The New York Public Library (R) Guide to Reading Groups

by Rollene Saal

This helpful guide provides stimulating reading lists and practical tips for organizing and leading your own successful book-discussion group. Explains how to get a group started, determine its ideal size, weigh the pros and cons of having a leader, understand the effects of various leadership styles, develop a book list that will appeal to your group's interests, and foster a good discussion.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference

180 pages, Hardcover

First published February 7, 1995

Reviews

[Chris B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the book club selection twice? TWICE? I'm just trying to finish once!

[Helen Geng · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read June 2020

[Karen]

Saying that I read this book is slightly misleading because I did not read it cover to cover, but I read enough to know that it is aimed at people looking to start a book club outside of a formal, institutional setting. The recommendations are sound, especially concerning appropriate book club behavior and good books to start with, but they are also more academic and analytically focused than suits the book club that I run.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did find this book helpful, but a lot of what it's about are book groups that meet repeatedly, which is not what I'm going to be leading. I was glad to find a list of starter questions to get discussion going, and relieved that the main idea is that the leader talks the least! I'm re-reading the book we'll be discussing, too, using the tips I got from this book.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good questions to think about while reading a book and informative book lists that added lots to my list of books to read.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative

[Madeline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting pointers of what makes a good book club, but more importantly, it reminds us that there really don't need to be a lot of rules. A book club should bring together like-minded people who love to read. Not everyone will love every selection, but sharing together helps broaden each person's perspective. The book also includes extensive book lists suggested for various types of readers & discussions. Of course, since years have elapsed since publication of this book, the lists could be updated with more suggestions from readers in a group's club or librarians or other bibliophiles :-)