Reinventing the Book Club
Books & Bars isn’t your mother’s book club. We provide a unique atmosphere for a lively discussion of interesting authors, fun people, good food and drinks.
You’re invited to our free meetings with moderator Jeff Kamin and other spirited characters the second Tuesday of every month.
Books & Bars Named Best Reading Series by City Pages
“Though smoking has been banned here for years, it’s likely that one will remember a night at the Books & Bars Book Club as having been thick with cigars. At one session, participants debate Nabokov, the pronunciation: “It’s Nabokov.” “Nabokov. I’d always heard Nabokov.” “Why would anyone with such a difficult name even write, anyway?” “It’s Nabokov. I know. I was a graduate student in English.” Thus begins a round of slow, sarcastic applause for the self-professed grad student. Pints of cheap beer are sipped. Then the participants contemplate Lolita, the month’s book. And it’s apparent that this is how literature was meant to be discussed—in public, at a neighborhood bar, with mildly inebriated strangers. In its fourth year, Books & Bars—the monthly reading group sponsored by The Onion, Magers & Quinn, and the Bryant-Lake Bowl—has become an indispensable means for promoting reading within the community, giving new meaning to the term “literary buzz.”
City Pages: Best Of The Twin Cities 2009
The Only Thing Worse Than Being Talked About Is Not Being Talked About
“For those who take their books straight up – not off Oprah’s list – Books & Bars is the cure. Bookended by social hours, it’s a perfect opportunity to meet hip literary types – and the liquid courage doesn’t hurt.” – MPLS. ST. PAUL magazine, July 2008
Read the September 18th article on the front page of the Source in Minneapolis Star Tribune.
“Shelf Awareness” – publishing industry newsletter
Metro Mag – brief version of our history
Replacement Press – possible future for lit lovers
Books & Bars Online
Be sure to sign up for the mailing list so you’ll never miss any important Books & Bars news. Take advantage of the forum—post questions and topics for upcoming meetings, propose new books, or get the last word on previous discussions. Become a fan and meet fellow members on our Facebook page.
