Planning for Book Clubs

 LUCY BURDETTE: Before we get to the topic of the day (book clubs!), I'd like to extend my tremendous gratitude for everyone who helped launch The Mango Murders. The event at RJ Julia Booksellers was amazing--it's so much fun to talk to friends and readers in person! As an aside, if audio books are your poison, A POISONOUS PALATE  is 75% off through September 5.

LUCY BURDETTE: Now back to the topic at hand...It seems odd to me that mysteries and crime fiction can be lumped into a category of non-book club books--in other words, escapist reading, nothing worth discussing. We couldn't disagree more! With September around the corner and book clubs resuming meeting or planning their reads for the year, we thought we'd make a few suggestions. Five of us have new books that are just out or are coming this fall, and all of us have ideas about which of our books might make great book club fodder. Today you’ll hear from three of the Reds. We’ll suggest a book, a couple of discussion questions, and maybe something memorable to eat along with it. We’ll do part 2 with the other new releases in October.

I choose the brand new Mango Murders. You’ll find all my book club questions here, but here are a few to get you started:

1. Setting as Character: How does the tropical backdrop of Key West influence the tone and atmosphere of the story? In what ways does the setting contribute to the mystery?

2. Hayley’s Expertise: Hayley uses her culinary knowledge to aid in solving the crime. How important is her career as a food critic to the investigation? In what other ways does her profession help or hinder her?

3. The Explosion: The pivotal moment of the story is the explosion that transforms a party into chaos. How did this event shift the story's tone and escalate the stakes for Hayley?

4. Themes of Rivalry and Envy: The mystery revolves around professional rivalries and “recipe envy.” How do these themes play out among the characters? How do they relate to the world of food and culinary competition?

For the book club snack, I suggest a mango upside down cake. It’s super easy but delicious and fits with the theme perfectly.

RHYS BOWEN: Lucy, it’s funny that this arrived in my in box today as I’d just mailed off the list of book club questions to my publicist. (Of course this isn’t a mystery novel but historical fiction so more book clubs do tend to ask ).

Here are some of my questions for readers of Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure.

1. Did Ellie Endicott make the right decision when her husband demanded a divorce? What would you have done in the same circumstances.

2. Ellie takes two women with her—women she would not normally have considered friends. Would you have taken them?

3. Ellie has been the perfect wife. Everything runs like clockwork, her husband says. And yet the moment she is free of him she makes some rash decisions. Is this a side of her character she has not allowed to emerge before or is she evolving as a person?

4. One of her impulsive decisions is to take Yvette. Do you think that turned out well or badly for all involved?

5. What themes do you find running through the book? Second chances? Personal growth? The power of female bonding?

And for my book club snack it has to be a French cheese board with a fresh baguette.

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: ALL THIS COULD BE YOURS is perfect for book clubs because it’s about an author on booktour–and her relationships with her readers, librarians, and booksellers. What starts as a glam cross country book tour turns into a deadly cross-country cat and mouse chase, with the author running for her life. No spoilers here--and even if you haven't read the book yet, you’ll be able to answer these!

1. On page one, Tessa walks out of her job, live on Insta—she's tired of feeling invisible. Tired of having good ideas that are appropriated by others, and tired of cleaning up after her colleagues' poor decisions and disasters. Have you ever felt like that in the work place? Have you ever just wanted to quit?

2. Tessa is part of a group called #MomsWithDreams. What would be your dream? Is there something that you have always wanted to do with your life? (If so, what’s stopping you?)

3. From the time she was a child, Tessa had a contentious relationship with her social-climbing mother. And that influence put Tessa in some extremely high-stakes situations–where she made decisions that she thought would make her mother happy. Have you ever done something to make someone else happy–only to have it backfire miserably?

4. Almost all of this book takes place in bookstores, libraries, airports and hotels–it's all on Tessa's book tour for her surprise bestselling novel. Have you ever been to an author event at a bookstore or library? Did you enjoy it? Have you ever wondered how the author felt about it?

