The reputation of the Twin Cities as a literary hub is well known. Consistently ranked among the most literate cities in the country, boasting a large community of independent publishers including Coffeehouse, Milkweed, the University of Minnesota Press and Graywolf, and supported by a lively center for writers and writing, The Loft, which hosts the annual Wordplay literary festival … readers (and writers) have many reasons to feel at home here in Minneapolis and St. Paul!

So where to go to find other readers when you want some bookish conversation? As always, Reading Group Choices surveyed the city to find novel options for joining a book group. Start reading and discussing!

Birchbark Books

Birchbark Books is an independent bookstore in Minneapolis owned by author Louise Erdrich that seeks to nourish and build a community based on books. Birchbark is a Native-owned bookstore that frequently hosts author events with Native and non-Native authors alike. What’s more, Birchbark even has a treehouse in the middle of the store, which makes for the perfect reading nook! This is truly a one-of-a-kind bookstore that you won’t want to miss on your next trip to the Twin Cities.

Birchbark Books is located at 1629 Hennepin Ave #275, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Black Garnet Books

Black Garnet Books sells new, contemporary books by authors and illustrators of color in their sleek, modern space. This indie bookstore encourages learning, joyful interactions, and communal care for all visitors, making it a welcoming environment for every single reader who walks through its doors. Black Garnet also offers a host of events, so check out their event calendar often to see if there’s an event suited for your reading group!

Black Garnet Books is located at 1319 University Ave W., St. Paul, MN 55104

Eat My Words Bookstore

Located in the heart of northeast Minneapolis, Eat My Words specializes in used and rare books. Booksellers at Eat My Words have carefully curated an extensive selection of titles, including oddities, classics, and treasures. They also host frequent events, ranging from book launches and poetry readings to live concerts and puzzle clubs! Find an upcoming event that strikes your fancy on their Facebook page. 

Eat My Words Bookstore is located at 214 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413

Magers & Quinn Booksellers

Did you know that Magers & Quinn is one of the largest independent bookstores in the Midwest? Magers & Quinn, located in the Uptown neighborhood of Minneapolis, has sold new and used books for almost 30 years! Their in-store collection spans a wide range of genres and subjects, including many rare editions as well as current releases. Magers & Quinn offers many events, such as author readings and a monthly showcase featuring creative writing compositions by University of Minnesota MFA students. Don’t miss your chance to visit this iconic bookstore during your next trip to Minneapolis. 

Magers & Quinn Booksellers is located at 3038 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408

Next Chapter Booksellers

Next Chapter Booksellers is pretty much the quintessential independent bookstore: as the largest independent bookstore in St. Paul, it features an impressive selection of new and best-selling titles for children, teens, and adults. Booksellers at Next Chapter provide reliable recommendations, so it’s the perfect place to find new books for yourself or a loved one as a holiday gift! And if you’re in the market for a new book club to join, look no further! Next Chapter has four book clubs that meet (at least) once every month: First Chapter Book Club (children’s picture books), Manga Book Club, Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Club, and Enemies to Readers Book Club (romance). Join one, or join them all! 

Next Chapter Booksellers is located at 38 Snelling Ave S, St. Paul, MN 55105

Wild Rumpus Books

Wild Rumpus is the perfect place to shop for readers of all ages. From a wide selection of children’s and middle-grade books to noteworthy adult fiction and non-fiction titles, Wild Rumpus has it all! Additionally, Wild Rumpus offers two book clubs: Wild Things (ages 6-9) and Purple Door (ages 9-12). In addition to participating in lively discussions, book club members also receive a 20% discount on book club titles! What could be better than that?

Wild Rumpus Books is located at 2720 West 43rd St, Minneapolis, MN 55410

Red Balloon Bookshop

Red Balloon Bookshop is a must-stop on your next visit to St. Paul. Here, you can find a large selection of books for young readers through adults. In addition to shopping for the books of your dreams, at Red Balloon you can attend author readings and signings, order a Bookshop in a Box (a monthly subscription box with tailored book recommendations), or join an exciting new book club. Red Balloon offers the Teens Read Book Club for readers in grades 8-12 and the (Not-So) Young Adult Book Club for adults who love young adult literature. 

Red Balloon Bookshop is located at 891 Grand Ave, St. Paul, MN 55105

Moon Palace Books

Open seven days a week and offering both new and used titles for sale, Moon Palace Books is a haven for readers. The store hosts a number of book groups, like Queer Book Club, which meets on the second Wednesday of every month. Anyone is welcome to join, regardless of how much of the book they’ve read! Moon Palace also hosts author readings and book launch events. Scroll through their list of events to find the perfect match!

