A lot of couples I know, enjoy reading books together. Some read self-help or non-fiction books, others enjoy fiction. One couple I know reads the same book, at the same time and then they have a mini “book club” once they’ve finished. I think a book club, just the two of you, could make a really fun date. And it could provide a fun opportunity for a mini date one night each week. Here are some ideas for starting a book club in your marriage!
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My husband doesn’t love to read books. He prefers a book he can listen to instead. You could listen to a couple of chapters together each night. Or listen to it on your own, to discuss at a later time. Harry Potter is an especially fun series to listen to!
Reading together each night is a fun alternative to watching TV. Take turns reading chapters of the book. Try to read one chapter each every night. Discuss the chapters as you go, or save your discussion until you’ve finished the entire book.
I mentioned that my husband doesn’t love reading the physical copy of a book. If we were reading together each night, I would be the one in charge of doing the reading. This is a “live audiobook” type thing, and could be a great option! If one of you likes to read, and the other doesn’t try this out!
In true book club style, read the book on your own. You can check copies out at the library so you each have one. Then read the book on your own time throughout the month. Set a “completion date” so you’re both finished in time for your book club date. Then put your date on the calendar like you would a book club with friends.
As you’re reading the book you’ve picked for your book club, think about what you want to discuss on your date. Are there certain things that stood out to you or were confusing? Take notes in the book if it’s your own, or keep a notebook with thoughts and questions. Make notes each time you read, while things are fresh on your mind. Doing this will make your club more meaningful. And it will help you connect more on your date.
What’s a book club (or a date) without something yummy to eat? In true book club style, you could each bring a snack to share. Or whip up a treat to eat at the beginning of your date. Maybe you want to have a full meal instead. Grab takeout or take your discussion to one of your favorite local restaurants.
Don’t forget to take time to talk about the book during your book club date. Discuss the questions you had while reading. Share your favorite parts of the book and your not-so-favorite things. Talk about all of the things that you wrote down while you were reading together or on your own.
If a book club date is something you want to make a regular occurrence in your marriage, plan your next date. You can switch off picking books each month. Some couples might want to read one book each month, working their way through the series. Whichever way you choose to do things, make sure you’re on the same page. Which book will you be reading next and when do you need to have it finished?
Pick out a few books to read together. Take note of others books or series that you’d like to read together in the future. The library is a great place to discover new books to read. If you have a favorite genre, start there.
There are a lot of great marriage-focused books out there. Reading one of them is a great option for a book club date. It will also allow you to learn and build your marriage. Click here for a list of my favorite marriage and relationship-focused books.
Related: Books I Wish Every Married Couple Would Read
I mentioned earlier that Harry Potter is a fun series to listen to on audio. There is a lot of other great book series out there to read. Maybe your favorite author has a couple of different series they’ve written. Or as I mentioned earlier, you can find a new series in your favorite genre. Make a hobby and a date out of reading a series together throughout the year.
We can’t possibly know about all of the good books that are out there. One of the best ways to discover new books is through recommendations. Start a thread on social media, asking for suggestions for books you’d both like. Search Pinterest for some book club book lists.
I also suggest clicking here to check out all of the suggestions from Everyday Reading. She has a master’s in library sciences and was a librarian for a long time. Starting a book club is her specialty! Her suggestions are gold and you can never go wrong!
Start a book club in your marriage! It will be a fun new hobby that you can share! Whether it’s a one-time thing, happens infrequently, or becomes a monthly date night, you’ll have fun.
Are you considering starting a book club for your marriage? I’d love to hear what books you plan on reading or have read with your spouse! Share them in the comments of this post.
