How to Join a Book Club at the Tattered Cover Denver

The Tattered Cover Book Store in Denver is more than just a retail space—it’s a cultural cornerstone for readers, thinkers, and community builders. Founded in 1971, this beloved independent bookstore has cultivated a reputation not only for its vast and carefully curated selection of titles but also for its vibrant literary events, author signings, and, most notably, its dynamic book club program. Joining a book club at the Tattered Cover Denver offers more than just access to a group of fellow readers; it provides a structured, enriching environment where ideas are exchanged, perspectives are broadened, and lasting connections are formed around the shared love of literature.

For newcomers to Denver or seasoned residents seeking intellectual engagement, becoming part of a Tattered Cover book club is a meaningful way to deepen your reading experience. Unlike casual reading groups that form organically online or among friends, the Tattered Cover’s clubs are intentionally curated, often led by knowledgeable staff or local literary figures, and designed to foster thoughtful discussion. Whether you’re drawn to contemporary fiction, historical nonfiction, poetry, or speculative worlds, there’s a club tailored to your interests.

Understanding how to join a book club at the Tattered Cover Denver is the first step toward unlocking a richer, more communal reading life. This guide will walk you through every stage—from identifying the right club for your tastes to preparing for your first meeting—while offering best practices, essential tools, real-life examples, and answers to frequently asked questions. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll not only know how to join, but you’ll be equipped to thrive within the Tattered Cover’s literary community.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Explore the Available Book Clubs

The Tattered Cover hosts a wide variety of book clubs, each with distinct themes, reading paces, and audience focuses. Before you apply or register, take time to review the full roster of clubs offered. Visit the official Tattered Cover website and navigate to the “Events” or “Book Clubs” section. Here, you’ll find listings organized by genre, day of the week, time, and location (the store has multiple Denver-area locations, including Colfax Avenue, Historic LoDo, and Aspen Grove).

Some popular clubs include:

• The Tattered Cover Book Club – A general fiction and nonfiction group that meets monthly and selects widely acclaimed titles.
• Science Fiction & Fantasy Book Club – For lovers of speculative fiction, this group explores classics and new releases alike.
• True Crime & Mystery Club – Focused on gripping narratives, investigative journalism, and psychological thrillers.
• Teen Book Club – Designed for readers aged 13–18, featuring YA novels and interactive discussions.
• Black Voices Book Club – Centering literature by Black authors across genres and eras.
• Poetry Circle – A smaller, intimate gathering focused on close reading and interpretation of poems.

Each club’s page typically includes the meeting schedule, the next selected title, and whether the club is open to new members. Some clubs have limited capacity, so early exploration is key.

Step 2: Choose a Club That Aligns With Your Interests

Don’t feel pressured to join the most popular club. The best fit is one that resonates with your personal reading preferences and lifestyle. Ask yourself:

• Do I prefer fiction or nonfiction?
• Am I looking for deep literary analysis or casual conversation?
• Can I commit to reading one book per month?
• Do I prefer morning, evening, or weekend meetings?
• Do I want a diverse group, or a community centered around a specific identity or theme?

For example, if you’re drawn to narratives about social justice and want to engage with voices often underrepresented in mainstream publishing, the Black Voices Book Club may be ideal. If you’re a parent seeking a space to discuss books your teen might enjoy, the Teen Book Club offers a unique intergenerational perspective.

Consider attending a meeting as a guest before officially joining. Many clubs allow prospective members to observe one session without commitment. This gives you a feel for the group’s dynamic, the moderator’s style, and the level of participation expected.

Step 3: Register for the Club

Registration is typically done online via the Tattered Cover Events calendar. Locate the book club you’ve selected and click “Register.” You’ll be asked to provide your name, email address, and sometimes your preferred location (if multiple branches host the same club). Some clubs require a brief application or a short statement explaining why you’d like to join—especially those with limited space or specialized focus, like the Poetry Circle or the Writers’ Workshop.

After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with details including:

• Meeting date and time
• Physical or virtual meeting location
• Next book selection
• Any preparation instructions
• Point of contact for questions

It’s important to save this information and set calendar reminders. Most clubs meet on a fixed schedule—often the first Tuesday or last Thursday of the month—and missing a session doesn’t disqualify you, but consistent attendance enhances your experience.

