Since 1996, Leelanau Books in Leland has hosted a local book club. Now they share the secrets to staying strong for over two decades.
The format has evolved over the years, but members now meet monthly from September through June in Leland to discuss fiction and non-fiction stories. “There’s something energizing about having a really good discussion – we come away with a refreshed mind,” says Paula Alflen, owner of Leelanau Books. “Reading and reflecting on a book is a kind of therapy, and this group has coalesced in such a way that we all feel a positive energy when we’ve finished reading and then discussing and sharing an empowering book.”
Here, Paula and her book club share their top five reasons why having a book club is the “best thing in the world” and why theirs works so well in their northern Michigan community.
1. It’s an open club
“Everyone is welcome, which means we get a wonderful diversity of people and opinions,” says Paula. Leelanau Books Club members are welcomed not only locally in Leland, but also in surrounding towns such as Northport, Glen Arbor, Cedar, Maple City and Suttons Bay.
2. They meet in the morning
“We meet at the end of the morning to end around noon, a time that seems to suit our members. We prefer not to go out at night. However, we often meet for lunch after the chat session at a local restaurant, which is great for getting to know each other personally,” says Paula. Also, at the end of the season, they have a social celebration, where they cook lunch at a member’s house in Leland.
3. The library hosts and moderates
“Because we’re lucky to have the bookstore, no one has to prep their house,” says Paula. Leelanau Books provides hot beverages for attendees and a moderator who keeps conversations away from politics and religion. “We have very respectful and tolerant members, so members feel safe to voice their opinions – it’s a free-flowing conversation.”
4. Attendance is flexible
“If you’re out of town, no problem,” says Paula. “We don’t meet in July or August, which is usually too busy for everyone (including the bookstore!).” While some members only join in the spring, others join in the fall, which allows for flexible participation.
Additionally, Leelanau Books encourages members to attend even if they haven’t read the book of the month. “They often find themselves adding to the discussion and enjoying the book — which they now want to read for sure — in a different way, but doing it a bit backwards,” says Paula.
5. Anonymous Book Suggestions and Voting Selection
“We select our books by submitting suggestions at the end of the season, and then we vote for 10 (the number of months we meet),” says Paula. “We don’t know who suggested any of the books, so we can feel more open to expressing our opinions and not offending.”
Leelanau Books Top 6 Reading List
Here are some reads that have sparked lively discussion recently.