Book clubs are cool again. They're all the rage at the moment, and best of all, they are a fraction of the price of almost every other kind of socialising.

However, there's a risk that after the first cut-price get-together, your friends will be all for reading pricey hardbacks and upping the stakes on the food and drink front.

So how do you keep the costs down?
First of all the books.

You have a few options, You can go to the library. You'll need to order in advance to make sure you can get your hands on the book in question, and make sure you take the book back in time - so this is one for the more organised. Alternatively, you can pop to your nearest second-hand bookshop.

If your friends are insisting on buying the latest hardbacks, talk to them. They may agree to buy together, so you can pop along to a book discounters and agree to get something that's on special offer.

Then there's the entertainment

Swap your venue. If everyone in the club chooses where to have the club, then you'll not only get a host of venues, but it doesn't cost you heaps of money either. If someone wants their club to be in the pub, then they stump up for the wine. If you stick to the park, then you should make sandwiches. Splitting the costs with everyone each week will make everything much more fun. And remember, most of the time people are just happy with a cuppa and a good natter.

Have a rule that the person who chooses the book also hosts the meet-up. That'll keep things fair.

Or, get everyone to bring a treat so the cost is split each week.

And finally, the very cheap virtual option

Remember, you don't have to meet up in real life! People are busy, so if you miss a week, discuss the book in an email or Skype chat instead. This is a great way to keep in touch with far-flung friends!

The best thing about a book club, is that you'll find yourself doing something other than drinking wine in a bar. You'll be doing something exciting, and getting more out of the time with your friends. And, there's the plus side of deciding to sit and read a book in the garden instead of spending your money in the shops. There's nothing better than distracting yourself with a good book!