BOOK BASH.

If you think book clubs are a bore, think again. They're a blast! And it doesn't take much to launch your own. Books and buds a must; all else optional.

CHAPTER I

THIS BOOK'S FOR YOU

You've got plenty o' pages to pore over for school--English lit, Russian history and intermediate French. You barely scrounge enough time to finish those must-do assignments, let alone those should-do assignments. You practically need toothpicks to keep your eyelids propped open just to plod through the next 80 pages of required Shakespeare. So, why would you ever choose to read more...for pleasure?

Tedious English assignments aside, curling up with a good read once in a while can be sooo relaxing. Ever daydream of solving a notorious Nancy Drew caper? Or wonder what it would've been like to hide out with Anne Frank? Sure, your pet turtle Mr. Poppers loves listening to the trials of Harry Potter, but we promise better feedback from your friends.

Think book clubs are for Oprah or old ladies who knit and stockpile hard candies, not for hip gals like you and your friends? Not so fast... Book clubs are sprouting up all over, and they've become very chic. We've even heard of women moving their entire families just to join a "better" book club. It's a bit extreme, we know. But why not see what all the fuss is about? And if you're already a diehard bookworm, starting a book club will be the best!

CHAPTER II

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

Getting started? Invite a few of your favorite friends, maybe from different social groups--school, summer camp and swim practice. If you'd love to expand your social circle, tell each girl to bring two other friends who like to read. And don't be book snobs--invite new girls to join at any time.

Book club is a bit like watching soaps--you really don't need to see last week's episode to figure out what's going on. Break into small groups of six or so if you need to--it can get kinda loud and confusing with too many gals in one room. Still, book club is a social event, not a Sunday afternoon snooze session. Book club's main objective is to get together with friends regularly, not a repeat of Friday's boring English class.

The first time you gather, you gals should give your group a name, like the TCPTs (Totally Cool Page-Turners). Clubs seem more official with cool names, and a secret namesake is a great inside joke for all the members.

CHAPTER III

PICK A BOOK

Plan the first meeting on an upcoming Sunday afternoon. Tell each girl to gather a list of books she's read, books she'd like to read again or books she's never read but wants to. If everyone brings four titles, you'll have plenty to discuss. Picking your first book might take a while, but it's fun to hear about the books your friends adore and abhor. Make a list of books to consider for the future, too. If someone suggests The Boxes and four of you have already read it, keep brainstorming. If deciding gets confusing, agree on several books and vote. And, by all means, pick something Ms. Chapel would never make you read for lit class. Look at best seller lists or the Girls' Life book review section for stellar suggested reading.

If you're mystified by mysteries, only read mysteries. If you all think fantasy is fantastic, only read fantasy books. If you fall for funny, opt to read from the humor shelves. Make your own rules. If you want to pick a theme, go for it. It will make selecting books a little tougher, but it's also a great way to really explore your favorite genre. If you get sick of a subject, switch it up or just go mainstream. Once again, it's totally up to you and the other members to decide what direction your club should take.

CHAPTER IV

CHAT IT UP!

OK, you selected your first book at the initial meeting. At your second meeting, everyone will have read the book--that's the way it's supposed to work anyway. Buds should come with questions and comments about the book. Maybe you'll decide it's the hostess's responsibility to get a short discussion flowing.

If book club isn't full of Chatty Cathies and you sense you'll need a push to get things going, generate a list of discussion topics at that first meeting. That way everyone will know what the convo will focus on so you won't have to just talk about who liked the book and who didn't.

Get one girl to type up the topics and e-mail them after the meeting so everyone is on the same page, so to speak. But, remember, book club isn't a book report, project or oral report. It's supposed to be fun. You don't have to raise your hand or be too schoolish, but make sure the gabbers get plenty of air time. Don't be afraid to disagree and question each other--that's what makes for interesting and intelligent conversations.

If you don't want to be so formal, don't bother with a list of discussion starters. Instead, do something simple. Go around the room and have everyone state whether they liked or disliked the book--but they must back their opinions up with reasons. Simple, but it will ignite a convo. Or everyone could discuss her favorite or least fave character. You'll be surprised at how differently your pals all feel about the same book.

CHAPTER V

TEA TIME!

Rollin' right along...You've been picking this book apart for hours already. Snack break! Stumped on what to serve? Check out www.girlslife.com for fun recipes to make and share with friends. With a little help from Mom or Dad, our yummy, easy-to-make goodies are sure to satisfy all you worms.

Gear your menu to the book--kinda like that "Dinner and a Movie" thing on TBS. It's a little extra work but a lot more fun! Reading a mystery set in the deep south? Cook up some chicken-fried steak and black-eyed peas. A

Whimsical romance set in France? Serve quiche and strawberry crepes. Yum!