Step 4: Obtain the Selected Book

One of the unique benefits of joining a Tattered Cover book club is the store’s commitment to supporting its members. When a book is selected, it’s prominently displayed in-store and often available at a 15–20% discount to club members. Simply mention the book club name at checkout to receive the discount. Some clubs even have special “Book Club Bins” near the front of the store, where all upcoming titles are grouped together for easy access.

If you prefer digital formats, many titles are available as e-books or audiobooks through Libby or Hoopla, which can be accessed with a Denver Public Library card. The Tattered Cover also partners with local libraries and online retailers to ensure accessibility. If cost is a barrier, reach out to the club coordinator—many clubs have a small fund to assist members in need of a free copy.

Step 5: Prepare for Your First Meeting

Preparation is the key to a rewarding book club experience. Don’t just read the book—engage with it. Consider the following:

• Take notes as you read: Highlight passages that surprise, confuse, or move you.
• Write down questions: What did the author leave unsaid? Were the characters believable?
• Research the author: Learn about their background, influences, and other works.
• Read reviews or critical essays: The New York Times Book Review, The Paris Review, or literary podcasts can offer valuable context.

Many Tattered Cover clubs distribute a “Discussion Guide” prior to the meeting. These guides, often created by store staff or local educators, include thought-provoking questions, historical background, and thematic prompts. Use them as a roadmap, but don’t feel bound by them. The best discussions often emerge from spontaneous, personal reactions.

Arrive 10–15 minutes early to settle in. Bring your book, notes, and an open mind. If the meeting is virtual, test your technology ahead of time and ensure your camera and microphone are working. First impressions matter—not because you need to be perfect, but because showing up prepared signals your respect for the group.

Step 6: Participate Actively and Respectfully

Book clubs thrive on diverse perspectives. Even if you’re shy, your insights matter. You don’t need to have read every critical analysis or written a thesis on the novel—you just need to be honest about what you felt. Phrases like “I wasn’t sure why the character did that,” or “This reminded me of my grandmother’s stories,” open doors to deeper conversation.

Listen more than you speak in the beginning. Notice how others respond to the text. Are they focused on symbolism? Character development? Political context? This helps you find your voice within the group’s rhythm.

Be respectful of differing opinions. A book club is not a debate hall—it’s a space for exploration. If someone interprets a passage differently than you, ask, “Can you tell me more about what you saw there?” rather than correcting them. Curiosity builds connection.

Step 7: Stay Engaged Between Meetings

Some clubs maintain private Facebook groups, email lists, or Slack channels for ongoing conversation. Join these if available. Share articles, memes, or quotes that remind you of the book. Ask questions like, “Has anyone else thought about the ending since our meeting?” or “I found this interview with the author—has anyone seen it?”

These informal interactions keep the book alive in your mind and strengthen your bonds with fellow members. They also make future meetings more dynamic—you’ll find yourself building on conversations that began weeks earlier.

Step 8: Consider Leading or Helping Organize

After attending a few meetings, you may feel inspired to take on a more active role. The Tattered Cover welcomes member-led initiatives. If you have a passion for a particular genre or author, propose a new club. Many current clubs were started by members who suggested a theme and gathered enough interest to launch it.

Volunteering to help coordinate logistics—such as sending reminders, managing sign-up sheets, or selecting the next book—can deepen your connection to the group and the store. It’s also a great way to give back to a community that has enriched your reading life.

Best Practices

Be Consistent, Not Perfect

Life happens. You might miss a meeting due to illness, travel, or unexpected obligations. Don’t let guilt keep you away. Most Tattered Cover book clubs are welcoming to occasional absences. What matters is your return. Consistency over time builds trust and familiarity within the group. Even attending 70% of meetings is enough to become a valued member.

Read with Purpose, Not Just Completion

It’s easy to skim a book to “get it done.” But book clubs are about depth, not speed. Try reading slowly. Pause after each chapter. Jot down your immediate reactions. Let the story breathe. You’ll notice details you’d otherwise miss—and you’ll have more to contribute.

Bring an Open Mind

Not every book you read will be your favorite. That’s okay. In fact, some of the most transformative discussions come from books you disliked. Instead of dismissing a novel, ask: “Why did the author make these choices? Who is this book for? What does it reveal about our culture?”

