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When you are preparing to lead a book discussion, do you ever think about which members of your group will probably respond very positively to the book?  Which ones will be more critical?  Which ones may have a lukewarm reaction?  I do. Sometimes I’m quite accurate with my predictions, but other times I miss the [...]

Children’s literature is a favorite among book groups. Titles aimed at kids are usually a speedy, easy read and can provoke all sorts of memories, good and bad about libraries, reading, books, and beloved or beloathed characters. Book groups looking for a one-stop resource for selecting a youth title that will appeal to the largest [...]

Have you enjoyed Book Movement lately? Rebecca has noted this website before here on Book Group Buzz, but I just got around to giving it a closer look today. It’s a website that probably ought to be on the radar of book group members, as it includes several useful tools to help select titles, promote [...]

Where boring book group titles go to die. Another of Spanish installation artist Alicia Martin’s intriguing works that blends the natural world with the print one. For commentary on this work and others, look here.

Tonight I led a book discussion at the Wisconsin Association of Public Librarian’s Spring Conference on Mennonite In a Little Black Dress by Rhoda Janzen.  It is always a gas to lead a discussion with my fellow librarians as it is so easy. We began the discussion by debating the relative merits of biography vs. [...]

I wrote last week about three new chef memoirs that have caught my attention. Today, I stumbled into this article at the San Jose Mercury News about a new development: culinary book groups. Often sponsored by food boutiques or chef’s kitchens, these groups read and discuss culinary books, but also add demonstrations, potlucks from a particular cook [...]

Many of us hope every week that our book groups will not turn into the above. As facilitators, we want to concentrate on the book. We’re careful about what we select for the group to read. We want the title to resonate with the readers, invite thoughtful conversation, and encourage shared experiences. We’re always happy [...]

were piled, they might reach the second story. Imagine turning the corner and seeing *this* outside your favorite bookstore, Thalia, in Linz, Austria. I’m so going to Linz. See more about the sculpture’s installation here.