Do you go book clubbing?
Book clubs sometimes take a hit in the television and movie media world, poking fun and hinting at the mundane, however, the book clubs I know have been fun and entertaining. The group I am with now holds loosely themed dinners that relate to the book we’ve read in some way and gives us girl bonding time (no boys allowed!). I know of other groups that meet at libraries and get so into their topics that they have teleconferences with the book’s author and go to presentations that relate to the subject matter. Whichever way your book club leans, we want to h ear about it. What are you reading? Where do you meet? Do you have open attendance or is your membership closed? Have you contacted an author as a group? Do you pay attention to the official Book Club Questions to Discuss that appear in the back of so many published works these days? Let’s talk about it, book club style.
January 6, 2009 - 10:15 AM
I’ve never been part of an official book club, however, I have tried to start up my own a couple of times, but it never seemed to work out. The group was too small, so no one was able to meet at the same time. The few meetings we did have, were informal. We had a leader who was responsible for the discussion. I left it to them whether or not to follow the question guide. If I didn’t have a million hobbies, I’d like to get involved in another.
What is a fun book out there lately?
The Roanoke Valley library has a book club online you can sign up for that delivers a chapter a day into your email box. The only trouble is there is that it only delivers five chapters – so if you want to read the rest of the book you’re on your own. But I did it for awhile and did discover some great new authors that way.
My friends and I meet occasionally – but we do more of a “paperback exchange” club than a book club. We all share copies of books and eventually we all read them – but not at the same time.
I’ve never been part of a book club either, although the idea is definitely intriguing! I’m constantly looking for new/interesting books to read. Right now i’m reading a true crime novel by Ann Rule called Green River, Running Red.
Are Ann Rule’s books good? I heard that she actually new Ted Bundy. I saw she had a new book out called ‘Mortal Danger’. I almost bought it, but bought a fiction crime book by Kathy Reichs instead.
Don,
It all depends on what you think is fun. One of our reviewers is reading “Death: A Life,” a satire. It looks really funny. Here’s the link on amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Death-Life-George-Pendle/dp/030739560X/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1231268417&sr=8-7
Another fun read, and one that I intend to review (it’s in my stack of to read books!) is “The Graveyard Book” about a boy who grows up in a graveyard, raised by ghosts. http://www.amazon.com/Graveyard-Book-Neil-Gaiman/dp/0060530928/ref=pd_sim_b_1 Both are on the darker side, the satirical humor.
Does that help any Don? If not, give me some guidelines and maybe I can help more. I’ve found that searching on Amazon.com for an author I like and then looking at what comes up in similar books is a good way to find new books. If you trust their judgement on what is similar, that is.
Dana,
Ann Rule is certainly prolific! I haven’t actually read any of her work but I know I have often picked them up in book stores. They hook me in with back cover blurbs and I want to read them, I just haven’t made it a priority. Like you, I almost bought them. If you try her out, please let me know how it goes.
Dana–Yes, i love them…but it all depends on whether or not true crime interests you. I’ve read The Stranger Beside Me which is her book about Ted Bundy and in it she does talk about how she worked with him and often corresponded with him via letters without knowing that he was actually a serial killer…it’s very interesting and i highly recommend it!
I used to not be interest in crime stories at all, as I have bad dreams. But I’m trying to branch out. I think I will add Ann Rule to my list. Thanks Sam. And I’ll let you know Heather when/if I actually get to it.
Dana,
Yes, my dad and I both have enjoyed Ann Rule’s books. My dad, 87 years old, seems to really enjoy true crime, or anything with forensics. They are quick, but interesting reads that stay with you, so if you suffer from nightmares you may wanna sit them out!
Here is a random question… has anyone read any of William F. Buckley’s books? (He wrote over 50)…I picked up the latest Vanity Fair last night and read an interesting article about WFB and his wife Pat. I’m intrigued.
BOOK DIGGIN’ DIVAS BOOK CLUB
Eight sassy women of varying ages and diverse backgrounds began meeting in my home 4 years ago on Sunday evenings. Last spring, we began scheduling luncheon meetings at a restaurant that gives us a private room. One common denominator for the Divas is that we all love dogs — the canine kind. So the #1 book club selection below was our all-time-favorite: “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle.” It is a masterfully crafted novel, the writing exquisite, and the story enthralling. While not everyone appreciated the ending, we all thoroughly enjoyed the book. I liked the fact that it was not predictable. (Oprah chose the book for her book club AFTER we did!)
