Why have a book club?

A few years ago, I was writing an article for a magazine about book clubs (mother-daughter, father-son) and how it helps encourage conversation that totally would not have existed otherwise. I fell in love with the idea of a book club – and not just the parent-child ones, but for friends too. Reading a book can be such a powerful experience – you travel somewhere in your head, you have such intense experiences, and (in the best cases) you have some personal revelations, too. How cool to sit down after you’re done and bond about this with a group of people who have just been through a similar experience? And another great part of a book club: munchies! Often, a book club prepares snacks that are mentioned in the book they’ve just read. Which is good. Unless, of course, the novel in question is How to Eat Fried Worms.

Download Reading Group Guides

So far, we have a reading guide for The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things. Soon they’ll be one for Guyaholic, too. These guides are meant to encourage conversation, though I’m sure you’ll come up with great talking points as well.

The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things (PDF)

Chat with Carolyn

If you are discussing any of my novels in your book club, let me know. I’d love to hear how the conversation goes. Also, schedule permitting, I may be able to do an online chat with your book club. I had one mother-daughter club travel into New York City to meet me for lunch. So fun! So if you’re discussing my books, send an email to Tracy Miracle and put “Carolyn Mackler book club” in the subject line. Happy chatting!

Contact:
Tracy.Miracle@candlewick.com