Here's a variety of fun ideas your group can try!

• To liven up March, why not have a costume party? Come to your next meeting dressed as your favorite character or author. If you feel that a full costume is asking too much, each member can bring or wear one signature item associated with the character or author that she or he represents. Try guessing who everyone is.

• For your next book choice, have everyone throw a title in a hat–whichever you draw out, that's the book you read.                    

• Try reading a book about a specific culture (or set in a specific culture).  Make it a learning experience --- make food from that culture, find some music or artwork, do a little research into the culture.  Present your findings when you discuss the book–it's sure to enhance your discussion.

• Try keeping a scrapbook of the books your group reads.  Include snippets of reviews, articles and author interviews.  Have each member write a comment or two about each book.  Take a picture of your group's meetings.

• Devote this spring to reading authors from a certain country or continent.  Maybe compare several South American authors and see how those from different countries compare.  Or read books by authors all from India or China or some other country you're interested in.  How do translations compare to books that are written in English?

• Your group might consider reading a biography or memoir.  Perhaps read two on the same person, or a biography and autobiography, and see how they compare. Discuss which was better written and which gave you more information.

If you've got a creative idea that your reading group has tried and enjoyed, please click here to send.