Aren’t we all part of a book group?
It failed because some people wanted to read the new Jojo Moyes, and all the others wanted to read The End Of Innocence. Have you all been in a book group for some time but haven’t met?
Carole Fitzgerald, who probably knows the most about book groups, wouldn’t be surprised by this. Approximately 100,000 people use her ReadingGroupGuides.com site each month for discussion guides on nearly 5,000 books.
Image Credit: Pexels/Yan Krukau
There’s nothing wrong with book groups, but they’re still groups, and groups include people with very different expectations. While enjoying a nice Chardonnay, some book groups deconstruct Anna Karenina; others discuss the latest current events, The White Lotus, and what the kids are doing.
The right start can lead to great reading experiences, stimulating conversations, and powerful explorations for years to come. When organizing a new book group or joining one, consider these points.
Decide Right Away What Kind Of Books You Will Read
Books you weren’t quite able to understand in high school. You pretended to read these books in college. Most unhappy book group members refuse to explore beyond their favorite genre or find the selected books too tricky to read. The choice is yours; whether you read fiction or memoir, Reese or Jenna, there are plenty of options.
Image Credit: Pexels/Yan Krukau
Consider How You Will Choose Your Choices
Most meetings are devoted to choosing the next book. Some groups appoint a single decider or leave it to the host for the next month to make a choice. Several books are considered each month and voted on in some groups, while in other groups, they set their entire reading list for the year.
Dimensions Matter
Take a moment to consider the size of the group you’d like to join. There is little in common between a couple of readers and an audience. Small group numbers can dip too low to allow many conversations if one or two members are ill or traveling. It can be unwieldy and institutional to have too many members.