Things I Learned About Starting a Reading Club

Starting a reading club sounds simple, but creating something meaningful and sustainable takes careful planning. Here are some key ideas and methods to make it work:

1. The Reading Chain

A reading chain is a dynamic way to keep discussions fresh and give everyone a voice.

How It Works:

1. The first person suggests something to read.
2. The second person commits to reading it and suggests the next material.
3. The third person commits to the second material and proposes another.
4. The first person reads the last proposed material.

Benefits:

• Everyone gets to share something meaningful to them.
• Fosters accountability and prevents stagnation.

Challenges:

• If someone doesn’t follow through, it can disrupt the flow.
• Members may not always resonate with the suggested materials.

2. Decentralized Suggestions

For larger or more flexible groups, a decentralized approach might be better.

How It Works:

• Members submit suggestions two weeks in advance with a brief summary.
• Everyone chooses what they want to read and reacts to posts indicating interest.
• Popular materials attract more readers, leading to focused discussions.

Benefits:

• People can focus on readings they find interesting.
• Reduces pressure to stick to a strict schedule.

Challenges:

• Discussions might be less cohesive if everyone reads different things.

3. Accountability Is Key

For a reading club to thrive:

• Commitment: If you agree to read something, follow through to maintain trust.
• Clear Expectations: Be realistic about the material length and complexity.
• Attendance: Inform the group early if you can’t attend to avoid disrupting plans.

4. Formats to Experiment With

Customize your reading club’s format to suit the group’s goals:

• Thematic Focus: Choose monthly themes (e.g., philosophy, finance, technology).
• Rotating Hosts: Rotate leadership to bring fresh perspectives.
• Discussion Prompts: Prepare questions or key points to guide conversations.

5. Practical Tips for Organization

• Use group chats (e.g., Discord, WhatsApp) to coordinate schedules and updates.
• Run polls to vote on readings.
• Maintain shared documents (e.g., Google Docs, Notion) for summaries and notes.

6. Keep It Balanced

Alternate between challenging materials and lighter reads to keep everyone engaged.

• Mix Genres: Incorporate books, essays, and shorter articles.
• Summaries: Share summaries for longer or complex texts to help everyone follow along.

Final Thoughts

Starting a reading club is about more than books; it’s about creating a community for shared learning and dialogue. Whether using a reading chain, decentralized suggestions, or a traditional structure, the key is clear communication and mutual respect. With these strategies, your reading club can grow into a space of meaningful connection.

Books and Things I Like

As a passionate reader and personal development enthusiast, I believe that books have the power to transform lives. Here are some of my favorite books, topics, and authors that inspire me.

Byung-Chul Han

Byung-Chul Han’s works deeply resonate with themes of modern life, digitalization, and societal changes.

• Psychopolitics: Neoliberalism and New Technologies of Power
• The Burnout Society
• The Transparency Society
• The Expulsion of the Other
• Pain: A Cultural History

Finance

• The Millionaire Next Door
• Your Money or Your Life
• I Will Teach You to Be Rich

Freedom

• How I Found Freedom in an Unfree World
• Walden

Minimalism

• The Power of Less
• Zen To Done

Well-being

• The Power of Now
• A New Earth
• Awareness is Freedom
• Falling into Grace
• The End of Your World
• The Wise Heart
• Wherever You Go, There You Are

Technology and Creativity

• Designing Interactions by Bill Moggridge
• The Second Self by Sherry Turkle
• Life on the Screen by Sherry Turkle
• The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman
• Hooked by Nir Eyal
• Being Digital by Nicholas Negroponte

Richard Feynman

• Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!
• The Pleasure of Finding Things Out
• What Do You Care What Other People Think?

The Plenitude

• The Plenitude: Creativity, Innovation, and Making Stuff by Rich Gold, foreword by John Maeda