Really want to go all out? Pick a book that later got made into a movie (we love Harriet the Spy and Anne of Green Gables). After you guys get done discussing the book, pop in the video to watch over dinner. You'll be amazed how different movie versions can be.

CHAPTER VI

IT'S A WRAP!

So, where's the next get-together? Your party place and menu should rotate with each book. It doesn't have to be written in stone or anything, but a tentative schedule makes planning easier. If you agree to meet the second Sunday of each month or every six weeks, everyone will be more likely to attend. Be sure to check with your parents before volunteering your crib for the next meeting. But everyone should get a chance to host book club and, if your club rocks, you're sure to host several times.

The hostess with the mostest is in charge of the chow, charging up chatter about the book and leading the quest to unearth a new book. And, after book club, she should send a group e-mail to thank everyone for coming and to remind them of the next book's title and author. If you can find a review on amazon.com, it's really helpful to paste it in the e-mail or include the link. Reiterate the date, time and location of your next meeting, assuming your host has already cleared it with her folks.

Not your turn to play host? Make sure you're a gracious guest. Always offer to bring a dessert or appetizer. Or stay late and help clean up. And don't forget a thank-you e-mail to your host the next day. You'll appreciate the extra help when you're providing the party.

Send e-mails throughout the month to let each other know how you're coming along and your initial impression of the book. If you all think your pick is a snore from Chapter 1, feel free to ditch and agree on a new book. Or plod through--you'll be happy you finished--even if you didn't love it. And, hey, nobody says you have to have a love affair with every book. If you find yourself with a stack of reads you'll never crack open again, donate them to an illiteracy project or library in your area.

EPILOGUE

So, what's the best part of belonging to book club? Knowing you'll see your best buds on a regular basis? Making new friends? Stacking your shelves with super stories? Getting psyched to try some new and delicious food? Who cares! Whatever the reason for creating your own club, you and your friends will be glad you did! Now go ahead and flip--pages, that is.

BOOK CLUB CONTESTANTS

Hey! There's absolutely no excuse for being stumped on which great books to suggest at your meetings. There are so many awesome books around. Why not start off with one of these page-turners? Each book here is sure to spark a great convo at your first official book club!

ABOUT FACE BY JUNE RAE WOOD

Putnam, $20

Glory and Marvalene are desperate for friends, and the traveling carnival seems to magically bring them together. Glory, a.k.a. Clot Face, has a horrible birthmark across one cheek. This deformity makes her an object of scorn. Marvalene lives in a trailer and absolutely hates her life on the road. The first person to ignore Glory's looks, Marvalene tries to win Glory over with her "psychic abilities." Marvalene hopes Glory will invite her into her life and her big, beautiful house. But when she takes it too far, is their friendship doomed?

GROWING WINGS BY LAUREL WINTER

Houghton Mifflin, $15

For Linnet, her dream to fly may become reality--she's growing wings! As her wings grow, Linnet realizes she can't keep them hidden. Is she an alien or an angel? Are they a burden or gift? Linnet needs to find out. But, above all, will she be able to fly?

HEAVEN EYES BY DAVID ALMOND 

Delacorte, $16

At the orphanage, Erin and her friends pretend their lives were books. One night they set off to find freedom, but what they discover is impossible to imagine. They meet Grandpa and Heaven Eyes, who live in an empty factory among "ghosts." In the darkness, Heaven Eyes shows them how to find hope and that their stories never end, but go on and on.

MOTHER'S DAY IS MAY 13, so why not plan a special mother-daughter book club? Try potluck: Each mother and daughter can bring a family fave. Want to make it a more regular gig? The Mother-Daughter Book Club by Shireen Dodson and Teresa Barker has tons of ideas. Here are a couple books to get you started.

WHEN I WAS YOUR AGE VOL. 2, EDITED BY AMY EHRLICH

Candlewick, $17

Teen authors ask their moms what it was like when they were kids. You'll laugh as you explore Mom's past while revealing a bit about yourself.

LITTLE WOMEN BY LOUISA MAY ALCOTT

Aladdin Paperbacks, $6

Meg, Beth, Jo and Amy capture readers' hearts. You'll even see your struggles and strengths, wishes and dreams. Through games, sibling rivalry, marriage and death, this story is perfect for sharing.

SAYING IT OUT LOUD BY JOAN ABELOVE 

Dk Ink, $15.99

You'll need a box of Puffs for this one. "If you could invite one person to dinner," the college app asks, "who would it be?" Her mom, because Mindy can never invite her again, yet, she doesn't ask her. Mindy has only her BFF to help her face the harsh reality of her mother, who lies speechless and dying, in the harsh white room.