Book club novice

[Notallmilsarebad]

I have just joined a book club through work. I have never been involved in a book club before so really looking forward to it.

Our book for this month is a non-fiction autobiography. I have never read an autobiography before (I’m more of a fiction girl) but I’m really enjoying it. However, I’m not really sure what to say about it in book club. Does anyone have any ideas of usual topics of discussion in book clubs, or questions I can ask myself about the book to reflect on before the meet so I’m not just sat there in silence.

I’m probably totally overthinking this but I’m quite junior in my field and really want to have something to talk about.

So it kind of depends on how literary the group is and also the text as there can be huge differences in autobiographies. But thinking about what you like/didn't like and why is probably a good place to start.

Is the writing engaging? Why? Is it just because they have a gripping story or are there particular writing devices and techniques you can spot? Are there any messages you think they are trying to get across? Any contrasts between their early life/what the world was like then and now?

Hope that helps :)

With an autobiography it can also be interesting to reflect on what you’re not being told. Are there events the writer isn’t talking about, and why is that? Also, how do you think events might be portrayed by other people who were there, and what does that say about the author?

As you seem to have joined an already existing book club OP, then they will have their own format. Often someone will come up with a list of questions. Beforehand you could have a think about why you liked it (any part in particular?); what you thought of the content and the writing style; and was there anything you learnt or that surprised you about the author?