Book Clubs

Guest post by author Bay Collins

Yes! Book Clubs are Thriving.

Reading makes better writers. Writing stimulates analytical thinking. Thinking skills facilitates better communication. Communication inspires better communities and within the communities, starting or being a part of a book club is one of the most engaging activities inside and outside of the home. Regardless of age, millions are using their literacy skills to participate in book clubs in homes, libraires, meeting rooms and there's a shift to join book clubs through social media.

A lifelong learner and reader

The book club concept was founded as early as the 17th century and remains popular today. For many readers, their interest in reading commenced when someone selected and read the books, then the readings progressed to reading with others... a parent, a grandparent, a teacher or a librarian. And in the passage of time, autonomous reading prevailed with masterful creative thoughts and ideas to continue reading books with others.

Read a piece of work you never knew existed

The facilitator and book club members will select a book for the club members to read, members may choose a popular book from the past, books that are book club favorites or books on the best seller list. Books can vary from non-fiction, historical, poetry, mystery to romance and these various genres give the reader a variety of topics to explore and discuss.
Book clubs are a great way to see the world through another person’s point-of-view, sometimes the differences can be quite intense yet informative and these different perspectives encourage communication across generational and cultural differences. This type of learning takes place without a grade, and it helps individual retain information even if the novel is in the reader’s native language or an acquired language.

Improve Skills

Being a book club member requires readers to be organized. There is a planned discussion date and readers should complete the novel to engage in a participative discussion. Being prepared may improve your reading speed, time management and can also help individuals overcome fear of public speaking.
Book discussion questions are uniquely aligned according to the book’s content and these questions often center around the characters, plot as well as the author’s insight. These questions are often given to the members prior to the meeting date which helps its members prepare for intellectual discussions.

A book club may or may not appeal to you

Book clubs are thriving and often consist of ten or less people. The latest trend is having a book club among family members nationally or internationally, now that is good news. However, it is commendable to know when a book club no longer suits your interest and it’s time to look for one that will meet your expectations to keep you reading ... there is a book club for you.
A final note: Book clubs are free to join and can be as close as a library, bookstore or on the internet. The assigned book for a book club discussion can be purchased or located online.

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I consider myself a lifelong learner and I am pleased to be on this journey of discovery with diverse ideas. My motto is today and reader and tomorrow a leader.
I relish my years of teaching children, adults and parenting our two daughters. My leisure times allows me to help children with disabilities improve the quality of their lives by riding horses in addition to riding myself.
Remember: “Words are to the mind and soul as food is to the body.” Bay Collyns
Bay_Collyns@instragram