The Book Club Bible: The Definitive Guide That Every Book Club Member Needs

by Michael O'Mara (Publisher), Lionel Shriver (Foreword), Various

Every book club member has felt the pressure to pick out a new title for the whole group to read and enjoy. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a book that helped you to make that all-important decision and maintain your place of respect in the book club? Fear no more, this comprehensive guide is here to help, shining an illuminating light on the treasures of the literary world, from The Bell Jar to Brick Lane, Mrs. Dalloway to Middlesex. Containing a diverse selection of books to choose from, the guide includes a non-spoiler synopsis, background information on the author, historical context, interesting discussion points and facts, and potential companion volumes. Compiled by a range of English literature experts and avid readers, this informative and enthusiastic guide is guaranteed to inspire.

Genres: Nonfiction, Books About Books, Reference

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2007

Reviews

[Nancee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve had this goal to get my “read” list longer than my “to read” list. Before I started this book I was very close. That was before. I’ve now added about 100 more books to my “to read” list. I don’t think I have enough time in my lifetime to read them all now, but at least I won’t run out of ideas. I’ll have to come up with a system to decide which ones to read first. Your ratings really help me, so keep them coming.

I like that this book covered all sorts of time periods and genres for their recommendations. They have great summaries of their suggestions, background info and suggested companion books if we liked a particular book. There was an overwhelming amount of suggestions. I referred often to good read for their ratings and reviews to decide whether to add a book to my list.

I only gave this 3 because I didn’t see it as a novel, but more as a reference book.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful guide for any book group looking for inspiration for its next read! I liked the eclectic mix of genres, the fact that some lesser known literary 'classics' were included, that the introductions contained no spoilers, the suggested discussion points and, at the end of each entry, an 'if you liked this' guide to similar books.

[Gloria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not about how to run a book club. No advice at all about that. Rather this is a list of excellent annotations that include the book description, short comments by critics/reviewers, discussion points, basic background info, and suggested companion books/read-alikes.

Has a definite British tone to it, and many of the selections are British authors' books. The titles tend to be older books and/or classics though some are quite recent. If someone were looking for a list of high quality literature, this would be a good source.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book provided a great overview of many titles that would spark great discussions in book groups of all types. I liked that it contained a summary of each story's plot, some discussion questions, and books for further reading. Interspersed in the book were top-ten lists.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Contains a good selection of book suggestions, synopses background information and suggested companion books. I'm not currently in a book club but this would have been a valuable tool for my previous club.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Acquired a long list of suggestions for book club reads--I'll be adding many to our group's list!

[Hazeera · Rating 4 out of 5]

I nice guide for book lovers. Provides synopsis without any spoilers (gooood). Some suggestions on books with similar style. Made this book to choose my "to-read books".

[Amanda Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting reference book for those want to start a bookclub or simply try different books. This guide helps you make informed choices.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great information about good books and how to pick them.

[Isabel Mansfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mistook this for a book on how to run a book club, but it's actually a brief synopsis of suggested books, including some background information on each and suggested companion books.

[Eva · Rating 2 out of 5]

not very far from the usual path...