for the bookworm
Start a Book Group
A book group is a great way for people who enjoy reading to get together and share their opinions on a variety of books chosen by the members or host.
Offer to become a book group leader amongst a group of friends, at your local senior citizens centre or a retirement village. Many seniors can be limited in their physical movements, but still crave an activity that will engage their minds. Book groups provide a place to discuss ideas and exchange opinions as well as generate enthusiasm for reading as an enjoyable pastime.
Here are some ideas to organise a book group.
- Select a host for the club, or take turns choosing a book title and discussion leader. Select a genre - classic literature, detective novels, popular fiction, historical novels, authors who research and write about pre-and post-World War II, art, culture or politics for instance.
- Keep it simple by choosing a book with reading guides that facilitate discussion.
- Plan to meet once a month for 1-1/2 hours to allow everyone time to read the selection beforehand. Limit the number attending to no more than twelve so that everyone can share in the discussion.
- Supply snacks, but limit alcohol or the group may turn into a cocktail hour instead of a discussion group
- If a selection turns out to be a favorite, consider reading other books by the same author.
- If the book being discussed is also a movie, the group can plan an outing to see the movie or rent the DVD to watch for a movie night.