I’ve always loved book clubs. Not just because they keep us reading — and reading builds empathy while offering escape — but because of the incredible bonds that form when people share stories. Book clubs allow us to connect through characters, dive into each other’s perspectives, and ask the big “what would you have done?” questions. They give us a space to laugh, reflect, debate, and grow. And let’s be honest: book people are some of the coolest people on the planet.
In my novel Confessions of a Grammar Queen, one of my favorite subplots features a secret feminist book club that meets after hours at the New York Public Library. My heroine, Bernadette Swift, finds herself surrounded by brilliant women from all walks of life — publishing, art, law, medicine, and homemaking. Together, they read books considered taboo, radical, or feminist. But more than that, they create a sisterhood of empowerment, using their voices to challenge injustice and support one another through the highs and lows of womanhood in the 1960s.
Inspired by Bernadette and her bold crew, I’ve put together a “starter kit” for your own secret book club — perfect whether you’re building one from scratch or want to bring some fresh flair to your current group.
Your Secret Book Club Starter Kit
The Invitation
Make it clever, personal, and aligned with your club’s vibe. If Bernadette were writing it, she might say: “Calling all logophiles and literary queens — join us for words, wine, and rebellion.”
The Reader Roster
A club is only as strong as its members. Invite fellow literary mavens who share your passion — or who bring fresh perspectives. The magic happens when diverse voices come together over a shared page.
The Meeting Place
While Bernadette and her friends gathered at the New York Public Library after hours (scandalous!), your club can meet anywhere: a cozy living room, a neighborhood clubhouse, a local café, or a wine bar that doesn’t mind a little literary debate.
The Reading List
This is the heart and soul of the club. Whether everyone takes turns choosing or you pick themes, tailor your list to your group’s mission. Bernadette’s club read titles like To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan, and Sexual Behavior in the Human Female from the Kinsey Reports.
Nametags with Personality
Create name tags that reflect your club’s name and your members’ alter egos.
Think:
Bernadette Swift, “Grammarian”
Club Motto: “Dream boldly. Read freely. Speak loudly.”
Snacks and Drink Pairings
Theme your refreshments around the book. For Bernadette, that might mean Queen of Sheba chocolate cake à la Julia Child and a glass of champagne. Or perhaps a tray of Bernadette’s famous oatmeal cookies passed around in secrecy.
Discussion Questions
Use the reading guide provided by the author or publisher, or make your own. Any passage that made you pause, reflect, or spark a spirited debate is perfect for your group.
A Thoughtful Playlist
Music can help set the tone. Create a playlist inspired by the book’s era, setting, or message. Bernadette’s soundtrack? A mix of The Chiffons, Elvis, Dion and — okay, this last one might be mine — Taylor Swift. After all, her song “The Man” was part of my inspiration for this book.
Book clubs remind us that reading is not a solitary act — it’s a gateway to connection, conversation, and change. And a secret book club? That’s just the icing on the (chocolate) cake.
What would you include in your secret book club kit?
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