If you've decided to set up a reading group and are looking for pointers to help with structuring the discussion, you may find the tips below helpful:
INTRODUCTION
By the person who chose the book - why it was recommended and a bit about the author.
GENERAL EMOTIONAL RESPONSE
Top line views. Is it engaging, fast paced or slow, rewarding or pointless etc? Why?
WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?
What's the purpose of the book, the main themes or messages and how are these conveyed? How is it memorable - or not? What are the key developments or scenes?
CHARACTERS
How well are the characters developed? Are they believable? How do they interact with each other? Which are strongest/weakest? Do you identify with any of them?
STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES
Good and bad aspects. What worked and what didn't. How successfully is the storyline/plot developed? How strong is the ending and does it live up to expectations? Is there anything significant about the structure or writing style? How do they help or hinder reading?
COMPARE & CONTRAST
How does this book fare against others in the same genre/type or by the same author?
OVERALL IMPACT
What feeling does the book leave you with? Are there any parallels with your own experiences? Did it make you think differently about anything or anyone? Would you read anything by the same author again? What does it tell you about the author?
MARKS OUT OF TEN
It might be fun to ask each member of the group to score the book out of ten. Add up the scores and keep a record to see which book is the overall winner at the end of the year.
