Read the book twice. Look specifically for features with potential to stimulate a
lively discussion. Reading once for yourself and again for your group allows
you to expand your awareness of the book's subtleties and nuances. You'll be
amazed at what you failed to see the first time.
2.
Invest the time and effort to become thoroughly acquainted with the book and
formulate challenging questions. This may seem like a lot of work, but it will
pay big dividends to you and your group members.
3.
Try to limit yourself to asking questions. Your job is to facilitate the
discussion, not to instruct or give authoritative answers. Keep the discussion
informal and conversational. Try to keep the questions brief, yet clearly
stated. Ask questions that will lead to discussion and generate more questions.
4.
Prepare more questions than you can use. The recommended amount is 25-30
questions.
5.
Keep in mind that your questions are only the starting point for discussion.
You might end up paraphrasing them or skipping around as the discussion
evolves. Listen to what is being said and take your cue from the conversation. Ask spontaneous
follow-up questions as they occur to you and encourage group members to ask
questions of their own.
6.
Give group members time to think about a question or topic you've introduced.
If after a moment, no response is forthcoming, you could move on to something
else.
7.
There are no right or wrong answers, and each person's opinion should be respected (even if you don't agree
with it).
Hints for Participants
1.
Read the entire book. Note elements that seem important and list
questions as they occur to you. Pay close attention to your initial responses
to characters, plot, situations, dialog, and language. Note points of confusion
or anything that is unclear or ambiguous. Select a particularly meaningful
passage to share with the group.
2.
Mark passages with highlighters, post-it notes, or some type of bookmark. A
reference list with page numbers will insure that you aren't frantically
thumbing through pages to find a scene or event.
3.
The discussion should be limited to only the book in question. Supplemental
material (book reviews, author information, or other material) should be saved
for after the discussion.
4.
One of your greatest contributions to the discussion is listening. Then respond
thoughtfully and briefly. Ask questions if you don't understand something, or
to stimulate discussion of a point you want to cover in more detail. Your
opinions should be supportable with evidence from the selection.
5.
Differing viewpoints are encouraged, but disagreement should be polite. Be open to the ideas of others and appreciate
them. Help the leader to recognize the participant who may be having trouble
getting a word in edgewise.
