A New Book Club

After a few conversations with some of you, I've decided to try and start up a book club.  I enjoyed participating in the past and have missed the time to hang out, chat, and read!  After reading a bit online about what makes a successful (and sustaining) club, I've decided to start with some expected structure and rules for the group. 

Part of me is concerned that all of these rules means that this is no fun... but maybe setting the expectations up front will just mean that everyone knows what to expect.  Ultimately, this should be a fun thing for everyone, so if this isn't working we can change things around later.  Also, feel free to comment and let me know if you think I've overlooked something.

General Rules for Everyone

a.k.a. How It Works

1. The club will meet the 4th Tuesday or Wednesday of each month in the evening.  
2. The goal of the club will be to read a new book and then discuss it with the group - of course socializing and stories is OK (and nice!), but members should generally want to participate in the book discussion, too.
3. The book will be chosen by the host for a given month, and it will be posted online here for everyone to see with 1 month advance notice.  The host is responsible to lead/facilitate the discussion of the book.
4. The host is responsible for providing only a light snack (cheese and fruit plate or a salad or hummus and chips), everyone else who attends should bring a beverage or dessert.

To try and maintain momentum and a core group of committed members while also not excluding those who are only occasionally able to attend, I'd like to propose two types of members: Hosting Members and Casual Members.  You can pick which group you'd like to be in and, if your circumstances change, you can bump to the other group.

Expectations of Hosting Members

1. You will take a turn hosting the event at your home or another affordable location in the greater Cleveland area - including book choosing, leading the discussion, and providing a light snack for attendees.
2. You will schedule other events in your life around the Book Club and not vice versa; it is expected that you will attend most meetings.
3. If you can't attend a meeting, you will give the host as much notice as possible.
4. You will give each book that is selected a 'good try' and be prepared for discussion.  
5. You will follow the "General Rules for Everyone," above.

Expectations of Casual Members

1. You will keep your eye on the book selection of the month and decide when you are able to attend based on your own schedule.
2. If you are going to attend a meeting you will give the host as much notice as possible.
3. On months that you participate, you will give that book a 'good try' and be prepared for discussion.
4. You will follow the "General Rules for Everyone," above.

I'll give a week or so to gather thoughts and rally some troops to see if people are interested... and then I'll post the first book and info for the first meeting!