Men and Book Clubs

This excerpt is from BookBrowse's July 2015 white paper on book clubs. You can download the full research report for free at bookbrowse.com/wp

National surveys confirm that men tend to read less than women. For example, a 2013 Pew Research Center survey of 1000 adults ("A Snapshot of Reading in America in 2013") found that 69% of men read at least one book a year compared to 82% of women. This white paper focuses in on frequent readers, defined as those who read at least one book a month - that is to say, people who read sufficiently to belong to a book club, whether they choose to or not. Even among frequent readers, it will come as no surprise that far fewer men report being in a book club than women.

To explore the topic of men in book clubs in more detail, and to minimize the bias from our own members (who were a minority in the survey but represented a disproportionate percentage of those in book clubs), we conducted a follow up qualitative survey of 130 men to ask about their experience and opinions of book clubs. The great majority of these were not BookBrowse members and 50 had not visited BookBrowse at all, having been randomly selected from a national sample of men aged 35+ who read at least one book a month.

Experiences of Men In Book Clubs

Of the small number of respondents in a book club, all were in mixed groups, of which about half had more women than men, and the rest had equal numbers.

When asked what they like about book club, the most common responses are in line with those from women – that a book club gets them to read a variety of books that they would not do otherwise, and that the discussions are enjoyable. A number reported that their perception of book clubs had changed since being part of one, and many commented that they particularly enjoy the mix of men and women:

"The best book clubs open the field to both men and women; there's always something about the book that the other gender never thought of. When I was the token guy in the book club, I was always asked what my take was at certain points of the book. My answers left some of the women open-mouthed; they said they never thought of that. Made me feel good. I read fiction mostly, and we met in a book store, then moved to other places such as people's homes."

"The balance of perspectives and the respectful conduct of mixed groups is so much better than a testosterone laden gathering of men that is often dominated by a strong personality - or worse yet - by two combative personalities competing for attention."

"The rewards are considerable. I would say to a man that it's important to join the right group - that the mix of people, books and general ambience is what you're looking for. But that's also what I'd say to a woman."

"You have to find out the make-up of the group and their goals /objectives as well as past books discussed. As a male you quickly know whether you'll be accepted and the real intent of the club."

Perceptions of Men Not in Book Clubs

Of the sample of 50 men with no connection to BookBrowse, just one was currently in a book club, and about one-third held negative views about book clubs. About a quarter had positive opinions; however, when asked if they had previously considered joining a book club the majority answered no. A few had previously been in a book club, or had considered joining a club but not found the opportunity.

"I actually got one started at an Older Adult centre (55+). I drifted away quite quickly as I was the only male who participated and the women's book selections did not appeal to me."

"I've occasionally seen lists of the books being read by local book groups ... and scanned the book shelves for book group reads at the local library. Many of the titles have looked interesting (and some I've read, on my own). The books do seem a bit weighted towards 'interpersonal dynamics' literary fiction (can't think of a better description) ... not my favorite reading."

When the whole sample of men who were not in a book club were asked what a book club would be like if they could tailor it to their tastes, the overwhelming majority said they would like a mix of men and women; and a substantial majority wanted to read a range of books rather than focus on specific genres.

About half of respondents would like to meet in a public place, with a number stating the library in particular. About a quarter have no preference. About 15% would like to meet in a home. A few said they would prefer to meet online.

"A public place would be preferable. Homes become too onerous as the hosts compete for the best cookies. A group of 8-12 seems workable.

"Mixed sexes would be best (I don't want to discriminate like they do). Shouldn't be over 7 or 8 people. All books would be considered and we could take turns recommending one."

"I like the idea of book clubs, but most are geared towards women. I am sure there are men's groups out there, but there is so much to sort through. I like historical fiction, fiction, non-fiction, world history, philosophy, travel, survival stories, and poetry. In order for me to join a club, it would have to be relevant to men."

"I take the train to work every day and usually sit with the same group of men. We often discuss books but I don't consider this a book club."

The full report at bookbrowse.com/wp includes a lot more information including in-depth interviews with a range of book clubs that are either mixed or all men (pages 18-19).