Details/How we Operate
Picking Books
Once a year we choose our reading list for approximately the next year. Our policy has been for each member to bring two books (sometimes 3) with them. After hearing a little about each book, we vote on which one book from each member we would most like to read as a group. We then arrange the schedule for where we will meet based on the length of the book, member's scheduling needs, etc.
New Members
We like to keep our membership to around 10 people because it allows for the best flow of discussion and so that we can all fit in the same room!
Meetings/Leading the Discussion
It is really helpful for the upcoming host to send out an email reminder to members a few days before the meeting. The host for the evening generally should be prepared to have some notes and discussion starters on the book. It is good to know the background of the author, other books they have written, awards received, etc. Sometimes "discussion questions" are available from major book sellers or reviewers.
Book Reviews
There are lots of good websites for finding a review on your book. Some suggestions:
New York Times Book Review - http://topics.nytimes.com/topics/features/books/bookreviews/index.html
New Yorker - http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/books/
Amazon - http://tinyurl.com/d8v6wa6
Barnes & Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/books-bestselling-books/379003057/