BOOK CLUB HOW-TO'S
(Courtesy of the Seattle Public Library)
- Preplanning and organizing the first meeting
- What makes a good book for discussion
- Reading critically
- Leading the discussion
- Some suggestions for participants
A good discussion depends in large part on the skills we develop as participants. Here are some suggestions (based on New York Public Library's book discussion program):
- SPEAK UP! Group discussion is like a conversation; everyone takes part in it. Each speaker responds to what the person before him said. Nobody prepares speeches; there should be a spontaneous exchange of ideas and opinions. The discussion is your chance to say what you think.
- LISTEN thoughtfully to others! Try to understand the other person's point of view. Don't accept ideas that don't have a sound basis. Remember, there are several points of view on every question.
- BE BRIEF! Share the discussion with others. Speak for only a few minutes at a time. Make your point in as few words as possible. Be ready to let someone else speak. A good discussion keeps everyone in the conversation.
- SHARE YOUR VIEWPOINT AND EXPERIENCE! Don't expect to be called on to speak; enter into the discussion with your comments of agreement or disagreement. When you find yourself disagreeing with other people's interpretations or opinions, say so and tell why, in a friendly way. Considering all points of view is important to group discussions.
- COME WITH YOUR OWN QUESTIONS IN MIND! As you read the selection, make note of the points on which you'd like to hear comments of group members.
- What makes the book distinctive?
- Is the period in which the book is set important to the theme? Why? Are the values presented dated? How?
- Is the setting of the book important to the theme? Why? How realistic is the setting?
- Does the theme of the book relate to the protagonist's gender? How?
- What did the author attempt to do in the book? Was it successful?
- Would it make a good movie? Why?
- What is the author's worldview?
- Were the plots and subplots believable? Were they interesting?
- Did the author leave loose ends? What were they?
- How understandable were the motivations of the characters? What motivated the behavior of the characters?
- How is the book structured? Flashbacks? From one point of view? Why do you think the author chose to write the book this way?
- How does the language of the book help convey the theme?