In its essence, reading is a passive, personal activity; however, that doesn’t mean it can’t become more. No matter if you’re an avid or occasional reader, book clubs are an excellent outlet for those wishing to build upon their reading experiences and grow both personally and professionally. Not entirely sold yet? Consider my 5 E’s of book club excellence:
Encouragement: Book Clubs encourage you to read more
The thing that I enjoy most about being in a book club is that it holds me accountable for my reading. Despite considering myself an avid reader, life can certainly get in the way sometimes and disrupt the amount of time I devote to my favorite hobby. But, by being in a book club, I’m held accountable for making time for myself no matter what is going on in my life and reading more. Being in a book club also gives me something to look forward to every couple of months and allows me to make the most of my reading pastime by sharing my experience with other members when the book discussion occurs.
Expansion: Book Clubs expand your network
By simply gathering with people interested in reading the same book as you, book clubs serve as a great way to get you outside your comfort zone and around people you may not have had the opportunity to interact with otherwise. While it may not seem like networking at first, discussing recurring themes throughout a book or why a particular character was your favorite helps you learn more about other members and how they think in a natural and easy-going way. Whether the book club is held in-person surrounded by wine and cheese or virtually via Zoom, the connection that forms between members is much deeper than it may first appear. Also, unlike professional networking events, the stakes are low, and there’s no pressure because it revolves around a beloved pastime activity that all members share.
Escape: Book Clubs foster an escape from reality
Now that the world operates on a 24/7 media cycle and social media allows us to scroll through a newsfeed of updates obsessively, it can be hard to escape reality when the happenings of the real world become overwhelming. That’s where books come in. By simply going offline for a couple of hours and diving into a new book, you can escape reality in a healthy and beneficial way that can better your overall well-being. Taking time away from the constant feed of news and updates from friends, family and influencers online allows us to take a step back, give our minds a break from feelings of fear, worry, and doubt brought on by the virtual world, and refocus our brain on the simple, yet rewarding, task of experiencing someone else’s story for a short time.
Engagement: Book Clubs engage your creativity
On the day-to-day, it can sometimes become easy to fall into the same routine regarding conversation topics between family, friends, and co-workers. However, by joining a book club, you make time for scheduled discussions that require you to think creatively instead of automatically resorting to everyday topics like family drama, work projects, and the weather. Since book clubs include all types of readers, you are guaranteed exposure to new books, genres, and different ways of thinking by becoming a member. Additionally, during book discussions, you are invited to think creatively about the book and why the author chose to tell the story the way they did. This action, along with the open, nonjudgmental environment a book club allows for, can spark your own personal creativity and help you overcome obstacles in other areas of your life.
Enrichment: Book Clubs enrich your life
Last but certainly not least, a book club membership can enrich your life in many ways. First and foremost, book clubs will help you become exposed to new books, genres, and authors you may not have picked for yourself when visiting your local bookstore distributor. Book Clubs also connect you with people from different areas than where you are from (and often with people from across the nation or world) who can help you see things from a different perspective. Most importantly, book clubs allow you to read multiple books that, in total, expose you to new worlds and stories you may not experience anywhere else. By becoming a more well-read person, you open up your world to a whole new slew of ideas that spark change within your life.
All in all, books clubs can impact you and benefit your life in more ways than you may think. The AWC Book Club is open to all members, and the group reads a new book in six-week increments before discussing the work via Zoom with prepared discussion starters. If you’re interested in joining the AWC Book Club, visit https://www.womcom.org/ for more information.
About the Author
Chloe Kasper is the Corporate Communications Specialist at Elkay Manufacturing in Downers Grove, Illinois. Prior to this role, Chloe gained experience in agency and nonprofit communications while living in Chicago.
Chloe holds a Bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University (ISU) in Public Relations with minors in Latin American and Latino/a Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies. During her time at ISU, Chloe was involved in ISU’s Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America as Treasurer and Her Campus Illinois State as Editor-in-Chief.
Chloe is passionate about AWC’s mission to champion the advancement of women across the communications disciplines and currently leads the AWC Book Club. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, practicing yoga, spending time with her loved ones, and playing with her 1 year old puppy, Sookie.
