Book Clubs

Thank you so much for reading UNDER THE SKY WE MAKE! 

Don't miss the reader-submitted questions to help guide your book club discussion.  

I'd love to see pictures of you with your bookclub by email or social media.

Please feel free to tag me in posts (@KA_Nicholas on Twitter, @profkimberlynicholas on Instagram; links below) and use the hashtag #UnderTheSkyWeMake. 

If you're interested in inviting me to join your seminar, organization, or club, check out the book seminar format. Or get in touch if you'd like me to Zoom in to your bookclub for Q&A after you've discussed. 

You can also request me as a speaker for a formal lecture. 

​Thank you!

Host a book club! 

Thank you for sharing the UNDER THE SKY WE MAKE love! Here are some tips for leading a book club. 
  1. Select someone to lead (or co-lead) the book club. I nominate you, since you're reading this! :) 
  2. The leader should invite interested friends to join the book club discussion, and encourage others to do the same.
  3. Aim for a group size of 6 to 10. I'm able to join book club groups of 6 or more readers for a Q&A (see below). 
  4. Set a time and date to meet that works for everyone. Give people sufficient time to get their copy and read the book (probably at least 3-4 weeks, if not more). If you want me to join you for a Q&A, pick a time before my available time slots below. :)  Plan 1.5 hours (or more) for book club discussion, and 30 minutes for me to join for Q&A. 
  5. Make sure everyone has the book from your local bookstore, library, or favorite source. See here for how to order from your local bookstore or library, and here for all the places you can order from. 
  6. Select your meeting location (online at the moment- pick your favorite platform, and make sure everyone attending knows how to use it.) If the world is such that you can meet in person, don't forget to provide tasty drinks and snacks! During non-pandemic times, one of my book clubs meets over breakfast, and another meets on Sunday afternoons for discussion and snacks, followed by dinner cooked by the host(s). AAAAH I miss my book clubs IRL!
  7. Select your discussion questions, and share them with the group at least a few days in advance to give people time to think. Around 8 questions is probably a good number to aim for, to give time for everyone to share their thoughts. Feel free to select from the reader-submitted list, or come up with your own. You can also ask each club member to pick or come up with their favorite question for discussion. 
  8. When it's time to meet, create a friendly atmosphere to encourage open discussion and sharing. Start with brief introductions to make sure everyone know each other. 
  9. Go around the circle (or have each person pass the mic to the next speaker if online) to share your initial impressions and reflections on the book. 
  10. Then, take turns discussing each question you've selected, making sure each person gets a chance to contribute, and all are listening. 
  11. At the end, thank everyone for coming, and discuss if you want to continue this climate book club, or stay in touch in other ways. 
  12. Please fill out the little form above to make me happy knowing that you're out there, and to get your free signed bookplate and surprise in the mail! 
  13. If you want me to join your club of 6 or more readers for a Q&A after your discussion, please book a time here.