAND LIFE | FALL / WINTER 2022 / 23