General Questions for Nonfiction Book Clubs

Asking the right questions during a book club can make all the difference in the world. While many books feature discussion questions or reading guides, there are so many more discussion worthy books that don’t come with questions. This is especially true of nonfiction books as fiction book clubs are still somewhat more popular.

When choosing books to discuss, it would be unfortunate for book clubs to limit themselves to only discussing books with reading guides. For these situations, I keep a list of basic discussion questions and topics that I fall back on from time to time. I have found that the best questions are open-ended and encourage participants to freely share their opinions. Here is my general list of questions and topics for nonfiction book clubs: 

1. Did you know anything about this person (or subject) prior to reading this book? What preconceived opinions did you have and did these change after reading the book?
2. Why do think the author opened the book this way?
3. Do the issues raised in this book affect your life? How so? How about in the future?
4. Do you think this book was controversial? If so, which side would you align yourself with?
5. If the author discussed problems or issues, did he also provide solutions? Do you agree with these solutions or are there other solutions out there?
6. Talk about the writing style and language of the book. Was the language engaging, inflammatory, etc.? Did it draw you into the story or not? Was the language easily accessible? Were unfamiliar terms and concepts explained?
7.  Is the focus of this book interior/psychological or exterior/action oriented?
8. What are the book's strengths and weaknesses?
9. Did the author succeed in teaching the reader something? If so, what did you learn? If not, how did the author fail?
10. Have you learned anything new about yourself by reading this book? Please share.
11. Please share a specific passage or quote from the book that left an impression on you. How did it affect you?
12. What role do illustrations, maps, etc. play in this book?

Use as many of these questions as you like, but feel free to let the discussion go where it will. Just like an engaging conversation, book discussions can meander from topic to topic and don’t necessarily follow the questions in order. If one or two particular topics really fascinate the group, let them explore these topics for a little while before moving on. As a book club moderator, my personal goal at the beginning of each meeting is to gently guide the group through the questions and topics, but most importantly we are there to have fun. So let the conversation flow and enjoy.

P.S. Here's a fun bonus question that works well with both fiction and nonfiction books: Would this book make a good movie? Cast the movie!

Note: I found the book question mark clip art at: http://wondrouspics.com/cool-question-marks/book-question/

Autobiography, Biography, or Memoir: What's the Difference?

What’s the difference between an autobiography, a biography, and a memoir?  This is a question that I have encountered many times in my work as a reference librarian at several public libraries. Patrons arrive at the library looking for information about a celebrity or a politician and are confronted with a selection of books that includes autobiographies, biographies, and memoirs. To many people, these three words mean the same thing. Indeed, all are nonfiction stories about an individual’s life. So what is the difference? That's an excellent question.

Let's begin with biographies. Biographies are works written by someone other than the subject. The subject of the book may be living or dead, but the subject has been meticulously researched and studied by the author for years. Biographies fall into two types: 1.) Popular books about celebrities and politicians. 2.) Academic works about historical figures. Additionally, a biography may be authorized or unauthorized. While an unauthorized biography may contain new or controversial information, it may also contain errors since it was written without the subject’s permission or input.

Now let’s turn our attention to the words autobiography and memoir. The two terms are often used interchangeably. And that's okay in some cases. Both are written in first person; in other words, both are written by the subject of the book. However, there is a specific difference between an autobiography and a memoir in the timeline covered in the book. An autobiography covers the chronology of the author’s entire life from birth up to the writing of the book. In simple terms, think of an autobiography as a self-biography. While having a biographer write one's biography may give the work more of an academic tone, an autobiography may provide more insight into the subject’s life because the subject lived through it. On the other hand, a memoir focuses on one specific aspect or time period of the author’s life. For example, the four years the author spent in college may constitute a memoir. Additionally, memoirs may focus on a life-changing event such as overcoming depression or a stroke. Thus, a memoir may offer a more intimate look into a person’s life.

Each type of book offers a different perspective. So the next time you’re looking for information about Kirk Douglas, for example, you’ll  be able to make an educated choice between The Ragman’s Son: An Autobiography by Kirk Douglas, Kirk Douglas by Michael Munn, and My Stroke of Luck by Kirk Douglas to get the perspective you want. Knowing the difference between the terms autobiography, biography, and memoir will help you find exactly the type of information you are looking for.

