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

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

This is not a traditional sit-and-listen discussion. Instead, it’s a guided, social experience designed to help guests connect through conversation, creativity, and playful activities inspired by the book’s themes of second chances, human connection, and personal transformation.

Whether you’ve finished the book or are still reading, you’re welcome to join us for a relaxed, welcoming evening of conversation and community.

Throughout the evening, guests will move through a curated mix of discussion and interactive activities, including:

• A structured icebreaker where guests share a book that has impacted them personally (“The Book That Changed Me”)
• A guided group discussion of How to Read a Book, exploring themes like judgment, forgiveness, relationships, and growth
• A creative found poetry workshop, where guests use words and phrases inspired by the book to build their own short poems (no writing experience needed)
• A fast-paced individual game, “Quote or Not?”, where guests guess whether statements are from the book or made up
• A Blind Date with a Book experience, where guests select a wrapped book based on clues to take home as a surprise read
• A closing reflection to share final thoughts and takeaways from the evening

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

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Burning Bush Brewery, 4014 North Rockwell Street, Chicago, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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