Definition of the word book group

The term "book group" is relatively recent in history, first appearing in print in the late 1970s. Prior to this, people gathered to discuss books through social clubs, reading circles, or literary societies. In the UK, the bookseller Waterstones introduced the concept of "book clubs" in the 1980s as a way to sell more books and encourage regular customers. These clubs were membership-based, with subscribers receiving a selection of books to choose from each month. The clubs soon evolved into discussion groups, where members would gather to chat about and share their thoughts on the selected texts. In America, the concept of "book clubs" gained popularity in the late 1990s, spurred on by Oprah Winfrey's Book Club. Winfrey's monthly selection from 1996 to 2011 transformed book clubs into cultural phenomena, with publishers and authors competing for the coveted spot on the list. Today, book groups are found all over the world, thanks in part to the democratization of publishing made possible by digital technology. The term "book group" can encompass a wide variety of gatherings, from formal discussion groups organized by libraries, bookstores, or community centers to informal virtual reading circles brought together by social media. In general, the term "book group" refers to a collective of people who gather regularly to read and discuss books, often with a focus on promoting literacy, fostering intellectual curiosity, and building social connections. Different groups may emphasize different aspects of these priorities, depending on their individual reasons for coming together.