Roxane Gay's Surprising Journey from Book Club Skeptic to Enthusiast

The acclaimed author shares how a chance encounter at a local book club in Michigan changed her perspective on the power of literary communities.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:33am

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A bold, colorful silkscreen print featuring a repeating grid of stacked books in neon shades of pink, orange, and blue, conceptually representing the energy and enthusiasm of book club culture.Roxane Gay's embrace of book clubs has inspired a vibrant pop art celebration of the shared joy of reading and literary community.Kalamazoo Today

Roxane Gay, the renowned author of 'Bad Feminist' and 'Hunger', was never much of a book club person. She saw them as a way for women to briefly escape their domestic responsibilities and indulge in gossip, with books playing a secondary role. However, that changed when Gay was invited to a book club event in Kalamazoo, Michigan, while on tour for her debut novel 'An Untamed State'. The warm welcome, thoughtful discussions, and unexpected gifts from the book club members opened Gay's eyes to the true value of these literary communities, which she has since embraced, both as a participant and as the founder of her own Audacious Book Club.

Why it matters

This story highlights the often overlooked power of book clubs, which provide a space for readers to come together, share their passion for literature, and connect with authors in meaningful ways. It challenges the common perception of book clubs as mere social gatherings, showcasing how they can foster deeper engagement with books and create a sense of community around shared literary interests.

The details

When Roxane Gay attended her first book club event in Kalamazoo, Michigan, she was pleasantly surprised by the experience. The women had all read her book and eagerly asked her questions, showing a genuine interest in her creative choices and the story behind 'An Untamed State'. The club members also showered Gay with an unexpected basket of Michigan-themed gifts, making her feel welcomed and appreciated. This experience was the beginning of many more book club visits, both in person and virtually, that would open Gay's eyes to the vibrant community of readers around the world.

  • In 2022, Roxane Gay was invited to a book club event in Kalamazoo, Michigan, while on tour for her debut novel 'An Untamed State'.
  • Four years after that first book club event, Gay was in London and made a commitment to meet with the Black Girls Book Club, which she found to be one of the most enjoyable nights of her writing life.

The players

Roxane Gay

An internationally acclaimed author, professor, and social commentator whose work explores the intersections of race, gender, and pop culture. She is the author of 'Bad Feminist', 'Hunger', and 'Opinions: A Decade of Arguments, Criticism, and Minding Other People's Business', among other works, and the founder of the Audacious Book Club.

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What they’re saying

“This was early in my career, so I was driving from one tour stop to the next, mostly back and forth across the Midwest. This particular swing had taken me from Detroit to Kalamazoo and eventually on to Chicago. The book club members reached out to ensure I was driving because, they said, it would determine the composition of their gift. Now, I love gifts, so I was intrigued, but nothing could have prepared me for the enormous basket of Michigan-themed gifts that awaited me.”

— Roxane Gay, Author

“It was eye-opening to realize just how many women, mostly, belong to book clubs. We always hear the grim stories about the dire state of publishing, how people just don't read, but that isn't the whole story. Lots of people do read, and they are passionate about books. They are well organized and have excellent taste in fancy crackers, and they love to talk with writers so much that their enthusiasm can be a little overwhelming and a lot flattering.”

— Roxane Gay, Author

What’s next

Roxane Gay continues to embrace the book club community, both as a participant and as the founder of her own Audacious Book Club, where she hosts online discussions and live conversations with authors.

The takeaway

This story demonstrates how book clubs can foster a sense of community and connection around literature, challenging the common perception of them as mere social gatherings. Roxane Gay's journey from book club skeptic to enthusiast highlights the power of these literary communities to bring readers together, spark meaningful discussions, and create a shared experience that enriches the reading process.