The Reading Group Book

Description

The complete guide to starting and sustaining a reading group, with annotated lists of 250 titles for provocative discussion. This lively, down-to-earth book, based on the experiences of groups across the country, is a complete guide to reading groups—from getting a new one going to sparking lively discussions to revitalizing a long-established group. 
 
This one-stop handbook covers the history of reading groups, how to attract people who love good books and good conversation, and even what food to serve. Authors David Laskin and Holly Hughes provide wise advice on choosing the right people for the group; where, when, and how often to meet; whether or not to select a leader; and—most important—finding the right books to read. What makes this book especially inviting are the annotated lists of more than 250 books by category—southern writers, all-time favorites, memoirs, biographies, travel books, Nobelists, and dozens more.
 
Filled with funny and insightful stories from book group members, independent booksellers, and even a sociologist who has studied the phenomenon, this distinctive guide will inspire the start-up of new groups and provide existing groups with renewed inspiration and fresh ideas.Introduction

1. A Brief History of the Reading Group in America

2. A Group of One’s Own
Look at Your Goals
Book Clubs with a View
Cast of Characters
How Big a Group?
Recruiting Strategies
What Do You Want to Read?

3. Standard Operating Procedures
Where
When
How Long
Next…
Sources for Titles
Guests
Keeping in Touch

4. Chemistry Lessons
The Right Book
Don’t Be Scared of a Good Fight
Do You Need a Presenter?
“Doing” the Book
Let the Discussion Wander – But Not Too Far
Call in an Expert

5. Moveable Feasts
Grazing, Salty or Sweet
The Meal Deal
Brown-Bag and Potluck
Logistics
Booze or Not?
Special Occasions
Great Book Meals

6. Troubleshooting
Book Discussions Get Derailed
Choosing What to Read
Division in the Ranks
Attendance Problems
Adding and Subtracting Members
Failure to Finish the Book
Special Events
When to Cut Your Losses

7. The Book Lists
Top Ten Book Club Hits
Books to Revel In
Sure to Provoke Debate
Unforgettable Individuals
The Marriage Knot
Parents and Children
From a Child’s Perspective
Gender Issues
Gay and Lesbian Voices
Aging
Nobelists
European Masters
The Victorians
There’ll Always Be an England
Through Irish Eyes
The New Englanders
Songs of the South
Writers from the Heartland
Western Voices
Latin American Masters
Writers of Color
Poetry Picks
Nonfiction Picks
Nature and the Environment
Travelers
Biography
Memoirs
Historical Fiction
Read the Book, See the Movie

US