IN-PRINT RESOURCES PAGE OF MID-YORK'S BOOK DISCUSSION WEB SITE
Use these resources to select new titles and plan interesting discussions.
The Book Group Book: a Thoughtful Guide to Forming and Enjoying a Stimulating
Book Discussion Group
Edited by Ellen Slezak. 1st edition, c.1993/ 2nd edition, c. 1995/ 3rd edition,
c. 2000.
This book is composed of essays
written by and about book groups around the United States. It's interesting to
read about the groups, and the entries give personal information about each group.
This is not a how-to book. Many groups have submitted book lists, but almost all
are not annotated. It's a very enjoyable book for skimming.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Starting a Reading Group
By Patrick Sauer, c.
1999.
Offering plentiful advice on starting a successful reading group, this
beginner's guide provides all the information you need on finding members, choosing
interesting books, and scheduling meetings.
The Readers' Choice: 200 Book Club Favorites
By Victoria McMains, c. 2000.
"A Treasury of top picks by more than 20 reading groups nationwide."
The Reading Group Book
By David Laskin and Holly Hughes, c. 1995.
This
is a gem of a book that provides basic information and good how-to tips and techniques
for leading book discussions. It also includes a chapter on the history of book
groups in America. Fascinating reading as well as useful. The book lists are well
annotated.
Reading Group Choices: Selections for Lively Book Discussions
Paz & Associates. 1st edition, c.1997/ 2nd edition, c. 1999/ 3rd edition,
c. 2001.
These publications were developed and produced through
questionnaires sent to readers, booksellers, and publishers. They are designed
to assist members of reading discussion groups in the selection and discussion
of books. These are great books to give book group leaders ideas for books to
discuss. Discussion questions are included for each title.
The Reading List: a Critical Guide to the Complete Works of 110 Authors
Edited
by David Rubel, c. 1998.
This is an extensive list of contemporary fiction
from which you can choose. The book includes short biographies of the authors,
along with an annotated list of books each has written. What sets this book apart
from others is its "Next on the Reading List" referrals. If you like
a particular author, this book will suggest others you may enjoy.
The Salon.com Reader's Guide to Contemporary Authors
Edited by Laura Miller,
c. 2000.
Humorous and filled with information bites about the famous and infamous
in contemporary literature, this book is a good reference for finding new authors
or finding new books by your most loved authors.
Talking About Books: a Step-by-Step Guide for Participating in a Book Discussion
Group
By Marcia Fineman, c.1998.
This is a self-published very basic guide to beginning
a book group. Includes sample questions to ask about plot, conflict, theme, setting,
etc.
Women Who Love Books Too Much: Bibliophiles, Bluestockings, and Prolific
Pens from the Algonquin Hotel to the Ya-Ya Sisterhood
By Brenda Knight and Vicki Leon,
c. 2000.
An irreverent tribute to women who have devoted their lives to literature,
from booksellers to librarians, editors, writers, bibliophiles, and celebrated
book clubs. Knight makes this a fun read that can add spice to your discussions.
A Year of Reading: A Month-By-Month Guide to Classics and Crowd-Pleasers
For You and Your Book Group
By Elisabeth Ellington and Jane Freimiller, c. 2002.
Booklist calls this guide "a blueprint for a delightfully varied year of
reading, reflection, and discussion." Perfect for established groups or those
just starting out!
ALSO . . . Keep copies of these books available for reference:
Benet's Reader's Encyclopedia
Brewer's Dictionary
of Phrase and Fable
A Dictionary of Mythology
Dictionary of Symbols
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