How to Organize a Reading Group by Arthur Blaustein and Nadine Rosenthal The following piece is intended to help booksellers give direction to customers who might be interested in starting a reading group. Arthur Blaustein is a professor of social policy and community development at UC Berkeley. Nadine Rosenthal is the chair of the Learning Assistance Department at City College of San Francisco and author of Speaking of Reading. Reading groups, also known as book groups, are growing in numbers across the country. Thanks to booksellers and librarians, active readers are following in the American historical tradition of the women's literary discussion groups of the colonial era, the literary and study clubs of the late 1800's progressive era, and the Great Books groups of the mid-1900's. It's no secret why reading groups have become an integral and healthy part of their members' lives. Christopher Troxell, a nine-year participant in a successful San Francisco reading group, put it this way: "I've always loved to read, but now I feel more literate because I have a familiarity with authors I wouldn't have known otherwise. I have a deep trust in, and compassion for, members of my group, whether or not I like the people individually. I'm more inclined to now to browse a bookstore and buy an eclectic group of books." Group Logistics: Who and When People who are enthusiastic, curious, and have a sense of humor are a real plus to any discussion. Start with your friends and relatives who enjoy reading. Branch out to those in your office and in social or professional organizations to which you belong. The majority of groups are homogenous; for example, groups of women who are friends or people who belong to the same organization. However, some of the most successful groups have men and women with a variety of backgrounds and life experiences. Reading groups usually meet once a month for three hours. A standard schedule, such as the second Wednesday of the month from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., enables members to plan ahead. Many groups supply dinner (often potluck), snacks, or dessert. Meetings typically rotate through members' homes or are held in library rooms, bookstores, or restaurants. Some groups even prepare "theme food" inspired by the book's plot and setting. Running the Discussion Your reading group's discussions need to be stimulating and engaging, yet comfortable enough to secure the involvement of your members. Discussions will evolve along with your group temperament; some are serious and highly structured, while others are relaxed and light-hearted. Your group's temperament will determine whether or not you need a facilitator. The facilitator is often the group member who suggested the book, but can be any participant or a professional leader hired by the group. Whether or not you use a facilitator, using some of the following topics as a guideline can keep the talk flowing: Emotional Response: Did you enjoy the book? Could you relate to the situations and dilemmas? Characters: Did the author sculpt the characters so you had strong reactions to them? Theme and Meaning: What was the author's vision? Why did he or she write the book? Literary Technique: What was the author's style and voice? Selecting the Books Finding appropriate books can be challenging. Most groups read novels, although short stories, poetry, and essays are sometimes selected. Many reading groups adopt an annual reading list, while others select books a month or two in advance. As a reading group participant, you will find yourself involved in a perpetual search for stimulating titles. To get started, you might choose from these contemporary novels, which we believe will touch the heart and nourish the soul: Isabel Allende, The House of the Spirits (Bantam) Saul Bellow, Herzog (Penguin) Michael Dorris, A Yellow Raft in Blue Water (Warner) Richard Ford, Independence Day (Vintage) John Irving, The Cider House Rules (Bantam) William Kennedy, Ironweed (Penguin) Barbara Kingsolver, Animal Dreams (HarperPerennial) Penelope Lively, Moon Tiger (Penguin) Wallace Stegner, Angle of Repose (Fawcett) Anne Tyler, Breathing Lessons (Berkley) Topics: Literacy/Reading, About Bookselling,