July is the perfect month for ice cream and it is always the right time for a book swap, which is why SheReaders Book Club is hosting two of them next month. First, in Rochester, NY on 7/9 and then in Palm Beach Gardens, FL on 7/30.
Can you join us for either one? I have a special SheReaders tote bag for anyone other than me who makes it to both events!
If you’re not near either of those locations, bummer, we’ll miss you. Maybe this could be your sign to host one yourself?
It’s easy to host a book swap. It’s good, free fun (well, except for the ice cream but gf, you are worth it!). Community is what we all are craving right now and you could be the conduit for it by creating that space for people to gather. By hosting even one book swap, you are sharing the great joys of reading and books with others and also making people feel less alone. That is no small thing.
I’m even going to give you the proofed recipe, right here:
How to host a book swap:
Choose a spot in town where everyone can order their own (no check splitting) and there’s ample seating. I’ve used ice cream parlors and coffee houses before (Panera Bread is where I hosted for years!). Whatever you like and know.
Pick a date and time. Don’t stress too much over this. Do what works best for you, and your people will find you.
Post it somewhere online. I use MeetUp (a paid service) but post somewhere that you already have a community.
Show up 10 minutes early and claim a nice spot for your group. Pull up chairs, move tables (with permission), and make it look inviting.
Be a welcoming host. Smile at people who walk through the door. Bring a few great books to swap and lay them on the table. Order something delicious. Lead by example and others will follow.
Enjoy your event! Have fun. Get people’s contact info and stay in touch (if you want to). Congratulate yourself. You did it!
That event that you’ve been wanting to attend and wishing to get invited to is exactly the one that you should be hosting! I (your book club bestie) encourage you (amazing person) to step outside of your comfort zone and be a gatherer. It gets easier with practice and it’s gratifying work.
Coming Up
We’ll be discussing Writing Creativity and Soul by the one-and-only, Sue Monk Kidd, where she reveals some of her best writing practices and truths of life in a way that only she can. I devoured this book and now I’m reading it again, slowly. So much wisdom in such few pages!
I just got my library copy of Eleanore of Avignon by Elizabeth DeLozier, which we’ll be discussing next month. Elea is a midwife and budding herbalist in Provence, 1347. Need I say more? (This is the bat call for hippie chicks.)
About Us
SheReaders is a book club for women where we read and discuss books written by women. It exists to bring women together through powerful literature and real connection, no matter where you live or your financial means. That’s why it’s free to join, virtual for accessibility, and open to all women, everywhere. Become a member on MeetUp today.
If this space has meant something to you, or if you believe in what we’re building, I’d love your support as a paid subscriber on Substack.
Thank you for being part of SheReaders Book Club, and for helping it continue.
Ice cream + books photos are from Ben Denzer’s photography series.
Starting to read Elenore of Avignone today. Always enjoy starting a new 📚📖 book!