Acquire the selected book from your local library or order online from a variety of retailers. Purchasing the book provides the option of writing notes on the pages and adds to your home library. Borrowing from a library is free, but you cannot mark on the book in any way.
Preview the book before reading. Make predictions about the book based on the cover art and title. If the genre is different from what typically read, learn a bit about the new genre.
Read when you are fully awake and able to concentrate on the text. You will not be able to recall details for later discussion if you are consistently dozing off. Sit upright and read with plenty of light to keep alert.
Read actively by taking notes and asking questions. Continue to make predictions about the plot and development of the characters. Mark passages that grab your attention, either directly in the book or with sticky notes. Make notes about things you like or don't like, favorite phrases or language used by the author.
Write down your overall impression of the book once you have finished reading. Your synopsis does not need to be a formal review, just jot down your general feelings about the book, questions you have about the plot or characters and how the book compared to other titles within the genre.
Gather additional information about the author if you have time before the club meeting. Research the time period if the book was a historical fiction piece or learn about the scientific theories mentioned in a science fiction novel.