As more book clubs jump onto whatareyoureading.com, some have shared information about how they run their affairs. MPBC of Lawrence, Kansas meets once a month at a member's house. The person who is hosting the meeting is also the person who chooses the book. While no one is assigned to research the selected book, often times members will bring supplementary information to enhance the discussion. And yes, food is key. There is usually some wine and a fabulous dessert involved as well.
A member of the WWW Book Club of Washington, D.C. reports that their club has two volunteers "present" the book at each meeting. This entails tracking down information on the author, reviews or other helpful background information. She reports, "I love that aspect of our group -- it just forces a bit more structure to the discussion." WWW meets monthly and the host provides dinner. "It has become one of my favorite things -- raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens...and book club evenings!"
What are your book club traditions? Don't be shy! Share your information with the rest of us.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Reading Communities
November 5th officially signals the end of the election season. We have a new President elect and fewer political yard signs dotting the landscape. But what will we do with ourselves? What in the world do have to talk about?
Hey, I have an idea. Let's talk about book club books!
The new crop of November book club selections is trickling in from various corners of the country. We've had the good fortune of ending up on a library list serv and a small group of savvy librarians have forwarded their choices. One of the more interesting submissions comes from The West Regional Book Discussion of Luling, Louisiana. The City of Refuge, by Tom Piazza is a novel about two families' experiences -- one black, one white -- during Hurricane Katrina. This book is the selection for the "One Book, One New Orleans" reading program, an initiative that encourages adult readers in the greater New Orleans metro area to read and discuss a common book.
Community reading programs are all the rage. They are a great way to bring citizens together for shared reading and book discussion events. What has your community read? Share the titles and let's build a list. There are bound to be some great ideas for book clubs lurking out there.
TTFN
Hey, I have an idea. Let's talk about book club books!
The new crop of November book club selections is trickling in from various corners of the country. We've had the good fortune of ending up on a library list serv and a small group of savvy librarians have forwarded their choices. One of the more interesting submissions comes from The West Regional Book Discussion of Luling, Louisiana. The City of Refuge, by Tom Piazza is a novel about two families' experiences -- one black, one white -- during Hurricane Katrina. This book is the selection for the "One Book, One New Orleans" reading program, an initiative that encourages adult readers in the greater New Orleans metro area to read and discuss a common book.
Community reading programs are all the rage. They are a great way to bring citizens together for shared reading and book discussion events. What has your community read? Share the titles and let's build a list. There are bound to be some great ideas for book clubs lurking out there.
TTFN
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