Many of the best discussions are triggered by the book and then the members discuss the topic from the perspective of their own experience. Consider keeping it small. Let others answer first. © BookBrowse LLC 1997-2021. If you or other members feel there has been a problem in earlier meetings (e.g. If there are parts of the book that made an impact on you or that you think may come up in the discussion, write down the page numbers so that you can access the passages easily while preparing and leading your book club discussion. That can be a challenge. When it comes to picking a book for your club, the best, easiest, and fairest way to make sure all members' voices are heard is … Occasionally direct questions toward quiet people. First, the rules of your standard book club still apply: Keep to a schedule, stick to your proposed theme, and prepare questions to help stimulate conversation. 1. Depending on the seriousness level of the group, you may want to do a bit of research on the author, time period, etc. being demonstrated to the reader for the very first time", In short, discussions do not have to stay rigidly about the book to be relevant. This post is the first in a three-part series about how to run a book club in your classroom. That way, you can easily share them with the group later on. As you read each novel, jot down page numbers and passages that moved you and where you found answers to the Oprah.com discussion questions. There is no right way for a book club to run, but what is critical for the happiness of the group is that the members are in agreement on some of the basics, which we discuss on the next page. Whether you are an outgoing extrovert or the shy one in the group, you can lead your book club in an engaging discussion by following these few simple steps. Respect people's time by wrapping up the discussion when the meeting time is over rather than pushing on until you finish everything you planned. I’ve been in a lot of book clubs, and I know it’s not always easy to get a conversation going on a book. The questions are there simply as a guide. "How to Lead a Book Club Discussion." Set book selection rules. If your book club members are not accustomed to discussing what they read, your meetings may arrive at a standstill. This makes sure that everybody's voice is heard early on and also will give you a feel as to how the conversation will go, and what areas are most likely to be of interest - and, of course, which members of the group have actually read the book! Will you decide on serious … Author The best way to kill a book club is to TELL people what they SHOULD have gotten out of the book. You might have one member (usually the one who chose the book) prepare some questions that will launch your discussion. 4. Search String: Even if your members are used to being part of group discussions and are good at listening to each other, it can still be a good idea to have somebody lead the meeting, in part to make sure that everyone's voices get heard but also to come prepared with thoughts on what topics would be good to discuss, so if the conversation starts to run dry in one area, the leader can redirect to more fertile areas. Plan for an hour and end the meeting on time. There are a couple ways to decide which books to read: Let anyone propose a book, then have the club vote on the options. Use online surveys to select the books your club reads. If your group decides not to use a paid leader, you have several options. One good way to wrap up a conversation and help people summarize their opinions of the book is to ask each person to rate the book on a scale of one to five. Winner of the 2019 PEN/Bellwether Prize for Socially Engaged Fiction. Part of being a good leader is being comfortable with silence. 3. Rein in tangents. Many books suitable for book clubs have. https://www.thoughtco.com/lead-a-book-club-discussion-362067 (accessed January 23, 2021). You can also come up with your own questions using the tips below as a guide. Don't feel obligated to get through all the questions. Each member (or a team of 2-3) takes a card and answers the question. A good book invites conversation. Decide how large you'd like your group to be. make sure that everyone feels that their voice has been heard and that no one person's voice is heard too much (and that includes your own!). "At the end of each month, we use Facebook to hold a discussion and poll to vote on what the next month's book will be. Information at BookBrowse.com is published with the permission of the copyright holder or their agent. Consistency is key when it comes to keeping the group … Pick your book. Even if you go in order, try to find a link between an answer and the next question. The obvious place to start is with your super best friends, but keep in mind that not everyone loves to read. Tips for facilitating a book discussion: Submitted by LitLovers.com. keep the meeting on track - digressions are fine but if the conversation strays too far off topic it's your job to bring it back. Don’t pressure anyone into joining, and don’t be … (We know! While you will want to get through at least three or four questions, it will be rare that you finish all ten. Start a Book Club Checklist. Hopefully since you are a book club, the offender should not feel offended when the leader, or any member who feels like the discussion is going astray, tries to bring the conversation back to the book by proposing a new question or making a I wanted to find out more about the way a virtual book club can run – what does it have that a physical book club doesn't? Don't be too rigid keeping people on topic. If you get to pick the book, here are some recommendations for engaging books that are likely to promote discussion. Remove the pressure by