THE READING GROUP HANDBOOK by Rachel W. Jacobsohn List Price: $12.95 Pages: 240 Format: Paperback Genre: Nonfiction ISBN: 0786883243 Publisher: Hyperion

Flaubert once said, "Read in order to live."

Most of us read, not only to live, but also to talk about what we're reading. And we all know how much more fun it is to talk to people who are reading the same books as we are.

This is one reason reading groups have become so popular. Another is Oprah; there is no doubt that her book club has people reading like they've never read before.

The last few years have seen an unprecedented growth in reading clubs of all kinds.  They range from small groups meeting in libraries to Internet chat rooms where large groups meet to talk about books.

If reading along with Oprah or joining one of the groups on the Internet has sparked your interest in starting a reading group, THE READING GROUP HANDBOOK can help you get started. Rachel Jacobsohn is a professional reading group leader, and she has distilled her 20 years of experience between the covers of this lively book.

In chapters with titles such as "What Makes A Good Member" (hint: it's not just anyone who can read), "Rachel's Rules of Order" (leave all pets at home), and "Food" (keep it simple or eat later), she lays the groundwork for forming a successful reading group at any level.

Jacobsohn includes a number of suggested reading lists culled from reading groups around the country and a list of sources for reviews and literary criticism.

THE READING GROUP HANDBOOK is a wonderful resource for both starting a reading club or giving your existing group a shot in the arm. .

   --- Reviewed by Judith Handschuh


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