The Reading Group Handbook: Everything You Need to Know to Start Your Own Book Club [Paperback]

Rachel W. Jacobsohn (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Information-highway types like to predict the death of the book, but more and more books are published each year. To accommodate the crush, Jacobsohn, founder and president of the Association of Book Group Readers and Leaders, recently published what became the bible of book discussion groups, The Reading Group Handbook: Everything You Need To Know from Choosing Members to Leading Discussions (Hyperion, 1994). This newly revised edition includes updated reading lists and bibliographies plus additional suggestions on group dynamics; organizational, administrative, and logistical issues; and discussion techniques garnered from extensive surveying of book groups. Jacobsohn covers everything from cookies and coffee to how you diplomatically deal with "the rambler." Appendixes include thematic reading lists, syllabi from existing reading groups, a glossary of literary terms, and sources for reviews, criticism, and author information. Libraries with the earlier edition may want to pass, but otherwise this is highly recommended.ADenise S. Sticha, Seton Hill Coll. Greensburg, PA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 1 and up
  
• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion; Rev Sub edition (April 22, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786883243
• ISBN-13: 978-0786883240
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #343,646 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great 'warts and all' reference, May 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Reading Group Handbook: Everything You Need to Know to Start Your Own Book Club (Paperback)

So... you know you love reading, you want a good excuse to get together with others who love to read and you think you'll start a book club. Great - read this book! Not only does Jacobsohn cover what you'd expect (like providing a multitude of suggested reading lists) but she covers the issues you may not think of immediately - like acknowledging that people are likely to relate their reading to personal experiences in their lives and making sure that everyone in your reading group understands the importance of keeping confidences. My only criticism - not much attention paid to the growing phenomenon of online book clubs.

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An informing and entertaining reference book!, February 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Reading Group Handbook: Everything You Need to Know to Start Your Own Book Club (Paperback)

This book is not only a concise, step-by-step guide to forming a book group but also is written in a style that is sweet, funny and entertaining to read. Ms Jacobsohn informs the reader of her recommendations and past experiences but provides options and ideas that might work for others. Booklists, administrative details, recipes and "stories" of other book groups give much guidance. The excellent design of the book and the style in which it is written enables quick and easy reference upon occasion.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars an sightful guide for starting a reading group, November 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Reading Group Handbook: Everything You Need to Know to Start Your Own Book Club (Paperback)

Jacobsohn has written a wonderful guide for anyone interested in starting a reading group. Jacobsohn seems to have thought of everything one would need to prepare and think about before beginning a group. She gives helpful check off lists to keep the mechanics of the group running. This book appealed to me because of the easy to read style in which it was written and the many comments from members of the several reading book clubs that Jacobsohn has been involved with. I especially liked the recipes she includes.