Living as an expat in Vietnam is an adventure, but one of the biggest challenges can be finding your community—people who share your interests and passions. If you’re a reader, there’s no better way to build those connections than by starting a book club.
It’s a perfect way to meet new people, have stimulating conversations, and discover amazing books. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to stay accountable to your reading goals, as we discussed in our guide to building a reading habit. Here’s how to get started in 5 simple steps.
Step 1: Find Your Readers (It's Easier Than You Think)
You don’t need a huge group; 4 to 8 members is often the sweet spot. The easiest way to find people is to post in your local expat Facebook groups (like “Da Nang Expats” or “Hanoi Massive”). You’ll be surprised how many people are looking for the exact same thing! You can also just start by asking a few friends or colleagues if they’d be interested.
Step 2: Set the Ground Rules: Casual or Committed?
Before you meet, decide on the basic structure to manage expectations. Discuss these questions with your founding members:
- How often will we meet? Monthly is the most common and manageable cadence.
- Where will we meet? You could rotate hosting at members’ homes or pick a favorite quiet cafe.
- What’s the vibe? Is it a serious literary discussion, or a more casual social hour with wine and a chat about the book? Either is great, just be on the same page!
Step 3: Pick Your First Book: The Make-or-Break Decision
Choosing the first book is crucial. We recommend starting with something popular, accessible, and not too long (under 400 pages is a good rule).
- You could choose one of the hottest books of the summer to ensure everyone is excited.
- For a lighter start, pick a title from our latest beach reads list.
- For deeper conversations, a book from our Vietnam culture list is always a fantastic choice.
- The key is to vote or decide as a group so everyone feels invested.
Step 4: Guide the Discussion (Without It Feeling Like School)
You don’t need a formal moderator, but it helps if one person prepares 5-7 open-ended questions to get the conversation started. Avoid simple “yes/no” questions. Try these instead:
- “Which character did you relate to most, and why?”
- “Was there a particular passage or quote that stood out to you?”
- “Did the ending surprise you? If you could rewrite it, would you?”
- “What do you think was the author’s main message?”
Step 5: Sourcing the Books & A Special Offer
One of the logistical hurdles in Vietnam can be getting multiple copies of the same English-language book. That’s where we can help. Instead of having everyone struggle to find a copy, let us know your club’s pick for the month. We can source the books for your entire group and have them delivered, ensuring everyone is ready for your first meeting.
To make it even easier, we have a special offer for book clubs: When you order 3 or more copies of your ‘book of the month,’ you’ll receive a 15% discount on the entire order. It’s our way of supporting the reading community here in Vietnam.
Start Your Literary Community Today
A book club is about more than just reading; it’s about connection, friendship, and seeing the world through different eyes. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a thriving community of fellow book lovers in no time. And we’re here to help it grow with our special book club discount.