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Reading Groups

If you like the idea of sharing your enjoyment of reading with others and trying different things, then why not join a group or set up your own with some like-minded friends. You can also take part online in Scotland's new online book group.

Your local library can help – a group may already exist or staff can offer advice and tips. The library service can provide titles in sets of 6 to 12 especially for groups, at no cost, so choose a title from the reading group titles list below and ask your library to get it for you.

Large Print and talking book formats may also be available.

Let us know what you think of your reading group choice, using the online Book Review Form.

Some suggestions are

Shadow_SerpentShadow of the Serpent by David Ashton

A tale of politics, perversion, deception and mystery, 'The Shadow of the Serpent' leads the reader down a tangled Victorian labyrinth of Edinburgh wynds and will thrill contemporary nerve-ends.

 

 

GillespieGillespie and I by Jane Harris

In 1888, young, art-loving Harriet Baxter arrives in Glasgow at the time of the International Exhibition. Befriending the Gillespie family, Harriet soon becomes a fixture in all of their lives. But when tragedy strikes the promise and certainties of this world all too rapidly disorientate into mystery and deception

 

shoot_horsesThey Shoot Horses Don't They? by Horace McCoy

Set in the Depression of the 1930s Horace McCoy's classic American novel portrays the dark side of the marathon dance craze, which flourished at that time

 

 

Jesse_LambThe Testament of Jessie Lamb by Jane Rogers

Jane Rogers creates an extraordinary character in Jessie Lamb, determined to make her life count in a self-destructing world as the certainties of her life are ripped apart.

 

 

 

 

Book Talk - Scotland's Online Book Group

Why not join Scotland’s new online book group, Book Talk – share your opinions from the comfort of home

Listen to discussions with selected guests, watch interviews with authors  as a group or on your own and join in via Facebook, Twitter or the Book Talk webpage.

Forthcoming titles are

  • January - A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
  • February - The Death of Lomond Friel by Sue Peebles
  • March - Boxer, Beetle by Ned Beauman
  • April - The Echo Chamber by Luke Williams

Advice and Tips

  • Bring any favourite book for initial discussion such as - Where do you like to read?, Do you read more than one book at once? Do you read the book after seeing the film? Do you choose a book by it’s cover?
  • From your discussion get a feel for what you’d read as a group
  • Consider having a film and book group
  • Does anyone need a special format e.g. large print, talking book
  • Be willing to try something different
  • Use the library reading group titles list - You will need to reserve your title through the library and it’s advisable to have a back-up choice
  • Decide how often you’ll meet
  • Decide on a name for your group and register with your library
  • Remember to have fun