If reading more in 2024 is your New Year’s resolution, or if you’ve always been invested in literature, now is the time to join one of these local book clubs. Whether you’re into thrillers, fantasy, science fiction, memoirs, or romance, there’s nothing like sharing your passion for books with others and engaging in meaningful discussions centered around a new novel. These book clubs around the Hudson Valley offer spaces to meet others with similar interests as you dive into great reads.
Books and Brews Book Club
Juan Murphy’s, Poughkeepsie
In Dutchess County, this book gathering meets at popular Irish pub Juan Murphy’s on select Wednesdays to discuss books over great cocktails. The club spans multiple genres, most recently reading the self-help book The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson in January, with all about love: new visions by Bell Hooks on the schedule for the February 21 meeting. All are welcome to attend, and no registration is required.
Graphic Novel Book Club
Virtual
If you’re more interested in comics, illustration, and graphic novels, then this club is for you. The group meets virtually on select Thursdays to discuss powerful graphic novels over video chat. In January, the club discussed the heartbreaking manga Okinawa by Susumu Higa, and will be diving into Hot Comb by Ebony Flowers in February. Registration is required for this online discussion.
Hudson Valley Queer Book Club
Various locations
Since 2021, Hudson Valley Queer Book Club has been fostering an LGBTQ+ community with its monthly book discussions and social events. With an ever-changing location, the traveling book club has hosted events in Beacon, Newburgh, Kingston, and New Paltz to reach a wider audience of book lovers. The club leans into literature that explores queer authors, topics, and stories. Contact the club over social media to be added to the email list where you can suggest books and connect with others.
Liquid Fables Book Club
Beacon
Popular Beacon-based cocktail brand Liquid Fables recently founded its own 21-plus book club towards the end of 2023. With a brand centered around literature-themed drinks, a reading discussion seemed like the best way to bring the community together at the Beacon tasting room. The group meets monthly, exploring genres like mystery, romance, and fantasy, with many other good reads planned for the future. The best part about this club, however, is the Bookworm Cocktail, which is a boozy concoction that switches with the monthly book selection to reflect themes and elements in the read.
Mystery Mondays
Boardman Road Branch Library, Poughkeepsie
For mystery enthusiasts, this Poughkeepsie-based reading group is the place to be on Monday nights. From murder mysteries to cold cases, each book is an enthralling story that will keep you turning pages. January’s meeting investigated the plot of Strange Affair by Peter Robinson, while February’s gathering plans to discuss Victims by Jonathan Kellerman.
Nonfiction Book Group
Virtual
Launched in 2018, this club for lovers of nonfiction originally focused on history and social and political life in the Western hemisphere but has since grown into more topics of interest. Books are chosen by participants and are discussed at monthly Monday night meetings over Zoom. If you love reading biographies, memoirs, or just matter-of-fact literature that helps you gain a new perspective, join this informal conversation.
Novels N Latte Book Club
Hudson
Based in Hudson, this cozy book club invites anyone to join via its private Facebook group for all updates. The club is very casual, serving as a community for writers and readers to connect over coffee – you don’t even have to read the book if you’re just looking to hang out! Delving into fantasy, romance, and travel literature, the Novels N Latte group is all about feel-good reads and great vibes.
Related: Liquid Fables Launches a New Kind of Book Club in Beacon