The Reading Group Handbook: Everything You Need to Know, from Choosing Membersto Leading Discussions

I have been wanting to organize a book club for so long and I am finally going to realize my dream on April 20th when my group meets for the first time. We are just a bunch of young single adult women. Our first book club choice is ANNE OF GREEN GABLES and I can see that we will have a lot to talk about. Rachel's book was very easy to understand and very helpful. If the club works as good as expected, I have to personally send Rachel a message.

So... you know you love reading, you want a good excuse to get together with others who love to read and you think you'll start a book club. Great - read this book! Not only does Jacobsohn cover what you'd expect (like providing a multitude of suggested reading lists) but she covers the issues you may not think of immediately - like acknowledging that people are likely to relate their reading to personal experiences in their lives and making sure that everyone in your reading group understands the importance of keeping confidences. My only criticism - not much attention paid to the growing phenomenon of online book clubs.

This book is not only a concise, step-by-step guide to forming a book group but also is written in a style that is sweet, funny and entertaining to read. Ms Jacobsohn informs the reader of her recommendations and past experiences but provides options and ideas that might work for others. Booklists, administrative details, recipes and "stories" of other book groups give much guidance. The excellent design of the book and the style in which it is written enables quick and easy reference upon occasion.

Jacobsohn has written a wonderful guide for anyone interested in starting a reading group. Jacobsohn seems to have thought of everything one would need to prepare and think about before beginning a group. She gives helpful check off lists to keep the mechanics of the group running. This book appealed to me because of the easy to read style in which it was written and the many comments from members of the several reading book clubs that Jacobsohn has been involved with. I especially liked the recipes she includes.