What we’re about
Welcome to our book club for adults who like to read in multiple genres and in multiple age groups.
Please send me a message in MU if you're interested in hosting a book club meeting, if you have a book recommendation, or if you know of a venue where we could hold a meeting. We're always looking for new fun places conducive to conversation and fun.
Helping Things Run Smoothly:
1. Respect all group members and their opinions.
Since reading and text interpretations are subjective, everyone will have their own opinion. Listening respectfully with an open mind allows us to share our thoughts without negativity.
2. Be considerate and respectful in your words and actions to eliminate conflict.
We may discuss topics with many differences of opinion. It’s important to understand that we’ve all had unique experiences over our lives, and those experiences affect our points of view. Don’t assume that a person has bad intentions. Instead, respectfully listen to their opinion with an open mind and heart, and then ask questions and/or offer your opinion, so that we can try to understand where we’re all coming from.
3. Minimize interruptions.
No raising of hands needed, just be mindful of not interrupting other group members, even if you disagree with their point of view. After one person makes their point, others can add to the discussion. That way, everyone can voice their opinion freely. But, of course, feel free to raise your hand to get noticed if lots of members want to add to the discussion at once.
4. Minimize side conversations.
They can be distracting, and it’s likely that you have something the entire group would love to hear.
5. Let everyone have a chance to speak.
We’d like to hear everyone’s opinion. If the moderator notes that you’re frequently contributing, and others are not able to contribute, the conversation may be redirected so that other group members may speak. It’s our way of allowing everyone the chance to contribute.
6. Raise your hand if you need to.
If you’d like to share an opinion and haven’t been able to speak, feel free to raise your hand. Sometimes points can be made quickly by several participants, and it might be difficult to add to the conversation.
7. Disagreeing with the majority of the group is ok.
For a book that has a majority opinion, if you have a different thought, please be sure to share your ideas so that we all have the opportunity to grow as individuals and as a group.
8. RSVPs
Please be sure to update your RSVP to “Not Going” as soon as you know that you won’t be able to attend a meeting. We may be at some smaller venues that have limited space, and we want to make sure that as many members who’d like to join us at meetings are able to. As a courtesy to everyone, a member may be removed from the group if repeatedly not showing up to meetings without updating the RSVP, or regularly canceling with very short notice.
9. Content
Themes will undoubtedly come up that are triggering to some members. Please read book descriptions so that you can make an informed decision as to whether or not you’re comfortable reading books chosen for meetings. There are also sites online that can provide some information about trigger warnings for different books. No site can eliminate all risk of potential triggers due to the wide range of triggers for different individuals. If something is triggering to you, please seek assistance from a trusted source. Topics may not be censored during our meetings. Please be sure that you’re comfortable with this before attending events, since we may be discussing things that you may not be comfortable discussing. If you'd like to step away from the group for a few minutes until that topic is finished, please feel free to do that.
Please Note: The cover image is a free image from the Freepik.com website. Here is the link if you'd like to see it online. https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/front-view-books-flowers-wooden-table_5893379.htm#position=11
