1. Reading is Good For You

Committing to a book group means committing to reading a book, which means setting aside time to read, which means setting aside time not to be on a screen or at your desk or watching TV. There have been so many studies about the benefits of reading such as stress reduction, improved cognitive function, enhanced vocabulary and memory, and better sleep, to name a few.

2. You'll Become a Better Reader

Owing to the fact you'll be reading more, and discussing books more, you'll inevitably become a better reader, meaning you'll be able to suss out more quickly whether a writer is taking shortcuts, or you'll be able to identify more readily and specifically just what it is about a certain book that you love or loathe, e.g. the author's use of second person or use of imagery.

3. It’s Fun

Getting together with a group, whether it’s for the first time or whether it’s with a group you’ve really got to know over a period of time, it’s always fun to take a book and its author to task and put it through its paces, through lively, relaxed, informal discussion. This is exactly the tone I’m going for in my groups, which you book onto here. 

4. Community

Even if you’re not a writer it can be hard to find people who also want to talk about books, particularly if those books are poetry. So, joining a book group can be a great way of connecting with like-minded people about something you enjoy doing. 

5. Consider Other Opinions

It’s always fascinating to hear what other people say about books, and how some people can have a completely different opinion to your own. They may even suggest something you hadn’t thought of before, in terms of the book’s style or technique. Being open minded and willing to listen to other people’s points of view will help your writing and challenge some of your preconceptions.

6. Shared Experience

It’s good to read books, finish them and then put them on the shelf, but it’s even better to read a book knowing that a group of other people are also doing the same thing. If there was a really great moment in the book, or a really naff one, it can be fun to think you’re going to be able to discuss this with others and share that experience. 

7. Keep Up to Date

The literary world moves quickly, and it can be really hard to feel like we’re keeping up to date, however joining a book group means you feel like you’ve got your finger on the pulse of who’s writing and whether you think the hype is warranted.

8. Have Your Say

There are so many occasions when we see books getting acclaim and good reviews, and prizes, when we’re thinking to ourselves: “Did I miss something there?” Book groups allow us to express our own personal opinions in a safe, non-judgemental place, as opposed to social media which might invite unwelcome responses. Book groups, in short, allow your voice and opinion to be heard, while also hearing those of others. 

9. Other News

Book groups are a great way to keep up with other literary news more generally. I always start my book groups with a bit of news about the literary world and invite others to give us any news they’ve heard. They can also be great places to get writing tips from the facilitator and learn more about publishing trends. 

10. Improve Your Craft as a Writer

There is no better way to improve your own craft than by analysing that of another, published writer. In my book groups we always dedicate some time to closely read a passage or a poem, in order to really challenge, probe and interrogate the quality of the work we’re reading. There is so much to be learned in this process, especially when it comes to gaining new ideas on craft and techniques in your writing.

Find out more and book your place on my autumn series of book clubs here: