Got your towels and sunscreen ready? How about your summer reading? Here are some books to start the season right: a reflective memoir about relationships and selfhood, a fantasy imagining a world where doors lead to unpredictable fates, an ambitious story of identity in America, and a darkly funny novel set in modern Ukraine. Follow along with upcoming coverage in our digital magazine.
According to most sources, the current figure for how many Americans are in a book club is five million. However, this figure hasn't been updated in over 25 years, so a new estimate is long overdue. Before we share our new estimate, let's go over where the old estimate came from, and why you shouldn't believe everything you read on the internet.
Book club favorites vary from year to year, and we're here to keep you updated on the most current trends!
In this year's subscriber survey, we once again asked book club members to name their top three book club books of all time. From their answers, we've compiled our latest list of book clubs' top ten overall favorite books.
Online book clubs let you engage with others about books instead of just reading them alone. They bring together curious readers on forums, apps, or virtual meetups to discuss a shared book in depth. In a good online book club, you connect with fellow bibliophiles around the world, explore themes and characters you might have missed, and find motivation to finish your reading. Unlike a celebrity "pick of the month" or a casual social media thread, a serious book club is a discussion-based experience with a clear structure. Many readers join these clubs because they want a dedicated space and thoughtful conversation, things that celebrity-led clubs or one-off chats don't provide. In other words, an online book club is about participation, not just passive reading.
In the world of literary enthusiasm, celebrity book clubs have become powerhouses of influence. Reese Witherspoon's picks routinely top bestseller lists, Oprah Winfrey's selections can catapult unknown authors to stardom, and Jenna Bush Hager's "Read with Jenna" has become a fixture on the Today Show. These star-powered reading initiatives have unquestionably boosted book sales and reading visibility.
Yet for serious readers, these glittering book clubs often fall short of what we're truly seeking: genuine literary community and thoughtful discussion.
Looking to share your love of books with others without leaving home or spending a dime? You’re in the right place! In this 2025 guide, we’ll explore the best free online book clubs for adults. These aren’t just passive “read this book” lists – they’re vibrant communities with real back-and-forth discussion (forums, virtual meetups, group chats) where readers connect. From dedicated book club websites to thriving social media groups, you’ll find a welcoming place to chat about stories with fellow book lovers.
Whether you crave deep literary analysis or just a friendly chat about the latest bestseller, there’s an online book club for you – completely free. Let’s dive in!