I have just retired after 36 years as a high school and junior high English teacher, a master teacher/peer coach, and a University instructor. (Phi Beta Kappa graduate of University of Minnesota, B.S. and M.Ed). Probably my favorite part of being an English teacher has been the book discussions. Whether in my senior-level Shakespeare class, my Advanced English 10 class, Intermediate Global Issues in Literature, or parent/teen book clubs, I am always stimulated and excited by the discussions. I also have been a member of one book club since 1972 (we think we were the original book club!) and was a member of a book group of all English teachers for 10 years. I can moderate many types of discussions, from formal to informal, about many types of literature. I can help out on a one-time basis or more, depending on the needs and desires of a group.

Hi!

I must admit, I've always been curious; what are the benefits of having a personal reading group leader as compared to a loose group of friends? I'm supposing you'd organize the guides, and discussion topics, as well as hand outs, but wasn't sure, and figured it never hurts to ask .

I personally like just reading and talking with my friends rather than have a facilitator, it feels less like a hobby when you have a boss type.

Members of groups I have facilitated professionally tell me that my research-based questions keep the discussion dynamic and literary, more about getting the most from a book than about liking/disliking it. For the difference between “reading” and “reading critically,” I like the metaphor of drinking wine to slake a thirst v. tasting wine to understand its tone, construction and distinctions from other wines. People also seem to appreciate the way I make sure everyone who wants to speak has the opportunity.

Lisa K. Buchanan
San Francisco, CA
lisakbfacilitator@pobox.com

Our group has been together 8 years and have been reasonably successful in discussing our books in-depth until recently. We are a group of 8; two of the gals now seem to be more inclined to approach our sessions more as a classroom/study environment and the others would like to strike a better balance of discussion/learning/social. Typically, the person hosting the evening provides and leads the discussion questions. We are all avid readers and it is extremely unusual that someone attends without having read the book so we are all united in our interst in continuing the club. Any suggestions as to how we can breath new life into our group to accomplish and satisfy what everyone is looking for?