FREQUENCY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Literaryswag Book Club?
The Literaryswag Book Club is a Brooklyn-based book club that cultivates community and conversation around books, culture and style.
How do I join?
People interested in becoming members of Book Club do so by filling out our Literaryswag Book Club Membership Form.
Open enrollment for Literaryswag Book Club membership is open on the 1st & 15th of every month.
Our Club's Founder, Yahdon Israel, will email you with a password protected link to join.
Once you join, your email will be added to the Book Club Member Newsletter, and you will receive an email notifying you when you can expect your first Literaryswag Book Club pick.
How much does is the Literaryswag Book Club Membership?
$50/month (+tax)
What does my membership fee cover?
1. The monthly book club picks.
2. The shipping and handling of the monthly picks.
3. A personally inscribed note to you from The Club’s founder and host, Yahdon.
4. Access to the monthly meetings.
5. Access to Member Initiatives and Programming.
When and where does it meet?
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, The Book Club met every last Wednesday of the month at The Brooklyn Circus, a boutique clothing store located in the Boerum Hill, Brooklyn. Since March 2020, and into the foreseeable future, The Book Club has pivoted our meetings exclusively to Zoom.
What time does Book Club begin and how long does it run?
7pm - 9:30pm [EST].
Do I have to read the book to attend the meetings?
You do NOT have to read the books to attend the meeting. As we are a community committed to bridging the gap between people who love books and people who have never had a chance, it was important for us to eliminate the barriers of entry that have traditionally kept people out. Engaging in the conversation, and connecting with community our priority. You can always read the book, but you can't always find someone who’s read the book and is always interested in talking about it. That’s where we come in.
Can I bring friends?
As our meetings are exclusive to Book Club Members, you cannot bring your friends; but you CAN invite them to join The Book Club.
Why do I need to RSVP?
We use Eventbrite to promote all of our meetings, which, when you RSVP includes the Zoom link to the meeting for that month. We only allow: [1] active Book Members, [2] who have RSVP’d to attend the meetings. RSVPs allow us to know who’s attending and how to properly account for your attendance.
What do y'all talk about?
The topic of conversation is largely informed by the book for that month, as well as the insights and experiences of the members who attend the meeting.
Who picks the books?
Our Founder and Host, Yahdon Israel chooses The Book Club.
When did the Literaryswag Book Club start?
The Book Club started as a collaborative event with the New York City based independent bookstore, The Strand on September 24th, 2015.
What is the goal of the Book Club?
The goal of book club is to create unique literary experiences that cultivate committed reading communities.
Can I read the book on an electronic device?
Yes.
What if I hate the book?
Understanding that reading the book is only part of the relationship you have with literature, talking about this relationship with others is why people attend the meetings.
Do I have to talk?
You do NOT have to talk during the meetings but everyone is expected to participate in our opening icebreakers.
Can I still come if I am running late/don't RSVP?
You can.
Is there a dress code?
As the word “Swag” is included in our name, we understand how that may lead some people to believe that there’s a dress code to attend the meeting. There isn't. “Swag” is all about a person’s individual style. So come the way you see fit (pun intended).
Can I watch it online later?
We’re currently building an online archive of all of the meetings for our website.
We’ll announce when the archive is live.
Does Literaryswag Book Club only read Black authors?
Though the highest concentration of the books we’ve read are by Black writers, no.
We read what’s lit.
Why do you drink Martinelli’s apple juice?
When Yahdon attended literary events, he noticed the only refreshment served was wine. As someone who’s always thinking about how to make spaces inclusive, he understood that a quality non-alcoholic beverage would be best. Something that’s fancy enough, but everyone can partake. Hence, Martinelli’s.
Can anyone join the Literaryswag Book Club?
Anyone can join Book Club. As long as you’re someone with an open mind, and are interested in listening and learning about realities other than your own are welcome.
What are the benefits of being a member?
One of the hardest things for people to find, after they’ve read a book, is a community of people committed to talking about them.
It’s access to this committed community that we provide.
How will I be contacted about Book Club events?
Members are notified about events through our monthly newsletter.
What kinds of events does Book Club have?
Currently the monthly book club meetings are the only events, but we often promote the events of our brand
partners and the members of the club.
Are kids allowed at bookclub?
Yes they are. To quote the late comedian Mitch Hedberg: “Every book is a children's book if the kid can read!”
That being said, as long as a parent understands that they’re bringing their child to a club
where no topic or words (read: cursing) are off limits, and can deal with that, they can come.
How often do authors come to meetings?
An authors’ appearance at book club solely depends on their availiabity.
What happens if I live outside of NYC?
Now that all of our meetings will take place on Zoom for the foreseeable future, this no longer impacts Members who live out of state as it had when we were in person.
What if I can't come to meetings?
If you can’t make it to the meetings, you can watch them on our FB Live page.
What if I am not satisfied with the book club?
If you are not satisfied with the book club, you can cancel anytime.
Before you do, please contact membership@literaryswagbookclub.com to see
if there’s anything that can be done about your situation.
33. Are there refunds?
Refunds are processed on a case by case basis.
34. What is the best way to get in touch with members from bookclub?
Stay Tuned.