Tips on How to Lead a Book Discussion
 

Book discussion leaders help participants enjoy the experience of
exchanging ideas and observations about a book.  As a facilitator, you provide direction for the group and help the conversation transition from topic to topic.

Planning and preparation will make the discussion you lead interesting and successful.  Most of the background information you need to lead a book discussion is available in a handy booklet created for The House on Mango Street reading program.  You can pick up a copy of the booklet at the
Escondido Public Library or download and print a copy here on the website.

FIRST THINGS FIRST: PREPARE

  • Be sure you've allowed yourself time to read the book and make some notes.
  • Know a little about the author's background.  You may want to use some of the author's biographical information to stimulate the discussion.
  • Prepare a list of general and specific questions to discuss.  Six to ten questions should suffice for an hour-long discussion.
  • Increase your background information by reading critical reviews.
  • Have a list of suggested books or resources for further reading and investigation handy.

READY, SET, GO!  PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE

  • First, find a comfortable setting for your group.  Arrange seating ahead of time so everyone is comfortable.
  • Be sure to introduce yourself and participants to one another before you begin.
  • Before you start the discussion, take care of housekeeping details: Review and post the Ground Rules for Discussion (see below) and obtain group buy-in for group rules.
  • Begin by soliciting initial reactions about the book.
  • Introduce topics for discussion by asking open-ended questions: Questions that can be answered "yes" or "no" will certainly curtail discussion.
  • Moderate and facilitate the discussion rather than lecture or teach.
  • Depending on the group, ask general questions to stimulate thoughts and lead into more specific questions to provide more depth and insight.  You might want to discuss: author's use of language, character development, plot development.
  • Keep the meeting focused and on topic, but allow for the free flow of ideas.  Encourage participants to refer to ground rules to help keep the discussion on track.
  • Transition or redirect the discussion to new areas by introducing new questions.
  • Ask that comments be backed with specific details and examples.
  • Encourage consensus, but allow room for differing viewpoints and respectful disagreement.  Allow controversial issues to surface in the discussion.
  • Ensure that everyone has a chance to be heard and that no one person's voice is heard too much.
  • Be flexible.  Don't expect to get through all the prepared questions and topics.
  • Keep track of time.

 


Discussion Ground Rules (Suggested)

(Try presenting the Ground Rules
on a poster or creating a handout for participants.)

  1. The discussion is a judgment-free environment: there are no right or wrong responses in literary interpretation.

  2. All opinions and experiences have equal value.

  3. Participants are encouraged to speak up and should not expect to be called upon.

  4. Speakers can respond to what a person before him said.

  5. No prepared speeches.

  6. Listen and try to understand the other person's point of view.

  7. Speakers should be brief and share the discussion with others.

  8. Share your viewpoint and expertise.

  9. Disagree respectfully.

  10. Comments should be based on the text.

ENJOY!

Encourage your group to learn more about the book's time period
or culture by attending some planned events at the library.

If you're starting your own book club, check out some of
these links for more ideas on book discussions:

 

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