A one-hour book conversation

You can follow these steps in order or choose a single prompt. A notebook can help, but you do not need to prepare anything before beginning.

1. First ten minutes: invite each person to share one reaction without interruption. Passing is always an option.
2. Next fifteen minutes: choose a scene. Compare what each reader noticed before moving to broader themes.
3. Next fifteen minutes: explore one disagreement. Ask which detail supports each interpretation, without turning the discussion into a vote.
4. Next ten minutes: talk about form. How did the voice, structure or point of view shape the experience?
5. Last ten minutes: let everyone offer a question they are still holding. Agree on another book only if the group wants to.

Begin with a piece from the journal

• Five questions beyond “Did you like it?”
• A small reading group without the homework feeling
• Disagree about a book without closing the conversation