Reading Group Notes
by Jo Parfitt

More and more people are discovering that joining a reading group is a great way to socialise, talk about life, make friends and read some terrific books.

If you can't find a group to join in your part of the world, why not form one yourself. These notes are designed to get you started.

Who?

You may already know people who would like to join the group. They may be family members, friends or people you work with. If you do not already have enough contacts, then try advertising your group anywhere where English speaking people might meet. Try local libraries, The British Council, English newspapers, English clubs, English language teachers, doctors surgeries, playgroups, book shops relocation companies or company notice boards and newsletters.

Where?

Readers groups meet in all sorts of places. You may not want to hold the first meetings at your home if you are still waiting for the furniture to arrive! Try libraries, bookshops, British Council, cafes or bars. If you then decide to hold future meetings in private homes, then make it clear that the host does not have to spring clean the house and provide any refreshments other than a cup of coffee. It is probably best to operate on a rotation basis, meeting in each otherís houses. Changing the venue may encourage people to come as they are naturally nosy and will want to see other peopleís houses!

When?

When and how often you meet is up to the members of the group. Once a month is a popular choice. This gives everyone enough time to read the book and still keep it fresh in their mind. Whether you choose to meet during the day or in the evening will depend on the chosen venue and the membersí work commitments.

Which books?

Deciding what to read as a group can be difficult. It may be a recent best seller, an old favourite which youíd like to share with others, or a book youíve always meant to read but never got round to. If you choose one of the classics, do make sure that it is still in print so that everyone can obtain a copy.

Are you going to choose a series of books at the outset or just one or two to get you going? Will the whole group focus on one book or will different members read different books?

Who will make the decision which book to read? Different members of the group will have different views and this may be the basis for a whole discussion on its own!

Make it clear at the beginning that no one should feel guilty if they had not had time to complete the book before coming to the group. It is always worth coming to get people's views.

If there is sufficient interest you can form offshoot groups to discuss books on specific subjects such as travel, biography, business books or poetry.

Getting the discussion started

It s good idea to nominate one person in advance to lead the discussion. This could be the person who is hosting the meeting. A few prepared notes always help to get the discussion started. The host can also make sure that no one person dominates the discussion and call the meeting to order if things get heated!
Remember that everyone has different tastes and different opinions. Book discussions are all about honesty. Be prepared to give your opinion and to listen generously to the opinions of the others in the group.

First meeting icebreakers

Getting the first meeting going may be difficult. Here are some suggestions to get your discussion going and to get an idea of memberís opinions and tastes, before you choose your books for discussion:

When and where do you read?
What is your favourite book of all time?
What is your favourite character from a book?
Do you ever read the last page before you get to the end of a book?
Which book did you first read for the rude bits?
Which book have you always meant to read but not got round to?
What to discuss?
Here are some ideas to get the discussion going on your chosen book:
How did this book make you feel
What did you think of the characters? Did you love them or hate them? Were they believable/ did they remind you of anyone?
Did you like the style of writing?
Was it true to life or pure fantasy?
Did the book raise any issues that made you think?
If you didn't finish the book what stopped you? Will you finish it now you have discussed it with others who read it to the end?
Would you read other books by the same author
Would you recommend the book to anyone else?
Promoting your group

Here are some suggestions for attracting new members to your group and for making contact with other groups:

Write book reviews for the local newspaper, English Club newsletters or for Woman Abroad.

Invite the local press or members of the English Club to come to a meeting and write a feature on your group

Link up with another group for a joint meeting or special event

Invite a guest speaker to one of your meetings - an author, bookseller or librarian

Organise a meeting or event with a theme linked to a book you have been reading

Read a book that has been made into a film then watch the film together

Resources

Check out the following for some further ideas:

http://www.bbc.co.ul/radio4
The BBC has its own Book Club on Radio 4. They hold regular discussions with an audience and the author of the book present. Even if you canít listen to the discussions on long wave, check out this excellent web-site for ideas on books to discuss, how to get your group going and lots more useful information.

http://www.talesmag.com
Tales from a Small Planet, aweb site designed for people living away from home and with a sense of humour. Look here for books on travel writing and the art of crossing cultures and anything to do with expat life.

We also recommend the book Reading Group Handbook by Rachel Jacobson. Published in the USA. Price about £15.00

Buying your books

When you have decided on the books your group is going to read, you can order them by phone, fax or email from The Fourth Beach Company. If you order 5 or more copies of any title these will be supplied free of postal charges for delivery within Europe.

Contact Anne Lovely
The Fourth Beach Company
12 Maltings Road
Gretton
Corby
NN17 3BZ
UK
Telephone 00 44 (0) 1536 770100
Fax 00 44 (0) 1536 770800
Email: Fourthbeach@compuserve.com