If you’ve ever loved getting lost in a good story, imagine sharing that experience with others who feel the same way. That’s where book club benefits really shine. A book club isn’t just about the story on the page. It’s about the conversations that follow, the people you meet, and the friendships that build one chapter at a time. According to Pew Research Center, nearly three-quarters of adults in the United States read at least one book in the past year, and more and more are choosing to read as part of a group.
Book clubs give you a reason to pause in the middle of a busy life and spend time with people who love stories just like you do. What begins as a discussion about a character or plot often turns into something bigger and more meaningful.
A Bond Beyond the Pages
Gail Schiffer knows that feeling well. She leads the Chicklits Book Club in Charleston and joined shortly after retiring. “I have always loved reading,” she told me. “When I retired and a friend invited me to join a newly formed book club, I jumped at the chance. I knew it would give me the impetus I needed to get out of my mystery and sci-fi rut and explore other genres and authors.”
For Gail, what started as a way to discover new books became a real source of connection. “The members of this group have become much more than acquaintances. We care about one another, and we are there for one another. Even during COVID, we didn’t just give up. We continued to meet through Zoom. It has helped us all recognize the advantages of knowing people who think in different ways.”
And it’s not just a feeling. A University of Michigan study found that older adults who take part in activities like book clubs tend to have better cognitive health and feel less isolated. A shared story has a way of bringing people together in a way few things can.
One Club, Many Stories
Each member of the Chicklits Book Club found their way to the group for different reasons, but their experiences reflect the same sense of belonging. Dana joined shortly after moving from New York to South Carolina. “I was first drawn to join the book club to make friends,” she said. “I enjoy the lovely people I’ve met and the interesting book selections. Being in the book club makes me commit to reading books when I may otherwise not make the time. It also opens my eyes to books I might have never considered reading.” Dana’s favorite recent read was The Women, which she described as powerful and eye-opening.
Nancy discovered the club soon after moving to the area. She recalls feeling welcomed right from the start. “This is my first book club and I’m delighted to be a member. Gail welcomed me with open arms when I moved to South Carolina. Being a member has been such a bright part of my new life here. I look forward to our monthly gatherings. It’s a lively group, full of friendship and conversation.” She also shared that the club encourages her to read more widely and to appreciate the different viewpoints people bring to each discussion.
Although their reasons for joining were different, both Dana and Nancy found friendship, meaningful conversation, and a stronger connection to their new community.
A Lifelong Reader’s Perspective
Margaret Seres has been part of book groups for nearly forty years. Her first experience was with a couples’ group in Illinois that met monthly for potluck dinners and discussions. When she moved to South Carolina, she sought out a group with the same balance of conversation and connection. “I feel that a real advantage to joining a group is that you read books you would not choose to read on your own,” she said. “Sometimes the discussion is more interesting than the book. During the discussion you hear different interpretations and learn to look at events from different perspectives. Book groups stretch you in various ways, and not just by forcing you to keep reading.”
Margaret’s story shows how book clubs can grow with you through different stages of life. Whether joining a couples’ group, a local community group, or an online club, the core experience remains the same: people gathering to share ideas and build friendships through stories.
Book Club Benefits: How to Start Your Own
If you’ve ever thought about starting a book club, you might be surprised at how simple it can be. You don’t need a big group or a complicated plan. You just need a love of books and a few people who want to talk about them.
Pick a book that sparks conversation, set a regular time to meet, and let the group grow naturally. Keep the space welcoming and open so everyone feels comfortable sharing. If you can’t meet in person, online meetings work just as well. The real magic isn’t in the format but in the people who show up.
Gail said it best. “It’s the richness of the discussions and the friendships that keep us going.”
A Community Built One Story at a Time
A book club is more than a meeting on the calendar. It’s a way to connect, to grow, and to build friendships that can last for years. Whether you join a group or start one of your own, the stories you share will bring more than just good conversation. They’ll bring people into your life who make it brighter.
Author’s Note: Thank you to Gail Schiffer, Dana, Nancy, and Margaret Seres for sharing their experiences with the Chicklits Book Club in Charleston. Their stories remind us that books have power, but it’s the people who make the journey special.
About the contributor
Originally from Minnesota, Gail settled in the Boston area after graduate school, where she and her husband raised two sons. She later taught Biology at Kennesaw State University in Atlanta, helping develop an innovative science course for non-majors. Now retired in Charleston, she volunteers with organizations like the South Carolina Aquarium and enjoys her lifelong love of reading through a book club that’s been together for over 16 years.
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