Ms. Charley Hardin --- a bookseller from Ponchatoula, LA --- has conducted many book clubs in the past, and is in the process of forming a new one called "Cover-to-Cover" at her store's new location. In this interview, she shares some of the fun activities that keep members coming back for more, like themed meetings, acting out favorite scenes, and holding Favorite Book/Author Awards. She also provides tips for keeping discussions lively, meeting like-minded people, and choosing reading selections.

Q: Does your store host any book clubs? If so, are they based on a certain theme or genre (i.e., mystery)? How often do the groups meet?

A: Yes, we have had book clubs in the past. We relocated recently and are in the early stages of rebuilding a new one called "Cover-to-Cover." Women's Fiction and Mystery are favorite genres. The group meets the first Saturday for an hour at our bookstore.

Q: How many members are in each group? How many men, how many women? What ages are most of the members? Are the groups open to accepting new members?

A: We have six members and are looking to expand. Unfortunately, there aren't any men as of yet, but we are hopeful to snag one. Members' ages range from 30s to 60s. Members are encouraged to bring friends and be on the lookout for new recruits. I would like to have as many as 20 to make the discussions lively and diverse.

Q: Who leads the book discussions? Are reading group discussion guides used?

A: I lead the discussions, and yes --- we'll refer to guides to break the ice and initiate conversation.

Q: How are books selected? Is a new one chosen at each meeting, or are they chosen for a number of meetings ahead of time?

A: At the first meeting, we find out what each member likes to read and how far they are willing to bend and try new genres. I try to pick a wide range of books that my store has many copies of to make it easier for the members to find the book. Members are asked to bring a few books to put in a pool and choose from. If we cannot all agree, then I select titles from a list I have on standby. We choose our books six months at a time.

Q: What were some of the best discussions or favorite books the groups have read?

A: In the past, James Patterson's When the Wind Blows and The Lake House. Also, Greg Iles's 24 Hours and Rebecca Wells's Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood.

Q: How are book club meetings kept interesting and fun?

A: In the past we have had themed days/nights. Some members come dressed like characters; on theater night, we have members act out a scene with their favorite authors and the other members will have to guess who. If the author of a book we're reading is local and available, we invite him/her to join our discussion. We've also had award nights to vote and honor Best Book/Author for the year.

Q: What advice would you give to other bookstores that would like to start hosting book clubs, or provide resources for ones in the community?

A: Once you get a feel of what your customers like, make sure to keep your store stocked, and invite them to be the first to experience discussing their favorites once a month. Cater to their wants and needs, and it will pay off in more ways than you can imagine. You will make lasting friendships and loyal customers. And you will be doing what you all like --- reading, chatting, and being with others like yourself!

Q: What general advice would you give to book club members? Any specific ideas for making reading selections?

A: It's nice to always stay within your comfort zone and read the same thing over and over. But wouldn't it be more exciting to venture out and try something new? The best advice I could give to make the discussions lively and long lasting is to be open to change. Explore new ideas and genres --- you might like what you discover. And if you don't, it will make for a lively discussion amongst your other book club members. You will be more likely to keep going as long as it doesn't get to be ho hum same ole same ole.

Q: How can book clubs better utilize resources at their local bookstores?

A: I may not be reading this correctly, so forgive me. Say the current book is a Medieval romance. You are not familiar with that time period and want to do a little research after you read it. What better place to find more information than at our local bookstore?

Q: Does your store offer anything special for book clubs?

A: Currently, we're working on an incentive to keep members attending the book club meetings. We have a deck with patio furniture that we use for meetings, and all members are able to find the titles at my bookstore for 50% off publisher price.

Q: Do you have any horror stories, amusing anecdotes, or other tales to tell that you have heard from book clubs?

A: At our previous location, we had a "Night of Horrors" themed-meeting, and wouldn't you know, there was a terrible rainstorm that night. The store lights went out in the middle of a discussion of Joel Hynd's book, Ghosts, and everyone screamed. While I was digging around for matches and candles, someone said she felt a cool breeze brush her face. Another member said it was the fan, but I pointed out that it couldn't be the fan because the power was out. Hmmmmmmmmmm... what was it? Secret's in the book!

Q: Is there anything else unique or noteworthy about book clubs (either ones that meet in your store or ones that you know of) that you would like to share?

A: If a person is new to the area and is having a hard time meeting other people like themselves --- especially people who like to read --- the first thing to ask the real estate lady is 1) Where's Walmart? and 2) Is there a Books-A-Million, library or used bookstore close by? I have found these to be the cornerstone places of finding new friends. The book clubs are perfect places to meet new people and unwind with those who like to do what you do...read!

Q: Are you a member of a book club? If so, what do you enjoy most about the experience from a reader's perspective? Does being in a book club enable you to better suggest both titles and discussion ideas to reading groups?

A: Before forming my store's own, I was in briefly with a local book club called the "Ya-Ya Book Club." It mainly consisted of teachers and librarians and was major fun! Their meetings were never dull, but full of lively chats and nice ladies. Once a month, we ladies could do something for ourselves, enjoy each other's company and talk about a good book or a stinker. And yes, being in a group or having been exposed to one helps when it comes time to pick out a book. Also, being amongst friends helps you bounce new ideas off each other without the fear of being laughed at or shot down.

Q: What books currently on your shelves are you interested in sharing with book groups?

A: James Patterson's Mary, Mary, Kinley MacGregor's Sword of Darkness: Lords of Avalon, Fern Michaels's Pretty Woman and Joan Hess's Malpractice in Maggody.

Q: What galleys and advance reader's editions that are in your store right now are you interested in sharing with book groups?

A: The last one I had was Fern Michaels's Pretty Woman and Danielle Steel's House --- the first one is now in paperback and will be our pick for May, and Danielle Steel's is not in the running because I didn't like it.

ReadingGroupGuides.com interviews special reading groups around the world, spotlighting a different group each month. We hope that you enjoy reading about their experiences and might find some new ideas to try with your group. If you belong to a group that you think should be spotlighted, click here to answer our interview questions.