Moon Palace Books is located at 3032 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406

Twin Cities Artful Book Club

This group, celebrating nine years, meets on the first Tuesday of the month on Zoom. The focus is on artists and the creative life, regardless of the medium: music, writing, painting, sculpting. The selections include fiction, nonfiction, memoir and biography. See the full list of past and upcoming reads, and watch a video with testimonials from the members, who share how the group has changed their literary life! And no worries: you don’t have to be an artist to join, only a reader with a curiosity about art.

Twin Cities Artful Book Club is currently meeting via Zoom. Interested in joining? Send an email to artfulbookclub@gmail.com.

Books & Bars

Join this group for a lively discussion of recent fiction and nonfiction in the company of good readers and good beer. Books & Bars usually meets twice a month, with a book discussion sandwiched by social time before and after! This book club—named the biggest and best book club in Minnesota—is free, open to the public, and celebrating its 20th year. Sometimes the book club is even joined by the author whose book they’re discussing! Check out their schedule to see when you can join, and be the first to know about their 2024 book club picks.

Hennepin County Library

Public libraries are always a great place to look when searching for a book group. And the Hennepin County Library is no exception! Themed clubs are housed in various branches around Minneapolis, so you can find a circle of readers close to your neighborhood (or venture abroad!).

The Nokomis Branch offers the Graphic Novel Book Club, a monthly book club that discusses graphic novels and comic books. The East Lake Branch hosts the Quick Reads Book Club, discussing new and interesting titles that are under 250 pages. And the Brooklyn Park location features the Historical Fiction Book Club, which highlights a new historical fiction title each month. Search the general events page to sort and discover more!

Still have some wanderlust? Take a trip through our other Book Group City Tour destinations!

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Did you know that this capital city earned its lovable nickname “Indy” not only because “Indianapolis” is a mouthful, but also because of all the independent bookstores present in the city?

Okay, we’re totally kidding about Indy’s namesake, but we’re not kidding about it being a hub for independent bookstores. In the past two years alone, nine bookstores in Indianapolis have opened or been announced, including Loudmouth Books, which just opened to the public on September 30, 2023; Dream Palace Books & Coffee, which will open in October 2023; and The Whispering Shelf, which is slated to open later this fall.

Read on to learn why Indy should be #1 on every reader’s travel list—and check out the other cities we’ve visited here!

Indy Central Public Library

Central Library, as the name suggests, is at the heart of the Indianapolis Public Library system. The building retains much of the original 1917 architecture but was renovated in 2007 to incorporate a six-story glass and steel-framed addition. The result is a beautifully-lit space that blends classic and contemporary styles and offers visitors a unique experience.

In addition to the extensive collection of books available for checkout, Central Library also offers resources like the Learning Curve, a high-tech area and event space designed specifically for kids, teens, and families; the Center for Black Literature & Culture, a space dedicated to celebrating African-American heritage; and the Chris Gonzalez Collection, a curated archive of materials with an LGBTQ+ focus. 

Central Library has plenty of rooms to explore, reading nooks to discover, and events to attend (cinema series, anyone?). It’s as much an architectural marvel as it is a place for book lovers to read and relax.

The best part about the Indy Public Library system is that they support reading groups! At the library, you can join an in-person book club for adults or teens, or you can participate in an online book discussion group, which has a different theme every month. You can even DIY your own book group! If you’re in a book group already or have a group that wants to start, you can reserve a Book Club in a Bag kit from the Indy Public Library. Each kit contains 10 copies of a title with a six-week checkout period, reading guides, and discussion questions, making it the perfect companion for your next book group get-together.

Indy Central Public Library is located at 40 E St Clair St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Kids Ink

Up next on our list of places to visit in Indy is Kids Ink, an iconic and independent children’s bookstore with 35 years of history. The store is adorably decorated, featuring an extensive selection of children’s and young adult literature, as well as an assortment of games, toys, and puzzles. No matter your age, stepping into Kids Ink will instantly provide you with feelings of nostalgia and childlike joy. 

Follow Kids Ink on Facebook to stay up-to-date on their frequent events, such as giveaways, author meet-and-greets, and book groups!

Kids Ink is located at 5619 N Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46208

Tomorrow Bookstore

Tomorrow Bookstore is a must-stop when you’re in downtown Indianapolis. This store, run by married co-owners Jake and Julia Budler, is a relatively recent addition to the city’s expanding list of indie bookstores, having opened in April 2023. 

Tomorrow Bookstore boasts a wide array of books, events, and activities, so there is something for every reader to enjoy! This month, Tomorrow has embraced the spooky spirit and even rebranded itself Tomorrow Boo-store during the build-up to Halloween. 

