Get to Know Our Clubs: Well Red Book Club

We’re so excited to introduce Well Red Book Club! We caught up with Alana to learn more about how she started her book club, how they get inspiration for their next read, and the AMAZING way she keeps her members intrigued each month!

 

Let’s get to know the members of Well Red Book Club! 

 

Q&A

How did your book club start? 

 

We started our club during COVID in August 2020. 

First and foremost, we love to theme all of our book club meetings; we try and make our drink and outfit relatable to the theme of the book. We always meet via Zoom but are considering a trip, hopefully, in our near future. 

Our club loves suspense and thrillers, so a lot of our books are that genre, but we are open to everything! A lot of us have Goodreads accounts too and use that along with bookstagram for book club inspiration. 
 

How do you select what book your club is reading?

 

We use a group chat to decide which books we are considering (usually a few of us throw some ideas out) and then I narrow it down to 2 or 3 and then we take a vote at the end of our monthly meeting to which one we choose.

Using your platform has really helped me organize the meetings. We always vote on a date during our meeting (the time almost always stays the same). However, using your platform allows me to come up with a drink and outfit for each book theme. I write little rhymes to keep everyone intrigued.

Below monthly rhymes:

 

May: The Lost Apothecary 

 

Outfit Theme: Glitter and Glam or anything shiny will do. Let's be classy, sassy and maybe even a little crafty.

Drink: Pick your poison, it will be neat. Let's create a drink that will make us forget how to think. Our glasses will sparkle and be fun to clink.

 

April: Better Luck Next Time 

 

Outfit Theme: Onesie Party (or any fun PJs)

Drink: Let's fling into spring and drink something lean. (Skinny Margaritas or any drink of choice) 

 

March: Pretty Things 

 

Outfit Theme: Sláinte to March 2021 Book Club: Let’s be happy we are here and dress in Green for some Irish cheer. If you love St. Patty's Day, then wear fun gear. 

Drink: There's green beer and green tea but please drink whatever will make you feel carefree.

 

February: Ties That Tether 

 

Outfit Theme: February is all about love, whether that be with friends, family, fur family or a significant other...so let's celebrate love "Galentines Day" style with some of our favorite book club gals. Grab your pink rosé and heart themed outfits to celebrate what love means to each of us. 

Suggested Beverage: Champagne or Rosé

 

January: A Good Marriage 

 

2020 was an interesting year but I wouldn't say I was left without any cheer. So, let's raise our flutes and be basic; let's dress up in shiny New Year’s outfits and be creative. Grab a new drink, one you have never tried and leave those flavored seltzers behind.

 

December: In a Holidaze 

 

Happy Holidays...no matter what time of year there's always room for holiday cheer. 

So, grab your mugs and let's get festive. Let’s drink to friends, family and those less connected.
 

What's one question you ask to start the discussion for each book your club reads?

 

• I organize my questions ahead of the meetings and allow open discussions but also make sure everyone has a turn to speak.

 

• We have had three different authors come talk to our club too. I always do a Q & A with them at the beginning and then open it to club members' questions. 

 

• We always open the club meeting with the question of who we would choose to play each book's character in a show or movie, and then we close with a rating of the book 1-4 stars and why.

 

How does your club stay connected when you're not reading? (i.e. meals/dinner parties, trips or outings, etc.)

 

We stay connected in between meetings by our weekly chats to go over any new books we find inspiring and by sharing what we find for our themed meetings (cool drinks, themed wine, outfit ideas).

A lot of us grew up together and have known each other for years. We are in 4 different states and several cities so having this time to connect is amazing!

 

What was the first book your club read? Who selected it, and what was the response like? 

 

I picked our first read and I chose it based on a Reese Witherspoon book club pick: Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid. The response was great. It is a good book to have an open discussion on current relevant topics. 

 

What was the most memorable book your club has read?

 

The most memorable book we have read is The Tattooist of Auschwitz. [Many members had to stop reading this book] because it was so sad, but we all stayed connected to finish and it was such a great book about hope, love, war and the horrors of genocide. 

 

Our top 5 books have been:

 

The Tattooist of Auschwitz

A Good Marriage 

Pretty Things 

The Lost Apothecary 

The Ties That Tether 

 

How has reading together has affected your relationships with one another? Has it brought you together in a new way, provided opportunities for conversations you may not have had, etc.??

 

We honestly all look forward to book club so much every month. 

Some of us are moms, some wives, some grandmas and others fur parents. We all work in different fields and have so many interesting stories and backgrounds. These ladies inspire me every month to be my best self and to read more books/articles. These ladies have taught me the value of staying connected no matter what changes happen in life. 

 

I am beyond blessed by their friendship.