5. Tessa becomes very apprehensive about parasocial relationships–devoted and adoring fans who relate to her book so much that they feel Tessa must understand them, personally, and should be their friend. Has reading a certain book ever made you feel so personally close to the author–that you feel they are thinking your very thoughts?

6. Tessa hears the voice of her main character very powerfully. Do you think that’s weird? Or do you think it’s logical that authors “hear” their character’s voices?

7. Tessa is on a weeks-long book tour, and must leave her beloved husband and two kids back home. How would you feel about that? She is the sole breadwinner–would that make a difference?

8. Tessa has to communicate with her family by Zoom and Facetime. And realizes she's only seeing what her husband and kids are putting in camera range–what are they leaving out? Would it frustrate you– or worry you?-- to know you’re not seeing the whole picture?

9. Tessa has memories of a gorgeous place she spent a few summer vacations. Did you have an idyllic place you visited as a child? What’s your best memory of that–or worst–and how vivid is it to you?

10. Tessa knows her life is an open book (ha ha) because her tour schedule is on her website–and as a result everyone knows exactly where she will be in person. And even what airport she might be using. Has the vulnerability of a public schedule ever seemed scary to you?

And for food for your event? Got to be Caesar salad with grilled chicken and a glass of red wine. That’s Tessa’s room service go-to!


Red readers, do you belong to a book club? How are the book selections made? What about the snacks? Does someone run the show or is it a free for all?

So You Want to Start A Book Club!

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN:    Are you in a book club? Have you ever been? Every author will tell you they are the absolute pinnacle of delight. To be surrounded by people who love your books and want to talk about it --what could be better? And for readers, please know that so many authors are thrilled with a book club invitation.

 

The fantastic and brilliant Hannah Mary McKinnon, my dear friend, and founder of First Chapter Fun and now my partner in fictional crime,  and wildly successful best-selling author (whose marvelous new THE REVENGE LIST is an instant Canadian bestseller!) has been on both sides of the book club couch: as an honored guest, and as host. 

And today, she has some inside scoop on everything you need to know about book clubs.

 

HANNAH MARY MCKINNON:  So, you want to start a book club?

 

As an author, I’ve had the pleasure of being invited as a guest to

several book clubs, in person and online. Each time has been wonderful, and what struck me the most was the camaraderie amongst the members, so much so that I decided to start a book club in 2019.

Unfortunately, Covid hit three months later, but we persevered online, and have kept going for over three years already. It’s been great fun, and I thought I’d share some tips and tricks on creating your own book club, in case you’ve been toying with the idea but aren’t sure where to begin.

 

1)   Find members

 

You could drop off a flyer at your library, community centre, or book store (or ask if they have an online option) — these all fabulous places to start. Personally, I posted about starting a book club in a local Facebook mom’s group and was inundated with replies. Although I only expected a handful of participants, over 60 women indicated their interest. That number initially settled at 18 and, over time, naturally reduced to around 10.

 

On average, 6-8 people attend monthly because of e.g., vacation, family commitments, and scheduling conflicts. It’s a great number as everyone gets to chat, and we’ve been able to get to know each other better in a smaller group.

 

2)   Have an introductory meeting

 

I held the initial meeting at my house as a “meet-and-greet” where we introduced ourselves, chatted about the genre of books we enjoy (or don’t care for), and talked about the structure of the group. The biggest problem was figuring out what to do with all the food everyone generously brought.

 

If you don’t have the space or you’re not keen on hosting at your place, look for a local restaurant or coffee shop where the noise levels work with having conversations. I’ve found round tables work better for group discussions than rectangular ones.

 

3)   Figure out how to pick your books and if there are rules

 

We opted for five rotating genres: Book Club Picks, Suspense/Thriller, General Fiction, Historical Fiction and “Wild Card” where anything goes. We plan the books two months ahead, and members make suggestions on which we vote afterward, so it’s always a consensus. Having themes means we read a variety of genres, and don’t have the same genre multiple months in a row. Other options could be whoever leads the meeting picks the book, or pulling book suggestions from a hat.