In addition to great books and a superb sense of humor, Tomorrow offers niche book clubs with themes such as Dope Diaspora (focused on books from across the African diaspora) and The Written World (in which Tomorrow staff chooses a country and readers select any book by an author from that country). Tomorrow also has frequent author events and even the occasional midnight release party for highly anticipated new books.

Tomorrow Bookstore is located at 882 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Loudmouth Books

The newest addition to Indy’s indie bookstores is Loudmouth Books, a Black-, queer-, and woman-owned bookstore that celebrated its grand opening on September 30, 2023! Bestselling author and Indianapolis native Leah Johnson opened Loudmouth with the goal of highlighting banned books and uplifting the work of marginalized authors. Loudmouth strongly believes that everyone deserves to see themselves inside the pages of a book, which is why they proudly state that “banned books are our business.”

You need to plan a trip to Loudmouth to experience the beauty of banned books—and, in the meantime, follow Loudmouth on Instagram to learn about their newest events and activities!

Loudmouth Books is located at 212 E 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46202

Dream Palace Books and Coffee

But wait, there’s more! Mark your calendars for October 21, 2023, when Dream Palace Books & Coffee will celebrate its grand opening with book readings, live music, and more. Dream Palace will sell new and used books (and, of course, coffee) with the goal of creating a “unified community around a diverse selection of books.” The space will be open and bright, making readers feel immediately at home once they arrive. 

Follow Dream Palace on Instagram to stay up-to-date on their bookish events!

Dream Palace Books & Coffee is located at 111 E 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46202

If Indianapolis wasn’t on your reader bucket list before, we hope it is now! Check out other cities we’ve visited here.

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From Civil War sites to the Delta Blues Museum, Mississippi stands out as a state with a lot of history. Mississippi’s capital, Jackson, is home to the Freedom Trail, commemorating Civil Rights events and noteworthy individuals, as well as landmarks on the Mississippi Writers Trail. Oxford boasts the University of Mississippi (“Ole Miss”) and attractions for writers and artists that make it “the Cultural Mecca of the South”. From the northern part of the state to the delta, book lovers are sure to find an event, historic landmark, bookstore, or reading group that suits their interests! See our list of sites and stores below.

And take a trip to one of the other great cities we’ve visited!

Lemuria Books

Lemuria Books is named after a lost continent, home to a race of humans with exceptional intellect who began to record their thoughts in books after the gods took away their telepathic abilities. Since 1975, Lemuria Books has valued real human interactions and prided themselves on providing quality signed first editions. By joining one of Lemuria’s First Editions clubs, readers can obtain first access to signed first editions picked by the bookstore staff. The bookstore hosts multiple author events, including events with children’s book authors for their Oz Young Readers group. Find out more and take a virtual tour of the space on their site.

Mississippi Book Festival

Every summer, book lovers gather at the State Capitol grounds for this “literary lawn party”. Featuring authors from the state and all over the country, the Mississippi Book Festival remains an opportunity for booksellers and bookworms alike to connect. Authors and panelists discuss their work with audiences, and artists display their work to the public. Food trucks and family-friendly activities contribute to the fun. The festival also facilitates the donation of thousands of books to local schoolchildren. Visit their website for up-to-date information about the plan for this year’s festival.

Square Books

Located in the square in downtown Oxford, Square Books is actually three bookstores in one. Founded in 1979, the eponymous main store boasts a wide collection of fiction, nonfiction, and collectible works. They also have a cafe and balcony on their second floor, inviting readers to relax with their next good book. Off Square Books includes lifestyle selections and bargain reads in addition to hosting the Thacker Mountain Radio Hour and a multitude of author events each year. Square Books Jr. sells books for children and teenagers with a biweekly story time for young readers. And upstairs sits the newest addition to the family: Rare Square Books, featuring vintage titles and first editions. And don’t miss their top 100 books from the past year on their blog!

Turnrow Book Company

Located in the Mississippi Delta, Turnrow has been serving book lovers since 2006. Beyond bringing acclaimed authors to the store for events, Turnrow prides itself on supporting local educators and students through store discounts and by supplying books to schools and libraries. Turnrow also promotes book groups by offering consultations, advice, and book discounts. For readers with an appetite, Turnrow has their own cafe featuring homemade items, coffee, and local craft brews. The cafe doubles as an event space for authors, local artists, and musicians. The space also includes an art gallery on the second floor. To encourage and guide young readers, Turnrow offers A Child’s First Book Club—a subscription to staff picks of quality, award-winning picture books that are all signed first editions. Visit Turnrow’s website for more information!

Mississippi Writers Trail

The Mississippi Arts Commission has partnered with several state organizations to construct a series of landmarks known as the Mississippi Writers Trail. Jackson possesses the trail’s first landmark honoring Pulitzer Prize-winning author Eudora Welty and the landmark honoring prolific author Margaret Walker. Other current landmarks include Elizabeth Spencer in Carrollton and William Faulker in Oxford. The trail’s commissioners hope to inform visitors about the history of these great authors. They also aim to inspire others to read their works, which have been deemed essential classics. Read more about the trail and its history.

Still have literary wanderlust? Take a trip to stores around the world with our Book Group Store Tour for interviews with owners and book group leaders!

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This historic city has profited in recent years from a vibrant and growing artistic community. Readers will find a variety of literary offerings in Detroit, from classic book clubs to iconic bookstores to bibliophiles who celebrate their love of all things bookish. We’ve compiled a list of options to keep you connected, in person or virtually. Even if some groups are less active now, get in touch to be notified when events begin again. Ready to read? Detroit awaits!

(And don’t forget to browse the the other great cities we’ve visited!)

Detroit Public Library

As with many big cities, the public library is a good first stop to find a book group. The Detroit Public Library is no exception! During normal operating times, readers can take part in a variety of themed groups, like the Awesome Book! Children’s Book Discussion Group that meets at the Elmwood Park branch. Watch their online calendar for the return of events. In the meantime, check out a Book Club in a Bag, a hand-picked kit prepared by librarians. Each bag includes multiple copies of the book and discussion questions. Library members can check out a bag for 8 weeks.

Book Club of Detroit

The name of this group is accurate, but not what you first may think! Dating back to 1957, the Book Club is an association of bibliophiles who celebrate the printed page. Whatever the interest—collection, design, production, conservation, publishing—membership is available to anyone. Events take place in bookshops, private libraries, and other literary settings, and feature guest speakers and book experts. The club also belongs to the national Fellowship of American Bibliophilic Societies (view a list of all their members here). Keep up with the latest news on the club’s Facebook page.

John King Books

The endless rows of books are a reader’s dream. John K. King has been in the bookselling trade for over 50 years. Now readers can stroll four massive floors of titles in what used to be a glove factory, plus more in a former Otis Elevator Building. (And with a million books in stock, he clearly needs the room!) But you won’t get lost. You can view the store maps online, along with a photo gallery, to find your orientation. Looking for a rare tome? The rare book room is for you, with over 25,000 items for sale. A bookish destination not to miss in the city.

The Detroit Writing Room

Join The Detroit Writing Room for a series of online discussions with local authors and public figures. Members enjoy book discounts and giveaways as well. Just want to attend every so often? The program also offers a drop-in rate per event. Each talk includes a Q&A with the visiting author. From politics to memoir to children’s literature, readers can get local with writers who have an intimate connection with Detroit. Plus, the Writing Room serves as a shared space for entrepreneurs and creatives to work and collaborate.

Brews and Books

A simple and classic concept: read a book, gather at a local brew pub, and enjoy a low-pressure discussion with some craft beer. Repeat! Check out Brews and Books, started in 2012, which meets monthly to discuss a variety of great reads. Recent picks include Having and Being Had by Eula Biss, Piranesi by Susanna Clarke, and Wow, No Thank You by Samantha Irby. Join the group on Meetup to find out the next location. Cheers!

Source Booksellers

Opened in 2013, Source is notable for its focus on nonfiction: health and well-being, spirituality, history, books by and about women, and more. The owner, Janet Webster Jones, worked as a public school teacher in Detroit for more than 40 years before entering the book business, selling around the city and in a collective before opening her own space. A proud Black-owned and woman-owned store, it offers programming with local and national authors, as well as story time readings. Events are virtual for the time being, but keep an eye on their calendar and stop by for a browse. Source is open for business!

Bridge Book Club

Began in March 2020 after the start of the pandemic, the Bridge Book Club hosts a periodic virtual book club featuring authors with a Detroit or Michigan connection. For each title, a discussion post is added to the club’s Facebook group in the weeks leading up to the virtual meeting, so participants can stay engaged all month long. Past videos of the chats are available as well. Attendance is free, and interested readers can join by filling out a form online! Bridge Michigan, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news source, hosts the events.

Downtown Detroit photo by Caleb George on Unsplash.

Don’t stop there! Continue with our Book Group Store Tour, which visits some of the best independent bookstores around the globe for interviews with owners and book group leaders!

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Montana encompasses some of the most beautiful terrain in the western United States. The Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains, Glacier National Park. From hiking on Sleeping Giant Mountain to admiring the historic architecture in Reeder’s Alley, Montana’s capital, Helena, boasts a wide range of attractions for audiences as diverse as its landscape. Meanwhile, about an hour and a half southeast of Helena lies Bozeman. The city boasts the Museum of the Rockies (with its famous Siebel Dinosaur Complex), Montana State University, and hiking on the Bridger Range.

Any readers on the hunt for their next book group will also find what they are looking for in these historic cities! We offer these bookstores, libraries, and institutions where you can join a literary discussion.

Be sure to contact each organization to confirm that their offerings continue during this time. (And don’t forget to browse the list of the other great cities we’ve visited…)

Montana Book Co.

Searching for a bookstore where you can attend a vinyl listening party, attend regular author readings, and join a book group on social justice? Look no further than Montana Book Co., an independent bookstore on Helena’s Last Chance Gulch. It was originally established in 1978 as The Little Professor bookstore. And now, Montana Book Co. hosts community events with an emphasis on inclusivity in addition to offering great reads. The store also hosts four book clubs: Social Justice, Legacy, Science Fiction, and the Young Readers ARC Club. Participants in the latter group even get early access to upcoming books! Check out Montana Book Co.’s website for more information, and then start reading…

Lewis & Clark Public Library

As one might expect, Helena’s local public library holds a great selection of book groups for the avid reader. Some groups, like the Civics Book Group, read and discuss historical works with an aim to educate citizens on government-related issues. Others, like the Daytimers Group, bring the community together through works of contemporary world fiction. For more info on these book groups and others, visit the Lewis & Clark Public Library’s website.

Country Bookshelf

The winner of numerous awards and a member of the American Booksellers Association, Country Bookshelf remains an iconic part of Bozeman. This independent bookstore hosts the Bozeman Teen Book Fest and has launched their own 2020 Reading Challenge (see this link for more info). Also, Country Bookshelf is home to four book groups: the Country Bookshelf Book Club, the Wonderlust Mystery Series, the Young Adult Book Club, and the Adventure Women’s Book Club. Visit this quaint and friendly bookstore to find your next read or your next book group; more information can be found on the Country Bookshelf website.

Montana Racial Equity Project

The Montana Racial Equity Project (MTREP) is a nonprofit dedicated to helping marginalized groups. They accomplish their mission through education, respectful dialogue, and community events. This includes their Racial Justice Book Club, which meets every month at the Bozeman Public Library. With past book selections such as Tommy Orange’s There There and Ijeoma Oluo’s So You Want to Talk about Race, this book group features discussions about pertinent issues for our time. You can find more information about MTREP here and the Racial Justice Book Club here.

Bozeman Public Library

Home to seven book clubs, the Bozeman Public Library is a hub for readers and book group fanatics alike. Some of the library’s book groups meet in non-library locations. The Walking Book Club meets on local trails to discuss their books, and the Reverie Readers meets at a location outside the library to discuss fantasy reads. Others, like the Kids Book Club for readers ages eight and up, meet at the library for their community discussions. Visit the Bozeman Public Library’s website for more information; book group information can be found here.

Photo of Montana State Capitol by Steven Cordes on Unsplash

Still have wanderlust? Check out our Book Store Group Tour, which visits some of the best independent bookstores to spotlight their book groups!

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Most people are familiar with Denver as the “Mile High City,” a great place to visit to eat quality fresh food, explore natural sights, and bask in the near-constant sunshine. But did you know Denver is also home to a lively bookstore and book group scene? This city goes the extra mile when it comes to providing a variety of choices for reading groups. From digital clubs to meetings with acclaimed authors, we give you a run down of where to find other readers up in the mountains. Join the discussion!

(And don’t forget to browse the list of the other great cities we’ve visited!)

Tattered Cover Bookstore

Tattered Cover Bookstore remains one of Denver’s most famous independent bookstores. The store first opened in 1971, and now has three locations in Denver, which host multiple author and guest speaker events every month. Tattered Cover also hosts several book groups, from the Travel Lover’s Book Club to the Mystery Book Club to the Denver7 Book Club, hosted by Denver Channel 7’s meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo. Visit Tattered Cover’s website to find the right book group for you.

Denver Public Library

The Denver Public Library hosts a number of book groups at a variety of days and times, so participants can choose a book group that works best for their schedule. Some of the groups, like RADA (Read. Awareness. Dialogue. Action), focus on books about current political and social issues, while others, like the Yak, Snack, and Read group, pair good reads with tasty treats! For readers who can’t make it to meetings in person, the library offers online book clubs through their website. Upon sign-up, members are emailed small sections of books to read every day, Monday through Friday. These online groups may be a great option for readers who want to test the waters before joining a book group that meets regularly in person!

