Chapters & Chai Book Club FAQ

If you’re thinking of joining Chapters & Chai book club but have some questions, or have a ticket already but don’t know what to expect, you might just find your answer here! 

I’ve put together some hopefully helpful information, and answered some of the questions you’ve sent me, so you can have all the information you need before coming along to your first meet up.

If you don’t find your question here, just drop me a DM on Instagram!

Is there a book we need to read for the first meet-up?
No! The first meet-up will just be more of an introduction, getting to know each other, doing some fun icebreakers and activities, etc. I’d love for you to bring with you either your favourite book from this year so far, or any book you love! This will be a good way to get conversation going with other members.

If I can’t make the first meet-up, can I still attend the next?
Absolutely! You are more than welcome to come and go as you please. If you skip a month, or two, or three, you’re still welcome back whenever it works for you. And, if you miss out on tickets one month but still want to be involved, please still get a copy of the book from Waterstones and join us on our socials to chat about it.

 

Will all meet-ups be charged?
All book club meet-ups will be charged at £2 a ticket for the time being. This includes your welcome bag (and other goodies at future meet-ups), a drink, some snacks, and a 10% discount off the book when purchased at Waterstones. I’ve kept the ticket prices as low as possible, but the £2 enables me to create a range of resources for book club, provide some snacks, etc.

Other social meet-ups may have different ticket prices depending on venue hire etc. For example, pottery painting would have a higher ticket cost but this would go towards your pottery piece. And some social meet-ups will be entirely free! I’d love to get some cafe dates set up, these would be open to everyone, and you can just come along and get yourself a coffee if you fancy.

Will you be filming or taking photos at book club and our other events?
Yes, but if you don’t want to be in photos/videos or can’t be in photos/videos for any reason, please do let me know! I’ll be letting people know to be mindful about sharing photos with other people in without their consent, so if there is anything else I can do, please get in touch.

If you are in a photo uploaded by me, the venue, or another book club member and you’d like it taken down, just let me know.

I’m shy, so I’m not sure if this will be for me. What should I do?
So am I! I’ve decided I really need to push myself out of my comfort zone, which is why I’ve started my own book club. I promise you a lot of our members feel the same way, and we’ll all be trying our best together.

Come along to one of the meet-ups, and if you want to leave ten minutes in, that’s okay! If you make it through the whole meet-up but don’t come back, that’s okay too - at least you’ve given it a go.

How long will the book club meets last?
Doors will open to let everyone in around 6pm to 6:15pm and we will start from there. I’m anticipating about an hour!

I’m not local, can I still join your book club?
Yes! I’ll have a few options for online communities if you can’t travel to us (Facebook, Fable, Instagram, or maybe even Whatsapp) so you can grab a copy of the book and read along with us. If there’s scope for it down the line, I’d love to offer some more book club evenings at other Waterstones stores in the local area, so if there’s one a little closer to you that makes travelling easier, then I might just see you there!

Is the venue accessible?
Waterstones Worthing is an accessible venue, and I’ll always try to ensure our other venues for social meet-ups are accessible too.
If you have any specific accessibility needs for a disability, chronic illness, or anything else, just send me a message and I’ll try my best to help! And if you have any concerns about venues and accessibility, please let me know.

Can I just come along to the social meets?
Sure! I’d like to give our book club members priority, but where there’s enough tickets, you’re more than welcome.

Will book club be held on the same day of the week every time?
Dates depend on Waterstones’ availability as they have their own events throughout the year. I’d like to keep it midweek, and in the last week or so of the month where possible. Social events will likely vary depending on venue availability.

How will the books be chosen?
I will set a theme or genre for the month, and take some suggestions from members and the Waterstones booksellers. I’ll then choose five titles to put forward, and let you have your vote! Some months I might let the booksellers choose; as they’re so knowledgeable on books they’ll definitely have some treats for us!

Are snacks and drinks available at book club?
I’ll probably bring some biscuits or something small along with me, and Waterstones will make some drinks available! I’d recommend bringing your own travel cup, and feel free to bring snacks as long as they are clean etc - just use your best judgement for a book shop.

At other events, we’ll probably meet at cafes or other venues where you’ll be able to purchase food and drink.

That’s all you’ve asked so far, but if I think of any other essential information or if you come up with any more questions, I’ll update this blog post!

If you have any questions or concerns, please do send me a message on socials. No question is a silly question! I’m more than happy to chat and answer whatever I can.

See you at book club!
Kee