Reading is fun. But talking about books with people who are just as passionate as you are? That's even better. The number of book clubs in the Netherlands grows every year, thanks in part to BookTok and Bookstagram which have made reading a social activity. And whether you want an intimate club of four friends or a larger group of twenty enthusiastic readers: starting a book club is easier than you think.
This is the complete guide.
Why start a book club?
A book club gives reading a social dimension that solo reading does not have. You read more, you think deeper about what you read, and you meet people with the same passion. Concrete benefits:
- You read books you would never have picked up yourself
- You discover new genres and authors through others
- You have a fixed deadline to finish a book
- You talk about stories instead of just scrolling
- You build a community around something you love
Step 1: Determine the format
Before inviting people, you need to know what your book club will look like. Consider these questions:
Online or offline?
An online book club via WhatsApp, Discord, or a private Instagram group is more accessible and geographically free. An offline club offers more connection but requires more planning.
How often do you meet?
Once a month is the most popular rhythm — enough time to read a book, not so long that you lose enthusiasm.
How many members?
Four to eight members is ideal for a good conversation. More than ten people makes it difficult to let everyone speak.
Who chooses the book?
You can rotate (a different member chooses each month) or vote via a poll. A clear agreement on this prevents discussions later.
Which genre?
A specific genre (romantasy, thriller, contemporary romance) makes it easier to find members who are truly enthusiastic. A mixed-genre club offers more variety but requires more flexible readers.
Step 2: Find your members
Start in your own circle
The easiest way: send a message to friends who love reading. You already have a basis of trust, and the barrier is low.
Use social media
Post a call on Instagram or TikTok with your genre preference and how you want to organize the club. The BookTok NL community on Goodreads already has 843 members and is a perfect place to find like-minded readers.
Check the library
Many Dutch libraries organize book clubs themselves or have bulletin boards where you can post a request. Some even offer reading kits with multiple copies of the same book.
Facebook and Meetup
Search for "book club [your city]" for existing groups nearby, or create a Meetup event yourself.
Step 3: Plan the first meeting
The first meeting sets the tone for the rest. Make it accessible and enjoyable.
Choose a good first book
For the first meeting, choose something accessible and easy to read — not an 800-page monster. A light romance or a short thriller works better than a heavy literary novel.
Use an icebreaker
Not everyone knows each other yet. Start with a short question: "What was the last book you couldn't put down?" or "Which book has had the most impact on you?" This way, everyone gets a chance to speak before the actual discussion begins.
Prepare discussion questions
Good conversations don't happen by themselves. Prepare a few questions about the book: about characters, themes, the ending, what you would have done in the main character's situation.
Ensure the right atmosphere
A cozy location, good food or drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere make the difference between a book club that meets once and one that continues for years.
Step 4: Keep the club alive
Most book clubs fail after three to five meetings. Here's how to prevent that:
Rotate hosting duties
If a different member hosts (and chooses the book) each month, you share the responsibility, and it feels less like an obligation for one person.
Create a dedicated app group
A WhatsApp or Discord group keeps the energy alive between meetings. Share quotes, reactions, BookTok videos about the book of the month.
Read together at a steady pace
Agree to read a certain number of chapters each week, so no one falls behind and everyone can participate in the discussion.
Celebrate milestones
Read the twentieth book together? That deserves a party — or at least an extra enjoyable meeting.
Step 5: Make each meeting more special
A book club is more than just talking about a book. The atmosphere, accessories, and small details make it a true experience.
🔖 Give each meeting a themed bookmark
Choose a bookmark that matches the book of the month — fantasy, romance, thriller, or coquette. This way, each meeting has its own vibe.
→ View all bookmarks
✍️ Keep a book club journal
For each book, record what you thought, which quotes moved you, and what you thought of the discussion. Our Book Review Notepad is perfect for this.
→ Order the Book Review Notepad
📋 Track your reading year
With our Reading Log Book Tracker, you can keep track of which books you read in the book club, when, and how you rated them.
→ Order the Reading Log
🥤 Prepare a nice drink
Every book club meeting deserves a tasty drink. Our glass can is perfect for tea, coffee, or a refreshing beverage.
→ Order the Glass Can
No time for a real book club? Try the Book Mail Club
Don't have time to organize a book club but still want that monthly book club energy? Our Book Mail Club delivers an envelope full of bookish goodies every month: stickers, bookmarks, and more.
It's a book club you can experience alone — at your own pace, at your own time.
💌 Try the Book Mail Club
A surprise on your doorstep every month.
→ Order the Book Mail Club
Ideas for book club themes
Want more structure in your book club? These are popular theme formats:
BookTok Book Club
Every month, a book that has gone viral on BookTok. Ideal for readers who want to keep up with trending reads.
Genre Book Club
The same genre every month, such as romantasy or thriller. Easier to find enthusiasts for.
Seasonal Book Club
Cozy reads in autumn, beach reads in summer, spooky books in October. The mood of the season determines the book.
Movie Adaptation Book Club
Read the book before the movie adaptation comes out, then discuss the differences together. In 2026, there will be plenty of choices: Verity, The Love Hypothesis, Hunger Games, and more.
Blind Date Book Club
Each participant receives a surprise book and discusses their experiences without knowing what others are reading beforehand. Fun for a playful, surprising variant.
Book recommendations for your first book club meeting
Not sure which book you want to read first? These are the most commonly used opening books in Dutch book clubs:
For a romantasy club:
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas or Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros — plenty of discussion material, strong BookTok connections.
For a thriller club:
Verity by Colleen Hoover — the ending alone provides enough discussion for an entire evening.
For a light romance club:
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne or It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey — light, fast-paced, and enough romantic tension for a lively conversation.
Really not sure?
Have everyone order a Blind Date Book in the same genre — this way, everyone reads a different book and you can discuss the similarities and differences. That leads to the most surprising conversation.
Frequently asked questions about starting a book club
How many people do I need for a book club?
Four to eight members is ideal. That's large enough for a good conversation but small enough for everyone to speak.
How do you choose a book for a book club?
Rotating works best: a different member chooses the book each month. This gives everyone a say and allows the group to discover more variety.
How often should a book club meet?
Once a month is the most popular rhythm. This gives everyone enough time to read the book without losing energy.
Can I also start an online book club?
Yes. An online book club via WhatsApp, Discord, or a private Instagram group is more accessible and geographically free than an offline club.
What do you do if someone hasn't finished the book?
Agree beforehand on how the group will handle this. Many clubs have a rule that everyone is welcome to the discussion, even if you haven't finished the book — but that you should then be mindful of spoilers.
What's a good gift for a book club member?
A bookmark in their favorite genre, a Book Review Notepad to keep notes, or a Book Mail Club subscription as a monthly surprise.
📚 Everything for your book club
Bookmarks • Book Review Notepad • Reading Log • Glass Can • Book Mail Club • Blind Date Book
Happy reading — and many cozy book club evenings! 📚🥂