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With Memorial Day Weekend the "official" start of summer, we wanted to share an idea for a One-Book Book Club, which we think is a great summertime idea. It's a terrific way to dip your toe into the water if you're new to reading groups. For those of you whose groups take the summer off, it's a fun way to keep a book discussion going with a new group of readers. And if you're vacationing with a group of friends, you could host a One-Book Book Club with them and enjoy a book discussion along with the sun and surf.


We know the logistics of committing to meet every month, finding an ideal group of people to discuss a book with and figuring out what to read --- and even selecting the snacks to serve --- sometimes seems daunting. Our advice: Start by getting your feet wet --- literally --- with a One-Book Book Club.

Summer for many means time spent at a pool, a lake or an ocean. Typically you will find people here reading as well. It's a perfect setting for a One-Book Book Club! Gather a few friends and then ask some folks who are reading books that you know something about if they'd like to join this newfound discussion group. (It's funny how books can turn strangers into friends.) Keep things as informal as you can so no one feels pressured by the commitment. Simply ask a few people to read the same book --- we have some suggestions on the list below --- and pinpoint a time when you all are free to chat about it. Then pull your beach chairs or lawn chairs in a circle and get going.

From this summertime meeting you may be inspired to start a club of your own in the fall --- or continue this one-book book club theme with yet another group of friends.

Reading Ideas for a One-Book Book Club Chat:

The Art of Keeping Secrets by Patti Callahan Henry (on sale June 3)
Blood of Flowers by Anita Amirrezvani
For One More Day by Mitch Albom
The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs
I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron
Loving Frank by Nancy Horan
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
The Rest of Her Life by Laura Moriarty
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar
Stone Creek by Victoria Lustbader (on sale May 27)
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

We know there are MANY more titles that will work for this. Whether you want lighter fare, or something meaty to discuss, browse ReadingGroupGuides.com for more great book selections. We'd love to here your suggestions for One-Book titles. Share your feedback with a comment.