Want to read more in 2026? 6 metro Phoenix book clubs worth joining

Started in 2023, Mad Women Book Club is a central Phoenix reading and social group focused on LBGTQ+ and female-identifying literary fiction. (Provided by the Mad Women Book Club via Reuters Connect)

By USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

January 5, 2026

2026 has finally arrived and as usual most of us are considering which resolutions to make in that annual bout of optimism that allows us to hope that the coming year will lead us closer to a better version of ourselves.

While some may focus on fitness or traveling, there’s no pursuit more noble than a reading goal.

Maybe you’ve never been much of a reader and you think it’s time to change that. Or maybe you used to devour novels by the dozen but fell out of the habit when life got in the way. Whatever your reason, if you’re struggling to figure out where to start, joining a book club can help you hit the ground running. And luckily for you, the Valley has more than a few that might fit your tastes.

Here are a few of the interesting book clubs in metro Phoenix.

First Draft Book Club

Hosted by Changing Hands, one of Phoenix’s longest-running independent bookstores, First Draft is a monthly club focused on literary fiction. Every month, readers meet up at the First Draft Book Bar at the bookstore’s Phoenix location to discuss recently published novels in a large group discussion. Speaking up is encouraged but certainly not required. Of course, snacks and drinks are available for purchase.

Next meeting: Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m., Changing Hands Phoenix location. 300 W. Camelback Rd, Phoenix. changinghands.com.
Cost: Free to the public
Next read: “A Guardian and a Thief” by Megha Majumdar

Arizona Opera Book Club

Perhaps your New Year’s resolution is to get more cultured as well as read more. With the Arizona Opera Book Club, you can kill two birds with one stone. Hosted by the Arizona Opera, this club focuses on works of fiction that tie into the season’s opera schedule, featuring classic tales like Madam Butterfly and Zorro. The books chosen are meant to offer readers a new perspective on the operas before experiencing them live on stage. The club also host special events and guest experiences such as author-led discussions and behind-the-scenes tours of productions.

Next meeting: Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026 at 6:30 pm, Arizona Opera Center. 1636 N Central Ave, Phoenix. Registration encouraged but not required. azopera.org/arizona-opera-book-club.
Cost: Free to the public
January read: “M. Butterfly” by David Henry Hwang and “Butterfly’s Child” by Angela Davis-Gardner.

Silent Book Club Phoenix Chapter

If you don’t think you’re up for a pre-chosen book and a strict reading deadline, consider joining one of Phoenix’s own silent book clubs. Started in 2020, this group is an unconventional book club featuring no assigned reading but a dedicated time and space to silently read together as a group. Perfect for independent introvert bookworms, this club arranges for readers to meet up twice a month at various local venues such as parks and cafes. Some meetings will also feature book swaps, audiobook walks and other book-related activities. Readers of all ages, levels and genres are welcome.

Next meeting: Sunday, Jan. 11, at 2 p.m. Margaret T. Hance Park. To learn more visit the group page on Facebook.
Cost: Free to the public
January read: Reader’s choice.

Not Your Average Book Club (Audiobook Walks)

There’s long been a debate over whether or not audiobooks count as reading. As far as this community is concerned, if you’re absorbing the words and retaining the plot, you’re a reader. Not Your Average Book Club hosts a variety of book centered events across the Valley, including regular audiobook walks around the metro Phoenix-area. So, if you prefer to reach your reading goals using earbuds instead of pages, pick your current audiobook and get your steps in while bonding over your reads.

Next meeting: TBA. To learn more visit @notyouravgbookclub on Instagram.
Cost: Free to the public
Next read: Reader’s (or listener’s) choice.

Mad Women Book Club

If you’re looking to read more female and non-binary works, then this could be the inclusive environment to do so. Meeting in central Phoenix, Mad Women focuses on literary fiction with LBGTQ+ and female-identifying points of view. More social than book club, reading the choice of the month is not required but encouraged for freeform discussion. All potential members must be at least 21 years old.

Next meeting: Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 7 p.m. Join the email list at madwomenbookclubphx.square.site for location details.
Cost: $15 club dues to cover snacks and beverages are due on the 15th of every month.
January read: “The Wilderness” by Angela Flournoy

Morbidly Curious Book Club – Phoenix Chapter

If you’re less into fiction and more into cold, dark truths, the Morbidly Curious Book Club might be the group for you. Part of a global virtual book club, this local group focuses on gnarly nonfiction reads featuring topics such as true crime cases, Victorian medicine, hauntings and other creepy subjects.

Next meeting: TBA. To learn more, visit @morbidlycuriousphoenix on Instagram.
Cost: Free to the Public
January read: “Blazing Eye Sees All: Love Has Won, False Prophets, and the Fever Dream of the American New Age” by Leah Sottile

Reporting by TreNesha Striggles, Arizona Republic