How to Select Nonfiction for Your Book Club

Books clubs are not just for fiction readers any more. While some are indeed dedicated to discussing only works of fiction, others manage to work a few nonfiction titles into the mix every year. However, lately, book clubs dedicated to discussing nonfiction are popping up nationwide. Nonfiction titles offer the reader a chance to explore different topics and learn something new. It also gives participants the opportunity to read books that you wouldn't necessarily choose on your own; thus, opening ones eyes to a whole new world.

In fact, carefully chosen nonfiction titles can be just as engaging to read as fiction. But how do you pick just the right nonfiction titles for your group? Consider the following guidelines when making your choices:

1. Start off with shorter, lighter selections that have reading guides available.
2. Select topics that are different from month to month.
3. Read book reviews and compare ratings.
4. Take a look at bestseller lists.
5. Consider books that have won awards such as The Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Awards as well as local prizes.
6. Check availability. Newer titles may be difficult to obtain, while older titles may have less appeal.
7. Consider the reading format. The most obvious choices are hardcovers vs. paperbacks, but also consider the availability of  other formats as well such as audiobooks, eBooks, and large print.
8. Page length can be an issue especially if members of your book club belong to other groups. Work as a group to set a page limit.
9. Decide how long your discussions will be. If your group only meets for one hour, there might not be time to discuss a 500 page tome.
10. Finally, consider recommendations from friends or colleagues.

Keep in mind that there are a few don’ts as well:

1. Don’t choose several heavy topics month after month.
2. Don't get stuck on a topic either. While the Civil War era might appeal to some in your group, discussing three books in a row on the same topic might discourage others.
3. Is the book too controversial? Some members may shy away from controversial topics.
4. Some groups may want to avoid the following types of books: divisive topics, religion, books with offensive language, and books that may offend members of different cultures.
5. Remember, a book doesn't have to be a prize winner to inspire a thought provoking discussion.

Finally, your book club will need to agree on a procedure for choosing books that may or may not include some of the above suggestions. As the moderator for my group, I personally select the titles up to one year in advance when planning my programs. I am careful not choose books that reflect only my reading preferences.  Instead, I try to choose books that I think will appeal to the group as a whole and inspire conversation. In order to do this, I make a list of topics we are interested in, check book reviews and ratings, and consider the physical characteristics of each book such as page length and font size. Also, I take a look at how these titles fit in with current events.

Another option instead of having just one person pick all of the titles is to have the group vote on suggested titles. Likewise, other groups may implement a rotation system allowing each member to pick a title and lead the discussion when her turn comes around. There’s no wrong or right way to choose books; simply outline what works best for your group. However, do learn to accept the fact the not everyone will like every title, and that’s okay. Sometimes the best discussions arise from the least liked books. With a little practice, selecting nonfiction titles for your book club can be a rewarding experience for all.

Book Review: 'Basilica: The Splendor and the Scandal: building St. Peter's' by R. A. Scotti

✰✰✰½ As a popular tourist destination, St. Peter’s Basilica is an architectural wonder and a treasure trove of art. Millions of people, both Catholics and non-Catholics, from all over the world visit annually. While the images of St. Peter’s Basilica are familiar to many, few know the behind-the-scenes story of how it was constructed. The building of St. Peter’s spanned almost two centuries and involved thirty popes. 

Built during the time of the Renaissance, the list of artists who participated in the building of St. Peter’s Basilica reads like a who’s who of the era including Bramante, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bernini. Work began in 1506 when Pope Julius II had the audacity to raze the original St. Peter’s, which had been built by Constantine the Great during the 4^th century. Pope Julius II recruited only the best for his project. But that was just the beginning. As the years passed into decades and then centuries, each pope influenced Bramante’s original plans. Building the basilica from the inside out made it easy to change plans on a whim and, indeed, the plans changed frequently. Yet, somehow it all came together into the magnificent structure we know today.

The Bottom Line: R. A. Scotti’s historical narrative invites the reader to explore the history, politics, and art of one of the world’s most sacred buildings. There was plenty of scandal during that time in church history making this book read almost like a Renaissance soap opera. Spanning two centuries, thirty popes, and numerous artists, it provides a snapshot of each personality and event. However, sometimes the snapshots were so brief that I had to do additional research to more fully comprehend topics like the Sack of Rome.

All in all, this is an interesting read for the lay person. Recommended for amateur historians and those interested in art, art history, church history, and architecture. Also, recommended for those who are traveling to or who have already been to Rome. Scotti has included black and white illustrations and four walking tours of Rome.

Book Club Notes: Reaction to the book was mixed, but overall the group enjoyed the book. Each participant seemed to gravitate towards a different topic including politics, history, art, architecture, religion, and biographies. The book was thought provoking; however, there are so many people to keep track of which made reading it difficult at times.

While Scotti covers almost two centuries of history, the book is more like a brief introduction than a text.  The black & white illustrations were helpful, but as the group moderator, I felt they were insufficient. Full color images were needed to supplement the discussion. Scotti’s writing style was hit-or-miss at times as well. While mostly engaging and fast paced, some chapters were a bit dull. We agreed that the short length of the chapters helped present an enormous amount of information in small doses. Recommended for book clubs looking for something different to read and discuss.

Book clubs considering this book can find a reading guide with discussion questions at Penguin.

