Reading is one of those activities that never gets old — no matter where you are, who you’re with, or what’s going on in your life — it’s a constant comfort and way to escape reality for a few hours. For some, reading is a quiet hobby, filled with solitude, but for others, it’s a way to meet people with similar interests. And if you’re in that second camp, you’re probably looking for book clubs in Hoboken + Jersey City. Rest assured — there are a TON, even during the pandemic {which makes reading more essential than ever}. Check out this list of book clubs to join in the area — with most having virtual meet-ups during COVID-19 times.
Disclaimer: This list was compiled prior to the pandemic, but we’ve included contact info for each so that you can do your own research/comfort levels for what type of book club you’d like to join!
{Photo credit: @symposiabookstore}
Hoboken
Completely Booked Book Club
{Photo credit: @_completelybooked}
Run by Hoboken Girl’s very own Jordan, this book club is designed for readers in their 20s and 30s to discuss all genres of books. Get more info on her Instagram, @completelybooked.
Music Book Club {Little City Books}
Started by music journalist Michael Tedder and his wife Holly, the music book club meets monthly at Little City Books (but has now gone virtual during the pandemic). They focus on books with a New Jersey connection, from the legendary Bruce Springsteen’s book or Liz Phair’s biography leading up to her Hoboken visit. Reach out to Michael Tedder at mtedder@gmail.com for info.
Sci-Fi Book Club {Little City Books}
Much like the music book club, the sci fi book club meets once a month at Little City Books, but, for now, has gone virtual. Wednesday is sci-fi night, and you can get each month’s read directly from the shop. Check out the Little City Books website for more info, or contact info@littlecitybooks.com.
Mystery Book Club {Hoboken Public Library}
Started in October 2018, the mystery book club tackles both classic and modern works, as well as everything in between. It meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 pm (virtually, during the pandemic) in the library. Contact rosary.vaningen@hoboken.bccls.org for more info.
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Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Discussion Group {Hoboken Public Library}
Group members pick the selections in this long-running club, which was created in January 2014 after a library patron expressed interest. The group meets (they have switched to virtual meetings for the pandemic) at 6PM one Monday a month, but typically screens a film adaptation before the discussion at 4PM. Email hplwriters@gmail.com to get on the list.
Jersey City
Soho Lofts Book Club
Created for Soho Lofts residents, there’s wine, cheese, and group member selections once a month. The club meets in the building’s entertainment room. Contact Brittany Yodice at brittany.yodice@gmail.com for more info.
Well-Read Black Girl Book Club {WORD JC}
{Photo credit: @wordbookstores}
As a part of the American Booksellers Association and Well-Read Black Girl, WORD hosts a meetup the last Sunday of the month at 3PM, curated and facilitated by WORD member Nnenna. The meetups have stopped during the pandemic, but they will be up virtually after the holidays!
Just Another Magic Monday Book Group {WORD JC}
Every third Monday of the month, this group meets up to discuss magical realist literature with a focus on Latin American literature. If you’re a fan of otherworldly books, this is the group for you. The pandemic paused these meetings, but they will be up virtually in the new year.
See More: Symposia Bookstore: A Hidden Gem on Washington
Octavia’s Brood Book Club
This group is a speculative fiction/horror group that meets the last Monday of every month to discuss the chills in their spines, the strange adventures the books take them on, and the sheer creepiness of it all. While it has been inactive for the past little bit, look for this book club to become virtual starting in January.
Bayonne
Bayonne Midtown Book Club
Meeting at the library on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, this club welcomes guests looking to meet new friends or catch up with old ones. Head to the boardroom on the second floor and get ready to delve into lively discussions. The coordinators, Peg Margoshes and Peg Osnato can be reached at Baymidbookgroup@gmail.com for questions and information regarding pandemic scheduling.
The Little BOHO Bookshop BookClub
{Photo credit: @littlebohobookshop}
The Little BOHO Bookshop runs a drop-in book club that is free of genre and limit. The independent bookstore aims to bring book lovers together to read highly acclaimed novels. The roughly 30 member club is on hiatus during the pandemic but hopes to be back running soon.