Challenging books often spark the most meaningful dialogue. The Tattered Cover deliberately selects titles that provoke thought, not just comfort.

Respect the Space and the People

The Tattered Cover is a sacred space for readers. Be mindful of noise levels, phone use, and personal boundaries. Avoid dominating conversations. Allow quieter members to speak. If someone shares a personal story connected to the book, respond with empathy, not advice.

Use the Store as a Resource

Don’t just visit the Tattered Cover for book club meetings. Browse the shelves. Talk to the booksellers. Ask for recommendations based on what you’ve read. Many staff members are avid readers themselves and can suggest titles that align with your interests. This turns your book club experience into a broader literary journey.

Bring a Friend (Sometimes)

Bringing a friend to your first meeting can ease nerves. But after that, try attending alone. Book clubs are about expanding your social and intellectual circle. You might meet someone who changes your perspective on literature—or life.

Keep a Reading Journal

Many members maintain a simple journal where they record:

• Book title and author
• Date read
• Key themes
• Favorite quote
• Personal reflection

This journal becomes a personal archive of your literary growth. Years later, you’ll look back and see how your tastes, interpretations, and emotional responses have evolved.

Tools and Resources

Official Tattered Cover Website

The primary hub for all book club information is www.tatteredcover.com. Navigate to “Events” > “Book Clubs” to view current offerings, schedules, and registration links. The site is updated weekly and includes downloadable discussion guides for most clubs.

Book Club Discussion Guides

Tattered Cover staff create original discussion guides for each selected title. These are available in-store and online. They typically include:

• Author biography
• Historical or cultural context
• Thematic questions
• Connections to current events
• Suggested further reading

These guides are invaluable for both new and experienced readers. They help structure conversation without stifling spontaneity.

Libby and Hoopla (Free Library Apps)

If you don’t own a copy of the book, use Libby or Hoopla with your Denver Public Library card. Both apps offer free e-books and audiobooks. Search for the book title, and if it’s available, borrow it instantly. Many Tattered Cover book club titles are stocked in these libraries.

Goodreads

Create a “Tattered Cover Book Club” shelf on Goodreads to track what you’ve read and rate titles. You can also join the official Tattered Cover Goodreads group, where members post reviews, photos of their reading spaces, and questions between meetings.

Book of the Month Club (Optional Subscription)

While not affiliated with the Tattered Cover, Book of the Month offers curated selections that sometimes overlap with Tattered Cover choices. If you enjoy the club’s style, this subscription can supplement your reading and help you stay ahead of upcoming selections.

Podcasts for Literary Enrichment

Enhance your understanding with these podcasts:

• Book Riot – Covers trends, author interviews, and genre deep dives.
• The New York Times Book Review – Features critics discussing recent releases.
• Overdue – Hosts candid conversations about books that were hard to finish.
• Why I’m Not a Book Club Member (But I Love Them) – A humorous, insightful take on the culture of book clubs.

Local Literary Events

The Tattered Cover frequently hosts author readings, writing workshops, and literary festivals. Attending these events enriches your book club experience. You might hear an author discuss the inspiration behind a novel you’re reading—adding layers of meaning to your next meeting.

Google Sheets or Notion for Personal Tracking

Use a simple digital tracker to log:

• Books read
• Meeting dates
• Key takeaways
• Next book to read

Tools like Notion or Google Sheets allow you to create filters, tags, and reminders. Some members even add a “mood rating” (e.g., “sad,” “inspired,” “confused”) to reflect how a book made them feel.

Real Examples

Example 1: Maria, a Retired Teacher, Joins the Poetry Circle

Maria moved to Denver after retiring from a 35-year career teaching English. She missed the daily interaction with students and the intellectual stimulation of close reading. She discovered the Poetry Circle on the Tattered Cover website and registered on a whim.

Her first meeting was intimidating. The group had only six members, and they spent 90 minutes analyzing a single poem by Audre Lorde. Maria didn’t say much at first. But when she shared how the poem reminded her of her mother’s lullabies, the room fell silent—and then someone else shared a similar memory.

Within three months, Maria was leading the discussion. She began bringing in handwritten copies of poems she found in old family letters. The group started a “Poetry from Our Lives” segment, where members read original work or family heirlooms. Maria now leads the club and has published a small chapbook of poems inspired by her meetings.

