Some people think books should be read in silence.
Others want to share their latest literary
treasure with anyone who will listen. If you fall in the latter category, a
book discussion group may be just the outlet you need.
So where does a bibliophile find a group? Local libraries and
book stores are a good place to start. If you prefer the Internet
experience, plenty of online discussion groups are looking for new members:
Getting Started
You found a group -- now what do you talk about? First, make
sure that everyone understood the story. Then try
topics like the author's purpose (what did the writer want readers to get from
the book?), characters' actions (why did they do certain things, and did you
agree with them?), comparison (how does the book compare to others written by
the author?) and resolution (were you happy with the book's ending?)
Another helpful resource for sparking conversation is the publisher. Here's a quick list of where to find discussion guides from several major
publishers. In addition to discussion questions, they generally offer information
about the book and its author.
- HarperCollins
Includes best-sellers like "The Hour I First Believed" by Wally Lamb and old favorites like "Brave New World" by
Aldous Huxley.
- Simon & Schuster
Contains everything
from new releases like "Snark" by David Denby to masterpiece
memoirs like Frank McCourt's "Angela's Ashes."
- Hachette Book Group (Time Warner)
Covers everything from self-help wonders like "100 Ways to Simplify Your Life" by Joyce Meyer to
Oprah faves like "White Oleander" by Janet Fitch.
Also worth a look:
--- R.M.
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