NEWCOMERS BOOK CLUB
Book Recommendation Form
To make sure everyone gets a say in what books to select, all members can make suggestions; a collection of all
suggestions will be distributed; and a vote taken. We will choose 3-4 selections at a time for future months.
Your Name:
Book Title:
Author:
Book Award: (if any)
Description:
(Note: Cut and paste a 1-2 paragraph book description here, e.g., as shown in Amazon.com or
other sources.)
I
__ have
__ have not read the book.
I will lead the book discussion.
Fiction:
__ I am reading the book.
__ yes
___ Classic ___ Current
___ Historical
___ Realistic
Non-Fiction: ___ Biography ___ Autobiography
Format: ___ Hardback ___ Paperback
___ eBook
___ all formats
What makes a particular book a good one for discussion?
Look for books that give something to discuss, rich in characterization and ideas. Probably the most important
criteria are that the book be well written and that it explores basic human truths. Good books for discussion have
three-dimensional characters who are forced to make difficult choices, under difficult situations, whose behavior
sometimes makes sense and sometimes doesn't.
Good discussion books present the author's view of an important truth and sometimes send a message to the
reader. During a book discussion, what you're really talking about is everything that the author hasn't said -- all
those white spaces on the printed page. For this reason, books that are heavily plot driven (most mysteries,
westerns, romances, and science fiction/fantasy) don't lend themselves to book discussions. In genre novels and
some mainstream fiction (and often in nonfiction), the author spells out everything for the reader, so that there is
little to say except, "I loved the book" or "I hated it" or "Isn't that interesting."
It's important to remember that not every member is going to like every book the group chooses. Everyone may
read the same book, but in fact, every member is reading a different book. Everyone brings her own unique
history, memories, background, and influences. Everyone is in a different place in his life when he reads the book.
All of these differences influence the reader's experience of the book and why she may like or dislike it.
Book recommendations from newspapers and magazines:
New York Times, USA Today
Time, Newsweek, People, Vanity Fair, Elle
Websites with book recommendations:
• LitLovers: http://www.litlovers.com/popular-book-club-books
• Book Movement: http://www.bookmovement.com/topClubPicks
• Books on the Nightstand: http://booksonthenightstand.com
• Book Browse: https://www.bookbrowse.com/newsletter/recommends/index.cfm?
• Books in the Burbs: http://booksintheburbs.com
• Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com
• Best for Book Clubs http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/19.Best_for_Book_Clubs