Why start a reading group?

Research and experience has shown that being a member of a reading group makes you happier and more understanding towards different cultures and thoughts, and improves your vocabulary and reading and critical thinking skills. You will also enhance your public speaking skills in a safe and nurturing environment.

By sharing your ideas with others, you will also get to know yourself and others better and and can develop lasting relationships with your group members.

How to start a reading group?

Think of a topic that you would really like to learn more about. It should be a topic that you care about and that is broad enough for others to have a shared interest in but not too broad so that you lose focus.

Think of the semester as a reading unit. So if you choose a novel, make sure to pace yourself so you can finish it by the end of the semester. If you choose short stories or poems, stay with a theme for the semester, so you can get a rich perspective on the theme.

We recommend that you meet regularly, i.e., once a week, to keep up with the momentum, and that you aim for reading 20-25 pages a week if prose, or about 5 poems (depending on the length) if you choose to read poetry.

The ideal group size is between eight and ten. This size allows you to carry on even if a few member doesn’t show and allows for everyone’s input if all are present.

How to conduct a book discussion?

The key to a good discussion is to have a plan (what themes you want to discuss) and ask open-ended questions. An open-ended question is a question that doesn’t ask for a “yes”or “no” response. A question “Did you like this book?” is not an open-ended question. You would want to ask questions like “How do you feel about the character of…?” or “Why do you think character X acted this way?” etc.

How can your group go virtual?

There are various ways in which you can connect with your group members online. All you need is a WIFI connection and an phone or computer.

We recommend the following platforms / applications:

Zoom
Skype
Facebook Messenger
Google Hangout
WhatsApp

Choosing Your Books

There are a number of online databases where you can download books (novels, shorts stories, poems, etc.) for free to your phone, tablet, e-reader, or computer.

You can also borrow e-books and audiobooks from the Library (CHECK on this one), see link below.

We recommend you choose the readings by taking turns so all members’ choices are honored. Make sure to rotate the facilitator’s role, i.e., you can assign the facilitator’s role to the person who choose the book. In any case, aim at making sure that everyone in the group gets to choose a text and facilitate. You can choose which readings you will discuss by voting, drawing from a hat, or other methods that guarantee consensus.

Reaching New Members

Here are some ideas:

Ask your friends, family or colleagues if they want to join your group.

Create a flier (Canva is a great free application) and send it to ASAP’s Academic Program Specialist for dissemination to all ASAP students.

Add a member application link to your Reading Group page so students can contact you.