Fiction_L Archives Book Discussion Result Dates: 4/22/04,11:50 AM  through  4/22/04,11:50 AM  (1 posting) Search for: Select one or more indexes to search: 2011-current     2009-2010     2004-2008    1995-2003    (Matches from each index will be displayed separately in the results page.) Return to April 2004 thread menu   |   Fiction_L Archives Menu

FROM: "ROBIN BEERBOWER" <[removed]@cityofsalem.net>
REC'D: 4/22/04, 11:50 AM

During the thread on book discussion groups someone mentioned a
presentation by Nancy Pearl where she stated that the leader should not
ask the group their opinion of the book as it tends to polarize the
members. Yesterday I led a discussion and followed her advice, and
thought I would share my experience. I will preface this by saying that
we have a very open-minded group and I don't' think anyone minds stating
their negative opinion but I wanted to give the following a try anyway.

The book was CROSSING TO SAFETY by Wallace Stegner. A friend couldn't
attend so she emailed me a somewhat negative response to the book and
ended it by saying if she were there she "would keep her mouth shut" as
she realized most everyone would think the book was wonderful. Between
Nancy's suggestion and my friend's remark, I had an idea of how to
determine what the group thought of the book. So I made a multiple
choice slip that said this was an anonymous opinion and I asked everyone
to fill it out, fold it, and give it to me. On it were six opinions
ranging from "Loved It, Fabulous Book" to "Borrr-rring!", and even a
line for "Didn't Get It Read" along with a section for a comment.

After gathering the slips I read them to the group along with the
comments. We then commenced talking about the book and the discussion
seemed to flow quite well. At no time did I get any feeling as to who
didn't care for the book and it seemed to be a little easier since
someone didn't have to defend their negative opinion (although at least
no one marked the "Borrr-rringg" line :-) ) .

At the end of the discussion I asked the group what they thought of
this new procedure and most everyone liked it.

Robin Beerbower
Salem (OR) Public Library

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