Credit: Chris Lawton via Unsplash
Guest article by Archana Vemulapalli
Austin is a book lover’s paradise. With numerous independent book stores, a world-renowned poetry festival, book readings, and one of the nation’s premier annual literary events, the annual Texas Book Festival, there’s something for everyone. It’s no surprise, then, that there’s an abundance of Austin book clubs for the bibliophiles among us.
Book clubs have a long history in the United States, with groups like Benjamin Franklin’s literary society in Philadelphia, called the Junto, and Hannah Adam’s reading circle in the late 1760’s. More than two centuries later, book clubs have expanded beyond the genteel in society. They span every genre and style, with the central theme always being a shared love of the written word.
While I’m still compiling an exhaustive list of Austin book clubs, I did have time to check out a few of the book clubs hosted by or at Austin’s independent books stores. Here are 10 interesting, fun book clubs, organized by genre. Choose one that suits you and find a group of kindred spirits.
Austin Book Club for Book Vs. Film Debates
The Authors and Auteurs Book Club
Where: BookPeople – 603 N. Lamar Blvd.
When: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m.
Is the book way better than the movie? This Austin book club allows you to debate just that. It’s for people who are interested in discussing the original book versus its film adaptation. Movie screenings take place up on the third floor of BookPeople.
Austin Book Club for Boomers
The Boomertime Book Club
Where: Malvern Books – 613 West 29th St.
When: Second Tuesday of every other month, 6:30-8 p.m.
A monthly book club for boomers (age 50+) with a limit of 12 on a first-come, first-serve basis. This club is not organized by Malvern Books, but the bookstore is the venue for the meetings. Books are picked by the group.
Austin Book Club for Comedy Enthusiasts
The Stand Up Sit Down Book Club
Where: Book People – 603 N. Lamar Blvd.
When: Last Monday of each month, 7 p.m.
I couldn’t skip this one. A book club for discussing books on comedy, including a litany of humorous memoirs. This book club is a riot!
Austin Book Club for History Buffs
Don’t Know Much About History
Where: BookPeople – 603 N. Lamar Blvd.
When: First Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m.
A perfect book club for history aficionados. This group delves into pop history through books about the past.
Austin Book Club for Kids
Austin Books All Ages Book Club
Where: Austin Books and Comics – 5002 N. Lamar Blvd.
When: Last Sunday of every other month, 6-7 p.m.
This book club is just getting started (the first meeting will be in September 2017). It’s one of the few catering to younger kids. All ages are welcome to participate.
Austin Book Club for LGBTQ+
ABC QBC Book Club
Where: Austin Books and Comics – 5002 N. Lamar Blvd.
When: Last Sunday of each month, 6-7 p.m.
Created by and for the LGBTQ+ community.
Austin Book Club for Travel Lovers
Voyage Out Book Club
Where: BookPeople – 603 N. Lamar Blvd.
When: Last Sunday of each month, 5 p.m.
If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to pick up a book set in the place you’re visiting, then this book club is for you. The group reads fiction set in different parts of the world, allowing participants to get a taste of different cultures and regions. If you can’t travel right now, you can live vicariously through the characters in your books.
Austin Book Clubs for Women
Book Woman Book Group
Where: Book Woman – 5501 N. Lamar Blvd. #A105
When: Fourth Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. (subject to change during holidays)
A book club open to all. Most of the books read are centered around women or written by women. The pitches are made during meetings, an interesting and democratic process in itself. The group is open to all genders and ages.
Ladies Book Club
Where: Austin Books and Comics – 5002 N. Lamar Blvd.
When: Second Thursday of each month, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
A book club for women, centered around books authored by women with women protagonists.
Catch-all Austin Book Club
The Other Book Club
Where: Malvern Books – 613 West 29th St.
When: Third Saturday of each month, 1-2:30 p.m.
With a wide-ranging mix of memoirs, essays, creative non-fiction, plays, travelogues, and books this is one unusual book club covering a fascinating mix of “other” literary reads.
@theAustinot wants to know:
Have you attended any of the Austin book clubs mentioned? What is your favorite book club in town and why?
Archana Vemulapalli is a full-time mom, part-time everything else: writer/blogger, program manager, bibliophile, foodie, travel enthusiast, techie, passable homemaker, occasionally brilliant chef, kid chauffeur, dependable plant killer. Follow her musings at myasays.com.
I don’t understand the point of book clubs. Shouldn’t reading be a completely personal endeavour?
Book reading is a personal endeavour but so is movie watching. No one can tell you how you’re supposed to feel. Some movies are enjoyed best when watched with a group of friends, some in solitude. I’m unsure if all book clubs function the same way but most book clubs just get together to discuss what they liked or disliked in the book they have already read. It’s great to sometimes find a kindred spirit amongst the conversations. 🙂 It’s just a matter of choice if one wants to be a part of like-minded people who love books or just enjoy a good read in their own company.
Completely agree with you ? Thank you for participating in the discussion and thank you for visiting Austinot!
Reading by itself is definitely a personal endeavor but as with other hobbies and passions it’s always fun to engage with others who like the same things. We end up discovering new ideas, learning about authors and books we wouldn’t otherwise have known of.
Love this article!
Thank you! ?
You forgot one: The Sapphic Reading Group: https://lonestarlesfic.com/the-sapphic-reading-group/
Thanks, Maggie! This list is specifically covering book clubs at Austin’s independent book stores.
Thank you Maggie! We were focusing on book clubs at independent book stores. But it’s always good to know about the other book stores in town. Would love to check it out!
Awesome article!
Thank you for reading!
So glad to have this editing-down of all of the millions of books clubs around town as I am always searching for a good one. Didn’t know about the book/film club; would LOVE to debate the merits (and lack thereof) of a movie based on a film! Thanks for the info.!
Austin’s definitely brimming with a lot of good book clubs. This is just a little peek at some of the best 🙂 Thank you for reading!