Reading is one of the least social pursuits known to man.
Open a book in public, and it might as well be a neon sign flashing “DON’T BOTHER ME.”
But it doesn’t have to be.
Somewhere in the valley, there’s a book club for pretty much anything you’re into — even if what you’re into is being left alone.
Big Book Club
If you like ’em thick — think tomes, the sort of books that could double as a booster seat — this one covers some of the longest novels in the world.
Quarterly at the Writer’s Block
Quick Reads Book Club
On the other end of the spectrum, discussions here cover short stories and poetry collections from the likes of Flannery O’Connor and Richard Wright.
Monthly at the Clark County Library
Dope Lit Book Club
Focusing on books by Black, Indigenous and POC authors, the club meets at The Analog Dope Store, the Black-, female-, LGBTQ-owned bookstore and vinyl record shop.
Monthly at 205 E. Colorado Ave.
Poems & Pie Book Club
Have a slice or two of pie from a local bakery while you discuss poetry.
Quarterly at the Writer’s Block
Bourbon Book Club
Scott Seeley, co-owner of the Writer’s Block, selects a bourbon to complement the theme of each book.
Quarterly at the Writer’s Block
Tales and Mocktails
Like a zero-proof version of the Bourbon Book Club. Even without the booze, the idea of drinking in a library gives off speakeasy vibes.
Monthly at Windmill Library, quarterly at Centennial Hills Library
Celebri-Tea Book Club
Get plenty of gossip with celebrity biographies and autobiographies. Also, there’s tea. Up next: Paris Hilton’s “Paris: The Memoir.”
Last Sunday of each month at the Sahara West Library
Silent Book Club
This is probably the bare minimum amount of structure a book club can have and still call itself a book club. There’s no theme. No assigned reading. Just show up with literally anything to read, order food or drinks, then settle in for an hour or so of silent reading — or listening, as audiobooks are welcome, too. “At the end of the hour,” the club notes, “attendees can socialize — or not!”
Monthly at various locations; bookclubs.com
Page Turners
Organized with the neurodivergent in mind, the club invites attendees to bring anything they want to read to gatherings at local bars and coffee shops. Participants don’t have to socialize, but if they want to, they’re asked to check with others before conversing with them.
Multiple monthly meetings at various locations; lvpageturners.com
The LGBTQIA+ Romance Readers
According to a club statement, “Stories with an emphasis on sweet romance and happy endings can be an approachable way to talk about heavy topics such as racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia and generational trauma.”
Monthly at various locations; bookclubs.com
Grokked: A Las Vegas Speculative Fiction Book Club
Hard sci-fi. Magical realism. Fantasy. The supernatural. It’s all welcome here.
Monthly at various locations; meetup.com
Freedom to Read Book Club
Explore stories that have been challenged, censored or outright banned — as well as some of the reasons, and some of the people, behind those restrictions.
Monthly at Enterprise Library
True Crime Book Club
Like an analog version of a podcast, this club dives into some of the worst people who’ve ever lived.
Last Friday of each month at West Charleston Library
No Pressure Senior Book Club
Open to those 50 and older, members can read as much or as little of each book as they choose. Then, instead of just discussing that month’s selection, they’re free to share stories or memories of other things that were triggered by that book.
Third Wednesday of each month at the Heritage Park Senior Facility Library
Book Club in a Bag
Still haven’t found what you’re looking for? Start your own book club with this program that offers a backpack, six copies of a book and a folder with guidelines, discussion questions and other materials.
Henderson Libraries ◆