After a few years working way too much, I started off 2008 wanting desperately to achieve more balance, so I emailed a bunch of friends and suggested we start our book club back up (it had fizzled a few years earlier). I mostly wanted to pick their brains for book recommendations and to create an excuse for us all to get together every few weeks. It's been working out better than I'd hoped -- we have great discussions, have time to catch up, and I'm back to reading voraciously.
We're more writer-focused, but our writer's group reads profusely. I've been introduced to some really amazing book that I NEVER would have found on my own. And I've been able to return the favor, which is a pleasure. I love to hear how a particular book changed or inspired someone else in one way even as it changed or inspired me in another. Nothing like that! The synchronicity of books and life and lessons and inspiration also really comes into play when in a book group. The right book always shows up at just the right time. Love that.
Kim -- Finding balance! I love that, and it's something that I could use a little of right now. Thanks for sharing.
Trish -- I'd love to hear more about your writer's group reading -- do you all read the same book and discuss, or is it more organic discussion about whatever a particular person is reading? I imagine that as writers, you might approach a book differently and pay attention to the structure and other similar details more than the average reader. I am definitely delighted to hear that your group is made up of readers, though. I would hope that all writers are readers, but I don't think it's necessarily always the case.
We all read the same book and discuss. For instance, we're all using chapter 2 of To Kill a Mockingbird as a great example of a mature narrator (for those of us writing memoirs or with a fiction narrator looking back on events in the past). Plus, another class I'm in requires that we use a highlighter on the books we admire to highlight portions that particularly speak to us. I am averse to highlighters, but I do use sticky notes.
My class is made up of voracious readers, and while I can't imagine not reading as much as I do (writing gives me so many ideas to try), I think it is true that being a writer doesn't necessarily make one a reader.
I just read somewhere today about a woman who is in three book clubs at the same time. Now that would wear me out.
Thanks, Trish. Sounds like a great group, and an excellent way to learn.
I'm currently in two book groups, along with work reading, and everything else. Sometimes it works 
My book group, made up of current and former book reps and booksellers, has been meeting for over ten years! Many of us had shared a frustration: even though we talked about books all day, the business at hand often precluded having a meaty discussion about what we were reading. Sometimes you only get to talk about numbers.
As you may imagine, travel schedules make it hard to coordinate a date to meet, but four or five readers can make a lively discussion. Whoever hosts picks the next book. We gravitate toward fiction, but occasionally nonfiction with a strong narrative sneaks into the mix.
I also join in an online reading group when I can, which allows me to read books I'd never choose for myself. Funny, though, I think the forum provides a challenge for discussion. Most members may read the book but they don't participate beyond that. My theory—carefully composing comments to start a conversation or lend an opinion is a deterrent. And, it's time-consuming in a way that may not be as rewarding as gathering warm bodies and talking.
Jennifer!
Can I come to your book group? It sounds wonderful, and perfect for me, and ... oh, I see you had to fly to Maine, so I'm guessing you live far away from where I am. But tell me where you are and if you accept guest members and ... sigh. I can dream, right?
Thanks for the comment!
Thanks for the great post. I want to find myself a book group now! I'm looking forward to reading the other posts in this series.
There's a reading group here. I've tried to get involved. I look up the titles of the books they read each month and just can't get into them.
Talking with some of the regulars I realize that we have similar backgrounds but very different personalities. I know I'll never persuade them to pick up some of my favorite books. But I have a group that I keep in touch with by e-mail, phone, and forums where we can discuss our favorite books. They won't make the standard shortlists but we love them anyway!
I am currently in a reading group where we also knit or crochet (haHA-killing 2 birds with one meeting...). Everyone takes a turn choosing the book, and we meet once a month on a Saturday or Sunday. We also pick a food theme, usually to go along with the book-sometimes it is 50's fare (jello mold anyone?); sometimes comfort food; sometimes brunch. Alcohol is always involved. The food aspect seems to be as important as the book itself.
Part of what I love about this group is that I am reading things that either I never would have picked up on my own, or I never got a chance to read before. Sometimes I love them (The Friday Night Knitting Club), sometimes, as with The Red Tent, I can just say "well, I read it..." But I always find something valuable to take away, both from the book and from the meeting of friends.
Next month, we are reading Mary-Ann Tirone Smith's Girls of Tender Age.
One of our members grew up in the area of CT where a great portion of this memoir takes place, and knew some of those involved, so we will get the gossipy backstory as well!
Nikki,
I'm so jealous. Of everything. Books + knitting + food + alcohol?
Heaven, I say!
I don't live that far away-you can join us anytime!!
Nikki, I'm with Ann...can I be in your book group? It sounds fantastic!
I've never been in a book group, but they fascinate me. I'm really looking forward to future posts in this reading group series. I love hearing about everyone's experiences with them and hope to someday join a good one myself!
The more the merrier!!
I am reading group junkie -- been in a reading group since 1989 -- moving gave me several locales to be in one or start one. Annapolis, MD; Monument, CO; Chapel Hill, NC and Kent Island, MD! I love the community of fellow readers, sharing ideas from the books that translate into issues in our lives and, more often than not, world issues. The groups have been informal and social (wine, of course and sometimes, themed food -- I made the potaoe peel pie for Guernsey discussion) The one I'm in now, Kent Island, has an awards meeting in December -- one member makes statues of the award winners (called The KIBBIES-- Kent Island Book Awards.)the categories: Best Book of Year, Worst Book Of Year, Best Character, Worst Character, Best Sex Scene or Romance Encounter, and Worst Sex Scene or Romance Encounter. It is a once-a-month get together with friends -- love it!
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