This isn’t your mother’s book club. Instead of opening their doors to any and all bibliophiles, many of today’s literary groups are defining membership according to very specific demographics or tastes. Taking a page from social media’s knack for getting people together, the 21st century book club is also more apt to form online, typically on Meetup.com, a networking portal that facilitates offline get-togethers, searchable by location.
Here’s a peek at some South Florida options, which are as diverse as its multicultural population.
Asian Cinema & Book Club
Based in Fort Lauderdale, this 145-member club is for those with a “love and appreciation” for all things Asian, from movies to books, culture and food, according to its Meetup.com page.
Founded: August 2011
Books/events: Recent meetups included outings to celebrate the Chinese New Year and attend Florida Supercon in Miami. The group plans to meet next at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at Barnes & Noble, 591 S. University Drive in Plantation, for a book club meeting and dinner that is only open to members.
Meets: Locations vary
Cost: Free to join
Info:
Delray Beach Spiritual Book Discussion/Book Club
This group is for “like-minded people and free thinkers who want to expand their spiritual awareness,” according to organizer Cherie Arscott. The club is hosted by Unity of Delray Beach, a nondenominational church.
Founded: February 2014
Books/events: Now reading “Nonviolent Communication: The Language of Life” by Marshall B. Rosenberg.
Meets: 7 p.m. last Wednesdays of the month at Unity of Delray Beach, 101 NW 22nd St.
Cost: Free to join
Info:
Discussion-Book-Club-Meetup, 561-276-5796
Science Fiction/Fantasy Reading Group of Jupiter
With 18 official members, this group sees about five core members who regularly attend to share their thoughts on the SciFi/fantasy genre, said organizer Ray Heinonen.
Founded: October 2013
Books/events: Now reading “God’s War” by Kameron Hurley and “Earth” by David Brin.
Meets: Typically first Tuesdays at Palm Beach Gardens Branch Library, 11303 Campus Drive
Cost: Free to join
Info:
Boca Raton Comic Book/Sci-Fi/Horror Meetup Group
This group is about more than books and meets more often over movies.
Founded: September 2009
Books/events: Past events include watching the 35th anniversary screening of Ridley Scott’s “Alien” and attending the “Not At Comic-Con” mini-convention in Lauderhill.
Meets: Locations vary
Cost: Free to join
Info:
West Broward Boomer Babes Book Club
This gathering of women age 55 to 67 enjoys “the art of reading and discussing the latest new books as well as our all-time favorites,” according to its Meetup.com page. Rhonda Hey, the group’s organizer and a 61-year-old certified mobile notary, said the club is restricted to 13 active members to keep it intimate. The group is now full, but anyone interested can join a waiting list.
Founded: October 2013
Books/events: Now reading “Me Before You” by Jojo Moyes. Past books included “China Dolls” by Lisa See and “The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein.
Meets: First Wednesday of the month at a member’s house in the west Broward County area. Group also meets on second Thursdays for dinner.
Cost: $16/year (optional)
Info:
