Dolen's Bookclub and a brief history of bookclubs

My historical fiction bookclub has grown to over 600 members

I have always envied bookclubs. When I published my first book in 2010, I was overwhelmed by the number of bookclubs that invited me to discuss my book with them. In those days before Zoom, the visits were either in person or via telephone. I especially enjoyed the in-person meetings because there was always good food. And there was often one person who was notorious for never finishing the books. There were highly educated members who asked me questions that stumped me. There might even be a skeptic who disliked the book and wasn’t afraid to say so!!

I always felt a little sad leaving because those meetings were fun!

As a professor, writer, and reader, I always told myself it would be difficult to join a bookclub. Who has time? During the academic year, I’m buried beneath grading. Most of my free reading time has to be in service to my own work. And I have to help my kids with homework which uses up the very few brain cells I have left at the end of the day.

But I’ve always always wanted to be part of a bookclub. I love love love being part of a community of readers.

Well, I finally did it. Last summer, I started my own virtual bookclub (it’s virtual, so we don’t have food but I’m thinking of incorporating tea time!). We meet each month to discuss a new book. This month’s pick is Brendan Slocumb’s Symphony of Secrets. Ooh, y’all it is so good. Brendan is a professional classical musician and his deep knowledge infuses his work. He’s also just an excellent writer. We will meet on Monday, March 4 at 8pm ET to discuss his work. You can join us on Facebook or Instagram Live. (please please please feel free to join us even if you haven’t finished the book!)

Now you know I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t share a brief history of bookclubs in the U.S., especially for Black women. Everybody knows the most famous bookclub in American history—Oprah’s Bookclub which began in 1996. We really do have to credit Oprah Winfrey with catapulting the surge of contemporary bookclubs in this country. What she has done has been nothing short of remarkable.

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