5 Ways to Host a Virtual Book Club and Support Local Businesses at the Same Time

The most important part of this process is choosing the perfect book for your group to read and discuss. You could follow the selections of clubs like the Black Girls Book Club (whose events are, understandably, on hold at the moment) or Reese Witherspoon's Book Club (the latest pick is Glennon Doyle Melton's inspiring memoir, Untamed). Or, you can follow the beat of your own book club's drum and choose books that speak to you and your friends.

Some soon-to-be-released recommendations? Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender tells the story of a transgender teen, but is sure to prompt important, thought-provoking dialogue among adults. Lisa Duffy's My Kind of People will fill you with hope and a renewed sense of resilience, which we could all use a bit more of right now. Stephanie Danler's memoir Stray is equal parts heart-wrenching and inspiring — perfect for fans of nonfiction and Danler's prose (you may be familiar with her last book, bestseller Sweetbitter). And Hannah Orenstein's Head Over Heels offers a perfect escape to an alternate 2020, one full of Olympic aspirations and encouraging pep talks.

Now, on to refreshments. Many local alcohol and wine shops are still delivering straight to customers' doors — often through third-party sites — giving you and your book club mates the capacity to whip up some literary-themed cocktails.

Draw some inspiration from The Blind Pig in Soho and shake up Paddington's Lost and Found, a meld of citrus flavors and vodka (served with a note reminding you to "Please look after this bear") or Harry Potter's Best Bottle Butter Bitter, a frothy blend of butterscotch, bitters, and beer. Cheers!