Book Club Experience

Book Club Reflection

            I attended a book discussion group that was hosted by the Alpine Branch of the Kent District Library on Wednesday March 1^st as an observer because I did not have a chance to read the book. The book that was discussed was A Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra, and it was about a doctor who harbors an eight-year-old girl from Russian forces that have captured her father. The book also explores the past that binds the doctor and girl together as he treats a series of wounded refugees.

Who is asking the questions, is there a leader or do people take turns?

There was only one person to show up to the book club discussion, besides myself as an observer and the facilitator Hannah, and her name was Trina. The weather had been bad that night, and many of the usual people that show up may not have been willing to drive because of the snow. I also found out that the original leader of the discussion group had been in a car accident a few days prior so that’s why she did not attend. Hannah did an excellent job of facilitating the discussion with Trina by asking appropriate follow-up questions to engage with Trina on the contents of the novel.
If there is a leader, does the leader answer the questions as well or let the attendees respond first?

Trina initially lead the discussion by describing the plot of the novel, and talking about the setting and the writing style as well. She was a very good sport as she was the only one to show to the book club meeting, and she did not seem to mind that the spotlight was on her for most the night. Hannah was effective in her role as a facilitator as she asked Trina questions, despite also not reading the book, and she seemed to be genuinely interested in what Trina was saying about A Constellation of Vital Phenomena.
What type of questions are asked? Any involving just yes or no answers?

Hannah asked a variety of questions about the genre, the plot, characters, and setting so that Trina was not just answering with yes or no. Just on the off-chance Hannah had not asked any questions, there was a brochure of discussion questions that could have been asked to keep the conversation flowing. The regular leader, Shawna, was well-prepared with creating this handout so that the discussion would not have been an entire waste of time for those who attended, even though the only one who came was Trina.
Do all attendees actively participate?

Trina and Hannah actively participated in the discussion as Hannah was genuinely interested in the novel. I was more passive on the side because I was actively taking notes about what was being said, and the topics of discussion that was covered.
Do any attendees swoop in and steal all the spotlight?

There was little chance that any of attendees swooped in and stole all the spotlight as Trina was the only attendee. Most the spotlight was on her during the book discussion group, and her ability to discuss the novel with Hannah and myself. I was interested in the plot of A Constellation of Vital Phenomena because of the effective way Trina described the novel.
What is the atmosphere of the discussion, where is it taking place at?

The discussion took place in the side room in the Alpine Branch Library, and the atmosphere was very casual and comfortable. The lights were dimmed to create a nice mood for the discussion about A Constellation of Vital Phenomena as I saw the snow fall outside the window. It was pleasantly warm compared to outside, and I liked that it seemed like an open and welcoming place for Trina to be willing to share about her experience with the novel.
Are snacks or drinks provided?
            There weren’t snacks or drinks provided for the discussion and I think it would have been a good thing to have hot coffee or hot chocolate because this was an event for adults. I know I was cold as I walked in to the library and it would have been nice to enjoy a hot beverage as I observed the discussion. It might have provided a similar effect for Trina as she might have been unprepared to be the main point of discussion about the novel. She may have been a bit more relaxed if she could have sipped some hot tea or coffee as she led the discussion.

What types of books does this book club normally discuss?

            I’m not sure what types of books this book club normally discuss because it seems like they choose a variety of different titles for patrons that participate to read. Shawna, the regular facilitator, picks the titles for the patrons to read, and the library provides them with a copy of the title before they leave. Trina also signed up for the next discussion, April 12^th, and she left after we discussed the novel for about 40 minutes with the next brochure and book.

Analysis

            I enjoyed this book discussion because Hannah was really engaging with Trina, even though she had not read the book. Trina was also receptive to discussing the novel as the only attendee, and neither did not seem to mind that I quietly observed the entire time as I took notes in the corner. This event made me realize that the best of library planning can go astray with factors, like weather, and unexpected events, like car accidents. It was very helpful that Shawna had the foresight to prepare brochure of discussion questions that Hannah would have been able to use if she couldn’t think of good questions to ask Trina. Though no one can be prepared for the effective that weather will have attendees, it is very important to be flexible with unexpected factors. That is the most important part of planning of anything, and this event was successful, despite all the factors that affected the attendance of regular patrons.