Joining a local book club is not only an opportunity to explore the best of the literary world, but it’s also a great way to meet new friends and participate in thoughtful discussions. Whether you’re searching for a group that shares your love of true crime, or folks you can rely on to recommend your next beach read, Nashville offers a wide variety of book clubs — and everyone is welcome!
13 Book Clubs to Check Out in Nashville
NASHVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY BOOK CLUBS
If you’re an avid reader, the Nashville Public Library is probably familiar to you — but did you know that NPL offers a variety of book clubs around Nashville? From sci-fi stories to classic literature, you’re sure to find a club that strikes your fancy. Here are a handful of unique NPL-based book clubs to consider.
Books and Brews
2952 Sidco Dr., Nashville, TN 37204 • (615) 862-5800
Pop into The Black Abbey Brewing Company one Saturday a month to enjoy a casual book discussion and a pint of beer. There is no set genre for Books and Brews — authors and categories change monthly, and you can look forward to everything from science fiction to adult memoirs and historical novels.
Killer Thrillers
615 Church St. Nashville, TN 37219 • (615) 862-5800
Interested in reading about gruesome tails of murder and revenge? Then the Killer Thrillers Book Club is for you. On the first Thursday of the month, head to the Nashville Public library at noon to get your fix on both classic and contemporary tales of murder and mayhem.
Next Chapter Society Book Club
Various locations throughout Nashville
At 6:30 p.m. on the last Tuesday of every month, join the NCS Book Club for a chance to meet new friends and hold lengthy conversations. The venue changes monthly, allowing you to explore new areas of Nashville while immersing yourself in different novels. Some future books include Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid and Children of the Land by Marcelo Hernandez. For more information, visit nplf.org.
Shakespeare Allowed!
615 Church St. Nashville, TN 37219 • (615) 862-5800
From noon to 3 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month, immerse yourself in the world of Shakespeare and leave your personal life at home, thanks to Shakespeare Allowed! With a new play each month, get ready for tons of literary stimulation … the Shakespearean way. Visit nashvilleshakes.org for additional information.
Bite Size Book Club
2730 Lebanon Pk. B, Nashville, TN 37214 • (615) 862-5859
At Phat Bites in Donelson, on the second Tuesday of every month, you can pop in for discussions about some of the best current short stories, courtesy of Bite Size Book Club. Meant for those with busy schedules, this is a great club to join without requiring too much at-home reading time.
Shapeshifters, Demons, and Fae, Oh My! Book Club
2315 Lebanon Pk., Nashville, TN 37214 • (615) 862-5859
For those who want to escape reality for a bit, head to the Books and Brews location on the second Thursday of each month for Shapeshifters, Demons, and Fae, Oh My! Book Club and dive into the world of shapeshifters, demons, fae, and beyond. Revolving around “creature-centered books,” you’re in for a club that takes mythical creatures to a new level.
To find more information on these and the many other Nashville Public Library Book Clubs, visit library.nashville.org.
LOCAL INDEPENDENT BOOK CLUBS
The National Public Library isn’t the only way to find great book clubs in Music City. From public Facebook groups to beloved independent shops like Parnassus Books, here are seven more notable options to pique your interest!
The Parnassus Book Club
3900 Hillsboro Pk., Ste. 14, Nashville, TN 37215 • (615) 953-2243
Led by a former English teacher, The Parnassus Book Club is free! Held on the third week of the month, there are several meeting sessions to accommodate your schedule. Head to Greenbriar Village for in-depth discussions on a carefully curated selection of fiction and nonfiction. For more information, visit parnassusbooks.net.
The Parnassus Classics Club
3900 Hillsboro Pk., Ste. 14, Nashville, TN 37215 • (615) 953-2243
Love the classics? You’re in luck. Parnassus Books also offers a book club geared toward books written before 1970. Join this club on the fourth Tuesday of every other month for a deep discussion of classical literature. For more information, visit parnassusbooks.net.
The Gloss
210 Louise Ave., Elliston Pl. Nashville, TN 37203
The Gloss Book Club meets once a month to discuss a variety of book genres, connecting women with shared literary interests. It’s a way to discover new books, new friends, and maybe even enjoy a glass of wine while you chat! Visit the website for more information regarding the book of the month and meeting venue. For more information, visit theglossbookclub.com or join the Facebook group.
The Nashville Book Club
Various locations throughout Nashville
If you want a casual book club that allows you to choose your own books, this is the one for you! The Nashville Book Club is an online Facebook group where members can share their favorite reads, followed by open discussions and a few annual meet-ups. For more information, visit facebook.com.
In Other Worlds
1043 W Eastland Ave., Nashville, TN 37206 • (615) 485-5420
The Bookshop is a quaint but well-stocked book store located in East Nashville. Open for over 20 years, it now hosts multiple book clubs that meet monthly at Hannah Bee Coffee right next door. One of them, In Other Worlds, is for all of the science fiction and fantasy lovers out there. This month’s meeting takes place on Saturday, August 20 at 4 p.m. The book selection is The Ballad of Perilous Graves by Alex Jennings. All you have to do is purchase the book at The Bookshop to sign up!
The Book Was Better
1043 W Eastland Ave., Nashville, TN 37206 • (615) 485-5420
Hanna Bee Coffee plays host to another club from The Bookshop, “The Book Was Better,” and it’s the perfect choice for those who love the “movie vs. book” debate. This month features Deep Water by Patricia Highsmith, and the meeting is scheduled for Saturday, August 13 at 4 p.m. As an additional incentive, shopping at The Bookshop is available after the meeting, and book club members receive 10% off purchases!
Summer Of Self-Discovery
1043 W Eastland Ave., Nashville, TN 37206 • (615) 485-5420
We may be nearing the end of summer, but there’s still time to participate in the Summer of Self-Discovery! Ideal for those who want to spend their summer days reading by the beach or pool, you can do that in spades, thanks to The Bookshop. During June, July, and August, you can buy the book of the month (August is Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab) and join a great discussion (this month is on Sunday, August 28 at 4 p.m.). While there’s only a short time left to take advantage of this club, you can always mark your calendar for 2023!
Happy reading!
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