Resource Alert: Great Group Reads Released By the Women's National Book Association

The 2024 "Great Group Reads" list was just released by the Women's National Book Association. What is this list and group? From their site:

What is Great Group Reads?

Great Group Reads (GGR) is part of the National Reading Group Month initiative of the Women’s National Book Association. Since its creation in 2009, Great Group Reads has become a highly regarded and anticipated resource for reading groups, individual facilitators, educators, bookstores, and libraries to recommend books.

They have lists going back to 2009 right on the same page. Very easy access. 

Again, the most current 2024 list is right here.

Of course you should use this resource to help book clubs-- whether they are your library's groups our those in your community-- but, these lists are a GREAT resource for a few reasons:

1. Sure Bet Suggestions: Books that make the cut to be on a list like this, have already been put through the wringer. They are tested as discussable and agreed upon by a larger audience. This means you should have this link on hand, always because these are perfect "sure bets." When you mind goes blank and you need a suggestion quickly, any of the lists here are good. And they have the publisher's description there for you as well. 
2. Displays: These lists offer multiple display options. You can literally use these same books and change the name of the display. Display topics can be as literal as "Great Group Reads," "Forgotten Favorites" (especially if you use the older lists), "Sure Bets," or "Books Worth Talking About," for example.
3. Backlist: I already hinted at this, but the backlist of titles is great and deep. I scanned back to the oldest lists and there are some awesome suggestions here. Most you still have as well. 
4. Interactivity Options: Just asking staff and patrons a question like "What is your best pick for a group read," or "What is a book worth talking about?" I prefer the second question because it is more vague and will get answers from people who do not participate in book discussion groups. Reminder-- my explanation on how to be more interactive and turn your conversation starter questions into display is here.

I hope you can see why you should check out the 2024 Great Group Reads and the database of past lists, even if you do not have anything to do with book discussion groups.