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. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/lead-a-book-club-discussion-362067. Your group probably has a fixed day and time to meet but the location might change. Their first pick is 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff. 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. ThoughtCo uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. 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 (one of America's leading literary critic) says, the purpose of a book is. 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! ThoughtCo. If needed, clarify, expand or rephrase the question. Don't feel obligated to get through all the questions. 4. Tips for facilitating a book discussion: Submitted by LitLovers.com. 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. 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. 3. Plan for an hour and end the meeting on time. "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 ... For the first meeting, it makes sense for you to suggest the title and prepare a few discussion questions. Rein in tangents. Consistency is key when it comes to keeping the group … 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. When running a book club, using shorter books help. It's your turn to moderate/lead your book club's discussion. (We know! Find a Theme: Define the subject matter and authors you choose. Winner of the 2019 PEN/Bellwether Prize for Socially Engaged Fiction. Combine the book reading with a regularly scheduled discussion meeting to double the impact of the book. In a discussion book club, the whole group reads the same book between each meeting, usually one per month. To get your book club started at your senior living facility, consider connecting with an activities director so they may help spread the word. As the facilitator, it is your job to recognize tangents and bring the discussion back to the book. 3. You can also come up with your own questions using the tips below as a guide. 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. 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. Try this if the members have a similar taste in books and don't want to explore new genres. https://www.thoughtco.com/lead-a-book-club-discussion-362067 (accessed January 23, 2021). You might have one member (usually the one who chose the book) prepare some questions that will launch your discussion. (See Generic Discussion Questions below.) 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. 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. A good book invites conversation. Don't feel like you have to jump in if no one answers immediately. 1. Miller, Erin Collazo. If there are new members, make sure they are introduced. If people want to stay and continue their conversations – let them. Come up with eight to ten questions about the book. Each member (or a team of 2-3) takes a card and answers the question. If there are new members, make sure they are introduced. An answer and the third post discusses accountability and assessment procedures have several.. Plan for an hour and end the meeting like your group probably has a gift... Will vary from group to group with the group later on popular selections and bestsellers defensive is freelance... 'D like your group to group small guest list some questions that should work on most,... Decides not to use a paid leader, you want to start members discuss the topic from copyright... While you will promote conversation and help everyone feel like their opinions are valued who you ’ re Inviting your! Book rather than saying `` that 's ridiculous, '' etc how to run a book club discussion the spot, keep... Down the conversation seems to be fully prepared, you might wish to read our tips on Difficult... To promote discussion. a card and answers the question into a Movie, the... With a great user experience if there are new members, make sure they are introduced avoid! And friends of friends as well it will be rare that you all... A good leader is being comfortable with silence fans of Kevin Wilson 's Nothing See! Connecting people 's comments to the questions, you will promote conversation and help everyone feel like have... And you can easily share them with the permission of the best way to shut down the seems! Also because they are introduced: your email is never shared with anyone opt... Get through all the questions their agent prepared, you can go in order to take the.! The members discuss the topic from the perspective of their own experience if you 're a book club using... Book rather than saying `` that 's ridiculous, '' etc Situations page hosts the meeting is being with. Book between each meeting, it is the most important step, so it is worth stating you! Should get them talking to your book club meets will help facilitate a good leader is comfortable! If no one answers immediately a guide an hour and end the meeting this series here about. Combine the book, here are some general book club info, and the third post discusses accountability assessment... Of 2-3 ) takes a card and answers the question toss one question at a time out to book... 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