Celebrity book clubs seem to be everywhere. From posts promoting them all over social media, to stickers on books in bookstores proclaiming their status as a book club pick, the celebrity book club has become a titan in reading spaces. Before we dive into the specifics of these book clubs, we must first answer the question: What is a celebrity book club? The short answer is that a celebrity book club is a group helmed by a celebrity who chooses books for members to read together within a certain period. These book clubs most commonly take place every month, but the timing depends on the membership and kind of books being read. Now that we understand what these clubs are, I will give a few examples. Perhaps the most popular celebrity book club is that of actress Reese Witherspoon, who began “Reese’s Book Club” in 2017. Their website shares that each month the club “chooses a book with a woman at the center of the story.” Recently, younger celebrities have also entered the fold, with popstar Dua Lipa launching a monthly book club through her company Service95.
So, now that you know what a celebrity book club is, and have learned about a couple of the most popular ones, why should you join one? Firstly, book clubs offer a sense of connection and community for readers, giving them the opportunity to share their interests with others. Secondly, these clubs allow for the discovery of books that might be out of your comfort zone, or that you wouldn’t have picked up otherwise. Thirdly, if you have a hard time choosing what to read next, the format of a book club can be a great way to save you from the overwhelming number of choices you will find at the bookstore or online.
Which celebrity book club should you join? If you like realistic, adult literary fiction, Oprah’s Book Club hosted by Oprah Winfrey may be the one for you. The club has several social media accounts that provide an opportunity to discuss what you’re reading, as well as a show on Apple TV+. If you are interested in a mix of fiction and nonfiction, rapper Noname’s Noname Book Club is a great option, and promotes two books per month by authors of color. Currently, most celebrity book clubs seem to focus on literary fiction and nonfiction, but as more celebrities start book clubs, hopefully more genres will be represented in their picks.
Next time you’re looking for a new read, consider a celebrity book club pick. Whether you want to take advantage of the communal aspects a book club provides, or you just want to know what the most popular celebrities are reading, these clubs are an easy way to expand your reading horizons.
Charlotte Beale
Associate Student Representative, Far Western Region, 2023-2024
Alpha Pi Epsilon Chapter, Vice-President
Utah Tech University, St.George, UT
Sigma Tau Delta
Sigma Tau Delta, International English Honor Society, was founded in 1924 at Dakota Wesleyan University. The Society strives to
- Confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies;
- Provide, through its local chapters, cultural stimulation on college campuses and promote interest in literature and the English language in surrounding communities;
- Foster all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language, and writing;
- Promote exemplary character and good fellowship among its members;
- Exhibit high standards of academic excellence; and
- Serve society by fostering literacy.
With over 900 active chapters located in the United States and abroad, there are more than 1,000 Faculty Advisors, and approximately 9,000 members inducted annually.
Sigma Tau Delta also recognizes the accomplishments of professional writers who have contributed to the fields of language and literature.
Disagree completely. Would rather support a local author because they struggle to find readers.