What do you do at your first book club meeting?
At the first meeting its most likely the group won’t have a specific book to discuss so this is the perfect time to talk about your expectations for the group or club, listen to what others think, discuss books in general and the types of books members have read or would like to read.
What can I expect at a book club meeting?
There is usually a facilitator who keeps the discussion on track. There may be a little social time before you begin the meeting. The facilitator sometimes gives a little talk about the author and reads positions of reviews and then ask a series of questions to prompt the discussion. Some groups are more freewheeling.
What makes a great book club discussion?
People often ask what qualities make a book a good candidate for book discussion. Probably the most important criteria are that the book be well written, have an interesting plot and three-dimensional characters.
How do you start a book club discussion?
What to Do Before the Meeting
- Read the book.
- Write down important page numbers (or bookmark in your e-reader).
- Come up with eight to ten questions about the book.
- Let others answer first.
- Make connections between comments.
- Occasionally direct questions toward quiet people.
- Rein in tangents.
How do book clubs read books?
Book Club Etiquette – Read Before Your First Book Club Meet
- Read the Book. You’ve joined a book club, so reading the book assigned is an integral part of the entire exercise.
- Be Honest.
- Be On-Time.
- Keep an Open Mind.
- Respect other Members.
- Interact.
- Bring a Gift.
- Let’s Talk About the Book.
What makes a good book club member?
A Good Book Club Member remains calm and collected. Remember that book club is for respectful, enjoyable conversation. Even when you strongly disagree with a member’s take on the book, refrain from bandying about words like “idiotic,” “absurd,” or “pseudo-intellectual.”
How long should a book club meeting last?
For a relatively relaxed meeting aim for about 2 hours. For example: Arrive at 7pm (meet, chat, eat – if food is on offer – and discuss any book club issues such as what to read next). 7.45pm open the book discussion.
How do you start a book club conversation?
Another idea for a conversation starter is to ask each person to choose a passage from the week’s chapter (s) and read it aloud. Each member can then offer their thoughts and highlight the merits/drawbacks of the excerpt. Check out this list of sample book club questions from Book Riot you can print and distribute amongst fellow bookworms.
Is there a right way to run a book club?
There is no right way to run a book club – book clubs come in every shape and form. But the one factor that is consistent is that happy clubs are those whose members discuss and agree expectations.