Book Club Meeting Tips

HOSTING TIPS FOR THE LOVE FOOL BOOK CLUB

Thank you for selecting The Love Fool as your book club read. It is an honor for my debut novel to be the subject of discussion amongst a groups that gathers for the sake of socializing combined with the awesome past time of reading. As an avid reader myself, I wanted to provide resources for book clubs to ignite conversations and dive into the adventures of Alex, Emily, Pernille, and Patrizia.

Below are some tips by the author to help you throw The Love Fool themed book club meeting that will help enhance the experience of the story and discussion.

FOOD

Yes, of course I’m starting off with the food. I’m Italian and that’s what we do; and food is very present in The Love Fool. The story takes place in Rome, so if course we will need to serve some Roman treats. However, remember that the celebrity TV chef is Danish and Swedish, but serves assorted Scandinavian dishes. So add some diversity into the offerings. Here’s a list of dishes and snacks featured in The Love Fool that you may want to offer – pot luck is always fun too. And maybe have competing dishes; like meatballs: Italian vs Danish (aka Frikadeller). Remember though, other settings in flashbacks include Boston in the 90s, and Chipping Campden in England (also something to consider when offering a food or drink).

ITALIAN

RECIPE: Spaghetti alla Carbonara
Pizza Bianca with slices of Mortadella
Italian Meatballs
Lamb chops

DANISH or SCANDINAVIAN

Gravlax
Frikadeller (Danish meatballs)

Coffee

Espresso, or Americano
Danish coffee with coin (featured in the book)

Pastries/Sweets

Gelato
Tiramisu
Æblegrød

COCKTAILS

Americano (Alex’s choice aperitivo)
Aperol Spritz
Prosecco
Whiskey
Italian beer vs Danish beer

DECORATION

The story setting is Rome. So think Pantheon, Spanish Steps and fountains.

The characters spent a lot of time at the Cin Cin Bar. Try to recreate the bohemian flare that made the Cin Cin bar so fun.

MUSIC

Another prominent element in THE LOVE FOOL. Try to mix modern Italian music as well as classic 60s Italian music (think Fellini films). Use your favorite streaming services. If that’s too much, switch to jazz; which was also a favorite of the Cin Cin Bar.

DISCUSSION

I know book club meetings can easily fall into a social gathering of drinking. Sometimes talking about the book falls off the radar and life becomes the topic. This is all good, but if you feel like the group is getting way off topic, I’ve included a list of Book Club Discussion Questions that will help initiate discussions or lead the talk back to the story.