Written by Jordan Garafola
Book Clubs have been a long time favourite event for readers to attend and discuss their favourite books with local readers. With the majority of 2020 now being spent in lockdown, like many social events, book clubs have had to hit the digital space to keep running.
However, online Book Clubs are not a new concept for many, with some highly popular virtual clubs going strong before lockdowns took place. While there are known celebrity clubs like Oprah’s Book Club 2.0, Reese’s Book Club, or Read With Jenna, many readers have already banded together and created their own clubs in a range of online platforms.
If you are ready to join in some bookish chats from the comfort of your couch, but want the personal touch of your local club, then rest assured, because we have rounded up 10 established Virtual Book Clubs that you need to join now!
1. DiverseSpines
Diverse Spines is a monthly book club that highlights literature of Black Women and Women of Color. The Instagram page is filled with book recommendations, author chats, and highlights. A year long reading challenge is also provided!
Founded by Jamise Harper @spinesvines in 2018
Where: Instagram #diversespines
When: Bio updated with discussion date, with posts for discussion.
Current Read: July 2020 “Americanah” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Join in: Follow the page and opt in each month.
2. EnbyBookClub
Enby Book Club promotes “Reading Beyond the Binary” and supporting non-binary creators. This club is dedicated to stories by non-binary/agender protagonists, giving recommendations for representation. Featuring Guest hosts for the monthly book discussions and read alongs.
Founded by Jesse @bowtiesandbooks in 2019
Where: Instagram
When: Check Bio and Posts for updates
Current Read: July 2020 “No Man of Woman Born” by Ana Mardoll
Join in: Follow the page and opt in on posts for the latest read.
3. BookofCinz Book Club
Book of Cinz Book Club (aka Read Caribbean) was created to promote awareness for Caribbean Literature & Authors. The club meets in person (Trinidad & Tobago) and online, via Zoom.
Founded by Cindy Allman @bookofcinz in 2019
Where: Book Club #ReadCaribbean
When: Zoom last Tuesday of each month
Current Read: July 2020 “Where There Are Monsters” by Breanne Mc Ivor
Join in: Visit the website and sign up for the newsletter
4. #spivysbookclub
This club primarily takes place in the Facebook group to accommodate their many members, and is now a hub for all things books. Find the picks and discussion posts using the Group Topics, frequent author chats, and takeovers.
Founded by Ashley Spivey @ashleyspivy in 2019
Where: Facebook
When: Monthly, and multiple books
Current Read: “The New Girl” by Harriet Walker
Join in: Joining the group and read along
5. Femi.books
An International Feminist Book Club that reads all feminist books including fiction, non-fiction, new releases, and classics.
Founded by Lisa @femi.books in 2020
Where: Instagram chats via Slack #femibooksclub
When: Every 6 weeks
Current Read: July 2020 “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker
Join in: DM the page for details to join the chat via Slack
6. The Book Democracy
Hosted primarily in the public Facebook group, The Book Democracy is an active monthly book club, where members poll the books, and there are lively challenges and competitions with prizes.
Founded in 2018
Where: Facebook Group
When: Monthly, poll results posted monthly
Current Read: June 2020 “The Sundown Motel” by Simone St Hames & “Beach Read” by Emily Henry
Join in: Join the Facebook Group and get reading!
7. Let’s Read Rant Repeat
Let’s Read, Rant, Repeat Book Club is a monthly club hosted by two avid readers. Books are always fiction but vary each month by genre, release date and author. Readers join in the group chat and discuss the books on Live Chat.
Founded by Allie @speakingof_books & Jordan @readwithwine in 2019
Where: Instagram #letsreadrantrepeat
When: 3rd Sunday of every month on IG Live.
Current Read: July 2020 “The Mothers” by Brit Brennett
Join in: Follow the page and opt in each month
8. The Stacks Book Club
The Stacks Podcast is a bookish podcast, and hosts a Book Club every other week. Book picks are announced and then discussed with a guest host in the podcast. Accompanying Instagram posts are a great place for readers to leave their thoughts on the book.
Book Club commenced in 2018
Where: The Stacks #thestacksbookclub
When: Every other week, website has details.
Current Read: July 2020 “Breathe: A Letter to My Sons” by Imani Perry
Join in: Subscribe to the podcast!
9. The Reading Women Podcast
The Reading Women Podcast aims to “Reclaim Half the Bookshelf” by promoting literature by and about Women. In addition to running a free podcast with book discussion and author Q&As: The Reading Women hosts an annual Reading Challenge & Book Awards.
Their Book Club is hosted quarterly for Patrons of the podcast, via Google Hangouts.
Where: The Reading Women
When: Hosted Quarterly for Patrons
Current Read: Q2 2020 “Nevermoor” by Jessica Townsend
Join in: Become a patreon, see website for details.
10. Libro.fm Audiobook Club
A new virtual club, Libro.fm kicked off in April this year, choosing a new release audiobook for a read along and discussion. Libro.fm sales support local independent stores with their audiobook sales
Libro.fm teams up with a well known Book Reviewer who hosts the buddy read, discussion post and video posts for the audiobook.
Where: Instagram #LibrofmAudiobookClub
When: Announced on their IG page and blog post monthly
Current Read: July 2020 “The Groom Will Keep His Name” by Matt Ortile
Join in: Follow their page and opt in each month on the post.
And lastly a special mention goes to The Last Bookstore – usually hosting multiple book clubs a month on their premises, they went online for the pandemic. While this may only be a temporary measure, the amount of inclusive and specific clubs is hard to ignore.
The Last Bookstore
- The Thing in the Labyrinth Horror Book Club
- Queer Book Club
- Ficcion En Espanol Book Club
- The Afrofuturism Book Club
- Feminist Book Club
- Gothic Book Club
See their website Events Page for details and check out the range of clubs!
Don’t see a club that suits your reading interests? Now is the perfect time to start your own! Unlike local clubs that require time and members with similar interests, online book clubs are the perfect way to connect with like-minded readers from anywhere on the globe.
As we head into a new month, now is the perfect time to join an online book club!
