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members simultaneously. They also allow for online discussion after the meeting. Websites are not very effective for keeping in contact with members of book clubs. They are less interactive and people forget to visit. A website is great to have if you are trying to attract new members.

7. How to pick the book? If you are leading the group, people will look to you to make the decision, but don't take that as permission for the club to read all of your favorite books. Ask for input at every meeting on book suggestions. Grab a list that fits into your genre and post it to see what people think. Solicit the e-mail lists for suggestions. Your group wants to suggest a book, but they want you to ask.

8. Keep control. It is best to have an agenda and to stick to it as much as possible. Conversations will get off topic and it is your responsibility to bring them back on topic. Jot down some questions to spur discussion, send these out on your e-mail list so people are prepared for them. You can even try to have the person who suggested the book make the questions.

9. Keep it light. Things come up. People will miss meeting and people will not read the book. Don't try and come down on people when this happens. Let it go. Sometime a majority of the people won't read the book for the month. When this happens, look at the book and evaluate if it really fits into the genre. Book clubs are there to take the personal experience of reading and make it social.

10. Have fun! This is the most important rule. Unless your group is into it, don't turn your book club into an English class. Make sure that everyone is in on the discussion and that debates don't get too heated.

With these guidelines you should be well on your way to a wonderful long lived book club.

Learn more about this author, Budd Black.
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