Group Norms
We are a group not only because we like reading mysteries, but because we value sharing the experience with others. These group norms help us function better as a group.
Attendance
The success of a group is reliant on an active, core group. So-we do have attendance requirements.
- attend within the first 2 months of joining the group
- attend at least 6 out of 12 meetups per year
- keep your RSVP response updated
- come to group prepared, having read at least one of the two books
- be willing to talk at least briefly
Let the group facilitator know if there are extenuating circumstances. We can be flexible.
How is the meeting run?
Please be on time. We usually give about a 5 minute grace period and then we jump right in!
Please prepare for a 90 minute gathering. We ask that you aim to stay the entire time (although we understand that sometimes this isn’t possible).
The group facilitator will take attendance (your attendance is counted towards your weighted vote when we decide on our yearly book list).
The group faciliator will welcome any new members. We don’t expect that first time members share, but we love it when you do!
The group facilitator will mention if there is any news or need for group discussion/decisions coming up.
The discussion process: we start with one book, and each participant has a chance to share their thoughts. When everyone who has read that book is finished, we start discussing the second book.
After both books are discussed the formal part of the meeting is over. Anyone who wants to stay is encouraged to share about any other mystery fiction they are currently reading, or any mystery/crime TV shows or movies they are watching and want to rant or rave about!
When you share
Please do not summarize the plot during your time. Your time is to share your thoughts about the book.
Spoilers are allowed—the expectation is that everyone has read the books. You can talk about who did it, etc.
It’s okay to disagree, just do so respectfully.
Be conscious of how passionate mystery fiction readers are, especially about “favorites.” Try to avoid terms like “stupid,” “idiotic,” etc. Use “I” statements when sharing your opinion.
Don’t take it personally; if someone criticizes a book you love, remember that we all experience this world differently. Opinions in this group vary widely. It is perfectly okay to love a book that no one else does, or hate a book that everyone else likes. Over the years, many group members have shared that they love how differently we can all feel about the same book!
Ratings. We rate our books on a 0-5 scale.
Be conscious of your time when you talk.
Try to keep your comments to 3-5 minutes when we have a large group.
It helps if you prepare a little ahead of time. It’s okay to take notes while you read and bring those to group.
When you talk about the book, try to expand on simply “I liked it,” or “I didn’t like it.” Think about things like:
- Sense of place
- Pacing
- Plot development
- Character development
- Point of view
- Structure
- How is it as a mystery?
Here are some resources with suggestions about how to share during a book group discussion:
https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/a31047508/book-club-questions/
https://www.readinggroupguides.com/fiction-discussion-questions
When others share
Listen when others are talking. We are a group not only because we like reading mysteries, but because we value sharing the experience with others.
Video on. Although it’s harder to stay focused on Zoom than in person, try to remain “in the room” with your video on unless you have to use the bathroom, attend to a pet or child, or grab something to eat.
Use the chat feature! Keep comments relevant to the book being discussed. Comment frequently! It’s fun and helps keep interest going when we are on Zoom.
Use the reaction features–this shows that you are a good listener on Zoom.
Have fun!
Most important of all-have a good time! If it stops being fun for you, please talk to me about it. You can message me through Meetup by clicking on my