Join a book club from home

What are you doing with all your extra time at the moment? Maybe one of your New Year’s resolutions was to read more – well, there’s no time like the present. You could join one of the many online book clubs, connect with like-minded souls and actually get started on that resolution today.

Here are a few of our favourites:

Salon London

With guest speakers that include academics, experts and authors, Salon London are all about bringing ideas to life. They’ve recently launched a LIVEstream Book Club that’s £5 to join or free if you buy the relevant book. A couple of upcoming streams include Robert Webb’s debut novel Come Again (10th May) and Sarah Pascoe’s Sunday Times bestseller Sex Power Money (31st May).

Reese’s Book Club

If you’re looking for a book club hosted by a Hollywood celeb, then look no further. Reese Witherspoon’s Instagram-based, Reese’s Book Club , focuses on books that the actress loves that have a woman at the centre of the story. Often Reese will share video messages from the author of the featured book, as well as encouraging viewers to buy from independent book shops – something our high-streets will thank us for in the coming months.

Between Two Books

Florence Welch of Florence & The Machine is the founder of Instagram book club Between Two Books. During this lockdown period, featured books have revolved around uplifting themes such as Hope in the Dark, Community and Art in an Emergency.

Rebel Book Club

Non-fiction more your thing? The Rebel Book Club features a new thought-provoking non-fiction book every month, with two monthly virtual meets – one focused on the theme, one on the book. You can join for just £13 a month, which includes the price of the book. Bargain.

Poppy Loves Book Club

Poppy Loves Book Club sees women from all over the world reading the same book at the same time and then coming together online, usually with the author, to discuss everything about it on the last day of the month. The club has a big following on Instagram and Facebook, and in light of the current situation they’ve shared the next three planned books so readers can get their hands on them in good time.

If joining a book club full of celebrities or strangers isn’t really your thing, then why not start your own amongst friends. That way you get to choose what you read, the pressures off, and you can merge book club with some lovely afternoon drinks via video chat!

“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counsellors, and the most patient of teachers.” – Charles W. Eliot