BookBar

Interested in grabbing a bite to eat while enjoying a good book? BookBar offers a selection of snacks and drinks (including beer and wine) in their independent bookstore. The store has gathered many accolades, from being recognized as a Certifiably Green Business in Denver to their charity efforts through BookBar’s non-profit sector, BookGive, which donates books to over half a dozen local organizations. Of course, BookBar has a number of book groups, too—Silent Book Club, Books in Translation Book Club, BookKid Book Club, and more. The store hosts events for local authors and writers as well, including a bi-monthly writing meet-up. Through their website, Readtribe, BookBar also provides networking to readers and book groups, and they offer to host book group meetings at the store. Interested groups should contact them for more information!

Pen & Podium Book Club 

Pen & Podium is a lecture series established by The Denver Post, where well-known writers are invited to speak about their work. The series has also formed its own book group, which discusses a book the week prior to an author’s visit and lecture. Authors featured in the 2019-2020 season include Andrew Sean Greer, author of Less, and Min Jin Lee, author of Pachinko (recommended in the Reading Group Choices 2018 guide!). This book group has limited space, so interested readers should join the Pen & Podium email list for updates regarding the group’s next meeting.

Alliance Française de Denver

Alliance Française de Denver offers classes and services to people interested in learning more about the French language and its culture. And what better way to accomplish this mission than through book groups? The European Book Club reads translated works by European authors, while the French Book Club reads French works (and holds discussions about them entirely in French!). Both groups are led by AFD members and volunteers.

Want more options? Check out our Book Store Group Tour, which visits some of the best independent bookstores to spotlight their book groups!

The post Book Group City Tour: Denver appeared first on Reading Group Choices.

A mythic city known for its jazz, Cajun cuisine, French Quarter and life along the Mississippi, New Orleans is also steeped in literary history. From its annual Tennessee Williams festival to its independent bookshops, the Big Easy offers a sanctuary for readers.

As always, we looked for a variety of ways for readers to connect to book groups and enjoy bookish conversation. Several of the clubs are deeply connected to the city and region that inspires them. From the traditional to unexpected, here’s our round up. Grab a mint julep and enjoy the read!

(And don’t miss our previous city tours of Nashville, San Francisco, and Chicago!)

Garden District Book Shop

The Garden District Book Shop is located in the neighborhood of the same name, known for its iconic mansions. Housed in a former roller rink that dates back to 1884, the shop features a full range of genres, including regional titles and signed first editions. The store’s book group meets on the second Wednesday of the month and welcomes new members! (Get a 20% discount when you purchase the selected book.) Recent picks include The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin and Pachinko by Min Jin Lee.

New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA)

Join this different take on the book group! The New Orleans Museum of Art began with only nine pieces of art over 100 years ago and has since become one of the premier collections in the South. The book picks for this monthly group feature fiction and nonfiction titles related to art, artists, and the collections at NOMA. Group events also include field trips and author meetings. The full picks for each year are announced ahead of time. See what they’re reading this year!

NOLA Lit/Creativity Collective

Immerse yourself in local literature in a local setting with NOLA Lit, founded in 2014. The group votes on the titles, all of them connected to New Orleans or the surrounding region, and then meets on the second Monday of the month at the historic Columns Hotel. Members share a discussion over happy hour, and the group caps off each read with an optional field trip or author meeting. Participation costs just $1! NOLA Lit is part of the Creativity Collective, a nonprofit that seeks artistic solutions to issues affecting the city.

One Book, One New Orleans

Each fall, OBONO brings residents of New Orleans together to read and discuss the same book. The organization works in partnership with the New Orleans Public Library and Pirate’s Alley Faulkner Society, and supports ways to improve adult literacy and bind communities. It also works with and provides copies to people in prisons and juvenile detention facilities. Become a volunteer or a member to support the cause! Scroll through previous year’s picks, and vote for the next…

Tubby & Coos

Named for the grandparents of the owner, this self-proclaimed “Nerd Mecca” is a book and gaming store, yes… and yet so much more. They feature board game events, including a club and exchange program, a publishing company, and podcasts, such as Novel Ideas. And of course a series of book groups that you may not find anywhere else! Check out the Not-So-YA Club, open to adults and teens, or the Graphic Novel Club. (Even the Japan Society Group discusses their picks here.) Drop by and join in!

Vibrant Market

“Clean beauty” is the goal at this body and wellness shop. Skin and hair care products, makeup and dietary supplements, all created from natural ingredients. (Check out their banned ingredients list.) Plus, they host the High Vibe Book Club every last Wednesday of the month, free to attend! Lauren, the store founder, leads the group, which discusses titles related to health and wellness. Take this unique opportunity to join a thematic club.

Still have some wanderlust? Take a trip through our other Book Group City Tour destinations!

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Chicago is known for its architecture, blues and jazz, deep dish pizza, and beautiful lakefront. It’s also fast on the rise as a major literary city, boasting a growing number of author residents and indie bookstores, plus the new American Writers Museum. And it’s a great place for readers to discuss books!

