Many of our book groups have had to meet online this year and we understand it doesn’t work for everyone. We have a few suggestions to help your book group have a great virtual discussion.
Choose your platform
There are many different options for having online meetings, including free options within Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Skype. Each has benefits and limitations, and work differently across computers, tablets and smartphones. Choose one that everyone is comfortable with and is able to access on their device, and give everyone time to get used to it. It might not be as seamless as meeting in person but after a few meetings, everyone will get on board!
Many platforms also have a chat function, which is great to utilise for additional discussion or sharing links.
Attend an online event together
Why not attend an online book launch or other literary event with your favourite author and discuss this as a group afterwards? There are many events on at the moment, which you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home. Check out The Wheeler Centre for inspiration.
Or if you’re looking for something a bit different, check out virtual exhibitions at Melbourne Museum, online concerts with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra or Animals at Home at Zoos Victoria.
Discuss your favourite book
You might all be reading different books at the moment, but there’s no reason you can’t still have a great discussion. Before each meeting, nominate a few members to bring the book they’re currently reading and give a short evaluation on it. Some members might have read it and be able to add to the discussion or be inspired to add to their to-read pile.
If you’re looking for a book that all members can access, check out our eBooks with unlimited copies available on ePlatform. Many classic titles are included.
Feel free to provide us with a reaction about any of the books that you’ve been reading!
Watch a film
If you’re reading a book that has a film or TV adaptation that is accessible online, why not add it in for some additional discussion? You can compare the book to the movie and discuss how well it translates from page to screen.
Or why not try a book club themed film – The Jane Austen Book Club or the The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society (both great adaptations) just for starters!
Thanks to all of our book groups who have shared their experiences with meeting online in the last few months!
Looking for more advice on meeting online or want to share what your group has been doing? Get in touch on bookgroups@cae.edu.au.