Why is it important for the mothers and daughters to facilitate the group instead of hiring a professional moderator?
A professional moderator guides your book club’s discussion by coming prepared with questions to stimulate a thought provoking, interactive discussion. The moderator keeps the group “on task,” researches background material related to the book and deepens individuals appreciation of the selection. In addition, the moderator may bring the author or special guests to the meeting either virtually or in-person.
If I hire a facilitator and don’t care for the individual, what happens?
Many facilitators will ask for a minimum commitment of 3-4 months as it takes a few meetings for the group to become cohesive.
How should the background of the facilitator be judged?
Facilitators have a variety of backgrounds. Some facilitators have obvious backgrounds as former English teachers or librarians. Others have a more eclectic background but have considerable experience in facilitating book clubs. In either case, talking to members of book groups who have employed the facilitator is the best “reference check!”
Do I have to hire a facilitator to moderate the book club? What if I just want some suggestions or ideas on how to make my book club better?
Most facilitators are open to consulting on a variety of needs as long as the expectations are well documented. In that case a fee will be negotiated.
How are the books selected?
There are a variety of approaches depending on the facilitator and the group. Some facilitators will question a group about what type of books they like/want to read. Others will come up with a syllabus of books the group can choose from. Some groups will have a portion of the year’s selections made while leaving “space” in the year for more “ad hoc” selections.
What type of books provide lively discussions?
Novels should have a complexity of characters/plot/setting. One of these may dominate but the story should have the depth to make you question what the characters did or how the setting influenced the novel, techniques the author used to develop the plot or how different characters reacted to situations in the novel. A book club may also discuss what motivated different characters and the author’s intention in conceiving the novel.