 

Will your club have rules? For example, do members have to finish the book to join the discussion (ours don’t). See what works best for your group.

 

4)   Create an online group

 

While I initially managed all communication via email, it was much easier to shift everything to a Facebook group. The group is hidden, meaning only book club members have access, and I scheduled all our events for the year so everyone had the dates well in advance. The online group is also an easy place to share information about where we buy or from which library we borrow the books.

 

5)   Invite authors

 

Admittedly, this is easier to do when you’re an author and you’ve made connections with other writers, but you might be surprised by how many authors love to be book club guests. Fortunately, with the wonders of technology you can beam them straight in via e.g. Zoom.

 

Whether they charge for their time depends on the author, but regardless, sharing photos and positive reviews of their novel on social media will be greatly appreciated.

Just do me a favor, please? Ask your book club members to withhold negative comments about the author’s work until after the author has left the discussion. Instead, focus on e.g., how they crafted the story, what research they undertook, which scene they had the most fun writing, and if they’d considered an alternate ending or title.

For a list of 101 questions to ask authors, click here, and if one of your group members forgets to be kind, gently jump in and recalibrate the conversation.

 

Still unsure about inviting an author? Two initiatives, https://invitd.ca/ and www.theauthorsbookclub.ca connect book clubs with writers who are happy to join your meeting—all you need to do is ask.

 

6)   Ask for help

 

I have the great fortune of having branched out into writing romantic-comedies as well as my annual thrillers. That means I have two books publishing this year — The Revenge List (thriller) on May 23, 2023, and The Christmas Wager (romantic-comedy penned as Holly Cassidy) on September 26, 2023.

 

Writing two books a year means I must cut down on other things, and when I mentioned this to the group, two of the book club members immediately volunteered to take over. I can now attend as a member only without having to worry about all the coordination, and it’s been great to have fresh leadership.

 

When you create your book club, it’s worthwhile considering who’ll co-lead the group with you, so you don’t have to manage everything all alone.

 

Do you have a book club? How did yours start, how long ago, and what other tips can you share?

 

HANK: I was in a book club once, and it was great, and we all got to choose books. (When it was my turn, I chose one of my dear and forever favorites, Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton. Reds and readers, they all hated it. HATED. Anyway. We parted ways soon after, because I was about to be on the other side of the chat!

 (And to find the perfect book, there’s also https://novelnetwork.com/ which will connect your club with 128 fantastic authors! Check it out.)

(And oh, we can all tell funny-now stories about questions we’ve been asked. SO true, dear Hannah!) 

But now, in this life as an author, I give thanks for book clubs every day.  And  we’d love to hear more about YOURS! 

Hannah Mary McKinnon was born in the UK, grew up in Switzerland and moved to Canada in 2010. Her suspense novels include THE NEIGHBORS, and bestsellers HER SECRET SON, SISTER DEAR, YOU WILL REMEMBER ME, NEVER COMING HOME, and THE REVENGE LIST.

She has also written the romantic comedy THE CHRISTMAS WAGER as Holly Cassidy.

Hannah Mary lives in Oakville, Ontario, with her husband and three sons.

Connect on Facebook and Instagram @hannahmarymckinnon, and on Twitter @HannahMMcKinnon. For more, visit www.hannahmarymckinnon.com

Celebrating Book Groups and A DEADLY FEAST in Paperback @LucyBurdette

LUCY BURDETTE: The paperback version of the ninth Key West food critic mystery, A DEADLY FEAST, is on sale today! I thought we might celebrate by chatting about book groups. There are lots of high points in a writer’s life (selling a book, finishing a book, seeing the book in the world for the first time, etc), but nothing better than talking about the book with a book group or club or library or bookstore. In fact, nothing better than talking about any book I've loved with friends who've also read it.

