So, You Want to Join a Book Club? | Chapters & Chai Book Club
So You Want to Join a Book Club?
Joining a book club was something I thought about for a long time but I never really knew how to go about it, or if I would even be able to do it. I had so many questions. Where do I find one? Who do I go with? Am I brave enough to go on my own? Will I enjoy it? As an over-thinker and anxiety-prone girlie, it felt like a big decision to make, but I am so glad I finally did it. I even went on to start a book club of my own less than a year later… and it might just be the one for you!
So, you want to join Chapters & Chai? Here’s what you need to know.
Chapters & Chai is a monthly, in-person book club held at Waterstones Worthing, since July 2025. Hosted by Keeley (that’s me!), Chapters & Chai was born from a lifelong love of reading, and a desire for community and connection.
All readers are welcome, and all our members are welcoming! Together, we've created such a friendly environment where people can share their love of books, and bring their own unique perspectives to our discussions. Chapters & Chai has been a space where even the most introverted, shy, or anxious people (or the most extroverted people!) can find a sense of community and belonging.
We aim to read across a wide range of genres, supported by the lovely Waterstones booksellers, and voted on by you! You're bound to find your next favourite read at Chapters & Chai.
Beyond the Book Club, we also offer social meet ups such as pottery painting, days out at local markets, cafe meets, trips to the pumpkin patch, Waterstones-hosted events, and hopefully so much more in the coming months. We even have a group chat on Whatsapp and a group on Fable where we can keep in touch throughout the month.
For 2026, we’ll also be offering a Virtual Chapter, hosted via Google Meet for those who can’t make the book club date, or for those who live further afield.
That is Chapters & Chai in a nutshell - but if you’re an overthinker like me, read on for all the finer details.
FAQs
When are the Book Club Meet ups?
The book club meet ups take place once a month, generally in the last week of the month and typically mid-week - but it’s subject to Waterstones’ availability. Doors open between 6pm-6:15pm, and we generally begin from 6:30pm, and wrap up around 7:30pm.
How many people attend?
At present, there are 30 seats available. If there continues to be high demand, we may be able to add additional seating.
Who is the Book Club for?
This book club is open to all. We are predicting our attendees to be predominantly women between the ages of 20-30, with a few unders and overs. We recommend members be 18+ due to the nature of some books we may read.
How do I come along?
Tickets for the book club go on sale on my website around two weeks before the meet up. They are £2 per person. It is a first-come-first-served system. When tickets sell out, a free waitlist becomes available, you will then either be able to buy tickets through cancellations, or we will hold a cafe meet up subject to demand/availability. Ticket prices secure you a seat at book club, and you'll also get a discount from Waterstones on our monthly reads.
What kind of books do you read?
We read across a wide range of genres, and I really enjoy finding authors from all backgrounds. Our reads include: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna, The Lamb by Lucy Rose, Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood, Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro, Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao, and more!
How do I Join the Whatsapp Group?
In order to keep the Whatsapp Group secure, I don’t share the link outside of DMs. Please send me a DM on Instagram, or get in touch via email and I can provide you with the access link!
Can I make suggestions for the monthly books?
Yes! I have a Google Form for suggestions - feel free to submit as many as you like. I check it each time I am curating the book selections.
If you have any other questions or are still unsure about whether or not to sign up, please email me or get in touch via the contact form, or you can drop me a DM on Instagram. I truly believe that no question is a silly question, so please do ask! If you want to ask anonymously, you can use the Questions & Suggestions Google Form.
See you at book club!
Kee