Welcome back to In The Club, a newsletter of resources to keep your book group well-met and well-read. Let’s dive in.
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Read like an ambassador: Condé Nast Traveler asked foreign ambassadors to the US to recommend one book to read before visiting their country, and here are the picks.
Book group bonus: if someone from your group has traveled to one of these places, read that one first and have them lead the discussion! Show and tell optional.
The stunt memoir is a real subgenre of memoir — and sometimes, the results are fascinating.
Book group bonus: have everyone share what their stunt memoir would be about.
Winter is still here but the Olympics are over, and here are some books to fill that void.
Book group bonus: Pair whichever book you pick with Youtube videos of a related event from the 2018 Winter Olympics! Extra bonus points for any viewings of Scott and Tessa.
Keeping up with the classics: In our never-ending quest to help bring more translated works to light, here are some modern classics in translation.
Book group bonus: Discussion of what makes something a true classic. I have never once failed to have a very interesting argument about this any time it comes up.
If you’re yearning for Spring, you might appreciate this round-up of books with “flowery” titles. (I love a good seasonal theme.)
Book group bonus: Any/all “Winter is coming” jokes.
Jazz hands! Here’s a must-read list of books for musical theater fans.
Book club bonus: Plan an outing to a theatrical production, or an at-home viewing, for your group — and, naturally, pair it with your book selection. Alternate idea: Everyone brings their favorite song from a musical to play for the group. (I wrote this one specifically for my good friend who hates musicals, sorry not sorry.)
Join the movement: This reading list for black liberation includes one of my recent favorites, Eloquent Rage by Brittney Cooper.
Book group bonus: There are many amazing podcasts by black creators, and Bustle has rounded up five. Assign one episode for listening and discussing alongside the book of your choice!
Get better acquainted with manga with this list of action and adventure titles by women.
Book group bonus: Follow up this discussion with the discussion of a graphic novel to compare and contrast the reading experience.
And that’s a wrap: Happy discussing! If you’re interested in more science fiction and fantasy talk, you can catch me and my co-host Sharifah on the SFF Yeah! podcast. For many many more book recommendations (including the occasional book club question!) you can find me on the Get Booked podcast with the inimitable Amanda.
Your fellow booknerd,
Jenn
More Resources:
– Our Book Group In A Box guide
– List your group on the Book Group Resources page