Purchase Now
Buy the book as soon after it has been selected to have sufficient time to read it. The fastest way to dissolve a book group is to regularly have a room full of people who didn't read or finish the book—everyone begins to wonder what they're all doing there. We recommend buying your next book online as a group, and have the books delivered (usually free of charge) to next month's host for everyone to pick up and take home.
Choose Wisely
Select books that will support lively discussions by using reviews, recommendations, and the bookbuffet.com Book Archive that lists books read by other book groups with member reviews and ratings.
Come Prepared
Bring your notes and quotes from the book or your journal.
Stick to a Schedule
Plan and schedule each meeting to allow time for friendly chitchat followed by focused book discussion. Adhere to break schedules and respect the agreed upon ending time.
Mix It Up
Genres, styles, authors, eras! Complement or contrast your previous selection by alternating national and international authors, reading different books dealing with the same topic, or changing from fiction to non-fiction, modern classic to ancient tome. Don't forget short stories, plays, screenplays or poetry for meetings when you are pressed for time. Consider reading a longer, more challenging work over a two-month summer or winter holiday break.
Add Interest
Attend author readings, book fairs, or go on other book-related "field trips" such as attending the movie or play based on a book you've all read. If you're in a same-sex group, invite partners to attend one meeting to pitch their favorite book for your group to vote on—competition can be intense! Fair warning: men typically pick histories or biographies, and their fiction choices usually feature topics and themes quite different from those found in the works of Barbara Kingsolver or Margaret Atwood.
Keep Potential Members Interested
Allow one member, perhaps the host, to invite a guest or friend to join the discussion from time to time. That guest may be the perfect new addition when a member drops out or you want to expand. Don't allow your group to shrink through attrition—new blood, fresh ideas and viewpoints help groups to thrive.
Enjoy your book group experience!