The Divas are currently reading two books: “Lucky” by Nicholas Sparks (It has a dog in it.) and “Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace” by Greg Mortenson.
Usually we choose one book to read, but occasionally two. We each make suggestions and draw the “winning” book(s). Sometimes we just agree on the same book. The Diva who recommends the chosen book becomes “The Designated Diva” for the next meeting and leads the discussion. The DD also sends/emails everyone questions of her choosing prior to the meeting. We sometimes invite a speaker knowledgeable about the history behind a book club selection.
Below are MY 6 favorite books:
1) The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, David Wroblewski
2) To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee
3) The Secret Life of Bees, Sue Monk Kidd
4) Corelli’s Mandolin, Louis De Bernieres
5) Bird’s Without Wings, Louis De Bernieres
6) The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (Very short, but deserves a long discussion.)
Heather,
Hands down, I belong to the best book club in the land! I belong to a running group in Charlottesville and as a subset belong to a book club of 18 running women.
Once a month we make ourselves read a book that we collectively choose. Most of us are “movers and runners,” not “sitters and readers,” so we really do have to make an effort.
We’ve read the “Sun also Rises” and took a field trip to the UVa Albert Small special collection to actually handle Hemmingway’s original typewritten manuscripts (who knew they were right here in our backyard and you can touch them!) along with other fantastic treasures from the library’s collection.
We’ve read “Garlic and Sapphires” by Ruth Reichl and then a professional chef came and prepared some of the dishes. We all chipped in for the food and it was luscious.
We read “The Kite Runner” and prepared Afghani food to serve with wine and discussion.
For October, we tried to read “Wicked” and although we failed miserably, there was still lively discussion of why some of us loved it, and some didn’t quite finish it…
We rely on our “real” readers to guide us in our selections.
I’ve found that its good to have mixed genders at our meetings, or the wine and the discussion leads us to digressing and leaping right into arguing which book to read next.
Next up, “Dewey” and then something with some “tooth.”
Happy reading!
My question is, how do you FIND a book club to be part of? I’ve been interested in joining one for a long time, but don’t really have interest among my friends.
Sandra,
Check Oprah’s suggestions for starting a book club at this link: http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahsbookclub/startingabookclub/20080701_orig_bookclub
After considering your interests, preferred time, day/evening, meeting place etc., consider posting an invitation in various ways: church, workplace, library, school bulletin, alumni group, athletic club, YWCA, or find friends on Facebook.com with similar interests. I started with a group of 4 and simply by talking about it among our friends, it grew to 8. I prefer a small club with 5-8 members. If the club is smaller and one or two can’t come, it usually gets postponed. With 8 members, if one or two have schedule conflicts, you can still have a good discussion. If it seems too much of a commitment for monthly meetings, try quarterly meetings, dinners or luncheons. They roll around quickly!
I hope to read other suggestions.
Ms. Goldenwillow,
The Book Diggin’ Divas sounds like a wonderful group! Please check in here now and then and let us know what your group has thought of a book. I’d be very interested in hearing your reactions to Three Cups of Tea. I reviewed this book early in its release and the author is a true gentleman. You can read my review here: http://ezinearticles.com/?Three-Cups-of-Tea-One-Mans-Mission-to-Promote-Peace…-One-School-at-a-Time—Book-Review&id=490151
The Little Prince is one of my all time favorite books ever. My father read it to me as a child. The thing I like most about it is the encouragement it gives readers to see the world as they see it, whether it is a snake who has eaten an elephant, or a hat to wear. Long discussions can indeed be had on that book.
Thanks for commenting! Please keep in touch.
Heather
Sandra,
We hope to list ongoing book clubs here, but in the meantime, check with your local library and/or retail bookstore. Groups often meet in such settings.
Heather
Maggie,
I love how your group operates! Nice additions to the discussions there. If you ever read about Peru and plan a trip down to Machu Pichu, let me know and I’ll join your group even if I have to start running!
Please keep us up to date on what your group is reading and your reactions.
Heather
I’m still reading Three Cups of Tea, and in the meantime my sister gave me Mountains beyond Mountains – it’s the story of Paul Farmer, an incredible visonary and doctor… has anyone out there read it?