Based on our experience both before and since Covid-19 lockdown, the following tips can be applied to in-person and virtual book clubs, discussion groups or our own LitSalon studies.
BOOK CHOICE
At the risk of stating the obvious, the best books for a book club are works of significant literature – whether fiction, poetry or non-fiction – that combine carefully-crafted and precise writing with layered meaning. Ideally, they should raise (even if they don’t answer) essential questions about what it means to be human.
The best conversations about literature respond to writing that invigorates and challenges readers. It helps if some of the language is truly sublime.
Of course, you will only know for sure whether the book qualifies after you have read it, but there are a lot of recommendations and reviews out there!
THE ENVIRONMENT
A successful book club (or LitSalon or online forum) offers a safe space – literally, metaphorically and psychologically – where everyone feels at ease and is able to question, share and take risks. Mutual respect is a vital ingredient, together with a supportive atmosphere which aims to achieve a weave of responses rather than one ‘right’ answer.
THE PEOPLE
Participants who share curiosity about the experiences and interior life of other people, as well as a willingness to hear alternative views, to be challenged and to reflect. The reading experience is enhanced when the group includes a diversity of personalities, ideas, histories and cultural affiliations.
If one person is leading or facilitating the discussion, it’s important to keep an open mind to the possibilities suggested by the literature and the insights offered by the group, while at the same time holding lots of possible directions to pursue and passages to consider.
OPTIONAL (BUT RECOMMENDED) EXTRAS
Good food and drink. Laughter!
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS
A common pitfall is to start the discussion by having members comment on whether they liked a book or not. This is a discussion-stopper: each participant takes their stance before the group has delved into the text. The works of literature that are most impactful aren’t necessarily the work that the first time reader likes – but through the discussion, the layers and subtleties can be revealed – and a book that at first you didn’t think you liked can become a book you love and appreciate.
