May Book Club, Blind Date With a Book & Poetry Workshop: How to Read a Book

Join Chicago Lit Society for a cozy, interactive book club night centered on How to Read a Book by Monica Wood.

This isn’t your typical sit-and-listen discussion. It’s a social, guided experience where you’ll connect with others through conversation, creativity, and a few fun, low-pressure activities inspired by the book.

We’ll explore themes like second chances, human connection, and personal growth; all in a relaxed, welcoming space.

Whether you’ve finished the book or are still making your way through it, you’re more than welcome to join us.

Throughout the evening, you’ll move through a mix of discussion and interactive moments designed to keep things engaging:

• Fun, personal icebreakers with questions inspired by the book
• A guided group discussion of How to Read a Book, diving into themes like forgiveness, relationships, and growth
• A creative found poetry workshop, where you’ll use words and phrases inspired by the book to create your own short poem (no writing experience needed!)
• A fast-paced game, “Quote or Not?”, where you’ll guess whether a line is from the book or completely made up
• A Blind Date with a Book experience, where you’ll choose a wrapped book based on clues and take home a surprise read
• A short closing reflection to wrap up the night

This event is designed to feel social, creative, and accessible! Not academic or formal. The goal is to create space for meaningful conversation while also keeping things fun, interactive, and engaging for both new and experienced readers.

Expect a cozy, welcoming environment where it’s easy to meet new people, share perspectives, and engage with books in a fresh way.

• Chicagoans in their 20s and 30s wanting to connect with other book lovers
• People who enjoy creative, interactive events
• Anyone interested in thoughtful discussion without pressure
• Readers who love discovering new books and meeting new people

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Chicago Lit Society