How to Have an Effective Reading Group

Writing leads to reading. Therefore, it’s only fair to supply my readers with comfortable information on creating an effective reading group, since the last article was based on writing groups.

You’ll notice that several of the information is quite repetitive from the “How to Have an Effective Writing Group” article just for the fact that once you activity with peer groups, there are similarities in the guidelines to which we must adhere to do the group truly successful.

Moreover, if Oprah could have a book club, so can you, right? It may not be as exciting as hers, but let’s pretend it is. And, with that mindset, we’ll only have success, success, success! But the catch is to not only have a reading group, but to have an EFFECTIVE reading group.

Allow this to be a manual to reinforce your already-found psychological feature and love for literature. And, more importantly, let this assist you in finding several fellow readers.

Number of Members Limited. I’ve found that if you purchase a hallmark card, (or if you’re computer savvy create a card on your computer) and heartily invite members. Give potential members a point to RSVP their spot in this “exclusive” reading group. If potential members feel that this wish be professional, beneficial, and exclusive they wish probably join.

A common trend is to maintain limited membership, and have a back-up list of potential recruits. Do a verbal agreement amongst yourselves that members must attend x-amount of group meetings or the member wish be asked to resign their position with the group. Sounds harsh? Nah, don’t think of it like that—view it as a professional group and each member must carry his own weight.

Meetings. Meetings must revolve about the members’ schedules. As such, give members just about a month to see the text and develop an analysis of it. The last weekend (perhaps a Sunday? Saturday?) could be ideal. Don’t let these meetings drag into the late hours of the night. Set aside an hour or two, during a brunch, and allow causal agency to be the time-keeper, production sure your group doesn’t go overboard with the discussion. Why should there be limits? If members see that these sessions are lasting longer than they anticipated, there is sure to be obvious conflict and many an members wish decide to leave the group. Allow members to cognize up-front (when they accept the invitation to join) that the sessions wish last no more than x-amount of hours.

Genre. Mayhap your group would-be like to just explore fiction written by and/or just about Black or Japanese authors. If this is the case—make that better-known from the beginning once the group is organized and members are invited to join it. Several topics of interest members could appreciate include: Religion, Regional, Multicultural, Juvenile, Feminism, Gay/Lesbian, Adventure, Fantasy just to name a few. Of course, these categories can get more specific. It is a definite must, though, to ensure fresh material inside these categories.

Length. You don’t want to see “Gone with the Wind.” Simply the thought, alone, does it a formidable task! Support activity schedules and personal lives in consideration once thinking of the text’s length. As a reference, works by Virginia Woolf, James joyce Carol Oates, Jean Rhys, and Toni Morrison are generally superior material for book clubs.

The Critique. Ah, we mustn’t forget just about the important part—the critique. Once critiquing text, encourage members to discuss all aspects of the book such as: the time it was written, the author’s chronicle information, any sociopolitical undertones, and the list goes on. Allow each member just about 7-10 minutes to discuss the text, with no interruptions. Upon completion of the individual critiques, allow members to discuss (as a group) how their interpretations take issue and why they agree and/or disagree with else members.

The Discussion. During the discussion, encourage members to be active participants. Or else, what’s the point of being in this reading group, right? What were several of the nice things in the text? Was it the plot? Was it the development of characters? Or, mayhap it was the symbolism? What were several of the negative aspects of the text? Mayhap the climax didn’t reach the peak you expected. Has anyone in the group see any of the author’s earlier work? If so, allow them to discuss how this compares to the previous text. Questions expose during the discussion can be unlimited. But, so this doesn’t drag on for hours and hours, set a time limit for the discussion. Once again, most of the members probably have feverish lives on the far side this societal group. If you play your cards right and with several advance planning, it’s possible to find a local author to attend your meeting and see portions of their text the same month you discuss their works.

If members can’t support up with reading that more activity each month, then find shorter text. Above all, reading groups should be a relaxed environment—away from your significant other, your children, and your job. Let this be a time wherever you hone your reading and analytical skills with the assistance of others who just seek the same thing.

About The Author

Stephen Jordan has five years experience inside the educational business enterprise industry. Writer was a freelance editor with such educational foundations as Princeton Review, The College Board, New Royal family University, and Columbia University. Away from the office, Writer promotes his creative writing with his home-freelance business OutStretch Publications and his artwork. Writer holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees in writing and literature from Alderson-Broaddus College of Philippi, West Virginia

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This article was announce on Gregorian calendar month 07, 2004