DYNAMIC DESIS BOOK GROUP

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Hiking Group

Co-ordinator:

Kalpana

Webmaster:

Vas

Members:

Sanjay, Kalpana, Shyam, Mira, Prasad, Varsha, Arun, Poornima, Vas, Neerja, Kalyan, Parvati, Sidhu, Smita, Shona

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New Guide lines:

• Here are a couple of new notes on the Book group Guide lines:
1. Book choice remains the prerogative of the host.
2. Book discussion format is modified, as follows, to suite the current size of the group:
   The host and the moderator are requested to come prepared with questions or discussion points. After the hosts opening remarks (why you chose the book, synopsis, why you liked/disliked it, your overall reaction to the book - etc.)- he/she will pose a question to the group to spark a discussion.
   After one topic has been discussed enough, the moderator will ask the next question or raise a new topic or ask others to start a new thread. In summary, we are moving away from "giving everyone a turn to speak" format. Instead we are moving towards a "thread" format where everyone is welcome to add their view points on a certain topic. The moderator will ensure that everyone who wants to speak gets a chance to speak and we do explore the topic on the table to some extent and switch topics when people start losing interest in it.
3. Folks are reminded to send their book choice at least 2 weeks before the current book discussion so that people have a chance to acquire the book in good time.
• Each member chooses a book and hosts the discussion. Finalize selection 8 weeks prior. Schedule to choose and host posted above.
• New guideline for next round, in choosing the book, it's "fair" to get input from the group but the decision is entirely up to the host.
• Meet approximately every 6 weeks
• Meeting details to be organized by host
• Discussion to be lead by host, starting with why you chose the book and what you liked/disliked about it and what's the most burning question.
• Moderator - Next host will moderate the discussion and keep things on schedule.
• Just to share some "gems" about reading your book club books.
  This information is gleaned from a book about book clubs - enjoy!
  
  • While reading the book:
    • grasp the basic plot and form your impressions of the plot
    • determine the author's purpose
    • interpret the characters' actions
    • formulate your emotional response to the book
    • think about the memorable and favorite characters
    • detect important themes ( recurring reference to particularly symbolic items like water, red color, certain animals, certain relationships, events, settings - you get the idea?)
    • reflect on the significance of the title of the book
    • evaluate the authors writing style ( use of analogies, symbolism, allegories, motifs...)
    • think of the unanswered questions
    • finally - would you recommend the book to others?
• Meeting format - roughly

  7:00 (winter)-7:30 (summer)

  Arrivals and socialize

  8:00-9:10

  Discuss book (last 5 minutes discuss for next time)

  9:10-open

  Dinner and more socialize

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© 2004 Vas Raman
Last Update: Jan 26, 2010   10:00 AM