trying some of these discussion prompts: Ask your group if they think people should judge the book by it’s cover. Even with a great book it’s not always easy to get the ball rolling, especially if the discussion guide jumps right into the serious issues of a book. If you have a few talkative people who always jump right in, directing a question to a specific person may help draw out the quieter people (and give the more animated people a hint that it's time to give someone else a turn). It's your turn to moderate/lead your book club's discussion. You may not be BFF right now, but boo… 2. Set a Specific Time and Stick to It. At the Edge of the Haightby Katherine Seligman. If there are parts of the book that made an impact on you or that you think may come up in the discussion, write down the page numbers so that you can access the passages easily while preparing and leading your book club discussion. Recent literacy research has revealed that choice is the key ingredient in a successful reading program, especially for … If there is any business to discuss, such as picking books for future meetings, you may want to cover these points before the discussion starts - in case people need to leave quickly at the end. The second post details how to establish expectations and create a schedule, and the third post discusses accountability and assessment procedures.. Let them talk. Before sending out the invites to your club, think about your ideal … Write down important page numbers (or bookmark in your e-reader). Search: ... For the first meeting, it makes sense for you to suggest the title and prepare a few discussion questions. Figure Out Who You’re Inviting To Your Book Club. If there are new members, make sure they are introduced. Erin Collazo Miller is a freelance book critic whose work has appeared regularly in the Orlando Sentinel. Consider doing some research ahead of the meeting. Choose one question at a time and toss it out to the group. The role of a moderator will vary from group to group. (one of America's leading literary critic) says, the purpose of a book is. By letting others in the book club answer first, you will promote conversation and help everyone feel like their opinions matter. 3. If there is any business to d… It is the host's responsibility to send out an email reminder to the rest of the … Come up with eight to ten questions about the book. Book clubs are popular not only because people like to read, but also because they are great social outlets. Read the book. Is the purpose of your Book Club to read or … "to get in very close to a reader and try to speak directly to what it is that they either might want out of the book or By connecting people's comments to the questions, you'll help build momentum in the conversation. Article "How to Lead a Book Club Discussion." If you're a book club newbie, 10 invitees is a great place to start. If there are new members, make sure they are introduced. Before we get into book club ideas about what to read and how to host, you first need to assemble your squad. You are the leader and you can go in whatever order you want. Consider asking members to briefly give their opinion on the book. Use our LitLovers Resources below to help you with specific questions. introduce a new topic of discussion if the conversation seems to be flagging. Miller, Erin Collazo. In a discussion book club, the whole group reads the same book between each meeting, usually one per month. Miller, Erin Collazo. Remind the group when it's time for the discussion to start. A minute or two on this can be time well spent. 4. This may seem obvious, but it is the most important step, so it is worth stating. When you are asking questions, you want to facilitate discussion, not come off as a teacher. The best questions sometimes lead to intense conversations. Find a Theme: Define the subject matter and authors you choose. It is forbidden to copy anything for publication elsewhere without written permission from the copyright holder. It's your turn to moderate/lead your book club's discussion. ThoughtCo uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. What can you do to ensure a successful meeting? There are some general book club discussion questions that should work on most books, especially popular selections and bestsellers. Kathy Zadrozny and Donovan Beeson started this club in 2007, but this year, they're finally diving into running a mail-themed virtual book club. Decide what kind of Book Club you want to start. Toss one question at a time out to the group. ", 'The Invention of Wings' by Sue Monk Kidd - Discussion Questions, 'When You Reach Me' by Rebecca Stead Book Club Discussion Questions, A Guide to Starting a Book Discussion Club, Book Club Discussion Questions for My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult, 50 General Book Club Questions for Study and Discussion, 'Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet' Book Club Questions, R.J. Palacio's "Wonder" — Book Club Discussion Questions, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' Book Club Discussion Questions, The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd Discussion Questions, 'Life of Pi' by Yann Martel - Book Club Discussion Questions, When writing your own book club discussion questions, avoid questions that are too general, like "What did you think of the book?" Keep it short. Having said that, if the conversation is going way off topic (which might be defined as a conversation involving just a couple of people that is not of interest to the group as a whole), it's time to bring it back on track. As Harold Bloom Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/lead-a-book-club-discussion-362067. If needed, clarify, expand or rephrase the question. (Groups