The Spades Park Book Club is an intimate book club with an attendance of about five to seven people at any given meeting. The meeting I observed had five in attendance not including myself. The book club is made up of mostly women with the occasional attendance of a lone man. At first glance one can tell that these ladies are friendly with one another. However, upon further observation through conversation it is apparent that this book club crew is connected at a deeper level as they begin by discussing what is going on in their lives before delving into actual book discussion. The character differences amongst the crew made for an interesting observation.
Who is asking the questions, is there a leader or do people take turns?
The leader of the Spades Park Book Club is an older woman who is retired and also attends the library's Shared Reading program which is another book club hosted weekly. Her leading style tends to be to guide the discussion back to the book when other members get completely off topic. She does ask some questions, but also lets other member bring their questions up. Overall the book club has a relaxed feel and there does not seem to be a need for a leader who is very controlling.
If there is a leader, does the leader answer the questions as well or let the attendees respond first?
The group has the chance to discuss the question before who ever posed the question chimes in. This seems like a good strategy. However, it does seem like the group can get carried away on one question for some time due to this strategy.
What type of questions are asked? Any involving just yes or no answers?
There is more discussion about how the book made book club members feel than actual asking of questions. Some yes or no questions are involved. For example the book club was reading The Girl in the Tangerine Scarf by Mohja Kahf and one of he participant's questions was whether or not Muslim people really feel that Americans are dirty or if parts of the book were exaggerated.
Do all attendees actively participate?
The Spades Park Book Club does not suffer from a lack of participation. All of the women who attend the book club seem comfortable in their skin and are willing and active participants in the book club. While a couple of the women talk a little less than other all of the women have something to say at some point during discussions.
Do any attendees swoop in and steal all the spotlight?
One participant was particularly vocal during the discussion. This participant seemed to relate every discussion point back to herself in some way. At some points during the discussion it can be seen that other participants are a bit bored with her connections to her own life. However, no one is ever vocal about this participant's need to make the discussion about her.
What is the atmosphere of the discussion, where is it taking place at?
The book discussion takes place in the upstairs auditorium of the Spades Park library. The space is large enough to hold eighty people, but it is still small enough to give that intimate feeling required for such a small group of people. The atmosphere and people are friendly. This seems to go a long way in making this book club a great book club.
Are snacks or drinks provided?
Apparently Spades Park Book Club would not be the event that it is without snacks. The library no staff provide the snacks for the book club. Every woman tends to bring something to the event. An assortment of healthy and not-so-healthy snacks along with water, tea, or coffee tend o be the preferred way to go.
What types of books does this book club normally discuss?
Miss Pattie, one of the club's loyal members, being a participant for more that 10 years, informed me that the book club reads whatever the librarians suggest. On the list she says is at least two Indiana authors a year, a mystery or two, and then whatever is selected from our Central library.
Who is asking the questions, is there a leader or do people take turns?
The leader of the Spades Park Book Club is an older woman who is retired and also attends the library's Shared Reading program which is another book club hosted weekly. Her leading style tends to be to guide the discussion back to the book when other members get completely off topic. She does ask some questions, but also lets other member bring their questions up. Overall the book club has a relaxed feel and there does not seem to be a need for a leader who is very controlling.
If there is a leader, does the leader answer the questions as well or let the attendees respond first?
The group has the chance to discuss the question before who ever posed the question chimes in. This seems like a good strategy. However, it does seem like the group can get carried away on one question for some time due to this strategy.
What type of questions are asked? Any involving just yes or no answers?
There is more discussion about how the book made book club members feel than actual asking of questions. Some yes or no questions are involved. For example the book club was reading The Girl in the Tangerine Scarf by Mohja Kahf and one of he participant's questions was whether or not Muslim people really feel that Americans are dirty or if parts of the book were exaggerated.
Do all attendees actively participate?
The Spades Park Book Club does not suffer from a lack of participation. All of the women who attend the book club seem comfortable in their skin and are willing and active participants in the book club. While a couple of the women talk a little less than other all of the women have something to say at some point during discussions.
Do any attendees swoop in and steal all the spotlight?
One participant was particularly vocal during the discussion. This participant seemed to relate every discussion point back to herself in some way. At some points during the discussion it can be seen that other participants are a bit bored with her connections to her own life. However, no one is ever vocal about this participant's need to make the discussion about her.
What is the atmosphere of the discussion, where is it taking place at?
The book discussion takes place in the upstairs auditorium of the Spades Park library. The space is large enough to hold eighty people, but it is still small enough to give that intimate feeling required for such a small group of people. The atmosphere and people are friendly. This seems to go a long way in making this book club a great book club.
Are snacks or drinks provided?
Apparently Spades Park Book Club would not be the event that it is without snacks. The library no staff provide the snacks for the book club. Every woman tends to bring something to the event. An assortment of healthy and not-so-healthy snacks along with water, tea, or coffee tend o be the preferred way to go.
What types of books does this book club normally discuss?
Miss Pattie, one of the club's loyal members, being a participant for more that 10 years, informed me that the book club reads whatever the librarians suggest. On the list she says is at least two Indiana authors a year, a mystery or two, and then whatever is selected from our Central library.
Fantastic observations and write up! I'm glad you had such a pleasant experience!
ReplyDeleteKamara, what made you choose this book club? Do you think you'll attend again, or was this a one-time visit? Have you been in any book clubs before, or are you now? Just wondering....
ReplyDeleteThis was a very thorough description of the book club - I can almost see it in my mind. Are these mostly older ladies? I liked how you called them a "crew" - and how you described their deeper connection to each other. Makes me think of a motley crew of old ladies - someone should make a movie about them, lol.