Book group suggestions/ideas

[blondie87]

Hi,

I’m setting up a book group and need some ideas for the pot. If anyone has any recommendations that you have enjoyed and make for a lovely discussion, that would be great!

I meant ‘lively’ discussion!

Some good ones our group have enjoyed discussing this year : The Trouble With Goats and Sheep - Joanna Cannon
Moon Tiger - Penelope Lively
My Name Is Lucy Barton - Elizabeth Stroud
Love, Iris - Elizabeth Noble. (I hated it but everyone else loved it!)
Lincoln In The Bardo - George Saunders ( I loved it and everyone else hated it!)

You aren't necessarily looking for ones everyone loves. Sometimes those discussions are the most boring. Someone says "I loved the bit where..." and everyone agrees enthusiastically and then it all goes quiet!

We have read and enjoyed
Elizabeth is Missing
A Casual Vacancy - J K Rowling
Any Human Heart - William Boyd

Check out your local library. Ours supports book groups by having sets of books. They've got about 500 titles, and there's usually 10 or 12 books in a set. You need one person to take charge - in our group, it's me. I order them from the library, go and pick them up in time for the meeting, and hand them out to everyone. At the end of each meeting, I collect in the books we've finished with and take them back. Saves everyone buying the books. If anyone already has a copy they don't need to borrow the library one.

The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne and A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles gave us lots to discuss.

Normal People by Salley Rooney really divided opinions but made for a good debate!