Read a book about topics or places in the news to gain a deeper understanding and a different perspective on conflicts. Examples include "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver, and "Infidel" by Ayaan Hirsi Ali.
Read a book that will evoke different opinions among the book club's members. For instance, "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver or "The Good Earth" by Pearl S. Buck.
Read a book about food, then serve food inspired by the book to the book club members. Examples include "Kitchen Confidential" by Anthony Bourdain and "The Book Club Cookbook" by Judy Gelman and Vicki Levy Krupp.
Discuss a book by a local author and invite the author to the discussion. Check bookstore "Local Interest" shelves for titles and contact authors through their publishers. If the local author is no longer living, check for historic sites the group can visit.
Read a play and attend a performance as a group. Inquire at the theater in advance to see if the playwright, director, actor or stage manager is willing to meet with your group on-site after a performance. Try "Doubt" by John Patrick Shanley or "The Seafarer" by Conor McPherson.