Week 7: Book Clubs!

During our last 643 class we were joined by a local public librarian who shared with us some neat and useful tips for organizing book clubs. Among other ideas, she suggested creating book club kits that include all the necessary tools for a successful book club discussion—several copies of a single title, reviews/summaries, related questions, “read-a-likes” (similar titles), and perhaps the DVD of the film version (if available). Such a kit would certainly simplify the organization process and possibly encourage newcomers to start their own book clubs. After our guest speaker presentation, I was able to witness a mock Socratic seminar, as staged by the professor and some classmates. I thought it was useful to see some of the suggested practices actually put into action (e.g., begin a question with the participant’s name).

I really enjoyed this week’s readings (not that I don’t enjoy every week’s readings). The change of pace was welcome, especially following spring break. My book club cohort was responsible for reading five different short pieces:

“The Four Habits of Highly Effective Librarians” by Todd Gilman

This short article seems mostly concerned with how reference desks (and by extension, reference librarians) can continue to make themselves relevant. Gilman proposes four practices for librarians: openness, responsiveness, collaboration and communication. While this article was definitely a good read, from the title I was expecting a more general set of suggestions for the library profession. This article seems to have the academic reference library staff in mind. Nevertheless, Gilman’s ideas are pretty universal for all librarians—basically, be willing to adapt and listen and talk to others.

“A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift

I’ve read this piece once or twice before, but reading it again made me appreciate just how much I probably didn’t understand back then. While I could understand that Swift was being satirical, some of the historical nuances and language subtleties eluded me in my younger days.

“The Landlady” by Roald Dahl

What a creepy little story this is. I had never read this before, but I really enjoyed it, in spite of the creepy factor. I think there are a lot of interesting plot devices (foreshadowing, etc.) going on here that could be talked about in length. Reading it was sort of like watching one of those horror films—you just know something bad is going to happen if Billy Weaver stays at that Bed and Breakfast! Keep walking, go to the pub!

“Hansel and Gretel” by Brothers Grimm

I’m excited to be discussing this story in our book groups tomorrow as well. Not surprisingly, I’ve read this before, but I think this is one of those stories that can be read and discussed multiple times without losing its appeal. Like “A Modest Proposal,” there are definitely details that are picked up on in a second reading.

“The Nightingale and the Rose” by Oscar Wilde

This is the story my book club selected, and it is about love, selfishness, sacrifice, etc. Basically, a young student needs a red rose in order to get a young lady’s attention (or a dance)—but alas, there are no red roses around. A nightingale that is perched nearby hears the laments of the young man and is determined to help him acquire the proper flower. Unfortunately, the nightingale makes a sacrifice for an unappreciative student who is, in turn, unappreciated by the young lady. I guess what goes around comes around.

In conclusion, I’m really excited to be talking more about all these fine book club selections tomorrow!