Support Groups for Book Discussion Leaders by Me in Booklist

The latest issue of Booklist features a spotlight on Book Discussions, one of my favorite topics.

I contributed an article entitled, “Support Groups for Book Discussion Leaders,” which begins:

A librarian walks into a bar, sits down, and puts her head in her hands. The bartender strolls over and asks, “Tough day at work? Your relationship headed south?” “Both!” answers the librarian. “Book club did not go well today; it did not go well at all . . .”

Intrigued? You can read the rest of the article here. It is all about the awesome work we do at ARRT helping book discussion leaders.

The whole issue has lots of information for everyone out there working with book clubs.  Here is the post from Booklist Reader which previews the entire issue [with clickable links]:

The Latest Booklist: Spotlight on Book Discussions

The December 15 issue of Booklist magazine is now live. Visit Booklist Online, where you’ll find 280 new reviews and 9 new feature articles and lists. The articles will be free to all for the next two weeks—to have unrestricted access, you’ll need to log in. If you aren’t yet a subscriber, or do subscribe but haven’t registered for access, you can take care of that today!

Our Spotlight on Book Discussions sports a number of resources for book groups. From Becky Spratford’s intelligent “Support Groups for Book Discussion Leaders” to Michael Cart’s brief and informative history of book groups—”Carte Blanche: Read and Discuss.” Former Adult Books Editor Brad Hooper’s forthcoming book, The Librarian’s Guide to Book Programs and Author Events (ALA Editions), is excerpted in an adapted list of the best books for book groups. To get discussion going for young adult readers, Sarah Hunter compiles a read-alikes list perfect for discussing an especially hot-button topic—teen pregnancy. Kaite Mediatore Stover and David Wright share their holiday wish lists and Dan Kraus conducts a not-to-be-missed interview with Stephanie Kuehn, Ashley Hope Pérez, and Victoria Schwab on the state of the YA novel.

As a reminder, Booklist’s digital edition of the December 15 issue is also live today. It’s a great new way to explore the magazine from your iPhone, iPad, tablet, Samsung Galaxy, or any other internet-connected device. With the digital issue, subscribers will now get print, online, digital, and archival access to the 22 Booklist and 4 Book Links issues each year! Visit www.booklistonline.com or click the link above to take a peek.

Happy Reading!