Joining a book club has been on my bucket list for more years than I can count. I love books—their stories, their power to transport us to another world, and the way they can bring people together. There’s something magical about sitting down with a book, getting lost in its pages, and then talking about it with others who felt the same emotions, asked the same questions, or had completely different takes. That magic is what makes books so special to me, and I desperately wanted someone to share that magic with.

As a woman in my thirties, trying to find a book club that matched my interests was incredibly frustrating. It seemed like all the available book clubs in my area either met during working hours—which wasn’t an option for me as someone who has a full-time job—or were reading books I didn’t have a say in choosing or didn’t care to read. I longed for a group where I could make friends, where the books felt relevant to me, and where the schedule was flexible enough to fit into a busy life. Since I couldn’t find one that fit my needs, I was encouraged by several people close to me to start my own. I had idea what would unfold as a result.

In October 2024, I officially launched my book club, and we have already met twice and are about to meet for the third time! Each meeting has been better than I could have imagined. One of the things I care deeply about is ensuring that every member feels valued and heard. That’s why we always vote on the book we’ll read each month—it’s important to me that everyone has a say in what we explore together. We started as a small group, but since that first meeting, we’ve grown by five new members, and now span five states. It’s amazing to see how word-of-mouth and shared excitement about reading can bring people together, and I love the sense of community that is already developing.

When I first imagined starting a book club, the idea was simple. I pictured inviting a few friends over, serving some snacks, and chatting about whatever book we’d agreed to read. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized how much bigger this could be. What if it wasn’t just about books? What if it became a way to build a community? A place where readers and aspiring readers could come together, share their thoughts, and feel a little less alone in this busy, noisy world?

When I think about my dreams for this book club, they go far beyond simply finishing a monthly read (though, let’s be honest, that’s an accomplishment in itself!). I dream of hosting themed book nights—where we pair books with recipes or movies that match the vibe of our read. I imagine going to local bookstores to hear authors share their insights and learn about their creative processes firsthand. I’d love for us to tackle everything from literary classics to lighthearted romances, giving everyone a chance to step outside their comfort zone while still feeling at home.

As the book club grows, I hope it becomes a space where people feel seen and heard, whether they’re avid readers or just dipping their toes into the literary world. I want us to laugh together, cry together, and celebrate the magic of storytelling. More than anything, I want this to be a place where stories remind us of our shared humanity—the joy, the heartbreak, the challenges, and the hope.

I don’t have it all figured out yet. There’s still a lot to learn, and I’m sure there will be plenty of trial and error along the way. But isn’t that part of the fun? Every story has its twists and turns, and this one—the story of building a book club—is well underway.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I’d love to be part of something like that,” I’d love to hear from you. What books are on your must-read list? What kind of discussions would you want to have? I haven’t quite figured out how to fully open up to the masses, but the time is coming. I can feel it.

Here’s to building something beautiful—one chapter at a time.