My Reading Groups - Useful Information

How do my Cosy Cafe Reading Groups Work?

 

1. Let me know in advance that you want to attend and which group. I have 9 to 10 places per group.

2 . I will have set you a 'theme' beforehand, you can borrow a book for free from your local library or a friend/family member or you can buy one. My current members often find their books in the local charity shops. World of Books is another great option to buy pre-loved books online.

3. Read your book before the meeting date, if it helps - jot down some useful summary notes in a notebook, on a piece of paper or on your phone etc. For example: What was the genre? What was the book about? Who were the main characters? Was there a protagonist? What did you think of the plot twist if there was one? Did you enjoy the book? If not, why not? Who would it be suitable for? Key takeaways?

4. On the day of our Reading group/book club, please arrive at 9:30am and order your beverage/food at the counter, pay for it there and then, before you come over and join me.

5. I will start the session at 9:45am by introducing myself, welcoming you all and inviting quick intros around the table. I'll briefly mention a few book club rules and gauge your preferences (e.g. a monthly book theme vs everyone reading the same book title).

6. Then I'll ask each of you to provide a verbal summary to the group (approx 10 mins).

7. I will ask you to rate the book out of 10 (10 being the highest, 1 being the lowest).

8. At the end of the session, I will ask if anyone would like to propose a new theme for the next meeting.

 

☕️ Both of my groups are FREE to attend, (I do respectfully ask that you buy a beverage from the cafe/coffee shop owner for kindly offering us the space).

📚 It's always nice to SHARE non-borrowed books amongst the group members if you don't plan on keeping/reading them.

📚 Sourcing your Books: Hucclecote has a library where you can borrow your book for free if you are/become a library member (plus an ex-stock book sale where books cost £1 or £2 approx). There are also two Charity shops where you can buy a cheap second hand book. Longlevens also has a library. Online World of Books offers good priced preloved books. 

FAQ's

 

What are the most common questions people ask before joining one of my Reading Groups for the first time?

 

My new members often wonder: 'What if I haven't finished the book?' – and my answer is always: 'No worries at all!' I understand that life gets busy. The goal is to share thoughts and enjoy the discussion, not to pass a test.

Another common question is, 'Will I fit in?' My groups are incredibly welcoming and diverse, bringing together people from all walks of life who share a love for books. You'll find a friendly face in no time, and the focus is always on shared enjoyment rather than academic critique. 


What's the best part about being in one of my Cotswold Book Nook Reading Groups and what makes it a 'light-hearted' experience?

 

The best part is undoubtedly the vibrant community and the sheer joy of sharing your passion for reading with like-minded individuals. What makes it 'light-hearted' is my commitment to a no-pressure environment. There's no need for deep literary analysis, just genuine conversation and diverse perspectives on the stories we read. It's about connecting over captivating plots, memorable characters and we always laugh.
My groups offer a wonderful opportunity for social connection, intellectual stimulation and discovering new favourite authors, all without any stuffiness or pretension.

Are there any things people often worry about or misunderstand when thinking of joining my Reading Groups?

 

A common worry is that my reading groups can be intimidating or overly academic. At The Cotswold Book Nook, I actively dispel this myth. My groups are specifically designed to be accessible and fun. You don't need a literature degree to contribute; your unique thoughts and feelings about a book are what truly matter.

Another misconception is that you must love every book chosen. It's perfectly fine to dislike a book, often this leads to more lively discussions! 

 

How do my Reading Groups typically work? 

My Reading Groups typically meet once a month on a weekday morning at a cosy, local venue in Gloucester. Before each meeting, a book theme is selected by group consensus and everyone should have ample time to read it. As mentioned above, there's absolutely no pressure to finish the entire book, come along even if you've only read a few chapters. A typical meeting involves a relaxed 15 minutes chat over a cup of tea or coffee, followed by informal reviews about each book. You might touch upon themes, characters, plot twists and I ensure that everyone has a chance to speak and be listen to.

Please see my 'Upcoming Events' page for the next meeting dates and details.