In our continuing Book Group City Tour series, Reading Group Choices strolls the streets of the Windy City in search of the best (and unexpected) places to join a book club. We recently profiled the groups at Chicago’s iconic Women & Children First bookstore. And there’s plenty more: From libraries to cultural institutions, poetry round tables to the birthplace of Hemingway — grab a good book and check out one of these options. Your next great discussion is waiting!

(Don’t miss our previous city tours of Nashville and San Francisco!)

The Book Cellar

This indie bookstore and cafe has been an anchor of the Lincoln Square neighborhood on Chicago’s northwest side for nearly 15 years. The quarter still carries traces of its German origins (buy a book, raise a stein!). And the Book Cellar has created its own tradition of author events, a full array of coffee, wine, and snacks, and the friendly and knowledgeable staff. It also hosts 8 book groups, free and open to the public!

The options range from Never Too Old: A YA Book Club for Adults to Soul Pages: Spirituality Book Group. There’s also a French Book Group (discussions in English), and the store’s flagship Book Cellar Book Group. Join in their active discussion calendar! Note: some groups are quite popular, and you may need to join a waitlist.

One Book One Chicago

Launched by the Chicago Public Library in 2001, One Book One Chicago (OBOC) turns the city into one giant book club! Each year a book is selected and readings are organized around the city at library branches. There are also related events like lectures and film screenings that explore the theme of the chosen book. All events are free and open to the public. (And the library carries plenty of copies!)

OBOC is currently reading Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K. Dick, now through next spring. Join in the discussion!

Hemingway Birthplace

You’ll find the birthplace of Ernest Hemingway in Oak Park, Illinois, just outside the city limits (and still reachable by the El). What better atmosphere to read and discuss some Hemingway-related literature?

The home is open to visitors, and just down the block is a museum and bookshop. The organization also runs Hemingway’s Ernest Book Club, an occasional group that reads titles by the author himself as well as related works. Note: the discussions are irregular, so consult the event calendar and join the email list to be notified!

Pilsen Community Books

The mission of this new and used bookshop is to support literacy in the community. Part of their sales go back into schools, so you can feel extra good about buying books! The store is located southwest of downtown, in the traditionally Mexican neighborhood of Pilsen (don’t miss the National Museum of Mexican Art while you’re down there…). Attend an author book launch or join their book club, which meets once a month. Participation is free!

Can’t make it to Pilsen? Visit The Dial, a companion bookstore downtown, which hosts more author events.

Instituto Cervantes

For those interested in reading literature by the most important Spanish authors, join the monthly Library Book Club at Instituto Cervantes, located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. The institute is a cultural center that educates and promotes the languages and culture of Spain. The book group began in 2004 and meets every month to discuss a classic or contemporary work. Note: library membership is required to participate.

City Lit Books

Opened in 2012 in the Logan Square neighborhood, City Lit Books offers new, general interest titles and has welcomed a long list of local and visiting authors. It also features a robust series of book groups based on genres and themes!

The latest is Subject to Change, which focuses on coming-of-age stories. Other groups include Graphic Content for graphic novels, the Wilde Readers for LGBTQ literature, In Brief for collections of short stories and essays, and Found in Translation for translated work.

All groups are free and open to the public! Check out the calendar and join in.

Poetry Foundation

Chicago is home to the Poetry Foundation, which publishes the renowned Poetry Magazine. The Foundation houses a free, public access library with a vast collection of poetry, to be consulted on site. It also runs regular writing workshops and author readings, and a free monthly book group!

You don’t have to be a poetry expert to join. The discussion is open to all levels, and occasionally the author sits in. It’s truly a great chance to learn about or further enjoy poetry in a welcoming environment. Note: sometimes spaces fill up quickly, so join the mailing list and RSVP in advance!

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Fog, steep hills, the towers of the Golden Gate Bridge: San Francisco is an iconic city. And the same is true when it comes to book culture. The city’s long literary history and diverse mix of cultures means there’s no shortage of places for readers to find a group or club that fits their interests, or to try something new.

We’ve rounded up some options for SF readers to discuss their next great book in good company. Whether a longtime Bay Area resident or first-time visitor, stop by one of these groups, all of them open to the public.

Explore the city, and happy reading!

San Francisco Public Library

The San Francisco Public Library offers numerous book groups at the main branch and local branches throughout the city. The options fit a variety of bookish tastes and audiences. Readers can join classic groups like the World Literature Book Club or Great Books Discussion Group, or seek out more specialized topics:

The West Portal branch offers a Mother-Daughter Book Group, selecting young adult titles that mothers and daughters can read together. The Western Addition branch invites readers to share and discuss their favorite titles in Japanese on the first Saturday of the month. And the Mission Cultural Center partners with the city’s libraries to host a discussion of books in Spanish.

