Have you ever been a member of a book club? How did your group choose (ot, if you haven’t been, what do you think is the best way to choose) the next book and who would lead discussion?

Do you feel more or less likely to appreciate books if you are obliged to read them for book groups rather than choosing them of your own free will? Does knowing they are going to be read as part of a group affect the reading experience?

What a serendipitous topic this week (more on why in a minute)!  I have enjoyed a number of book clubs, and I definitely think clubs affect how I read a work.  First, my favorite book clubs have chosen a wide variety of genres — I love to be pushed out of my comfort zone, especially when I know I will be “held accountable” by wanting to be prepared for a discussion. 

I also prefer that choices are new for all the members — this way the chooser isn’t held accountable for whether or not other members liked the work, plus the discussion just seems “fresher” somehow.  I like how I feel obligated to not only finish a book club selection, but also think through my opinions and impressions since I know I will need to support/defend them in a discussion.

Although I have been fortunate to be a member of a number of book clubs through the years, but my most recent club seems to have morphed into oblivion, sadly… 

So, last Tuesday I threw out an idea — how about an online short story book club?  Fortunately, Julie P., Heather, Mrs. S., Anna, and Lisamm expressed an interest!  Thank you!  If anyone thinks they may be interested, wonderful — the more the merrier!

At first I thought I might use the new site Book Sprouts, but I think it might be easier just to keep it here at Book Club Classics. 

So, here’s how it’s going work, at least initially:  I’ll pick a story that is accessible (online and free), then on the first of the month I’ll post a couple of questions and we can “discuss” in the comments! 

The first story will by Tobias Wolff’s Say Yes (simply click on the title to read the story).  It is one of my very favorite stories and a great discussion starter!  Then on July 1st I will post a couple of questions – feel free to join in the discussion any time throughout the month of July.  And if you can’t join in one month, stop by the next!  No pressure, no time limits, simply a great discussion!

Welcome back!