Up into her mid-nineties, my mother-in-law was in a Very Serious Book Group. When it was her turn to lead the discussion, she studied very hard in advance to find out about the author and prepare discussion questions. She would get nervous about whether she'd sound smart enough, and would canvass her daughters and daughters-in-law for input. It was so cute! (By the way, I couldn't find a photo of her with her books, but this was Dorothy voting at age 100!)

I'm not in a regular book group right now, though I did participate this year in a zoom group discussing Ibram X. Kendi's STAMPED FROM THE BEGINNING, about the history of racism in America. Wow, that was some very serious reading and heavy discussion, and I was glad to have had that opportunity. I honestly had no idea how uneducated I was on this subject. 

Some years ago, I was in a book group with some local Connecticut friends. Until it got to be too much work, each hostess would make dinner--and of course those food memories are my strongest! I remember cooking for our discussion of WAITING FOR SNOW IN HAVANA, Carlos Eire's beautiful memoir about growing up in and then fleeing from Cuba. I know I made a Cuban pork roast and roasted bananas and black beans. If I was cooking today, I would serve a mojito cake for dessert.

And we had a wonderful book discussion here on the blog of Ann Patchett's Bel Canto, led by our friend Kristopher Zgorski. Kristopher supplied us with questions, and music! (Say, we should do another one of those...)

One of the most fun book group events I've heard about was from one of my fans who talked her group into discussing AN APPETITE FOR MURDER over dinner. She served Key West chicken, Caribbean rice, the recipe for leaning tower of eggplant from the back of my book, and key lime pie of course! I called in to chat with them and she sent me photos of the food and decorations. 

I will end this post by supplying questions for discussing A DEADLY FEAST since it's now out in paperback, but I'd really love to hear about your book club experiences. How do you choose the reading? Who leads the discussion? Is food or wine served? Should Jungle Red Writers have another book discussion?

In A DEADLY FEAST, Key Zest food critic Hayley Snow is set to be married to her heartthrob detective Nathan Bransford. But she has a lot of worries because Nathan’s been married before and both sets of parents were married and then divorced. So she talks a lot to her friends and family about their experiences with marriage. So I've included lots of questions about fictional weddings and marriage...and below that, a group of non-wedding questions!

What’s your theory about what makes for a good marriage? 

Does it seem to you that Nathan and Hayley are a good match? Why or why not?

When you’re reading about a fictional wedding, how much do you like to hear about wedding plans and details?

What are your favorite examples of fictional weddings, either books or movies? Explain why you chose them.

And for some non-wedding questions:

Have you ever gone on a food tour? If so where? If not yet, where would you love to eat your way around?

Martha Hubbard talks about chefs feeling possessive about the recipes they make and serve—they don’t want diners making substitutions. How do you feel about that?

How do you feel about Hayley’s relationship with her mother? And compare this to her relationship with Miss Gloria and Allison, her stepmother. 

Hayley’s boss Palamina says she never understood why Hayley was living with a senior citizen, until she met Miss Gloria. How do you feel about this character? Does she accurately reflect seniors?

And in case you missed it, DEATH ON THE MENU ebooks are on sale for $1.99 for a limited time only!

We Should Talk About This!

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN:  SO I just read the BEST book! It’s sinister, and simmering, and so incredibly unexpected, and I’d so love to talk to you about it…

And that’s true, specifically—and more on that in a moment. But how many times have you thought that? It’s fun to TELL someone about a good book, but so much more  fun to talk WITH someone about it, comparing notes, and expectations, and opinions.

And usually in book clubs you go to someone’s house (True! I know it sound crazy, but it used to happen all the time) and share food (Again, true, I’ve even split things with other people!) and wine (from the same bottles!)

But now many of us are home, but that doesn’t stop us from wanting to talk about books.

Now. The book I was talking about above is SISTER DEAR, by the amazing Hannah Mary McKinnon. (She’s my partner in crime on First Chapter Fun—see below at * for the wonderful details! And you can check it out today!)  But here on Jungle Red—for those who might be tempted to have a book club no matter what—she has some ideas for how to make that work!

