{"id":1207,"date":"2016-12-06T22:37:21","date_gmt":"2016-12-07T02:37:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.princetonbookreview.com\/blog\/?p=1207"},"modified":"2024-05-29T10:13:06","modified_gmt":"2024-05-29T14:13:06","slug":"discussion-generating-book-club-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.princetonbookreview.com\/blog\/discussion-generating-book-club-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Find Amazing Books That Will Energize Your Book Club."},"content":{"rendered":"

W<\/span>ill those page-turning books you just finished reading steal the spotlight at your next book club meeting? Is that unputdownable read, the one that is really hard to put aside so you can get some sleep, your best choice for a book club pick? Maybe not. Not all good books make good book club books.<\/p>\n

The last thing you want is for your book club meeting to morph into a coffee klatch<\/strong>\u2013 with everyone buzzing about the latest gossip, their favorite recipe, or the bargain they just found. And without some substance to your book club choice, this may very well happen.<\/p>\n

Instead, why not set the mood for an energizing discussion where people get involved and share a common passion, maybe step out of their comfort zone and open themselves up to new ideas?<\/p>\n

Personally, I love discussing a controversial topic with someone who does not share my view;<\/strong> \u00a0<\/em>most times, I take something away <\/strong>\u2013 my perspective is altered in some way. I think it\u2019s why I love reading and discussing books so much.<\/p>\n

Below are some tips for choosing a book that is sure to generate some discussion at your next book club meeting.<\/p>\n

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing products through our links, we receive a small commission without additional costs to you.\u00a0 That’s what helps fund PrincetonBookReview.com so we can continue to help you find your next read. We truly appreciate it<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Choose books with thought-provoking\u00a0or controversial topics.<\/h2>\n

\"Book\u00a0Both WINGSHOOTER<\/a>S<\/span>\u00a0by Nina\u00a0Revor and SMALL GREAT THINGS<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/a>by Jodi\u00a0Picoult\u00a0deal with overcoming racism and prejudice.<\/em><\/p>\n

Books with no closure\u00a0or\u00a0surprise endings are also great book club picks.<\/h2>\n

\"untitled-1\"THE HUSBAND’S SECRET<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>by Liane Moriarty and GONE GIRL<\/span><\/a>\u00a0by Gillian Flynn are both books that provoke thought but also have unexpected endings.<\/em><\/p>\n

What book club member\u00a0doesn’t love a book with flawed characters?<\/h2>\n

\"man-rosie-blog\"<\/p>\n

The quirky main characters in THE ROSIE PROJECT<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/a>by Graeme Samson\u00a0and A MAN CALLED OVE<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0by Fredrik Backman will steal your heart and give you a different perspective on life. There are lessons to be learned.<\/em><\/p>\n

Stories with a strong message always make for lively conversation.<\/h2>\n

\"me-amer-blog\"<\/p>\n

AMERICANA<\/a>\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/span>by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>deals with race, immigration, and inter-racial relationships, and ME BEFORE YOU<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0 by Jo Jo Moyes takes you out of your comfort zone.<\/em><\/p>\n

Character-driven books are also excellent choices for book clubs.<\/h2>\n

\"what-knew-whistling-blog\"<\/p>\n

\u00a0In WHISTLING PAST THE GRAVEYARD<\/a><\/span> by Susan Crandall, Starla is young, adventurous, and willful. In WHAT SHE KNEW<\/a><\/span> by Gilly Macmillan, Rachel is a mother who regrets a small decision – with big consequences – she made.<\/em><\/p>\n

Pick a book about\u00a0closed societies or foreign cultures.<\/h2>\n

\"ligh-pearl-blog\"<\/p>\n

Both ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/em>\u00a0by Anthony Doerr\u00a0<\/em>and THE PEARL THAT BROKE IT’S SHELL<\/span><\/span><\/a> by Nadia\u00a0Sashimi\u00a0are stories that are\u00a0moving and eye-opening.<\/em><\/p>\n

Polarizing topics or unacceptable practices? The perfect book club pick.<\/h2>\n

\"fault-malala-blog\"<\/p>\n

Malala in <\/em>I AM MALALA<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0 by Malala Yousafzai fights for a principle she feels strongly about- women should be able to go to school and learn. THE FALUT IN OUR STARS<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0 By John Green deals with the difficult topic of fighting cancer.<\/em><\/p>\n

Engaging plots, stories that inspire, and books with conflict built into the storyline – Again, perfect!<\/h2>\n

\"bernadette-nest\"\u00a0THE NEST<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/em>\u00a0 by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney<\/em>\u00a0deals with dysfunctional family relationships and WHERE’D YOU GO BERNADETT<\/span><\/span>E<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0 by Maria Semple will make you wonder how well you know the people in your life.<\/em><\/p>\n

P.S. Try not to pick books that are too long- or at least run them by your members first.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Happy Reading,<\/h2>\n

Linda<\/h2>\n

\"How<\/a><\/p>\n


\n<\/code><\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
<\/div>\n