Book Club Discussion Guides Novels & Stories

The book club ladies were in fine form this afternoon. Margaret Thompson sat primly on the floral couch in a rented out space close to the library, a half-empty teacup balanced on her knee, her Bible study notes open on the coffee table. The conversation had started with the latest Christian fiction novel — something about redemption and resisting temptation — but it had drifted, as it always did, into more personal territory. Gossip dressed up as prayer requests. “Speaking of temptation,” one of the women said, lowering her voice with dramatic concern, “have you heard what’s going around about that poor Thompson boy?”

Compliments passed back and forth, smiles filled the air, and the amount of giggles would make you think you were at a teenager’s sleepover talking about the hottest guy on Teen Vogue. And I must say that it was a nice day. Book club went off without a hitch, and the exchange of ideas fueled more conversation about home, family, work, and life in general. And then we heard it. The salsa dance. The library was closing in thirty minutes. Again, now in fifteen minutes. And last call, time to pack up and go.

“It’s pretty wild. You’re in for an interesting night.” Luna grabs another copy of the book from a nearby stack and hands it to me. “Here you go. This one’s a fresh copy, we have plenty. You’ll see why in a minute.” I take the book, glancing between them. “You’ve actually got extras? What kind of book club is this?” Lilly grins mischievously. “One that takes its material seriously. We didn’t just pick this one by chance. We’ve been swapping theories about it for weeks now. Everyone’s dying to hear your take.”

"In all the books I read, nothing good ever came from a conversation that started with “we need to talk” OK--- book talk it is then! “And the books would be right about that too,” I said, never realizing that I’d be having a book club conversation with the most ruthless alpha in existence. “But isn’t it also true, that most of the time, something important was said that you really ought to know.” “You’ve been reading the same books I see,” he mumbled, sounding like a petulant kid. And yes, I was still desperately trying not to laugh… “They’re written for women like me,” I pointed out and gestured towards a stool where we could sit and have a conversation. “Please, sit!”

“You know, we could have some kind of reading list.” “Reading list?” I asked. “I’ve always envied reading clubs who had books to take down. Since you like reading, that wouldn't actually be inconvenient, will it?” I shook my head, “No.” “So, we decide a time to meet, and then we have a reading list. Maybe we both must finish eight books in two weeks. It could be at the library or right here. We don't have to read the same book. Just have different books, and delve into different worlds on the spot. Doesn't that sound fascinating?” She asked, with a bright smile. Hazel kept talking about the reading list in excitement, and I watched her in wonder.

“You’re one of those conspiracy people.” “I am,” she said proudly. “Thank you for noticing.” I poured tea into mugs and added sugar, too much, as usual. Bailey watched, horrified. “Sweet tea,” she said, sounding like she’d discovered a crime. “You’re a sweet tea person.” “Yes,” I said, defensive on principle. Bailey leaned closer, eyes gleaming. “Okay. So here’s what we do. We start a book club.” I blinked. “What?” “A book club,” she repeated, like it was obvious. “For romance. Specifically romantic fantasy. Specifically.” she lowered her voice again, conspiratorial “ the ones with wolves.”

I’m trying to be patient, but it’s harder than I’d like to admit. Two months ago, I opened my bookstore, and it’s been incredible. Twice a week, we host book clubs, and I’ve made it a point to bring one of the guys with me to each session. It’s hilarious watching their faces as we dive into the discussions. The women seem to enjoy it too—something about discussing steamy romance scenes with a bit of eye candy in the room. The door finally creaks open, and I sit up straighter as they walk in.