With multiple groups meeting weekly, readers in San Francisco will be kept busy! Consult the full list here.

Dog Eared Books

This new and used, general interest bookstore opened in 1992 and has two locations in the city. The Castro location offers the San Francisco LGBT Book Club, which has been meeting regularly on the second Wednesday of the month since 2004! The atmosphere is friendly, and new members are welcome. Books are chosen two months in advance.

Upcoming picks include Now I’m Here by Jim Provenzano and The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater. Stop by and join the discussion!

Jewish Community Center

The Jewish Community Center of San Francisco has been running educational, cultural, and social programs for nearly 150 years, making it the oldest Jewish center on the West Coast. Its regular events include two monthly book groups designed to fit busy schedules: one on Friday afternoons, and the other on Tuesday evenings.

Recent selections include The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict and Less by Andrew Sean Greer. All are welcome to attend.

Silent Reading at The Bindery

If you’re looking for a… quieter group reading experience, try the Silent Reading Club! Each month, readers gather together, socialize a little, and then begin reading — silently. Have a glass of wine, with purchases supporting a good cause. It’s a great way to enjoy company, read whatever strikes your mood, and share (and receive) book recommendations from others.

The event is hosted by The Bindery, an event space owned by The Booksmith, a popular bookstore and fixture of the Haight-Ashbury community.

The Commonwealth Club of California

The Commonwealth Club has long been a forum for discussion of culture, politics, and social issues, with a busy event schedule, radio program, and podcasts. Its offerings include a book discussion series led by a facilitator knowledgeable in the field. The focus usually falls on humanities or California authors. Note: Discussions don’t follow a set schedule, and preregistration is required.

Book Passage

Book Passage has been in business for more than 40 years. Its three Bay Area locations — including the Ferry Building in San Francisco — pay special attention to the community and serve as a resource for book groups. The store offers support to readers who wish to start a club, and a coordinator to help suggest the best titles for discussion. Plus, groups can register with the store to receive discounts on purchases, special seating at author readings, and invitations to events just for book clubs.

Get started with your group here!

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Looking for a new book group to reinvigorate your love of literature? Nashville offers plenty of opportunities for avid readers. Whether you’re a book club veteran interested in a specific genre or a newbie just trying to find a group, Tennessee’s capital has something for you. Take a look at the list below to see how you can get involved in a weekend-long event with book signings, a book club with a writing activity, and more!

Better Off Read

The Bookshop, located in East Nashville, offers a selection of books in a quaint venue, while The Porch, a Nashville-based writer’s collective, nurtures writers of all ages through outreach programs and workshops. Better Off Read represents the collaboration of The Bookshop and The Porch, as a book club providing an elective writing prompt for each book. The club meets once a month at The Bookshop, and attendees must register beforehand. The event fee includes a copy of the chosen book, refreshments at the event, and a discount voucher for other book purchases made the day of the event.

Book Clubs at the Nashville Public Library

The many branches of Nashville Public Library (NPL) host several book clubs—residents can take their pick! Some book clubs are more niche, like the Main Library’s Killer Thrillers Club, while others cater to a wider audience, such as the Hermitage Library’s Books 2 Movies Club. Nashville Reads, in partnership with NPL and multiple organizations, is a community book club that features a discussion with the book’s author at the last meeting.

NPL even offers Book Club in a Bag, an all-purpose kit for people interested in starting their own book clubs. Library members can check out a bag for a genre of their choice, which includes 10 copies of a book, discussion questions, an author biography, and helpful tips.

Next Chapter Book Clubs

Tennessee hosts their own Next Chapter Book Clubs for residents with disabilities. People of all ages and reading abilities are welcome to join book clubs at multiple locations in Tennessee, like the Arc of Williamson County and the East TN Technology Access Center.

Storylines at the Scarritt Bennett Center

Nashville’s Scarritt Bennett Center, which is dedicated to improving the world through community engagement, hosts their book club Storylines on the second Monday of each month. Open to women of any background, this club works to develop relationships among community members and broaden individuals’ views through literature.

Steadfast & True Yoga Book Club

Love Yoga? Look no further than this club for literary inspiration. The club will read Silence in the Age of Noise by Erling Kagge for their meeting in September 2018, and the discussion will take place in the Steadfast & True Yoga studio. Tickets to this event include the price of the book and refreshments at the meeting.

Book Clubs at Parnassus

Nashville’s independent bookstore Parnassus offers its own programs for readers and book clubs. We review all that Parnassus has to offer to book group enthusiasts on our blog!

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