A New Chapter for Fun Book Groups
Stephen Arnott says books are always welcomed at his group, but not obligatory; Margaret Squires' group chooses themes.
Zoe Williams has raised a potential problem with book groups, namely the latent disinclination of members to read books (I have found the perfect book group – we discuss problematic text messages, 8 June).
Our book group has deftly swerved around this hurdle by defining it as and calling it Bishopston Not a Book Group. Books are always welcomed, but not obligatory – we focus on a topic, with books as source material.
Many other ways of exploring the field are possible. I remember one rather radical alternative where an interpretive dance involving all group attendees, and choreographed by one member, was used to explore the complexity and confusion of quantum theory. Other sessions have involved the consumption of fine cheese to support the reading of a book on the history of English cheesemaking.
Stephen Arnott
Bishopston, Bristol
Zoe Williams' book group problem (nobody wants to read the book) can easily be solved. The book group that I'm in chooses themes rather than books. Currently we are reading 'any novel containing a male character you couldn't bear to marry'. We've previously had 'any book translated from Dutch or set in the Netherlands', 'a happy book' and 'a book with botany in it'.
Margaret Squires
St Andrews, Fife
