Use Book Discussion Resources for Any Reader

I love book discussions. I am very invested in helping library workers to do a better job both picking books and being more effective leaders. 

But something I have noticed is that library workers only use book discussion resources for book discussion activities. This realization has me shaking my fist at the sky because you all are missing out by not turning to the best books discussion resources all of the time.

Yes, all of the time. And for all readers.

Why? A few reasons.

1. Trusted book discussion resources vet books before they include them. They pick titles that not only provide fruitful points of discussion, but also will appeal to a wide audience. I treat these resources as a "sure bets" list-- titles that I can turn to in a pinch that I am sure will be enjoyed by most people. To increase those odds, you can use the links within those resources to their most popular titles. It is suggestion and display gold. 
2. Discussion resources provide so much extra information, both things your patrons may be interested in and information that may help you to hand sell the titles. From interviews with the authors to discussion question-- which often identify themes, subplots, and even appeal factors, such as the style of the book, you can learn a lot about who the best reader of these books, or the author in general, may be. 
3. Most book discussion resources have excellent backlist access. They know that older titles are still excellent options. The celebrity ones might be picking new books right now, but their back list is also easily accessible. Any book that was deemed discussable in the last 5 years-- even if the book itself is older-- would be a great option to suggest to a reader right now.
4. Speaking of celebrity lists, they can be an even better resource because those book clubs appeal directly to readers. They fill their sites with interviews-- in print and videos-- and tons of bonus info. While they often pick brand new books, the information doesn't disappear. You can use the celebrity endorsement itself as your conversation starter.

What I am trying to say here is, when you are looking for tested, sure bet suggestions and some help to booktalk said titles to your patrons, book discussion resources should be at the top of your list. AGAIN, use them as a resource without any intention for the person to be in a discussion group-- just as a good read.

Here are my favorite and most trusted book discussion resources:

• Lit Lovers: my first stop for everything book discussion. They have fiction and nonfiction, pages on popular titles, and access by author or title. I regularly visit this site to find "under the radar" or "forgotten favorites" suggestions for some of my pickiest readers.
• Reading Group Choices: They have featured books for Adult and YA titles, popular lists, and editor's choice titles. "Featured" books are never brand new. As a result, I find those titles to be great suggestions for those demanding readers looking for a good read that they wouldn't know about without your help.
• Celebrity Books Clubs: The two I have had the most success with a general audience of library patrons and have a reliable and easy to use website are Reese's Book Club and Jenna's Book Club. However, any celebrity book club can work for the right reader. 

Check these resources out and remember to use Book Discussion Resources for any reader, not just when you need information for book clubs.