Book Club Roots & the Launch of ABC by Amber Grimes

Having launched one of the most successful book clubs of all time, Oprah Winfrey announced Oprah’s Book Club on her television show in September 1996 — monthly book selections by Oprah that have been known to shoot up on the New York Times bestsellers list with Oprah’s cosign. Women have been at the forefront of book clubs since the very beginning.

Through the early 1800s, most highly visible and promoted book clubs were overwhelmingly composed of wealthy white women. Educational disparities and the sociopolitical climate prevented African Americans from gathering to discuss literature in the same way as aristocratic whites at the time. In the 1820s and 30s, formal groups for African American readers were popularized, such as the “Society of Young Ladies” in Lynn, Massachusetts.

Present day, largely due to the accessibility and ease of e-reader tools like Kindle or Audible, reading has become a lost art. On average, a Google search that leads to Wikipedia would easily trump a visit to the library or a local book store.

Enter Amber Grimes — the visionary mastermind behind Amber’s Book Club (ABC).

Starting as a young intern with big dreams, navigating the cutthroat world of the music industry, Amber’s journey from intern to Executive Vice President/General Manager at LVRN record label is the stuff of legends. She’s not just climbing the corporate ladder, she’s blazing trails for women everywhere, but she’s not just a music mogul, she’s a literary maven on a mission to re-ignite a passion for reading in hearts around the globe.

ABC isn’t your run-of-the-mill book club, it’s a sanctuary for the soul, a refuge for those seeking enlightenment and empowerment. Amber carefully curates a selection of diverse memoirs, thought-provoking personal growth manifestos, and groundbreaking business books that will challenge your perspectives and push you to new heights.

And it isn’t just about reading, it’s about sparking thought-provoking conversations that have the power to change lives. Through lively discussions, virtual events, and exclusive content, ABC creates a vibrant community where ideas flow freely and barriers are broken down. Check out this conversation Amber hosted with celebrity agent Rich Paul discussing his book, “Lucky Me.”

In a world that often celebrates superficiality over substance, Amber fearlessly uses her platform of 100k+ community members to champion literacy and empower women (and men) from all walks of life. So, whether you’re a seasoned bookworm or a novice to the world of literature, there’s a place for you at Amber’s Book Club.‍
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