And see **for a wonderful GIVEAWAY!

SO, YOU WANT TO START A VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB?

by Hannah Mary McKinnon

As an author, I’ve had the pleasure of being invited as a guest to a number of book clubs, in person and online. Each time has been an absolute pleasure, and what struck me the most was the camaraderie amongst the members, so much so that I decided to start my own book club earlier this year.

Enter the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measures, which means in-person book club meetings must be postponed, and it might seem crazy to even think of starting a new club. Except we need human connections and something to look forward to more than ever right now, and a virtual book club could add to the comfort we so desperately need. The solution? A virtual book club. Here are some tips to get you started:

1)    Find members

You can’t have a book club without members but where to find them? I posted in a local Facebook mom’s group and was immediately inundated with replies. Expecting a handful of participants, I couldn’t believe it when over 60 women indicated their interest. That number settled at 17 members after people couldn’t make it because of family and/or scheduling conflicts. 17 is quite a large number for a virtual book club, and I’d suggest having around 10 members so it’s easier to chat with one another online.

2)    Have an introductory meeting online

Make it a “meet-and-greet” where you introduce yourselves, chat about the genre of books you enjoy (or don’t care for), and talk about the structure of the group. To do this, use a videoconferencing tool such as Zoom (www.zoom.us). A “pro” subscription for up to 100 participants per meeting costs $20/month, but maybe one of your members has already signed up, and they can set the meetings up and share the link with the members. Participants can mute their mic when not talking to minimize background noise.

3)    Figure out how to pick books

In my book club, we decided to have five rotating genres: Book Club Picks, Suspense/Thriller, Women’s Fiction, Historical Fiction and “Wild Card” where anything goes. We plan the books two months ahead, members make suggestions on which we vote afterward, so people have the chance to look up the books first. Having themes means we read a variety of genres, and don’t have the same one multiple months in a row. Alternatively you could have the host pick the book for the next (online) gathering, or go in alphabetical order instead. Maybe you pluck books out of a (virtual) hat. There are many different ways that allow each member to give input.

4)    Create a Facebook Group

While I initially managed all communication via email, it was much easier to shift everything to a Facebook group. The group is hidden, meaning only members have access, and I scheduled all our events for the rest of the year. The group is also an easy place to share information about upcoming reads, where to find books, and to create the monthly book pick polls on which members can vote.

5)    Invite authors

Admittedly, this is easier to do when you’re an author yourself and you’ve made connections with other writers, but you might be surprised by how many authors love to be a guest at a book club. The wonders of technology mean you can beam them straight into your chosen location, again by using Zoom. Whether they charge for their time depends on the author, but regardless, sharing photos and reviews of their novels on social media will no doubt be greatly appreciated. Still unsure about inviting an author? A brand new initiative called www.theauthorsbookclub.ca connects book clubs with Canadian writers who are happy to join your meeting—all you need to do is ask.

Creating a book club has been a wonderful experience and an excellent way to find like-minded friends with whom I can share my love of books. We’re living through an unprecedented crisis, and many of us in isolation, feeling disconnected from the world. A virtual book club might be another way for you to make new online connections, and have a ready-made new set of friends you can meet IRL once the pandemic is over. Are you in a book club? What other tips and tricks can you suggest?

HANK: I’m in a few! And I do enjoy them…including one on Facebook called Book Club with Style where Hannah is the featured guest next month and we’re all reading SISTER DEAR! (Although that's not publicly announced yet...) Small world!

Even if I don’t finish the whole book (wince) it’s still so much fun to hear the authors and listen to the chat. I always hear something that I hadn’t thought of before.

How about you, reds and readers? Book clubs—do you think virtual ones work? Are you part of any of them? What’s your experience? Any additional hints and tips?

