In this series we will hear directly from some very inspiring clubs using Bookclubz in order to get to know their stories and learn how they are using our platform to build uplifting and meaningful communities!
Get to know the The Loser book club, and how they continuously keep their book club discussions fun and their experience as a Spanish speaking club.
How did your book club start?
I’ve always wanted to join a book club where people share my preference for horror, fantasy, YA, sci-fi and thrillers, but it was very hard to find a group like this in Mexico. Most book clubs I came across were very contemporary, or focused on the classics. I couldn’t find a club that focused on the books I am interested in, so I decided to create my own.
Why the name of your book club?
Although I’m not a fan of Stephen King, I like the new “It” movies. I love them with all my dark heart, and I like the concept of the Loser/Lover club. So I thought it suited well, is that book a “Loser” or a “Lover”?.
Is there a conversation about picking out your book?
It’s a roulette with all the names of the people that are attending the meeting. We will randomly draw 3 names and the “chosen” ones will propose a book they want to read according to the monthly theme I have prepared. Some examples are: books with “demons,” “a murderer,” “LGBT characters,” “blue cover,” “from Japan” and many more. (We stay away from historical, non-fiction or classic books.)
Do you have tips for how to have a successful meeting, or a really good story about your book club?
What I always do is invoke the haters of the book first. I like to hear why people did not like the book, it is very interesting. I also ask some random questions from the book to make it fun and kill the awkward silence. “Which character would you be?” “Do you think the villain is hot?” “If you had to choose to marry, date and kill the characters, which would it be?”
How do your club members stay connected beyond reading?
We have a WhatsApp group where we talk and share memes. I’m also starting a new Instagram account to comment on the book, but it is at the beginning stages.
How do you host successful meetings and inspire thought-provoking discussions?
Most of the time the conversation flows easily because we each have an opinion and want to share it, but as a host, my best advice is to always be ready to kill the awkward silences. The key is to just be creative to keep your members having fun and interested.
What are the top 5 books your club has read this year?
We are a fairly new book club, so far we have only covered 4 books. The books we have read are: A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, The Year of the Witching, Convenience Store Woman and Never Let Me Go.
What's one question you ask to start the discussion for each book your club reads?
“Who hated the book? Why?”
Why would you advise everyone to join a book club?
For starters, it’s fun to read books you never thought you would read and it really is a cool thing to stay open minded. You will make amazing friends while talking about books. I don’t know how other countries are, but in Mexico not a lot of people like to read, so it is great finding other readers to relate to!