Why I Started a Nonfiction Book Club
- House of Undine
- Jun 27
- 3 min read
Watch above, or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
I went looking for a book club and couldn't find the one I wanted. So I built it. The Archives is the nonfiction book club where deeper meaning is the whole point, and it has quietly become one of my favorite parts of House of Undine. In this episode I get into the heart behind why it exists, the books we've read, and why the conversation matters more than the finishing.
Why start a book club at all?
Because the one I wanted didn't exist yet. I'd spent years reading in this space and I kept wanting to talk to someone about it. Who agreed, who disagreed, what landed and what didn't. I couldn't find a club going deep into nonfiction, so I made one. That's the quiet lesson underneath all of this. When something is missing, you get to be the one who builds it.
Why nonfiction instead of fiction?
Because anyone can join the conversation. With fiction, if you don't know the plot or the characters, it's hard to show up and participate. Nonfiction is mostly thoughts, theories, and ideas, so even if you didn't finish, you can grab onto a quote and have a real opinion. I structure each meeting around a few quotes I pull from the book, then open the floor to whatever anyone else wants to discuss. It keeps it warm and easy.
What kind of books do you read?
All sorts, and on purpose. We've moved through identity, desire, and compassion across our first three reads, and not all of it is self-help. We've sat with a psychology book that argues you're not defined by your past, a science-driven look at what really drives us, and a quieter, softer read about staying with discomfort instead of outrunning it. I read every book alongside the group, we vote on the picks together, and we rate them honestly at the end. I share the full reviews in the episode.
Why does community speed up growth?
Because other people's perspectives stretch yours. Reading alone is lovely, but a book opens up when someone challenges your take or names a thing you felt but couldn't word. The Archives is built around growth, self-discovery, and learning tools that actually help. We come together once a month, grab some tea, and dive in. It's a practice in choosing expansion over consumption.
How do I join, and what's the format?
It's simple and made to feel easy. We meet the first Tuesday of every month at 8pm EST over Zoom, later in the evening so you can get home, settle, and arrive relaxed. It's virtual, so you can join from anywhere. You never have to finish the book. You can come purely for the community. You do need to be 18 or older. Sign up at houseofundine.com/events and follow @thearchivesbookclub for updates.
Quick questions
Do I have to finish the book to come?
No. Read what you can, then show up for the discussion. The conversation is open to everyone.
How does The Archives book club work?
We meet monthly over Zoom, vote on the picks together, and discuss a few quotes plus anything the group wants to dig into.
Why a nonfiction book club instead of fiction?
Nonfiction is built on ideas, so it's easy to join the conversation even if you didn't finish.
How do I start my own book club?
Build the one you wish existed. I get into the full heart behind that in the episode.
Come practice with us
Every Monday at 8pm EST, we hold a live virtual sound bath. Headphones in, the world dimmed, fully transported. Reserve your spot.
Where peace meets power. Let's dive in. xx, HOU
Find me everywhere: houseofundine.com, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Substack (The Lighthouse), Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
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