Readers' Groups Made Simple
On-going support available
- Some library services offer multiple copies of books for groups to borrow, but not all.
- Many library services compile lists of books recommended to reading groups.
- Some offer free reservations to groups.
Most Libraries will be able to offer some help with choosing books to read Useful reference works include:
- Who else writes like...? Roy & Jean Huse (ed.) (n wed. 2008).
- The Rough Guide to Classic Novels by Simon Mason (2008).
- The Book Club Bible by Lionel Shriver (2007).
- Bloomsbury Good Reading Guide Nick Rennison (2006).
- Good Fiction Guide Jane Rogers (ed.) (2005).
Useful Websites
Allows readers to choose by mood, length, tone, and setting
Useful for reviews and synopsis, as well as purchase. Particularly useful are their recommendations 'Customers who bought this also bought...'
An American site which offers lots of support and advice about running groups
A UK based virtual reading group, also providing advice & support to other groups. Includes offers to registered groups and publicity for special activities
The readers group area of The People's Network. Has offered occasional on-line chats with writers and readers in other parts of the world
Where readers list and describe their book collections. Useful for finding readers with similar tastes to your own
Most major publishing houses e.g. Penguin, Random House, Bloomsbury, have reading group guides and resources on their websites. Some good ones are:
www.randomhouse.co.uk/readersgroup
www.bloomsbury.com/readingclub
Bloomsbury also publish several useful lists of books. E.g.100 Must-Read Life-Changing Books by Nick Rennison (2008)
