The Discussion
In April, seven of us gathered to discuss To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee.
The facilitator compiled a list of stimulating questions, which she directed at one member at a time. This singling-out approach enabled each member to ponder and voice her opinion uninterrupted.
Another interesting aspect of the facilitator’s style this month was to lead with a firm hand — steering the discussion in a way that respected each person’s thoughts and feelings while enabling others to chime in constructively.
The discussion was heated and emotional as we delved into the book’s themes of systemic racism, the “white saviour” conundrum, and the concerning societal norm where everyone has someone they can look down upon.
This group likes the potentially volatile opening question, “Who liked the book and who didn’t?” I love that we all feel comfortable speaking openly at this point. One member did not like the book at all and had no trouble making this declaration.
Post-Discussion Fun
The facilitator has a DVD player, and arranged to check out from the library the movie version of To Kill A Mockingbird. She offered to host a viewing session — another fun event to look forward to!
The Organic Secretary
Like my last book club, a secretary has emerged in this group organically. At the end of this meeting, she led the charge to fill in the scheduling gaps between now and the end of the year. Then, before she left on vacation, she posted an updated schedule in the group chat.
I wonder how other book clubs keep track of upcoming books, dates and venues. This administrative role developed without appointment in both book clubs I’ve been to. How do other book clubs stay organized? Though I could not find an answer online, I’ve posed the question to a friend, who is a member of another book club, to see if her group has a different approach. Stay tuned!**
Snacks
People really love the snacks! The best spreads often include something small and sweet (this time: yummy blueberry “bites” that were gluten-free and coconut-y), at least three types of cheeses, gluten-free crackers, hummus, fruit and/or veg (this time: a bowl of strawberries, and sliced zucchini).
Placing the snacks on a table between us worked well, though personally, I feel like I exercise more restraint when the food isn’t front and center of the discussion. Sometimes olives and nuts feature among the nibbles, but I can’t recall if they did this month. Small plates and napkins were provided -- worth noting, as I have a tendency to forget the plates when I host.
Wine
White was unavailable. (The host let us know in the group chat that she forgot to buy some.) People did not seem to mind, given that at least four of us plowed through a bottle of Josh Cab Sauv and made progress on a second bottle of red during the evening. Two members opted for a sangria mocktail, the only alternative suggested besides rosé.
I noticed water was not set out or nearby (there would not have been enough space, anyway). I feel obligated to bring out water or Perrier when I host, but really, people can get their own water. So why bother?
Post-Discussion
After tackling gaps in the calendar, we complimented the hostess for spear-heading the book club formation. We expressed gratitude for the camaraderie in the group, and we noted once again that eight members are the perfect size. (This month, 2 chairs were brought in when space ran out on the comfy library furniture.)
We also agreed that we are unusually blessed with a group where no one person seems to dominate the discussions. Everyone participates in the discussion in relatively equal measure. No conversation hogs.
Excluding New Members
We spoke briefly about a new neighbor who recently expressed an interest in joining our group. She travels with her job and therefore is not in town very often. We encouraged her to join during the early stages of the club’s formation. Since that time, others have joined and become regular attenders. Now that we are eight, and happy with that number, we hesitate to add others. I wondered if this topic has been addressed before.
An organization called “Book Browse” considered this issue: what to do about new members wanting to join a book club that is content with its current size, to its Facebook followers.* Their various answers broke down into the following categories:
You’re right to limit the size
Help start a new group or start a wait-list
Have a “bring a friend month” twice a year
Eliminate members who don’t participate to make room
The more the merrier
From the Facebook reactions to excluding new members, these tidbits resonated with me:
The importance of keeping to a number where all can fit comfortably in each other’s homes (or at a restaurant if that is where the meetings are)
Prioritizing the preservation of intimacy in the group when considering new members who might upset the vibe
Encouraging potential new members to start another book club
THIS! “Another issue with adding people is that it's very difficult to remove them once they're in, so if you've got a harmonious book club, you need to be careful about tampering with your group's chemistry.”
I could write a whole other blog on that last point, but the conundrum for now is how to preserve the chemistry that a book club enjoys while tactfully excluding another book lover.
**My friend's book club’s administration is quite similar. One member records the book choices from an annual meeting, creates a schedule for who will host and research for each book, and then reminds the group on pertinent details the Sunday before their meeting each month.