How to Have an Effective Reading Group
BY STEPHEN EARLEY JORDAN, II
Writing leads to reading. Therefore, it’s only fair to supply my readers
with sufficient information on creating an effective reading group, since
the last article was based on writing groups.
You’ll notice that some of the information is quite repetitive from the
“How to Have an Effective Writing Group” article simply for the fact that
when you work with peer groups, there are similarities in the guidelines to
which we must adhere to make the group truly successful.
Moreover, if Oprah could have a book club, so can you, right? It may not
be as glamorous as hers, but let’s pretend it is. And, with that mindset,
we’ll only have success, success, success! But the catch is to not only have
a reading group, but to have an EFFECTIVE reading group.
Allow this to be a guide to reinforce your already-found knowledge and
love for literature. And, more importantly, let this assist you in finding
some fellow readers.
Number of Members Limited. I’ve found that if you purchase a
Hallmark
card (or if you’re computer savvy create a card on your computer) and
cordially invite members. Give potential members a deadline to RSVP their
spot in this "exclusive" reading group. If potential members feel that this
will be professional, beneficial, and exclusive they will probably join.
A common trend is to maintain limited membership, and have a back-up list
of potential recruits. Make a verbal agreement amongst yourselves that
members must attend x-amount of group meetings or the member will be asked
to resign their position with the group. Sounds harsh? Nah, don’t think of
it like that—view it as a professional group and each member must carry his
own weight.
Meetings. Meetings must revolve around the members’ schedules. As such,
give members about a month to read the text and develop an analysis of it.
The last weekend (perhaps a Sunday? Saturday?) could be ideal. Don’t let
these meetings drag into the late hours of the night. Set aside an hour or
two, during a brunch, and allow someone to be the time-keeper, making sure
your group doesn’t go overboard with the discussion. Why should there be
limits? If members see that these sessions are lasting longer than they
anticipated, there is sure to be obvious conflict and many members will
decide to leave the group. Allow members to know up-front (when they accept
the invitation to join) that the sessions will last no more than x-amount of
hours.
Genre. Perhaps your group would like to simply explore fiction written by
and/or about Black or Japanese authors. If this is the case — make that known
from the beginning when the group is organized and members are invited to
join it. Some topics of interest members could appreciate include: Religion,
Regional, Multicultural, Juvenile, Feminism, Gay/Lesbian, Adventure, Fantasy
just to name a few. Of course, these categories can get more specific. It is
a definite must, though, to ensure fresh material within these categories.
Length. You don’t want to read Gone with the Wind. Just the thought,
alone, makes it a formidable task! Keep work schedules and personal lives in
consideration when thinking of the text’s length. As a reference, works by
Virginia Woolf, Joyce Carol Oates, Jean Rhys, and Toni Morrison are
generally excellent material for book clubs.
The Critique. Ah, we mustn’t forget about the important part
— the
critique. When critiquing text, encourage members to discuss all aspects of
the book such as: the time it was written, the author’s biographical
information, any sociopolitical undertones, and the list goes on. Allow each
member about 7-10 minutes to discuss the text, with no interruptions. Upon
completion of the individual critiques, allow members to discuss (as a
group) how their interpretations differ and why they agree and/or disagree
with other members.
The Discussion. During the discussion, encourage members to be active
participants. Or else, what’s the point of being in this reading group,
right? What were some of the good things in the text? Was it the plot? Was
it the development of characters? Or, perhaps it was the symbolism? What
were some of the negative aspects of the text? Perhaps the climax didn’t
reach the peak you expected. Has anyone in the group read any of the
author’s earlier work? If so, allow them to discuss how this compares to the
previous text. Questions posed during the discussion can be unlimited. But,
so this doesn’t drag on for hours and hours, set a time limit for the
discussion. Once again, most of the members probably have hectic lives
beyond this social group. If you play your cards right and with some advance
planning, it’s possible to find a local author to attend your meeting and
read portions of their text the same month you discuss their works.
If members can’t keep up with reading that much work each month, then
find shorter text. Above all, reading groups should be a relaxed
environment — away from your significant other, your children, and your job.
Let this be a time where you hone your reading and analytical skills with
the assistance of others who simply seek the same thing.
Stephen Jordan has five years
experience within the educational publishing industry. Stephen was a
freelance editor with such educational foundations as Princeton Review,
The College Board, New York University, and Columbia University. Away
from the office, Stephen promotes his creative writing with his
home-freelance business OutStretch Publications and his artwork. Stephen
holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees in writing and literature from
Alderson-Broaddus College of Philippi, West Virginia.
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