Can you remember a few years ago I ran a virtual online book club where members chose a crime novel and read it in a month and then we all met up via Google Hangouts and discussed the book?
It ran for about eighteen months. It was popular with the members that joined in but it didn’t seem to take off. People were a little nervous to join the virtual hangout. Eventually I closed it.
Last night two of the members suggested now might be the time to restart it. In this age of social distancing. I jumped on the opportunity – it didn’t take much encouragement. I loved that book club.
Our lives are shrinking, we’re being confined to the house and social lives are no more. The outside world has nothing but news that is making us anxious. These are difficult times. But, if you love a good crime novel, how about joining us in the Virtual Crime Book Club, reading a book a month and meeting up with friends to talk about what you’ve read? We really would love to have you. I’d love to have you join.
It’s unlikely that we’ll use Google Hangouts this time. I’m informed technology has moved on and Zoom is the likely replacement but I will update any members as we sort the practicalities out. The first step is joining. The second step is choosing the book and then we’ll address how we talk to each other.
If you want to join the #virtualcrimebookclub then sign up to the mailing list at this link HERE so you never miss the information you need.
We’ll read a variety of books within the crime genre. Some I’m sure you’ll love and some may not be your taste, but it’s about reading together and meeting and talking with people when it can’t be done in reality. If you want to share while you’re reading on social media then use the hashtag #virtualcrimebookclub as our old hashtag is now being used by someone else.
If you want to check out the videos of the old meetings you can find them HERE.
I really can’t wait to get this up and running again and will put the first books to vote on in the next few days so get signing up! I look forward to reading and talking with you!
I am so excited we’ll be doing this again, Rebecca! It was a great experience, and I’ve missed it. We need it now more than ever…
I’m also excited Margot. I think it’s the perfect time to restart it. I’ve often considered it but, I agree, now more than ever I think people need it.
I was hoping and hoping we would try this again! Certainly seems to be the right time for it. I will be in touch soon with technological options. Zoom is good but charges a monthly fee for meetings over 3 people and longer than 40 minutes.
I’ve often thought of it and wanted to do it but never did anything about it. Now does seem like the right time. I think people need it. Would Google Hangouts not still work?
Great idea. I wouldn’t presume you’d do one of my books, but if you ever do then I’d be glad to join your virtual book group to chat about it. I’ve done that with a lot of ‘real life’ book groups and miss it!
Hope you are all well during this strange time.
How would I join this group please
Would it be possible to please send out an email when you start this?
Hi, I’ve just had a crime novel published, set in Bristol in 1864, and I wondered if your group would fancy reading it and inviting me along to a meeting when you discuss it. It’s ‘Murder, Bristol Fashion’ (by R.P. Chamberlin) published by Amazon. There are some reviews on its page and an article on Bristol 24/7. (https://www.bristol247.com/culture/books/74-year-old-sets-debut-novel-in-hotwells-and-clifton/) (Did they need to mention my age??)
Best wishes with and to the group.