The You’ll Read Too Bookclub! (Horror-Themed Book Club Announcement!)

Hi all!

I am so happy and excited to be sharing this post! For the longest time, I have dreamed of hosting my own book club. Today I am thrilled to announce that my wishes have come true. Welcome to The You’ll Read Too Bookclub: an entirely horror themed space where we will read one spooky novel per month and discuss it to our heart’s content. This has been a while in the making and I can’t tell you how many times I have changed the details, theme, title name, books etc, but I’ve finally settled on how I want this to work. Without further ado, let’s get into the details!

THE ORIGIN STORY

Can we all take a moment to just appreciate the magnificence that is this logo? My awesome brother-in-law brought my vision to life with his talented design. I am eternally grateful. If you’re an IT fan, you’ll be able to recognise my play on words with the name. Pennywise’s signature catch-phrase is You’ll Float Too, so I just replaced ‘float’ with ‘read.’ The image of the balloon also hearkens to our twisted clown friend. I couldn’t create a horror book club without a nod to my favourite scary story of all time. Some other names I considered were: ‘Welcome to Derry, Maine’, ‘The Loser’s Club Bookclub’ and ‘We All Read Down Here.’

HOW IT’S GOING TO WORK

In October (spooky season) we will begin reading our very first book. After that, at the beginning of each month, I will publish a post on here with my review plus some discussion topics that you’re welcome to answer in the comments below, alongside your own thoughts about the book. Depending on member engagement, I will also host an Instagram Live so you can see me in person discussing the novel and get involved as much or as little as you’re comfortable with. I really want this to be as interactive as possible. The Instagram page has already been set up. Please follow it here. I’ve set up some highlights and information on there to look through. If it garners enough attention, I’m happy to host some fun reading sprints per month.

WHO IS THIS BOOK CLUB FOR?

Everybody! I understand that horror is not everybody’s cup of tea and that’s okay…but if you’re curious, please join me and see what you think. You may have been wanting to dip into the spooky pool for a while but weren’t sure where to begin. This is a great place to start. We will be reading a mixture of old and new releases, as well as diving into different genres of horror such as: paranormal, slasher, thriller, gore, suspense, gothic, occult, survival and more. I really want this to be as diverse as possible by featuring works written by a variety of authors from different backgrounds, cultures and groups. I absolutely welcome any and all input/feedback.

WHY HORROR?

Why did I pick horror? Firstly, because I die-hard love it. I want this book club to be a true reflection of who I am and what I’m passionate about. I feel this is the most authentic route I can take, plus it’s the one that makes me the most excited. Secondly, (and this is no shade) I see way too many YA contemporary/fantasy book clubs on social media. I wanted to do something a bit different and branch out into a genre that is more niche. Horror is generally a big step outside of a reader’s comfort zone and that’s precisely why we should go there. In October, I am going to be posting about why I adore horror so much as well as all of my favourite creepy books, shows, movies and games. I hope this book club and my posts help remove some of the stigma that tends to follow horror and provide you with a new appreciation for it!

WHAT IS THE FIRST BOOK GOING TO BE?!

Patience my friends! Next month I will be revealing what I picked for October in a special blog post featuring my brand new, spooky TBR (To Be Read) cart! After MUCH deliberation, I’m very satisfied with my choice.

HOW WILL THIS BE DIFFERENT TO OTHER BOOK CLUBS?

I want the horror love to extend to film and music too. It’s all about the creepy vibes. When I reveal the book of the month, I will also recommend a horror movie and song that relates to our choice. No pressure to watch or listen – these are just added extras. I will also feature 3 trivia questions (easy, medium and hard) about the book that you can answer either via comments or privately. If you take a picture of your book, don’t forget to tag the Instagram page and I’ll save it to the dedicated highlight! Keep me updated with your reading progress. Also, don’t worry if you’re not enjoying it. Feel free to DNF (Did Not Finish). We all vibe with different books. You’re still welcome to join the discussion and voice why it didn’t work for you. I hope these fun elements give my book club a more individualistic flair.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK OUT FOR WHEN I’M READING A HORROR NOVEL?

My best advice is to take notice of how the author builds up to a terrifying moment and the way in which they create an unsettling, eerie atmosphere. Is it the dialogue that raises the hairs on the back of your neck or the vivid descriptions? How does it make you feel? The best type of scary story will make you hesitate before you turn out the lights. Sweet dreams! At the end of my blog reviews and Live discussions, I will rate the overall book and how scary it was out of 5. Please share your ratings with me!

WHEN WILL YOU DISCUSS/ANNOUNCE THE BOOKS EACH MONTH?

On my blog, I will discuss the books at the beginning of the following month. For example, the October book will be reviewed between November 1st – 5th. On Instagram, (depending on member engagement – I sound like a broken record) I will negotiate a time that best suits everybody for a Live discussion. That will also take place around the same date as the blog post.

As to when I will announce the book of the month, the first one will be revealed most likely the second week of September. This should give readers enough time to get a hold of the book. I encourage you to use your local library, Audible, Kindle, Kobo etc. Please note: you do not have to buy a full-priced physical book every month. I don’t want anybody to feel financial pressure. In early October, I will post a poll on Instagram with three options to decide November’s book club pick. Whichever one wins will be our book! I can’t give you an exact date every single month but it will be early enough to get you organised. Just make sure you keep your eyes peeled on this blog and the Instagram page for any updates/information.

DO I HAVE TO GET INVOLVED?

Absolutely not! As somebody with social anxiety, I understand it might be difficult to contribute your thoughts either here or on Instagram, so there is zero pressure. Read at your own pace and just know the option is always there. Your opinions are deeply valued and nothing you voice/write is silly.

HOW LONG WILL THE BOOKCLUB RUN?

I would love to run it for an entire year. That is my goal. If by October 2021, I can see people are still interested and enjoying it, I’ll continue. If I don’t see much engagement, I’ll bring it to a close. I really hope not though. Horror books are constantly being released so there will always be something new and spooky to discuss.

I think that’s it for now! If you have any suggestions or questions, please leave them below. I’ll respond ASAP. I hope you join me. It’s going to be a lot of fun. Stay tuned for next month when I announce the very first book of The You’ll Read Too Bookclub – eek!

Thanks for reading! Peace & Love xoxo