Signs of a Bad Book Club

Signs of a Bad Book Club
By May Thorne



There is no question about the benefits of reading. It feeds the mind so that anything that promotes reading or makes people able to read as much as they can is viewed as good. Of course, this can't be truer. With the rise of book clubs, people have begun to realize all the more pleasures and advantages one gets from reading. Whether you're young and adventurous, middle-aged and wisdom-seeking or a senior enjoying twilight with your favorite romance novels, book clubs can make your reading life fuller.

These clubs will offer your favorite books at more affordable prices and allow you to get in touch with other book lovers with whom lasting friendships may be possible. But that doesn't mean all such groups are innocent. Some are in the guise of legitimate book clubs but they actually have other things in mind. In essence, clubs dedicated to reading are essentially good, but when they're used for the wrong purposes, they can make you a cash cow and probably without you knowing. These are clubs that will make you offers that somehow feel ridiculous especially when you have had experience with others where you are also a member.

For example, a clear sign of a club to avoid is one that will dictate what books to deliver to your door. This is obviously not a group you want to link up with. These associations are supposed to be a freeway for ideas and stories you want to explore and nobody has the right to impose anything on your preferences. Another thing you'd like to be wary of are clubs that offer very attractive introductory prices, only to surprise you with ridiculous offers later on. Some will even claim to offer you exclusive books which often turn out to be of bad quality.

Those who believe in the value of reading cannot overlook the good things that come with book clubs. But not everyone in this industry has stayed true to what they ought to stand for supposedly as promoters of the love of books. Some people are making it mainly a moneymaking venture more than a place where people can cultivate their love for reading, be rewarded with great discounts and begin beautiful friendships with people with whom they share one very personal thing in common - that is, the love for reading. Hence, no matter how pure your intentions are in finding a book club, it is important to consider the reality that not all book clubs have integrity and it is your job to find the ones that do.