Book Club Experience

Greetings Earthkind!

Life has been busy, and it’s been tough getting to a book club to observe!

For this assignment, I attended the Association for Library and Information Science Students (ALISS) book club discussion on The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie on Wednesday, 23 March 2016 at Tow Yard Brewing.

ALISS reads all sorts of books, from children’s to teens to adults to graphic novels to nonfiction.

This was one of at least five ALISS discussion I’ve attended, and I read the book. There were 6 people present, and at least four of them had read the book. Reading the book is not required for the discussion.

The discussion was really enjoyable, and I was so invested in it that I almost forgot I was there for this assignment. We discussed everything from race issues to Native American awareness to coping with death to teen recommendations.

The atmosphere was very laid back, though not as laid back as other discussions due to the place. Tow Yard Brewing was more of a restaurant and they appeared confused as to why we took forever. Most other brewing companies are less aware of how long we take. Other than that, we allowed the conversation to  drift from one topic to another.

ALISS bought a bunch of appetizers, but we were responsible for our drinks and any other food. Normally, ALISS provides pizza, but since Tow Yard is a restaurant, we bought their food.

There is a designated “book club czar” who asked most of the questions, but as topics were discussed, participants chimed in with their own questions. The discussion felt very organic and not strict at all. Often, the discussion would stray from the book itself to some of the issues brought up in the book, and the book club leader would allow it to happen because of the environment of the club. ALISS tries to provide students a chance to interact with their peers in person. It’s a very social book club, and it’s less about the book and more about the discussion.

Sometimes the leader would respond to her questions. Sometimes, not all of the participants were able to answer the question because the discussion shifted and more questions were asked after one person’s response.

I didn’t record any straight yes or no questions. Most of the questions asked had to do with the themes of the book. For example, “what do you make of the author’s depiction of poverty on the rez?”

Everyone was encouraged to respond to questions, even the ones who didn’t read the book. Four out of the six participants asked questions, and everyone eventually got to chime in with their opinion on one topic or another.

We were all fairly careful to make sure everyone got to talk. Sometimes, the leader wouldn’t notice someone wanted to talk before trying to ask another question, but those issues were resolved quickly.

Overall, this was a really enjoyable book club. It may not have been as formal as other book clubs, but we were able to use the book as a shared experience so we could connect with each other.

Leading an informal book club seems like a daunting task for me. I very much like structure and get worried when discussions get off track (though participant me doesn’t mind). However, I value the chance to attend book clubs and watch other people lead them.

Were I to have to lead a book club, I would prepare a list of questions and themes. I would have to accept that discussions do get off track, but I would allow the mission of the book club to guide me.

Additionally, I don’t like attending book clubs were I haven’t read the book. Not only do I run the risk of spoilers, I also feel left out. ALISS does a good job of including those who haven’t read the book (which is what happened in October), but I would still prefer to read the book.

Book clubs are great chances to meet new people and to connect over something, and I appreciate being able to reflect on this book club experience.

Thank you!