LEADING A BOOK DISCUSSION

• Read the book for yourself – plan to finish it a little earlier than your group, in case questions arise before the discussion date ~
• Keep a discussion date in mind, and stick to it ~
• Keep a note of important page numbers or text in case you want to quote something ~
• Come up with a list of about 8 questions which will encourage people to participate in the discussion ~
• Let the others answer first – it’s not just about your opinions – everyone’s thoughts matter ~
• As the leader of the discussion try to link answers, so the debate flows along, and isn’t taken off subject ~
• Whilst some deviation can occur when one topic leads to another –try not to meander off subject too much, and remember to bring the discussion back to the book you are discussing – don’t start off discussing “Gone with Wind” and end up talking about “Pulp Fiction” ~
• The best way to finish off the discussion is to ask for a book rating –keep it simple – a score of 1-5 is acceptable~

BOOK GROUP QUESTIONS


• What did you think the book was about?
• Did you feel that the book fulfilled your expectations?
• Were you disappointed?
• How did the book compare to other books by the author (or other books in the same genre)?
• What about the plot? Did it pull you in; or did you feel you had to force yourself to read the book?
• How realistic was the characterization? Would you want to meet any of the characters? Did you like them? Hate them?
• Did the actions of the characters seem plausible? Why? Why not?
• If one (or more) of the characters made a choice that had moral implications, would you have made the same decision? Why? Why not?
• How does the setting figure into the book? Is the setting a character? Does it come to life? Did you feel you were experiencing the time and place in which the book was set?
• How would the book have been different if it had taken place in a different time or place?
• What are some of the book's themes? How important were they?
• How are the book's images symbolically significant? Do the images help to develop the plot, or help to define characters?
• Did the book end the way you expected?
• Would you recommend this book to other readers?



Recommended Guides and Links



Find it here

Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Michael O'Mara (September 1, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1843172690
ISBN-13: 978-1843172697


bookclubsresource.com

Sassanach, this guide is great. Thanks for posting it.