Beyond the Bookends Book Club
Stop guessing what to read next. Beyond the Bookends is a book club that hand-picks your next great read, puts you in the room with the author, and connects you with readers who actually finish the book.
This is the beginning of your reading journey, and we are so excited to have you join us!
What You Get as a Member
When you join the Beyond the Bookends Book Club, you get exclusive access to experiences and content you won’t find anywhere else.
Monthly Author Chat (Live on Zoom)
Each month, we host a live book club with the author of our featured selection. (Can’t attend live? Replays are available.)
- Small-group discussions with fellow members
- A moderated, live Q&A with the author
- A chance to ask the questions you actually want answered
Exclusive Reading Guide for Every Pick
Every selection comes with a members-only reading companion designed to:
- Highlight themes and discussion points
- Help you follow along even if you didn’t finish the book
- Ensure you never miss out on the author conversation
Perfect for busy readers who still want to feel fully part of the discussion.
“Looking Beyond” Monthly Book Highlights (Live on Zoom)
Once a month, Jackie and Kirsten host a new releases and recommendations chat, where we:
- Preview upcoming books
- Share what we’re reading and loving
- Help you decide what’s actually worth your time
This is where members get ahead of their TBR instead of being buried by it.
Private Member Community
Join our official Beyond the Bookenders private Facebook group, where members:
- Continue book discussions
- Share recommendations
- Get early insights and announcements
What to Expect Each Month with a Book Club Membership
Mid-Month (Daytime Zoom)
A casual, members-only chat hosted by Jackie and Kirsten:
- What’s coming next
- What’s worth reading
- What members are loving
- Open discussion and recommendations
Last Week of the Month – 7:30 PM EST
Our Author Book Club Night:
- 7:30–8:00 PM: Small-group discussions
- 8:00 PM: Live, moderated author conversation
Everything is designed to fit into real life—no pressure, no falling behind.
Membership Options
Monthly Membership — $10/month
Perfect if you want flexibility and monthly access; cancel anytime.
Annual Membership — $100/year
✔ Save $20
✔ Best value for committed readers
✔ One payment, full year of curated reading
Most members choose annual to stay consistent and save.
Who Is The Beyond the Bookends Book Club For?
This membership is perfect if you:
- Love reading but struggle to choose what’s next
- Want meaningful conversations with authors
- Like structure, guidance, and community
- Want to get more out of your reading life
Join readers who want better books, not just more books
If you’re tired of guessing, skimming reviews, or missing out on great discussions, the Beyond the Bookends Book Club is your place.
October Beyond the Bookends Book Club Preview
The Library of Lost Dollhouses
Author: Elise Hooper
Year: 2025
Genre: Historical Fiction
More: October 2026 Beyond the Bookends Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Tildy Barrows is the head curator of an archival library in San Francisco. When she learns that the library is on the verge of bankruptcy, she is determined to do something to save the library. And then inspiration strikes when she discovers two beautiful dollhouses. She believes if she can find out more about their history and the mystery behind them, they might become a moneymaking exhibit for the museum.
The story then flashes back to Cora Hale and her story, set on the cusp of WWI when she’s starting her journey to become a premier minaturist to the aristocrats of Europe.
The journey spans across time and the globe as Cora’s artist life flourishes and Tildy looks for answers. Belle Époque Paris, the English countryside during wartime, and Walt Disney’s studios in the 1950s are just some of the places you’ll explore while reading this story.
Why Kirsten loves it
I ADORED this unique novel and its female protagonists. I was as connected with Tildy’s search for answers as I was with Cora’s quest to follow her passion. There are love stories in both timelines that feel authentic and add layers to the novel in a natural way. I was sad to turn the last page of this book, but I know I’ll be recommending it for years to come! #Gifted by Harper Audio
Find this book in: Best Historical Fiction Novels / Beach Reads 2025 / Best Historical Fiction Books of 2025 / Books Set in Museums / Best Books of 2025
This month’s Beyond the Bookends Book Club events will be as follows:
- October 10th @12:oo p.m EST – Kirsten and I will be hosting Looking Beyond, which will cover the upcoming releases for September and October.
- October 26th @ 7:30 p.m. EST – Book Club with Elise Hooper, author of The Library of Lost Dollhouses.
Want a sneak peek at the Beyond the Bookends Book Club for the month ahead? Take a look at the preview below.
Upcoming Author Events
- October 26th @7:3o p.m EST – Book Club with Elise Hooper, author of The Library of Lost Dollhouses
- November 30th @7:30 p.m EST – Book Club with Bob Kolker, author of The Vanishing Family
- December 11th @12:00 p.m EST – Book Club with Olivia Ford, author of Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Beyond the Bookends book club work for my reading tastes?
The book club picks are carefully curated, thought-provoking books that cover a number of genres. We have had romance, historical fiction, fiction, nonfiction, and more. Our book club members tell us that they have a much stronger connection to the books we read after talking with the authors about their characters and plot choices.
What if I do not finish the book?
The best thing about our author talks is that we can ask about anything- spoilers and all. If you don’t mind hearing some spoilers, come to the talk anyway. We love seeing everyone.
If you would rather not be spoiled, no worries! The Zoom calls will be recorded and uploaded so you can rewatch or catch them after they are live. You can access the videos whenever you wish through the member portal!
What do I get for my money?
Your membership includes:
✔ Monthly live author book club (with replay access)
✔ Exclusive reading guide for every pick
✔ Monthly “Looking Beyond” new book highlights chat (via Zoom)
✔ Private Beyond the Bookenders community
✔ Expert curation from Jackie & Kirsten
An annual membership also includes
✔ Save $20 instantly
✔ One decision, full year of curated reading
✔ Stay consistent without monthly renewals- never miss a book
How does the book club relate to the reading challenge?
We choose a book that fulfills the 2026 reading challenge or a seasonal reading prompt. This way, you can play along without the pressure of reading too many books each month. Only have time for a book a month? We choose fantastic books that will give you a fun-filled year of books!
Related Content
If you have questions:
For more information or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Jackie or me at: Hello@beyondthebookends.com