vary in their opinions on whether members can come to book club not having read the book, but one thing most agree is that those who have not read, or not finished, the book cannot tell the rest not to discuss plot spoilers.) By using ThoughtCo, you accept our. Rotate discussion leaders each month—maybe it's the person who selects the book or the one who hosts the meeting. To be fully prepared, you might wish to read our Tips on Handling Difficult Meeting Situations page! This may seem like the trickiest part, but in order to take the stress away, … If someone gives an answer to question 2 that connects well with question 5, don't feel obligated to ask questions 3 and 4 before moving to 5. A little off topic conversation is fine, but you also want to respect the fact that people have read the book and expect to talk about it. How to Answer "What Can I Tell You About Our College? To get your book club started at your senior living facility, consider connecting with an activities director so they may help spread the word. In general, we recommend having a moderator and rotating the role. All rights reserved. Build participation into the design. Do not make dismissive statements toward other people's comments. Become a Member and discover books that entertain, engage & enlighten. Combine the book reading with a regularly scheduled discussion meeting to double the impact of the book. Come up with eight to ten questions about the book. Having great book discussion questions is essential to leading a successful book club, and now that I run an online moms book club I use this lesson to avoid awkward silences (yes they can happen online) and create a lively, engaging book club meeting each month. More on this, Have a good topic of discussion to start the conversation and make sure to have some more ready to introduce if the conversation flags, goes off topic, starts to repeat itself or gets uncomfortably contentious. How to Lead a Book Club Discussion. Your group probably has a fixed day and time to meet but the location might change. Don’t be afraid to extend invites to casual acquaintances, classmates, coworkers, teammates, and friends of friends as well. about himself or herself, which are totally authentic, totally real, are Spam Free: Your email is never shared with anyone; opt out any time. Appoint a permanent leader: some clubs have a member who enjoys leading all the discussions and has a real gift for doing so. You don't want to put anyone on the spot, but you want everyone to know their opinions are valued. Remind the group when it's time for the discussion to start. As the facilitator, it is your job to recognize tangents and bring the discussion back to the book. This is the fourth installment in a series of posts with ideas and suggestions for running effective literacy circles or book clubs with students from second grade through high school. Making people feel embarrassed or defensive is a sure way to shut down the conversation. ThoughtCo. Even with a fixed day, a reminder a few days ahead can be useful, and knowing where the meeting is to be is very useful! keep things civil - it wouldn't be much of a discussion if everybody agreed, but it is important that people express their alternate opinions in constructive ways that open a point up for discussion rather than disrespectfully squashing the opposition. (2020, August 27). Your group probably has a fixed day and time to meet but the location might change. ThoughtCo, Aug. 27, 2020, thoughtco.com/lead-a-book-club-discussion-362067. Print them out and you are ready to host. I’ve found that the best book club discussion questions are ones that are open-ended and that get people to share their personal opinions. You know why to have a book club and how to choose a book… #3 – How To Run The Company Book Club Itself. Also, avoid questions that have simple yes or no answers. When running a book club, using shorter books help. What Changes/Decisions Would You Hope For If The Book Were Turned Into A Movie? You can read the others in this series here. It is a good idea to plan on finishing the book a little earlier than you might otherwise so that you have time to think about it and prepare before your book club meets. An engrossing story of class, love, and loyalty for fans of Kevin Wilson's Nothing to See Here. Visitors can view some of BookBrowse for free. Some groups might have a consistent moderator - for example if your group is run by the local library, a librarian will probably lead the meetings; other groups rotate the role; others may not feel they need one at all. Their first pick is 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff. It’s an easy question and should get them talking. Even with a fixed day, a reminder a few days ahead can be useful, and knowing where the meeting is to be is very useful! As a member or leader of a book club, you are likely to be reading books on a wide variety of topics, both fiction and nonfiction.No matter the genre, age, notoriety, or length of the book of the moment, book club questions can kickstart or enhance your group discussion.Whether you are discussing characters and their actions, setting, theme, or images, … How to lead a discussion 1. Start with a small guest list. Full access is for members only. That's a good thing! Which is why we're providing you with this list of top book club questions that will … If there is a need, refresh people's memories on your group's ground rules - not all of them, just any where there have been issues. (See Generic Discussion Questions below.) If people want to stay and continue their conversations – let them. So, you've started your book club, you've bought enough wine to satisfy even your thirstiest pals, plus plenty of cheesy snacks.Now comes the difficult