I have never joined a book club either. I visited one in my friend's neighborhood, and I enjoyed it a lot. I didn't participate much in the discussion, since I was a visitor, but I wanted to! I suspect you will enjoy that club, and even if you sometimes feel pressured to finish a book, I bet they aren't very strict about it.

It will be an interesting experience for you, as an author, to see how a reader dissects a book. I wouldn't be surprised if it might be a bit daunting too. Good luck and let us know.

Hi Terri

I belong to two book clubs. One is run by a librarian and is done in a very professional manner. Have read some great books because of this group, books I never would have read. Right now we are reading, "Plain Truth" by Jodi Picoult, takes place in Amish country, very timely read. Another Picouit book we read was "My Sister's Keeper." A book you just can not put down.

The approach the leader takes is, she always seems to relate the book to current times.

A while ago I made a post about one of the books she reviewed, I think the name of the book was "Kate Remembers," I didn't enjoy that book but what was fun, she served "Brownies" because they were Katherine Hepburns favorites!

The other club I belong to is run by the people who live in my development. That is a much more informal club. We talk a little about the book and a lot about WHATEVER! That works too.

Haven't read any of the books on your list.

I'm sure you are going to enjoy your club. Keep us posted.

The answer is "no" to all your questions Terri...The closest I ever came to going to a book club was years ago when my sister belonged to this Luncheon Book Clubv and the lady that ran it would have authors of books each month speaking at the Luncheon and one coud ask questions and also, the book would be available to buy at that same time...But it was NOT a discussion group as this club you are gloing to will be....I must say it was very interesting in that there wwre some very very interesting authors and if you bought the book the author would sign it, too.

I've been in many book groups. I have mixed feelings about them. While I always end up reading something I never would have on my own (and being grateful for having read it) I also feel pressured. I have lately not finished the books my group has selected. It depends how compatible all the members of the group are, reading-wise!

I've been in a book group for about ten years, and love it. And I've read all three of these books, but not for the book group - just on my own. The Crazy Salad seems a strange pick in that - as I remember it (but just faintly) - it's a group of essays. And since it's rather old, I would think some of these would be dated.
Naipul is a great writer, but he's literary, as are all these writers - so you are wise to allow more time for it. Either he or his brother is blind, I think, and I can't remember which.
The Jung book is my favorite. I remember it as wonderful, because I was into interpreting my dreams by Jungian architypes and other symbols. To read his life, and how rich it was in terms of ideas and imagination (as opposed to external events and travels), was a revelation. Talk about signs! This guy totally lived in that realm, of taking things as signs and symbols. It was well over thirty years ago that I read it, and yet it's still impressive to me.
This reminds me, though, of how we come back to the books we once read, as different people. So lots of them don't "hold up" when I reread them; I'm sure I would find the Nora Ephron book "dated" for that reason, but don't know about the Jung book. I think the Naipul book would hold up, which seems to be the case with literary fiction. "Jane Eyre" and "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" are still among my favorite books.
Again, good question, Terri - and someone in that library has a good eye.

Millie...that sounds like a great book club that you're in.

Rhea...We meet for the first time this Thurs. evening and already, I'm feeling pressured. I have about 110 pg. finished and have to get to 290 something. Making it more difficult is the fact I truly would never have chosen this book. Way too literary for me!

Mary Lee...thanks for your in-depth comment. So you've read these books? Well....I guess I'm not a "literary" kind of reader. (Although I have enjoyed many) But I'm not really enjoying A House for Mr. Biswas at ALL....I must be missing something. Although there's just constant conflict for the main character, the story isn't "grabbing" me in the least. To be honest, I feel nothing for any of the characters. It should be a very interesting discussion Thurs. evening...I'm anxious to see what exactly anybody got from this novel. Because I'm clearly missing it....lol
I was surprised they chose such an old book too....Ephron's. Wonder if we'll be able to even locate it.
And like you...I already have a feeling the Jung one will be my favorite. Right up my alley...lol

Thanks to all of you for your comments...