**And a copy of SISTER DEAR to one lucky commenter!

*FIRST CHAPTER FUN—Every Tuesday and Thursday (days that begin with T) at 11:30 AM est, LIVE on Instagram and Facebook, Hannah and I read the first chapter of a wonderful new book out loud!   It is SO much fun, takes about fifteen minutes total ,but it’s like being able to get a fun preview of  a book you might love! We’ve read Hallie’s CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR, and Rhys and Jenn and Lucy  and Debs are coming up over the next few weeks,  and Julia too, if she hurries up and gets me her paperwork. (hint hint) PLUS coming soon Kate White and Christina Alger and Laurie King and SO many more—you’ll adore it. And all the videos are archived, so if you miss them live, you can catch up any time you want. 

Here’s the link for Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/groups/firstchapterfun/

And Insta @FirstChapterFun

Hannah Mary McKinnon was born in the U.K., grew up in Switzerland and moved to Canada in 2010. After a successful career in recruitment, she quit the corporate world in favor of writing.  SISTER DEAR is Hannah Mary’s fourth novel. She lives in Oakville, ON, Canada, with her husband and three sons. For more visit www.hannahmarymckinnon.com

Sister Dear 

Beauty. Wealth. Success.

She’s got it all.

And it all should’ve been mine.

When Eleanor Hardwicke’s beloved father dies, her world is further shattered by a gut-wrenching secret: the man she’s grieving isn’t really her dad. Eleanor was the product of an affair and her biological father is still out there, living blissfully with the family he chose. With her personal life spiraling, a desperate Eleanor seeks him out, leading her to uncover another branch on her family tree—an infuriatingly enviable half sister.

Perfectly perfect Victoria has everything Eleanor could ever dream of. Loving childhood, luxury home, devoted husband. All of it stolen from Eleanor, who plans to take it back. After all, good sisters are supposed to share. And quiet little Eleanor has been waiting far too long for her turn to play. 

To Finish or Not To Finish (the Book You're Reading)

INGRID THOFT

My mom and I have an ongoing debate, and I’m sure all of you fall clearly on side or the other.  If I start reading a book, and it doesn’t capture my attention, I stop reading.  My mom, on the other hand, feels obligated to finish.  This is generally true even if she’s reading the book for her own pleasure, not for her book group.  Perhaps it’s her Yankee stick-to-it-ness (which I thought I shared, but maybe not?) that compels her to finish what she started.  More likely, she’s always hopeful that the book will improve, and it will all pay off in the end.

I used to be more patient with my reading materials, but once I experienced the trials and tribulations of trying to get published, I became more demanding.  When I first submitted my work to agents, I was rejected many times.  Rejection is part of the deal if you want to get published, but rejection is often based on a query letter—just a few short paragraphs.  If I were lucky, an agent might request five pages or even a chapter, but I learned that the decision to accept or reject was swift and unequivocal.  Eventually, I landed an agent and a publishing contract and a new attitude when reading other writers’ books.  Hook me right away or I throw you back into the sea of words.

Does this seem harsh?  Impatient?  Perhaps, but I’ve decided that my time is too precious to spend it reading books that don’t delight me or engage me from page one.  My decision to stop reading isn’t necessarily an indictment of the book.  There are prize-winning, critically acclaimed books that didn’t strike my fancy, and I chalk that up to personal preference.  For example, I think I may be the only person on planet Earth who didn’t love “Memoirs of a Geisha.”

A couple of years ago, when I was visiting a book club, one of the members shared her formula for deciding when to keep reading and when to stop.  She suggested you subtract your age from 100, and the answer is the number of pages you should read a book before calling it quits.  This makes sense to me; the older we get, the less time we have to spend on books that are unsatisfying.

What do you think?  Do you feel obligated to keep reading?  Do you have a formula for determining how many pages you’ll read before putting down a book for good?  Does it depend on what type of book it is?

Karen B. you won Friday's giveaway from Chevy Stevens!  Leave your email address in the comments so we can get a book to you!