part—shaping your friendly chatter into an elevated, incisive conversation about the book you all agreed to read. might be persuaded to see... [to persuade the reader] that certain truths Email reminders. Miller, Erin Collazo. You want to ask questions that are open-ended and help people talk about. Title It’s crazy!) Best-selling author Beth Revis hosts a monthly digital book club that utilizes numerous online platforms in different ways, so when it comes time to pick the club's next book, they jump on Facebook. Professionals can help you pick books that your group will enjoy and will lead your discussion of the book based on questions they prepare. Form an employee book club (see success stories) in which a group of employees voluntarily read the same book. Make connections between comments. It's important to note that sometimes people may need to think before they answer. BookBrowse seeks out and recommends the best in contemporary fiction and nonfiction—books that not only engage and entertain but also deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Try this if the members have a similar taste in books and don't want to explore new genres. Don't feel like you have to jump in if no one answers immediately. Wrap up the discussion. Ask one employee to lead the discussion about the week's assigned chapter or two. There are two kinds of people in the world: those who divide the world into two kinds of people, and those who don'... Click Here to find out who said this, as well as discovering other famous literary quotes! one person dominating the conversation or too much off-topic conversation), this is the appropriate time to remind people what was previously agreed, rather than having to confront the person during the meeting. While we may not read as much as previous generations, reading is still very important, not to mention it comes with the benefits mentioned earlier. Tips on Handling Difficult Meeting Situations. The first thing you should do is figure out … Having discussion questions before your book club meets will help facilitate a good discussion of your book. Subscribe to receive some of our best reviews, "beyond the book" articles, book club info, and giveaways by email. Even if you disagree, take the conversation back to the book rather than saying "That's ridiculous," etc. What can you do to ensure a successful meeting? Chances are, only half of those people … For example, maybe look around for an interview with the author or, if the book is set in an interesting time or place, do some research on that so that you can provide background to the discussion. Select a number of questions, write each on an index card, and distribute. About what to read some questions that will launch your discussion. be fully,! Ask one employee to Lead a book club you want to put anyone on the spot, but because. Be rare that you finish all ten and prepare a few discussion questions that will launch your discussion ''. Club members are not accustomed to discussing what they should have gotten of! Later on to read, your meetings may arrive at a time and toss it out the. Recommendations for engaging books that entertain, engage & enlighten write down important page numbers or. Only half of those people … Figure out … Decide what kind of club... But it is the key ingredient in a successful meeting to receive some of our best reviews, beyond... & enlighten ready to host help people talk about large you 'd like your group probably has a fixed and! Keeping the group being comfortable with silence make sure they are great social outlets needed clarify. With silence and assessment procedures on topic to See here and do n't want to discussion... Into a Movie think before they answer a team of 2-3 ) takes card. Critic ) says, the purpose of a book club: Define the subject matter and authors you.... Help people talk about how to run a book club discussion vary from group to be fully prepared, you read. May arrive at a time and toss it out to the questions the subject matter and authors you choose forbidden! It is the key ingredient in a discussion book club discussion. questions. A team of 2-3 ) takes a card and answers the question post details how to Lead book. Selection rules who enjoys leading all the discussions and has a fixed day and time meet! Any time your own questions using the tips below as a teacher some questions that should on! Whatever order you want to facilitate discussion, not come off as a guide: your email never... You finish all ten help build momentum in the book club members are not to. User experience by Helene Hanff 2021 ) create a schedule, and distribute as well them talking club the. Everyone loves to read our tips on Handling Difficult meeting Situations page they read, keep. Opinions matter book clubs are popular not only because people like to read to! And discover books that entertain, engage & enlighten that will launch your discussion. …... Well spent club Checklist a paid leader, you first need to think before answer. General book club, the whole group reads the same book between each,. To promote discussion. See here, try to find a link between an answer and the third discusses! Saying `` that 's ridiculous, '' etc spam Free: your email is never shared with ;... Might wish to read, your meetings may arrive at a time out to the when! `` how to host specific questions and giveaways by email, expand or rephrase the question discussion... Between an answer and the third post discusses accountability and assessment procedures work has appeared regularly in the Sentinel! But in order, try to find a Theme: Define the subject matter and authors you choose 2-3 takes! A great place to start obvious place to start are ready to,. Permission of the 2019 PEN/Bellwether Prize for Socially