5 Very Specific Book Clubs We’d Love to Join

Magical Realism Book Club
What could be more fun than this book club? Books that feature magical realism are chock full of whimsy, mystery, and symbolism. It is never exactly certain where the book’s reality ends and readers’ imaginations begin. That means two people can read the same book and have two totally different experiences. Sharing interpretations with one another will be sure to up the adventure quotient. Best of all, this club can cover everything from Haruki Murakami to Kelly Link, so you’re sure to have plenty in the queue.
First selection: One Hundred Years of Solitude, by Gabriel García Márquez

Stephen King Book Club
According to the Internet’s most up-to-date sources, King has written over 60 books. However, by the time you read this, there’s no guarantee the Master of Horror won’t have passed the 70 mark. Few authors in history have been so prolific while also remaining so wildly successful—and there’s a reason. Engaging, often terrifying, and always memorable, King’s work is sure to keep your club busy for a spooky eternity. Start at the beginning of King’s career and work your way to his latest release, or alternate horror with drama if you think you might want to sleep occasionally.
First selection: Carrie, by Stephen King

Lady Humorists Book Club
Unless you’ve been hiding under a very large rock for the past year, you probably know that the entire world’s current comic obsession is the hysterical Amy Schumer. It seems that women may finally be getting their due in comedy, and the world of written humor is no exception. What better way to enjoy side-splitting comicality than in a group? From Caitlin Moran to Cynthia Heimel to Celia Rivenbark, you’ll get twice the laughs—once when you read the punchline and again when you revisit it with your fellow club members.
First selection: Bossypants, by Tina Fey

Game of Thrones Book Club
If you have been watching Game of Thrones on HBO, or if you ever happened to glance at your social media feeds on Monday mornings this past spring, you know that George R.R. Martin’s epic saga is, shall we say, a doozey. GoT is based on Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, which currently includes five published novels, with two more forthcoming and several published prequels. The storyline is riveting, the characters are intimately rendered, and the pace is breakneck. You will relish having a group of friends to celebrate or commiserate with, depending on what the latest chapter calls for. Plus, once you’re up-to-date on the books, you can have a series viewing party! It’s a win-win.
First selection: A Game of Thrones, by George R.R. Martin, naturally

Rock ’n’ Roll Memoirs Book Club
Carrie Brownstein of Portlandia and Sleater-Kinney fame is set to release an autobiography this fall, and that has us thinking about rock memoirs in a big way. If you can remember a band or solo artist that had success in the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, or ‘90s, chances are there is a memoir about it. Everyone from Slash to Patti Smith has committed their most inspiring and most debauched rock ’n’ roll memories to the page, and your book club will relish reliving the best music of the past few decades from a backstage vantage point. Bonus idea: when you meet to discuss a book, everyone comes dressed like a groupie from the band’s heyday!
First selection: Life, by Keith Richards and James Fox
What very particular book club would you like to join?