For even the most avid readers, the prospect of delving into poetry can be intimidating…but it doesn’t have to be! We’ve compiled a list of where you might begin, from poet Matthew Zapruder’s convincing argument as to why reading poetry is important, to some of the most breathtaking, beautiful, and bold poetry books published in recent years.
To get started, select a book and then check out our suggestions for how to introduce poetry into your reading group and spark discussion.
This month we’re featuring the book group Bookworms of Northern Kentucky which has been reading books together for 16 years!
Over the years, some members have changed, but they all share the same love of books and good writing. They meet monthly from September to June, at homes or the local library. They choose the year’s books every June, and everyone volunteers either to review and/or be hostesses. Their parent organization is a group of 150 women who gather monthly and choose small group activities to foster friendship and service.
Lorna Landvik recently visited Reading Group Choices to read and discuss her work with an audience. Lorna also took the time to answer our questions and shared life-changing books, Norwegian curse words, her favorite bookstore, and what she finds most fascinating in the world of science.
Reading Group Choices: What book changed your life?
Lorna Landvik: It would have to be Dick and Jane,
To The Best of Our Knowledge (TTBOOK), a Wisconsin Public Radio show, has featured a host of RGC Authors who’ve come to town to read at our home base, 702WI.
Go deeper in the world of each book and the creative process of each author by reading articles about the authors and listening as host Anne Strainchamps conducts insightful interviews.
This month we’re featuring the book group Morsels for the Mind which has been reading books together for 27 years!
Morsels for the Mind is from Grand Rapids, Michigan. They usually select books in January, at a potluck. Each member hosts one of the selections, researches the author, and provides food/drink that ties in with the book. They’ve discussed books in a hot tub, a red tent, and have gone on field trips and retreats together.
…and we’ve compiled them here for you! There’s no shortage of “best of” lists in fiction, nonfiction, history, mystery, cooking, and more. The Top 50, Dazzling Dozen, Notable 100. Lists are everywhere. And with so many books from 2017, it would take all of 2018 to catch up.
At Reading Group Choices, we’ve done a bit of work for you. Below are ten titles we recommended this year that also appeared on another (or two, or many!) top lists. Some have already received attention, while others may have more attention yet to come.