Example 2: Jamal, a College Student, Discovers True Crime

Jamal was studying criminal justice and wanted to read beyond textbooks. He stumbled upon the True Crime & Mystery Club after seeing a flyer in the library. He joined on a lark, expecting graphic details—but was surprised by the focus on systemic injustice, media bias, and ethics.

They read “The Thin Blue Line” by David Simon and “Evicted” by Matthew Desmond. Jamal was moved by how literature could expose structural failures. He began volunteering at a local legal aid clinic, using his reading to inform his advocacy work.

He later proposed a new club: “Justice & Narrative,” which examines nonfiction books that blend journalism and storytelling. The Tattered Cover approved it. Jamal now co-leads the club with a local investigative reporter.

Example 3: The Book Club That Became a Community

In 2021, a group of members from the general fiction club began meeting for coffee after their sessions. What started as casual chats turned into monthly potlucks. They started a book swap table in the store’s café. They organized a “Read Together” weekend, inviting families to read the same book and share responses at a public event.

Today, that group has over 50 members. They’ve hosted a fundraiser for the Denver Public Library, written letters to authors, and even published a zine featuring member essays on their favorite Tattered Cover books.

These examples show that joining a book club isn’t just about reading—it’s about becoming part of something larger. The Tattered Cover provides the framework; the members build the community.

FAQs

Do I have to buy the book at the Tattered Cover to join the club?

No. While the store offers discounts to members, you can obtain the book from any source—library, used bookstore, digital platform, or gift. The only requirement is that you read it.

Can I join more than one book club?

Yes. Many members participate in two or three clubs to satisfy different reading interests. Just be mindful of scheduling and time commitments.

Are book club meetings held in person or online?

Most clubs offer both options. Some meet in-store, others virtually via Zoom. When you register, you’ll be asked to select your preferred format. Hybrid participation is often allowed.

What if I don’t finish the book before the meeting?

You’re still welcome to attend. Many members don’t finish every book. The goal is discussion, not completion. Share what you read, even if it’s only half. Often, hearing others’ perspectives helps you understand the story better.

Is there an age limit for joining?

Most clubs are open to adults 18 and older. The Teen Book Club is for ages 13–18. Children under 13 are welcome only if accompanied by a guardian in designated family-friendly events.

Can I suggest a book for the club to read?

Yes. Most clubs have a suggestion box or online form. If your suggestion is selected, you’ll often be invited to lead the discussion. Many popular titles were originally proposed by members.

What if I don’t like the book selected?

That’s part of the experience. Book clubs are not about reading only what you love—they’re about exploring what challenges you. Disliking a book can lead to some of the most insightful conversations.

Do I need to speak up during meetings?

No. Listening is a valuable form of participation. But if you feel comfortable, sharing even one thought can enrich the group. There’s no pressure to speak every time.

Are there fees to join?

No. Membership is free. The Tattered Cover supports these clubs as part of its mission to foster community through literature. Some clubs may suggest a small donation for snacks or venue costs, but this is never required.

What happens if I move out of Denver?

You can continue participating virtually if the club allows it. Many former members who relocated maintain their membership and attend online. The community doesn’t end with geography.

Conclusion

Joining a book club at the Tattered Cover Denver is not merely a logistical act—it’s an act of belonging. In a world increasingly fragmented by screens and algorithms, the Tattered Cover offers something rare: a physical, human space where stories are not consumed, but contemplated. Where readers don’t just consume text, but co-create meaning.

Through this guide, you’ve learned how to identify the right club, register with confidence, prepare thoughtfully, and engage meaningfully. You’ve seen how best practices transform casual reading into deep connection. You’ve explored the tools that amplify your experience and the real-life stories of people whose lives were changed by a single book—and the community that gathered around it.

Whether you’re seeking intellectual stimulation, emotional resonance, or simply a quiet corner of the world where your thoughts are welcomed, the Tattered Cover’s book clubs are waiting. Your next favorite book is not just on the shelf—it’s waiting to be discussed, debated, and discovered with others who care as much as you do.

Take the first step today. Visit the website. Choose a club. Register. Read. Show up. And let the story begin.