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The Goodreads website has launched a site-sponsored online book group. While many libraries and other websites have attempted to sponsor such groups, most of the attempts I’ve heard of have been ineffective because the groups have not had a wide enough audience to get off the ground. But Goodreads has attracted plenty of devoted readers, and I suspect this attempt might be successful.

Their first selection is Jennifer Egan’s A Visit from the Goon Squad. Reading will occur through June and July. The site includes active discussion boards for each chapter of the book, a chance to highlight favorite quotes, vote in online polls about the book, and take quizzes. Egan will lead a live chat session about the book on August 2nd at 5 p.m., and other experts will provide commentary. The site shows members who are participating, as well as several other registered book groups who are reading the book.

While an online book group is not quite the same social experience as a face-to-face group, this implementation is promising, with plenty of resources put behind the effort that should make it a rewarding experience for those who participate. As of this writing, 3100 readers had signed up to give it a try. For libraries, in particular, this might be a place to point certain readers who are looking for a new or additional book group and are willing to try online activities.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 7th, 2011 at 9:17 am and is filed under Book Club Tips, In the News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.