ReadingGroupGuides.com - Courtyard Book Club Roundtable

Courtyard Book Club

Michelle Lewis is a member of the “Courtyard Book Club,” which was formed in May in Suffolk, VA. In this interview, Michelle explains that her book club selects titles thematically rather than by title or author. She outlines the goals of her group, which include meeting new people and sharing the reading experience with others, and talks about the contemplative way they begin each discussion.

Q: Does your group have a name and/or a theme? How long has your group been in existence?

A: The club name is “Courtyard Book Club” and we are a “theme of the month club.” We had our first meeting May 2008.

Q: How many members do you have? How many men, how many women? What age are most of your members?

A: We currently have 12 members and two are online members. So far all members are female. The average age is 38.

Q: How often do you meet? Where do you meet?

A: We meet monthly at the beautiful Court Marriot Hotel in Suffolk, VA.

Q: Do you eat at your meetings? What do you eat? Who brings the food?

A: Our meals are prepared by the hotel chef.

Q: What kind of books do you read?

A: Our monthly themes are:
January: Self-Improvement
March: Women’s Fiction
April: Bestsellers
May: Best of Favorites
June: Classics
July: African American Fiction
August: Science Fiction & Fantasy
September: Drama
October: Horror, Mystery & Crime
November: Politics & Current Affairs
December: Christian Fiction & People of Other Cultures

Q: How do you choose your books? Do you choose one new book at each meeting, or do you choose the books for a number of meetings ahead of time?

A: Books are selected through manual drawings of book nominated by the group. Each month members nominate one to three picks related to the theme of the month. The picks are placed into a bag; one title is randomly pulled out of a bag to select the read for the following month. If your nomination is selected, you will facilitate the meeting.

Q: What were some of the best discussions or favorite books the group read?

A: In May we have a Best of Favorites theme. Each member brings a book and tells other club members about it in a couple of lines. The book can be your all-time favorite or your most recent. Give the title and why it has meaning for you. If possible, bring a copy of the book to share with your fellow group members.

Q: How do you keep things fun?

A: We have a member provide a Thought of the Day. The thought is an inspiring quotation that sets the tone for the meeting. The thought is a meaningful quotation, preferably one that relates to the theme of the month.

Q: What advice would you give to other reading groups?

A: We are still learning and appreciate all the information your website provides. Keep up the good work!

Q: Is there anything else unique or noteworthy about your group that you would like to share?

A: Our primary goals are to:
Increase reading in our community
Meet new people who also like to read
Share book ideass

We also have a monthly newsletter.

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