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| Good Books Lately
The One-Stop Resource for Book Groups and Other Greedy Readers. Ellen Moore and Kira Stevens. GRIFFIN original (paperback) March 2004. ISBN: 0312309619. 352 pages.

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ReadingGroupGuides.com
In her review, Sara Shapiro concludes: "Good Books Lately is a must-have for members of book groups or for those hoping to get involved. If you have a question about book clubs, even an unusual one, this guide is almost guaranteed to answer it. With this book at your disposal, you are sure to have some of the most interesting and exciting discussions your group has ever experienced."
The Charlotte Observer | August 22, 2004
In a quick look at the phenomenon of book groups, Sam Hodges quotes Ellen Moore, co-founder of Good Books Lately, and cites Good Books Lately as a great resource for book groups, along with Oprah Winfrey's Book Club, "whose top book programs drew more than 13 million viewers and conferred instant best-seller status on the books discussed."
RebeccasReads.com
Narayan Radhakrishnan, Senior Associate Reviewer writes: "This book caught my attention immediately -- & I judged the book by its subtitle!
Book Groups or Reading Clubs are familiar to readers on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean -- but the fad has not yet reached this part of the world -- India -- & it is with a keen curiosity that I read this book -- to know what exactly is a book group, its range, its gambit & how it serves to protect & share ideas on good books. & let me say -- Good Books Lately is the best book I could have asked for."
The Denver Post | April 25, 2004
In her article "Missing Sense of Community Fuels Connection Found in Book Groups," Robin Vidimos discusses the cultural phenomenon of book groups in relation to the "One Book, One Denver" program, and she provides book group resources, including Good Books Lately.
Vail Daily | April 21, 2004
Ellen Moore and Kira Stevens talk about books and book groups and help launch Eagle Valley's Book Group Extravaganza. Vail Daily highlights the Good Books Lately handbook and describes upcoming event sponsored by the Eagle Valley Library Disctrict (Vail, CO).
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS - March 29, 2004
Rocky Mountain News book editor Patti Thorn reviews Good Books Lately and includes tips from Kira Stevens and Ellen Moore on how to read effectively and how to create a lively discussion. Thorn writes, "The [book] is a delightful mix of anecdotes and advice, all written in a lighthearted spirit.
Book clubs would be wise to invest in this useful guide."
BOOK SENSE 76 - March/April 2004
"Chock-full of great tips and advice, this helpful resource is a must-read for any book group member or leader wanting to enhance their reading/discussion experience. The stories, comments, recommendations (of what to read and what to avoid!) from book groups around the country are gems." --Maryjude Hoeffel, from Bookin' It, Little Falls, MN
LIBRARY JOURNAL - March 1, 2004
"This practical resource for starting a book group is very timely, considering the proliferation of book groups over the past seven years. Book groups (or book clubs) have been around for a long time, possibly since the early 18th century, but were more recently popularized by Oprah Winfrey. This first work by Moore and Stevens (both Ph.D. candidates, Univ. of Denver) is an easy-to-read guide that gives readers an abundance of information on everything from choosing the type of book (e.g., fiction, autobiography) to understanding characters, plot, and setting. The book also covers the dynamic of book of the book group session--i.e., how to decide who will lead the discussion, formulate questions, and get others involved. The first chapter, "Sewing Circles and Salons" provides an overview of reading in groups throughout history and includes a brief section focusing on women and reading. In "The Greedy Reader Menu," tha authors discuss what makes a good book group book and provide a listing of some categories and sample titles. For instance, the category, "Peoples and Cultures" includes works like Zadie Smith's White Teeth and Chang Rae Lee's A Gesture Life. Suitable for public libraries and other public venues (such as community centers) where book groups are likely to congregate." --Valeda F. Dent, from Hunter College, NY
THE PLAIN DEALER - February 21, 2004
"For anyone who ever found that creaing a book discussion group was harder than expected, authors Ellen Moore and Kira Stevens have put together this guide. It covers issues such as how to start and maintain your group, select titles, talk about books in meaningful ways and negotiate problems of personality and mission." --Karen Sandstrum, Plain Dealer Book Editor
VINTAGE BOOKS Book Store
"Reading Group Alert! This guide really tells what it's like. From starting your group, redefining, picking books and dealing with your groups problems to jazzing up the gatherings, Good Books Lately covers the basics and the arcane, with 'what works' comments from established groups. What to do when someone monopolizes or no one wants to speak; sticking to the topic, or not; how to change your group or when to leave. This is the most practical, down-to-earth book discussion guide I've seen--and the books suggested are great, too."
--Becky Milner,
Vintage Books,
Vancouver, WA
BookCrossing.com
"Ellen Moore and Kira Stevens are experts on forming book groups, how to stir the debate on a particular book, and troubleshooting especially when the group seems stagnant among other topics. In Good Books Lately, the authors provide advice as they have done with their consulting firm.
This self-help book is easy and fun to follow as it offers practical guidance on forming and maintaining a quality book group whether it is generalist or genre-specific. Anyone who wants to start or improve a group will find this reference book offers solid tips to make a successful go. Most of all Ms. Moore and Ms. Stevens encourage people to keep on reading even if you are a group of one, but will appreciate a vigorous debate with others."
--Harriet Klausner, BookCrossing journaler
Go back to the full description of our book group companion.
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