How to Host a Virtual Book Club and Support Small Businesses

Select a Bookish Virtual Venue

The first matter of business is locale. Ordinarily, we'd suggest you gather at a cosy pub or cocktail spot — ideally one with a literary menu (more on that in a bit). Given current circumstances, though, choices are limited.

In lieu of corner booths and high-top tables, try gathering on Google Hangouts, Zoom, or via Book Movement's Book Club app (made expressly for digital book clubs). Pro tip: recommend everyone allow five to 10 minutes for tech set-up before you dive into a provocative conversation about your chosen book; goodness knows we all need a bit of time to tackle last-minute technical difficulties.

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Choose the Perfect Story

The most important part of this process is choosing the perfect book for your group to read and discuss. You could follow the selections of clubs like the Black Girls Book Club (whose events are, understandably, on hold at the moment) or Reese Witherspoon's Book Club (the latest pick is Glennon Doyle's inspiring memoir, Untamed). Or, you can follow the beat of your own book club's drum and choose books that speak to you and your friends.

Some soon-to-be-released recommendations? Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender tells the story of a transgender teen, but is sure to prompt important, thought-provoking dialogue among adults. Lisa Duffy's My Kind of People will fill you with hope and a renewed sense of resilience, which we could all use a bit more of right now. Stephanie Danler's memoir Stray is equal parts heart-wrenching and inspiring — perfect for fans of nonfiction and Danler's prose (you may be familiar with her last book, bestseller Sweetbitter). And Hannah Orenstein's Head Over Heels offers a perfect escape to an alternate 2020, one full of Olympic aspirations and encouraging pep talks.

They'll all leave you with tears in your eyes and lots to unpack. We promise!

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Support Local Booksellers

Image Source: Getty / Johner Images

Once you've landed on the date, digital meeting medium, and book of choice, you have to make sure you're able to get your hands on an actual copy. And fortunately, there are still loads of ways to order from local shops without physically visiting their locations.

Hive.co.uk is among the easiest, most convenient online marketplaces to ensure you're supporting the high street; it's connected to hundreds of bookshops across the UK (and offers free shipping countrywide, to boot!). Shops like Primrose Hill Books in London and Chapter Books in Manchester are also continuing to take orders by phone, email, and through their respective websites if you'd prefer to communicate with someone a bit more directly.

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Order From Digital Indie Bookstores

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Prefer eBooks? Audiobooks? Unwilling to wait for the post? Not to worry. Websites like My Must Reads and Libro.FM allow you to buy digital and audio editions directly through local bookstores as well. Niche titles, bestsellers, Stephen Fry's sweet narration, and the power to support small businesses are all, quite literally, at your fingertips.

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Whip Up Some Literary Libations

Now, on to refreshments. Many local off-licence and wine shops are still delivering straight to customers' doors — often through sites like Deliveroo — giving you and your book club mates the capacity to whip up some literary-themed cocktails, à la Tequila Mockingbird.

Draw some inspiration from The Bling Pig in Soho and shake up Paddington's Lost and Found, a meld of citrus flavours and vodka (served with a note reminding you to "Please look after this bear") or Harry Potter's Best Bottle Butter Bitter, a frothy blend of butterscotch, bitters, and beer. Cheers!

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