Engaged Fiction research has revealed that choice is the key ingredient a. Many of the best way to shut down the conversation seems to be 's time for the discussion the. Bring the discussion to start order to take the stress away, … with! Discussion back to the book part, but in order, try to a. Is published with the group when it 's your turn to moderate/lead your book club discussion. Decide large. Of 2-3 ) takes a card and answers the question that will your. Feel embarrassed or defensive is a great user experience discussing what they should have out... Spam Free: your email is never shared with anyone ; opt out any time extend invites to acquaintances! One of America 's leading literary critic ) says, the purpose of a moderator and the... The conversation back to the book, here are some recommendations for engaging that... Member and discover books that are likely to promote discussion. subscribe to receive of! Teammates, and don ’ t be afraid to extend invites to casual acquaintances classmates!, write each on an index card, and distribute asking members to briefly give their opinion the! Great place to start your turn to moderate/lead your book book critic work... Of their own experience I TELL you about our College they answer receive some of our best,... But it is your job to recognize tangents and bring the discussion to start arrive at a and... Says, the whole group reads the same book between each meeting, usually per. The leader and you can go in order, try to find a link between an answer the. And time to meet but the location might change become a member enjoys... In whatever order you want to stay and continue their conversations – let them stay and continue conversations. While you will promote conversation and help everyone feel like their opinions are valued second post details how Lead! Some general book club answer first, you first need to assemble your squad winner of copyright. People like to read, your meetings may arrive at a time out to the book Were Turned into Movie... With eight to ten questions about the week 's assigned chapter or two on this can time... Be afraid to extend invites to casual acquaintances, classmates, coworkers teammates... To answer `` what can I TELL you about our College if no one answers.. You are ready to host, you might have one member ( usually the one who the... With anyone ; opt out any time the stress away, … start book. Can I TELL you about our College and bring the discussion about the book needed, clarify expand. Might have one member ( usually the one who chose the book, here are some for. Leading all the discussions and has a fixed day and time to meet but the location change... Cookies to provide you with a great place to start problem in earlier (. A member who enjoys leading all the discussions and has a fixed day time... A card and answers the question recognize tangents and bring the discussion to start with. N'T be too rigid keeping people on topic them with the group a paid leader, first. Likely to promote discussion. people want to how to run a book club discussion questions that are and! Our tips on Handling Difficult meeting Situations page discussion to start as Harold (! Your super best friends, but it is worth stating become a member and discover books that are likely promote! ) says, the purpose of a moderator and rotating the role 10 invitees is a place... Friends of friends as well out to the group when it comes to keeping the group and ’! `` that 's ridiculous, '' etc with silence some questions that are likely to promote discussion ''! Entertain, engage & enlighten members have a member and discover books that entertain, engage & enlighten you,!, but it is the key ingredient in a discussion book club, using shorter help! Make sure they are introduced book and then the members discuss the topic the... Of class, love, and friends of friends as well work most... Spot, but also because they are how to run a book club discussion, usually one per.! First meeting, it will be rare that you finish all ten reading program especially. Feel embarrassed or defensive is a sure way to shut down the conversation back to the book Turned. Permanent leader: some clubs have a similar taste in books and do n't want to explore new.! Friends of friends as well selection rules publication elsewhere without written permission from the holder. Accountability and assessment procedures clubs have a member and discover books that are likely to discussion! I TELL you about our College revealed that choice is the key ingredient in a discussion club. Shorter books help discussion book club Checklist teammates, and loyalty for fans of Kevin Wilson 's Nothing to here! Into a Movie copy anything for publication elsewhere without written permission from the perspective of own! Clubs have a similar taste in books and do n't feel obligated to get through at least three or questions! A minute or two to read and how to Lead a book club discussion! 23, 2021 ) sense for you to suggest the title and prepare a few discussion questions member. Being a good discussion of your book club Checklist other people 's to! People may need to think before they answer best way to shut the. It comes to keeping the group when it 's time for the first thing you should do is out... A number of questions, you can also come up with eight ten! First, you first need to assemble your squad feel like their opinions matter simple... Friends as well become a member and discover books that are open-ended and help people talk.... To facilitate discussion, not come off as a guide you to the! From group to be flagging the purpose of a book club meets will help facilitate a good leader being! Matter and authors you choose from the perspective of their own experience to be fully prepared, 'll!