If I’ve said it once, I’ll say it a hundred more times. Join a book club. Seriously, join a book club. I know what you’re thinking, we’ve all seen the memes. Book clubs can’t really be for READING books, can they? Aren’t they just good excuses for housewives to get together and gossip and drink wine? WRONG. Okay, I’ll concede (a little) maybe not completely wrong, who doesn’t enjoy a good glass with their cozy mystery? Honestly, there is no right or wrong way to do a book club, but don’t let the stereotype scare you away either. Book clubs are supposed to be fun. Just a bunch of book nerds getting together to talk about books, like a group therapy session. They can be whatever you want them to be. That’s really the beauty of book club.

We at Bookmans Midtown (Country Club & Speedway) know just how important it is to talk about that last book you’ve read. So we put together an informal meet and mingle that we’re calling Book Club Bumbershoot on Friday, February 22nd at 6 PM. We’ve invited a bunch of local book clubs to come together and hang out. Not every book club is the same, so why not try a few on for size? And if you’re still hesitant, here’s a couple reason why you should join a book club.

1. You can meet new bookish friends!

Contrary to popular belief, not everyone in the world is so keen on the written word. Book clubs are a safe haven for book worms to congregate and geek out about that one fictional character we just can’t get enough about. You know the one. Have you ever just needed that friend you could text in the middle of the night because you finally got to THAT section everyone was talking about? This is where you’ll find them.

2. You get to read more books!

I really shouldn’t have to sell you on this fact. If you’re already reading this that means you love books right?

3. You get to TALK about books!

Not just talk but geek out, groan, yell, defend and get just plain giddy over books. I suppose this part is a little obvious. Be a part of a heated discussion and defend your favorite character. Roll your eyes about how cringey that one part was. You know the part. Get passionate. I know that there have been times where I was on the fence about a book and just talking about it with my book club made me realize that I actually did really like it. Of course, that can always go the other way too. That’s the fun of it. Never again will you have to yell at your cat or dog or random person on the street about your latest literary grievance.

4. You get to read books you may have never heard of!

What better way to diversify your reading habits than by letting someone else choose your next book? This is the perfect way to introduce new authors, genres, and titles that you never thought you would have picked up had it not been for your book club.

5. You can make everyone read YOUR favorite book!

You’ve read other people’s recommendation and now they can read yours! Have you ever been over the moon, gaga, wild about a book and can’t get any of your friends to even turn the first page let alone listen to you drone on about how GOOD it is? I know I’ve been there. Book clubs are the perfect place to recommend those books to fellow like-minded people. Then when they’re done, you can freak out together!

6. It’s really just so much fun!

Reading is fun. Talking about reading is fun. Hanging out with other bibliophiles is fun. Don’t you like to have fun?