Book club bonding
A transplant from the Midwest who loves New Jersey, Maryann Donaghy has been owner-manager of The Bookworm in Bernardsville since 1985. Her shop is a favorite hangout for readers of all ages who go starry-eyed over its seductive shelves of verbal temptations. Here, she chats with us about one of today’s most popular organizations, the book club.

Winter always makes people want to snuggle up and settle in for a good read. And it’s fun to discuss your book with friends. If I wanted to join or start a book club, could you help me?
Of course. Book clubs are one of our specialties. Joining a book club is a great way to connect if you’re new in town. People come in and ask me if I know one they can join. If I can’t think of one offhand, I send them to the library. We work closely with libraries.

If I wanted to start a new group, what should I do?
You’d probably approach people at the gym, at work or wherever. Get on the phone. Offer to have the first meeting at your house. Book clubs meet all over the place: people’s homes, libraries, churches, synagogues, even restaurants. You should plan on serving some form of refreshments, like coffee or tea and cookies. Some clubs bring a bag lunch. Don’t try to serve dinner — too complicated. You want to concentrate on the discussion.

Read the entire interview in the January/February issue of New Jersey Countryside Magazine. Click here to get one free bonus issue and save more than 80% on a subscription.