Details: Basilica: The Splendor and the Scandal: Building St. Peter’s by R. A. Scotti. Paperback published by Plume in 2007. 336 p. ISBN: 978-0-452-28860-7

Book Review: 'Company Orders' by David J. Walker

✰✰✰✰ Father Paul Clark is fast on his way to becoming a bishop. After all, he’s done everything right and has managed to avoid controversy of any sort until now. A secret from his past has come to light, and Father Clark will do anything and everything to hide it. Unfortunately, a mysterious woman who claims to represent “an agency of the federal government” uses her knowledge of his secret to manipulate the priest into doing some unpriestly things. Father Clark’s life is turned upside down when his friend becomes a casualty of the need for secrecy, and he vows to set things right before someone he cares for becomes the next victim.

The Bottom Line: This fast-paced thriller features plenty of action. Once you start reading, the story rapidly gains momentum making it difficult to put down. As a former Catholic priest, author David J. Walker brings authenticity to the character of Father Paul Clark. The behind-the-scenes look into church politics was fascinating as well; however, this is not Christian fiction at all. Furthermore, I enjoyed the vivid Chicago settings. Since I live in the Chicagoland area, I was able to picture the scenes as I read along. Enthusiastically recommended for fans of thrillers and those interested in books set in Chicago.

Details: Company Orders by David J. Walker. Paperback published by Allium Press of Chicago in 2012. 324 p. ISBN: 978-0-9831938-5-2

Book Review: 'Femme' by Bill Pronzini

✰✰✰ Cory Beckett is as mysterious, seductive, and cold as they come. When bail bondsman Abe Melikian calls in the Nameless Detective to locate Cory’s bail jumping brother Kenneth, the case seems quite routine at first. Kenneth was previously arrested on a grand theft charge, but now he’s nowhere to be found. As the Nameless Detective and his associate Jake Runyon search for Kenneth, certain information about Cory comes to light. The Nameless Detective begins to suspect there’s something more to Cory Beckett than first meets the eye.

In more than thirty years of experience, the Nameless Detective has never had the misfortune to come across a woman like Cory Beckett. She’s the type you read about in folklore or pulp fiction. But Cory is a different breed of seductress. Before she’s finished, she’ll leave behind a wake of destruction like no one has ever seen before and give new meaning to the phrase femme fatale.

The Bottom Line: This slim novella is a quick weekend read recommended for those interested in pulp fiction, noir, and the hardboiled. This was the first Nameless Detective mystery that I have read, and I’ll be sure to check out others. The unexpected twist ending was a special treat.

Details: Femme: A Nameless Detective Novella by Bill Pronzini. Hardcover published by Cemetery Dance Publications in 2012. 176 p. ISBN: 978-1-58767-267-5

What's in Your Pocket?

Tomorrow (April 18, 2013) is Poem in Your Pocket Day! What are you doing to celebrate? For those of you unfamiliar with Poem in Your Pocket Day, the idea is very simple. All you need to do is select your favorite poem, print or write it out, and put it in your pocket. You can share your poem throughout the day with friends, family, classmates, or co-workers. You can also tweet about it, blog about it, or add it to your FaceBook timeline.

Poem in Your Pocket Day is a great way to celebrate National Poetry Month. If you need help finding a poem, just ask a teacher or librarian. You can also search for poems at poets.org. In addition, you can simply pick a pocket-sized poem in pdf format to print. And remember...those of you with a smart phone can have a poem in your pocket any time; just check out the Poetry App from the Poetry Foundation.

So you're probably wondering what will be in my pocket tomorrow. That's a good question. For 2013 I'll be carrying one of my favorite poems, She Walks in Beauty by George Gordon Byron. Enjoy!

P.S. For those of you looking for more ideas to celebrate poetry, check out Poetry.org's list of 30 Ways to Celebrate.

Book Review: 'Toad by the Road' by Joanne Ryder

✰✰✰✰½ Poetry and natural history are cleverly blended together in this picture book by author Joanne Ryder. The poems follow the life cycle of a toad beginning with the first tadpoles of springtime. As the toadlets grow up, spring rains turn into sleepy summer days. When the days start to turn colder, the toads grow older; their smooth skin becomes bumpy. Soon it's time to prepare for winter hibernation and wait for spring again completing the cycle. 

The Bottom Line: I picked this up for my annual poetry fix; April is National Poetry Month after all. I was pleasantly surprised to find that in addition to charming poems, readers are introduced to natural history. The book is divided up by seasons, making it easy to follow the toad's life cycle. Every page of poetry is illustrated with realistic watercolors by Maggie Kneen. Additionally, almost every page contains notes at the bottom with facts about the life of toads. Kids will love the short verses and illustrations; highly recommended for kids in grades 4 & 5.

Details: Toad by the Road: A Year in the Life of These Amazing Amphibians written by Joanne Ryder & illustrated by Maggie Kneen. Hardcover picture book published by Henry Holt and Company in 2007. 40 p.  ISBN: 0-8050-7354-X

Book Review: 'April Foolishness' by Teresa Bateman

✰✰✰✰½ It's is the perfect spring day for the grandkids to visit the farm. But all chaos breaks out when the cows get loose and the pigs break the gate. Nevertheless, Grandpa is as cool as a cucumber and intent on fixing his morning breakfast. After all, he suspects the grandkids are up to some April foolishness. While the farm is going nuts, grandpa just grins. It is April Fools' Day after all...or is it? See who gets the last laugh in this uproarious and good-humored picture book.

The Bottom Line: This whimsical story told in rhyme will appeal to kids in grade school. Both the author and the illustrator succeed in capturing the carefree fun of April Fools' Day. This colorfully illustrated book is highly engaging for kids and would be the perfect pick for story time.

Details: April Foolishness written by Teresa Bateman and illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott. Hardcover picture book published by Albert Whitman & Company in 2004. 32 p. ISBN: 0-8075-0404-1