Benefits of Joining a Reading Group or Book Club

4 Benefits Of Joining A Reading Group Or Book Club

Have you been considering joining a reading group or book club? Here is a list of four useful benefits you can expect from such an activity:

1. Intellectual Stimulation
One thing is for sure, participating in a book club will lead to exposure to new ideas. These may have profound implications on your life, or may cause alarm. In any case, the intellectual stimulation experienced at a reading group will renew your thinking.

The books selected for discussion may be in a different genre than you prefer. Or the books may be of a higher or lower academic rating than you’re used to. All of these things can be viewed as a learning opportunity rather than a reason to dismiss the book club. Allow yourself to engage with new materials and new people as a way of life-long education.

2. Provision of Obtainable Goal
Students in school and those in the work place are regularly provided with goals, tasks, and deadlines. However, there is also a portion of the population who may have fewer goals and would welcome to provision of one from an outside source. It can be very refreshing to try something new — like reading a book selected by the club — to provide an obtainable goal.

Did you ever see the movie “Julie and Julia”? In this film a woman named Julie decides to cook every single one of Julia Child’s recipes from a book. She provided herself with such a goal because she felt it would empower the other aspects of her being and life. I think that is an admirable way to live life — give yourself goals to constantly challenge and improve who you are!

3. Personal Break Time
Everyone needs a little personal time away from the hustle and bustle of work, school, family, and chores. Book clubs provide a dedicated time each week or month where you can go to breathe freely and take your mind off your usual stress. Think of it as a mental vacation!

4. Interpersonal Relationship Building
Joining a book club can be intimidating for certain personality types who learn more towards introversion. For others, it may initially seem too structured or tedious. In both cases, meeting new people at a reading group offers the opportunity to improve interpersonal relationship building skills with assorted personalities.

Book clubs typically allow a significant chance to express your opinions and ideas. You’ll not only get to share your own thoughts, but hopefully learn from the opposing viewpoints of others. You’ll get to practice sharing, asking questions, and engaging others on a personal level.

Additionally, you may find a new set of diverse friendships at book clubs. People you never dreamed of associating with may soon be inviting you to dinner parties and other social outings. If you’re new the area, a reading group may help you learn more about the town and culture.

One More Benefit for Writers…
As an avid reader and writer, I also feel compelled to suggest that book clubs provide an encouraging space for budding authors. All of the benefits of books clubs listed above also promote better writing. Getting to know differing viewpoints, reading new and unusual materials, and interacting with assorted types of people are all inspiring interactions for those with a passion for writing.

Joining a book club is just one of the many ways readers can gain new insights and share inspirations found in books. Check out my previous blog post “How to Find New Novels” for more great ideas to enhance your reading adventures and be sure to check out my website, www.leifericksonwriting.com for plenty of new book ideas to discuss in your book club.