The benefits of reading are well known by most of us; it can increase our understanding of the world, open up new horizons, reduce stress, it improves memory and expands vocabulary, as well as improving our critical thinking and analytical skills. It is something compulsory that we do as part of our academic studies. As Muslims the very word “Read!” marked the beginning of Divine revelation. And yet, for many of us finding the time and motivation to get into further reading can feel impossible. One way of doing so is to get into a group with friends by setting up a book club and this needn’t be an arduous task. Some of the options for setting up a book club are already decided and there are some which you can decide amongst yourselves.
1. Decide Where Your Book Club Will Meet
You know who you’re inviting or at least have an idea of how many people to expect. The next thing to consider is how you’ll meet. A book club doesn’t need to meet
at the same time. Think about what will work best for your group of book lovers physically.
Some book clubs run both virtually and physically, either alternating online and in-person discussions or running both.
2. Figure Out Who You Want to Invite
The group will be the Umoore Talibaat secretary and students.
3. Determine What Type of Book Club You Want to Host
The books can be any Jamaat Ahmadiyya books to help us increase our religious knowledge. Perhaps start off with shorter books to increase the students engagement and interest.
4. If You're Meeting in Person, Find Somewhere to Meet
If you want to host a book club that meets physically (this will not be possible currently), consider how much space you’ll need.
If it’s just yourself and one or two other people, your options are almost endless: coffee shops, library and even each others’ homes are all great options. If there are more of you and there is a local mosque or Salat centre that you can book then that is an option. Of course all these are dependent on the Government guidelines.
5. Decide how frequently you want to meet
As far as the frequency of meetings, that schedule is up to you and your members to determine what’s realistic—plus how long it will take to complete the book. Once a month is a good starting point.
6. Decide How You’ll Choose Books
This is the time to let your group help you make decisions. Some book clubs use a formal voting or nomination process while others simply discuss each choice as a group.
However you decide to make your choice, there are a few things to keep in mind when picking a book. Topic, length and reading level are all important to consider with your book club members in mind (and why it’s so important to get everyone’s input!). Having a look at alislam.org as a starting point.
7. Think About How Members Will Access the Books
If a book is available online on alislam.org then it will be accessible to everyone. Or choose a book that can be bought easily from the Mosque bookshop.
Your first meeting
Think of your first meeting as a pre-meeting, or a prologue if you will: use it to decide how you’ll operate going forward, rather than leaping straight into book club business.
Use a poll tool to find out what the best time and date is for everyone to “meet” for the first time (this will be a useful tool going forward as well). It’s best to use a first gathering of your book club to get to know one another, and to set out clearly what is expected from the group.
If you plan to discuss one book per meeting, this is also a great time to talk about how you’ll choose books: will everyone get a turn, or will you submit selections and then randomly pick one?
Follow up with an email, text or WhatsApp message after the first meeting, reiterating what you’ve discussed so everyone is clear, and confirm the date for your next meet up.
Talking about the book
People who are working remotely are probably finding they’re talking to colleagues more than ever in a bid to be connected, while at the same time we’re likely limited in who we interact with each day.
All of that should be considered in your book club’s discussion: bear in mind that some people may be relishing the opportunity to talk about something completely different to the conversations that make up the rest of their day, while others may be talked out and largely want to listen.
Make sure you have a few points of discussion ready, or a few questions that will kick off the chat, but don’t worry if it meanders slightly. In the current situation, people may want to talk a bit more casually, and you should embrace that.
A few questions to start with could be:
• What was your favourite part of the book?
• Are there any parts or concepts in the book you didn’t really understand?
• Did you race to the end, or was it more of a slow burn?
• Which scene or concept has stuck with you the most?
• What did you think of the writing? Are there any standout sentences? Are there any standout ideas?
Go beyond discussions
Consider mixing discussion-based meetings with other activities. The variety will prove crucial at a time when we’re seeing the same places and people most days of the week.
Quizzes are a quick and easy way to get people laughing and having fun. Perhaps you or one (or more) of the members of your group could put together a quiz.
Most importantly, whatever you do, have fun!