Men Don't Read: The Unlikely Story of the Guys Book Club

by Andy Wolverton

Part memoir and part guide for starting your own book club, "Men Don't The Unlikely Story of the Guys Book Club" tells the compelling tale of one library book group. It is an examination of why we read, the importance of talking about what we read, and the future of reading in our society, particularly for men and boys.

During his early years working as a public librarian, Andy Wolverton heard the same sentence over and "Men don't read." He knew that statement was wrong and set about to disprove it, primarily by starting a book club for adult men and teenage guys. This is the story of a book club nobody thought would last, yet after more than 10 years, the group is still going strong.

Genres: Nonfiction

198 pages, Paperback

First published April 21, 2022

Reviews

[Andy]

I wrote it, so I read it many times!

[Tim Sivils · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit that my initial interest in this book was because the author was an old college buddy of mine and I wanted to support his writing endeavors. I was pleasantly surprised by how a book about an all-male book club could be so heartwarming, enlightening, and down right interesting. It is very well written, and filled with sincere, humble thoughts on life and the people who live it. As long as you're not expecting it to be something that it's not, you will not be disappointed in the read. Great job, Andy!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read for any book lover. Andy is a librarian who is passionate about getting folks to read, especially guys. Determined to dispel the myth that “men don’t read,” he decided to form a book club just for guys. This book chronicles the journey from the first meeting (when he wondered if anyone would even show up) to the group’s 10th anniversary celebration and all the adventures along the way. Anyone interested in starting a book club would benefit from reading about Andy’s experience in building a community around the shared passion of reading. Also included is a reading list of all book club choices from 2011-2022.

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have ever considered starting a book club, then this book is for you. The author, a librarian, started a "Guys Book Club" for a public library in Anne Arundel County, MD. The author recounts the planning, challenges, and rewards of hosting a monthly book club for men. The book club has been running for over 10 years, and even met virtually during the pandemic.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a step-by-step guide to forming a book club, Men Don't Read excels at providing adaptable methods to bring people together by giving them a moderated space to express themselves—something not always afforded to "the guys," or at least something men are not well known for creating for themselves. On another level, Men Don't Read lays out a crisp roadmap for engaging with other people and the world around us. This works exceptionally well because the author is not shy about sharing and analyzing miscues and obstacles encountered in organizing the Severna Park Library's Guys Book Club.

The writing voice employed here is comfortable without feeling shopworn, and the book is logically organized and easy to follow. I was especially happy to find the club's entire reading list at the end.

Having been a band student of Andy's years ago, I'm not surprised that he has found continued success as a librarian, organizer, and author. He was one of the most relatable teachers I had, and the intervening years haven't changed that impression. This book is an excellent jumping-off point to get to know both the man and his mission.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband is an avid reader, so I already knew that men DO read. What I didn't realize I'd find so moving and compelling was how many different ways men read and react to what they're reading. Author Andy Wolverton, a full-time librarian, immediately draws the reader in with his warm and engaging voice. I thoroughly enjoyed the story behind why he wanted to start this book club, what it took to get it up and running, and all of the triumphs and misfires along the way. The Epilogue about how the pandemic affected the Guys Book Club was especially moving given how close we still are to that time. There's even an appendix with a year-by-year list of what the book club has read over its 10 years together--you'll want to read at least one of their picks. As with any good memoir, this story is not just about its subject (the Guys Book Club); it's also about Wolverton's growth along the way.

[CG Birrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant read and so inspiring about reading!

This was such a warm, funny, and inspiring book about how thanks to Andy starting a guys book club in the library he worked in in the US, a group of ordinary local men discovered the power of books and conversation together. Wolverton blends humour with honesty, and specific recollections of what went well (and what didn’t) over the many years of the club. The story showed how reading together builds connection, challenges stereotypes, and gently changes lives in unexpected ways. Inspired me personally and gave me lots of ideas for my own Guys Book Club, Ealing. Thanks Andy! 📚

[LJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming with lots of practical advice for starting your own book club, worth picking up even if you’re not a librarian.