Blogs

Every now and again, reading groups complain of divas, know-it-alls -- any words meaning "please let others speak!"

Our group tried an egg timer. Two minute maximum in the first go-around that provided all members their say. Didn't work to well -- the vocal one still interrupted members' allotted time! So, the group, san the diva, tried something else. DON'T DO THIS AT HOME!! Unless the group is friendly and can laugh with (not at) each other.

Do you cherish a “classic book" that you want others to read and love, as well? Ten authors, including Ruth Rendell, Hari Kunru, Joanna Trollope, Colm Toibin, relate their favorite neglected classics for BBC Radio Open Book series.

National Reading Group Month is over. Or is it? Reading groups and book clubs celebrate the book and literary conversation all year.

One case in point, reading groups have weighed in on the Guardian's First Book Award.

I'm going to a Halloween party tonight. With the weather, I might just stay in and glance over some of my favorite Halloween stories.

Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. I am Legend by Richard Matheson. The Haunting of the Hill House by Shirley Jackson.

National Reading Group Month Rocks On! Reading groups, libraries, and bookstores celebrate the joy of shared reading. I've wrote about the awesome event in Nashville. Let's go across the country reviewing all the great reading group authors who discussed their books at the WNBA's chapter events.

I love short stories -- characters coming alive in compact narratives. There are many short story collections that makes great reading group picks and create lively conversation.

In the big picture, reading groups represent the foundations of democracy! Yes, I said it! Many people across the world aren't allowed to read what they want. Even if they manage to read an unauthorized book; they won't be able to discuss with anyone else. Reading groups offer conversation without any pressure from outside, in that, members can share ideas about anything -- the book, the author, how the book opens up to member's lives, regional issues, national issues, and world issues. I love that!

Last weekend was my first time in Nashville and I was in for a ride! Authors descended on the Music City (I say, Book City) for the 21^st Annual Southern Festival of Books.