Where Books Meet Bites

Traditionally, book clubs operate like this: one book is selected, either by the host or the group, and read by all the members.

At the meeting, everyone comes with their dog-eared paperback (or highlighted e-reader!) in hand to hash out controversial plot points, literary devices or even personal topics the book brought to mind. Inevitably, stories are shared and friendships are strengthened. Usually, a potluck-style meal is enjoyed, with the host providing a main course and drinks.

But what if you aren’t actually a bookworm or don’t have time for reading? Can you still start a book club-type group and reap all the benefits without library late fees or the guilt of not finishing the novel, memoir or mystery? Yes! Here are a few alternative book club ideas that might inspire you to write your own narrative. And don’t forget the food! Our easy salmon recipe comes together with just a few minutes of hands-on prep time, plus we give some potluck ideas to get guests’ creative juices flowing. As long as you have delicious eats, the drinks are flowing and the company is convivial — the rest is just details!

TV Club

The next best thing to a novel is a prestige TV drama series. Think: Ozark, Succession, Severance, The Sopranos. Or maybe your crowd would be more into The Bear or The White Lotus.

Instead of a book, the group watches a season of the selected show and the discussion flows from that. Not into drama? Your group could watch a classic comedy series, sci-fi or any other genre you and your friends love.

Pod Club

A podcast listening club can be a terrific way to learn more about a specific topic, find out about fascinating people through interviews or take in a true crime story. There are so many podcasts out there, you’ll easily find one that speaks to your passions. The bonus here is that podcasts are made for multitasking — group members can listen during commutes, while getting ready in the morning or even while working.

Reading Club

If you want to keep the books in your book club but lose the homework feeling, consider this: Instead of assigning one book to all, ask each member to talk about any book they’ve read lately and loved. It’s a terrific way to gather a pile of trustworthy suggestions for what to read next. If they have a physical copy of their recommendation, ask them to bring it so someone else can borrow it.

Wine Pairing

Because salmon is such a hearty, meaty fish, it pairs best with a red, like pinot noir. A perfect choice for a potluck gathering, pinot noir has subtle tannins and light, fruity notes that go with a wide range of dishes.

If you belong to or want to start a more traditional book club, here are our top five picks to get you started:

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

The quirky protagonist of this page-turner is definitely not fine. You’ll have to read for yourself to find out why (or just wait for the movie — Reese Witherspoon has reportedly picked up the rights). Part mystery, part character study and 100% heartwarming, this is one of those books you never want to end.

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

There’s a girl living on her own in the marshes of the North Carolina coast. And rumors swirl about her. When someone is murdered, she’s the prime suspect. In this murder mystery-love story combo, nothing is as it seems and the marsh is one of the most important characters.

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

When Leni Allbright moves with her parents to live off the grid in Alaska, she falls in love with the land, the life and, of course, a boy. But a simple happy ending is not in store as the teenager battles the dangerous darkness of a wilderness winter and the even greater darkness within her father.

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

What happens when it’s way more appealing to live in the virtual world than the real one? You’ll find out as you follow the teenage protagonist of this action-packed tale on his journey through the multiplayer virtual universe called Oasis. He’s competing in a contest where the prize is wealth beyond imagination and the cost of losing is his life — and the basic freedoms of all humanity.

Life After Life by Kate Atkinson

Ursula Todd, the protagonist of this sweeping novel set in England against the backdrop of both world wars, doesn’t make it past the first page. She dies again and again, eventually using the hard-won wisdom of multiple lifetimes to make a selfless sacrifice to save lives and end a war.