Book Club Etiquette

Book clubs provide an opportunity to share your love of reading and enhance your understanding of books through sharing your impressions with others. Books clubs can also be a great way to meet people and learn something new. However, book clubs can sometimes get off track, and members can end up talking about everything except the book. Sometimes you will find that one member has dominated the entire discussion while others felt left out. These problems and more can be avoided by establishing a few simple guidelines for book club etiquette. Over the years I have found that the following tips are useful in keeping a book club running smoothly and making sure that all participants feel free to contribute.

Tips for book club etiquette:

• Read the book before arriving to the meeting. Some groups allow participants who haven’t quite finished to participate, but don’t make this a habit. Make a good faith effort to finish the book every time.
• Be prepared to discuss the book. You can do this by jotting down a few notes while reading the book. Take note of passages and quotes to discuss. Write down page numbers and any questions you may have.
• Turn your cell phone off or at the very least set it to vibrate.
• Be a good listener. Don’t engage in side conversations when someone else is talking.
• Be open-minded. Instead of complaining about a comment, provide thoughtful criticism.
• Be courteous and respectful of others even if you don’t agree with someone or if you didn’t enjoy the book.
• Don’t dominate the group. You may have many ideas about the book that you just can’t wait to share, but try to give everyone a chance by taking turns.
• Focus on the book. Sometimes discussions get off course. Remember that you are in a book club to talk about the book and keep your input relevant.
• Before inviting someone new to the group, talk to the group leader or discuss it with the group first.

Attending a book discussion should be an enjoyable experience. Following these tips will help your group stay focused on the book. Keep in mind that some groups are more informal than others; feel free to tailor these guidelines to suit your group. The goal of meeting to discuss a book is to have fun and learn something new. So keep your guidelines simple, and remember the most important tip of all:

“What happens at book club, stays at book club."

Welcome 2013! The Year of the Library!

Let's start the new year off right with a visit to your local library. In fact, let's all make it a goal to visit the library once a week and make 2013 “The Year of the Library.” At this point, you might be thinking to yourself that there’s nothing to do at the library. Perhaps you haven’t even set foot in one since you were in school and got in trouble for talking too loud. Well, now is the perfect time to visit. Libraries are changing to suit the needs of their customers. Check out the following list of 52 things you can do at your local library. I have included one activity for each week of the year. The list is chronological, but you can try these in any order you wish.

January:

Week 1: Join the Winter Reading Program.

Week 2: Join a book club or learn how to start your own.

Week 3: Start a blog.

Week 4: Write your resume.

Week 5: Scan & edit your photos.

February:

Week 6: Check out a magazine…yes, we still have them.

Week 7: Learn new computer skills at workshop.

Week 8: Attend Game Night and play chess, checkers, Wii & more.

Week 9: Attend a concert.

March:

Week 10: March is National Foreign Language Month. You can learn a new language with books,

     CDs, and software at the library.

Week 11: It’s also National Nutrition Month. Learn to cook in a cooking class.

Week 12: Learn a new craft too. (March is National Craft Month as well.)

Week 13: Prepare for standardized tests, including the SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT,

     & more with study guides.

April:

Week 14: Plan your Spring garden.

Week 15: Check out an e-reader & download an e-book.

Week 16: Plan your vacation.

Week 17: Volunteer at the library or find volunteer matches using the library computers. National

     Volunteer Week begins April 21.

May:

Week 18: Research and write your term paper with books and online databases.

Week 19: May is National Home Remodeling Month, so check out some books to plan your

     home’s remodel.

Week 20: Check out a best seller.

Week 21: Borrow an audiobook; it will make your commute go faster.

Week 22: Free Wi-Fi.

June:

Week 23: Join the Summer Reading Program. & sign your kids up too.

Week 24: Fix your car using auto repair manuals available at your library.

Week 25: Use a computer and update your status or check your email.

Week 26: Find a new genre to enjoy. Try a Western or some Sci-Fi.

July:

Week 27: Check out a museum pass.

Week 28: Get help with job hunting.

Week 29: Use a database to get consumer ratings before your next big purchase.

Week 30: Attend a library book sale.

Week 31: Visit the library’s latest art exhibit.

August:

Week 32: Borrow music CDs. Libraries have it all from jazz to rock to classical.

