Some book clubs focus on a specific genre, such as fiction, history, mystery and poetry, to name a few. A few clubs have an even narrower focus, such as those clubs that focus on a specific author or character, like Sherlock Holmes. Other clubs are less structured and are open to reading anything its members believe is worthy, whether it be fiction, nonfiction or a genre. Each club then develops its reading list based on its focus.
Certain authors are beloved everywhere, but they have a special place in the hearts of readers in their hometowns. Their books are readily available because even if their books are out of print, republished editions are often sold by local historical societies. There are archives on authors at libraries and universities in their own communities, as well as annual festivals celebrating their works. These advantages serve to encourage local readers to study these homegrown authors' works in greater detail. Reading lists for book clubs devoted to a single author have a ready-made reading list.
While some rely on Oprah's reading list and The New York Times Best Sellers List, one of the best sources for finding good books to read is from a book club's members. These are the people who love to read the genre that is the club's primary focus. They know what is new, what is good that may not be new, and what to read or to avoid within the genre. Another source is the local public library. Librarians know quality in books, writing and authors, and they regularly make recommendations. Libraries alert their patrons to new acquisitions, as well as to good books that never make it to the best-seller list. Book review publications, such as The Washington Post's "Book World," are good sources for reading about new books. There are also websites that recommend book club reading lists. Two are listed in the Resources section of this article.
Poll all your book club's members for their recommendations on what to read. Make certain that all members' recommendations get equal weight, then put them on a list in the order you wish to read them. This can be the beginning list, which can be added to as you go along with recommendations from friends, libraries, best-seller lists and book review journals.
Make sure your reading list is not static, but a work in progress that continuously evolves with new ideas, trends or reflections of your culture and concerns of your members. Also be sure not to allow one or two members to control what the assigned book is each month. Allow all members to pick the reading material so there is more diversity.