Leading a Book Discussion Group

Run a book discussion that generates real conversation through open questions and shared evidence.

A good book discussion is not a quiz. It is a conversation in which readers test interpretations against each other and the text. The facilitator's main tools are open questions, which have more than one defensible answer and invite evidence. Closed question: 'Where does the story take place? ' Open question: 'Why do you think the author set the final scene at the train station instead of at home? ' Good discussions also return to the text: when someone makes a claim, ask 'Where do you see that? ' and turn to the page together.

Disagreement is welcome, as long as it focuses on ideas and evidence rather than people. Consider an original moment: one member says the protagonist is selfish; another says she is protecting her brother. The facilitator might ask each to find a passage, then ask the group whether both readings could be true. Prepare three or four open questions before meeting, but follow the conversation's energy when it leads somewhere better.

• 1Use open questions with more than one defensible answer.
• 2Return to the text: 'Where do you see that?'
• 3Welcome disagreement focused on ideas and evidence.