Week 33: Take your baby or child to story hour.

Week 34: Read the newspaper…yes, we still have these too.

Week 35: Get suggestions for what to read next.

September:

Week 36: Become a literacy tutor. (Sept. 8 is International Literacy Day)

Week 37: Kids can get homework help.

Week 38: Join the Friends of Library.

Week 39: Reserve a meeting room for your group.

October:

Week 40: Find your ancestors. (October is Family History Month)

Week 41: Learn how to invest. Financial Planning Week begins October 7.

Week 42: Get ideas for your child’s Halloween costume.

Week 43: Discover local history by using the archives and microfilm reader to uncover the past.

Week 44: Research financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

November:

Week 45: Attend family reading night.

Week 46: Join a writer’s group and finally finish your book.

Week 47: Meet local authors.

Week 48: Make a donation in memory of your loved one for a book purchase.

December:

Week 49: Plan you holiday cookie exchange with cookbooks from the library.

Week 50: Get information on how to write a business plan. (December is National Write a

     Business Plan Month.)

Week 51: Attend a job hunting workshop.

Week 52: Find interview tips.

There you have it; 52 weeks of library visits. Not only will you fulfill all of your New Year's resolutions, but you will save money too. Oh, and feel free to visit the library even more. You'll find there are many more things to do like attend a craft exchange, visit the bookmobile, check out a DVD, attend a yoga workshop, check out a graphic novel, meet a “living book,” read to a dog, watch a movie, or find your soul mate at a library speed dating event. Who knew? So here's to another great year of books, library events, and reading.

Happy New Year from Mini Book Bytes Book Reviews!

Note: The free clip art is from Mrs. Nelson's Toy and Book Shop.

Fulfill Your New Year's Resolutions With Help From the Library

Well, here we are, halfway through January already. As I got a late start to the day, I found myself wondering how everyone's New Year's resolutions are coming along. I started out with a whole list of good intentions including: exercising, reading more books, and being more optimistic. However, somehow I got sidetracked and haven't focused on any of them.

My solution: visit the library. Your local library holds the keys to keeping and fulfilling your New Year's resolutions. Whatever you resolved to do in 2010, the library has resources to help you succeed. The following is a list of the potential resources available to you:

1. Sign up for a computer class and learn a new skill.
2. Check out the job hunting resources and update your résumé.
3. Access the Internet and build your social network. Some libraries even offer free Wi-Fi.
   
4. Try a downloadable audiobook or eBook. They are available for check out just like traditional books.
5. Check out the latest DVDs for popular movies or try a foreign film.
6. Discover the wide variety of programs for kids from infants to teens.
   
7. Learn a new language.
8. Enjoy a concert.
9. Taking the ACT, SAT, LSAT or GRE? Explore the test prep materials.
   
10. DIYers can check out DVDs for help with their latest home improvement project.
11. Make new friends by joining a book discussion group.
12. Sign up for the Winter Reading Program.
    

These resources and many more are waiting for you today. The best part is that most, if not all, of these resources are free. To find your local library, visit the Public Libraries search page. Good Luck everyone; you can do it!

Save Money @ Your Library

Looking to tighten those purse strings in this economy? Well, look no further than your local library. There you can check out the latest fiction bestsellers, audio books, e-books, and magazines. Public libraries also offer educational and entertainment programming for all ages. And don't forget the DVDs and video games.

For job hunting purposes, check out the Internet, computer, and printing services. Many libraries also offer free Wi-Fi for your laptop. Additionally, there are reference materials and databases for you to use when researching potential employers.

Prefer to purchase your books? Some libraries offer a Friends of the Library Bookstore where paperbacks are sold for bargain prices. Others offer a paperback trade. Just how much money can you save? Take a look at the following:

The Value of ONE Library Visit
Free program - $10.00
New Bestseller - $24.99
New Magazine $4.99
New Children's Book - 12.99
New DVD - $29.98

New Wii Video game - $39.99
TOTAL Value of ONE Visit = $122.94*

If you visit your Library once every 3 weeks, your yearly savings could total over $2000 ! Just think of what you could do with all that extra cash. So stop by today and discover the value of your very own library card.

To find your local library, visit the Library Locator.

*Based on 2009 prices.