Book club for two: Starting a couple’s book club
Are you ready to turn the page to this new chapter in your life together? Transform your relationship one page at a time with a couples book club, where every story becomes a shared adventure.
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I’ve often thought about the hobbies, interests and passions we develop as children that last a lifetime.
There’s no doubting my husband’s is cricket. He’s usually playing it, watching it, or listening to podcasts about it.
Mine would be reading. Reading has been my constant my whole life. I love popular fiction and I also love learning from books.
Reading opens your mind – to new worlds and new ideas.
It’s a creative and engaging activity.
Reading even reduces stress. One study highlighted that reading could decrease stress by up to 68%, making it an effective method for calming the mind and body (source).
I’m enjoying all things Ramit Sethi at the moment, and there’s no doubt that my rich life is buying whatever book catches my eye, no questions asked.
When you’re in a relationship of any decent time, you start to rub off on each other. For example, I now love spending warm summer days watching cricket at the Basin Reserve, or simply listening to the sound pf leather on willow on the television.
And my husband will attest to the fact the amount of books he reads (particularly those that aren’t sport related) has increased markedly in the 12 years we’ve been together.
However even though we both love to read in bed together at night, reading as a couple hasn’t made it on the agenda the same way a hot date to watch a one day game has… until this idea.
A book club for two.
Now I remember when book clubs were the thing. It seemed liked every man and his dog belonged to one. Oprah started her book club list (it’s still going). Books were published with discussion questions at the end. Paid memberships were developed.
And while book clubs are still popular (at least, according to my Google search), I have to confess I never thought about how I could incorporate everything good about book club into my marriage.
Until the cricket season ended for the year.
Contents
Why a book club for two?
Establishing a book club between partners is a creative way to deepen your connection.
It allows for sharing in the exploration of new stories or ideas, engaging in meaningful discussions, and gaining fresh insights from each other’s interpretations.
You get to build those shared love maps that are so important in a relationship.
Bottom line, it’s a fun addition to your at home date night.
Setting up your book club
Choosing the right books
The foundation of your book club lies in the selection of books.
Do you want fiction or non-fiction?
Genres one or both of you currently read, or an exploration into something new?
One picks one book, the other picks the next?
A list someone has created already or a list created by and for you?
It’s a fun decision to make – consider discussing it at your weekly marriage meeting.
(and check out my relationship books section below for some ideas).
Scheduling your discussion times
Consistency is key.
Are you going to meet once a week or once a month?
On a quiet Sunday morning or on a dedicated evening midweek?
Setting aside time is crucial. Once you’ve decided, commit to that time and honor that commitment.
Creating a cozy discussion space
Make your book club for two an event to look forward to.
Whether it’s a corner of your living room adorned with cushions and throws or a nook in your garden, create a space that feels like a retreat from the world where you can focus.
At your book club session
Structuring your book club session, so the conversation flows and is meaningful, is important.
You don’t just rock up with your book and hope it translates into a fun time. Some planning and structure is required.
The best book club I was part of was when we had a set amount of the book to read (usually a chapter) per week.
While reading, we highlighted points we wanted to discuss (I used post its for this and I wrote the quote on the post it also).
Then the participants took turns sharing their points and discussing why they selected it.
Other members added how they connected to the point.
In a relationship, this is a great method of strengthening understanding of each other and connection.
Alternatively, you can both answer specific questions about the book.
Either select books which have questions, search for book club questions on the book or ask each other basics along the lines of, “What line in this chapter had the most impact on you and why,” or “What in this connected to your own life / our lives as a couple?”
It can be that simple.
Relationship books
If you want to make your book club even more dialed in to improving your marriage, consider making your book club specifically on relationship books.
Here’s my suggestions (featured in How to be a better wife: Ideas from 5 bestselling marriage books).
You can read through them and discuss how you can apply your learnings to your relationship.
Enhancing your book club experience
Theme nights
You can elevate your book club experience with a few small tips.
Consider theming your night around the book. For example, if you are reading a novel set in Italy, pair your discussion with Italian appetizers and music.
Incorporating related activities
If a book mentions a significant location or activity, consider integrating that into your life.
Visit a museum, take a nature hike, or try out a hobby mentioned in the book. It adds a layer of adventure and connection to your reading experience.
Documenting your book club journey
Keep a journal or a blog of your book club adventures. Documenting your thoughts, feelings, and the memories you create together can be a beautiful way to look back on your journey.
A book club for two
A book club for two is more than just a shared couples hobby; it’s about building a library of shared memories, one story at a time.
So, grab a book, pour two cups of tea, and embark on a journey that promises to enrich your relationship in the most unexpected ways.
Are you ready to turn the page to this new chapter in your life together?