There may already be a book group in your area. Ask at
your local library or check with The Reading Agency, a charity that aims to
promote reading: http://www.readinggroups.org/find/location/
Or try: http://wwwbookgroupinfo.co.uk
If a group doesn't exist in your area, or the existing
group is full, you may have to start a reading group from scratch.
First, ask among your friends, co-workers and
neighbours. You are likely to be surprised at how many people like to discuss
books.
If you are comfortable, put a small notice of the
group in your neighbourhood newsletter or newspaper. Don't include your
telephone number or address. Display only an email address as contact.
If strangers are included in the group, it is probably
best to meet in a public place such as a cafe, pub or your local library. Many
libraries have meeting rooms.
Decide on some ground rules such as:
- no hardback books as they are expensive
- decide how you will select books. Many book groups
let members take it in turns to suggest a novel. The member who selected the
novel opens the session by saying why they chose it.
- the group may be free with each member speaking
spontaneously about any aspect as it occurs to them, or you may wish to be
methodical and take time to discuss each aspect such as plot, character,
writing style, suitability of title and book cover and general satisfaction
with the novel.
Good luck!
Book groups are as varied as readers. Some of
us meet in homes, others in libraries, some in pubs and others even get
together online.