Online Book
Discussion Groups

Book discussion is one of the many benefits of being a reader. Joining a group of like minded individuals promotes life-long learning, keeps our perspectives fresh and honest, and allows us to share our experiences and lessons learned with others. Look for book discussion opportunities through your local library, state Center for the Book, or state Humanities Council.

For many booklovers, the face-to-face interaction over a title isn't the only way to share the love of reading and books. Online book discussion groups are growing and offer an opportunity to share with a broader base of readers, readers of like-mind or taste, or as your schedule permits. It is a different dynamic of course, but if you are a fan of the online relationship, this type of book group may be just what you are looking for.

Online groups vary as to how they work. Some use group systems and/or e-mail or newsgroups. Some have a blog format. There are a few with real time chat features. There are those which are regularly scheduled with a subscription membership and those which encourage drop-ins. Don't just join one, try a few out to see which suits you best. Unlike face-to-face meetings, these are more flexible. You may also find it easier to work more than one into your schedule!

African American Literature Book Club - Discussion of contemporary and classic works by authors of African descent. Readers may participate in a monthly online chat or post anytime to a bulletin board. Searchable archives.

Book Chat Central - For real-time chat, this site brings together four separate discussion groups: Book Bunch (for general fiction plus special picks); Booked for Murder (for mysteries -- from classics to cozies); SciFi/Fantasy Dominion; and Spine Tinglers (thrillers).

The Book Group List - You must subscribe to participate in this email discussion group, but non-subscribers may access archived discussion (which features a synopsis and a collective rating for each selection). Members choose two books (including a variety of fiction and nonfiction) for the group to read and discuss each month. Participants get to know each other by sharing biographical sketches of themselves. The site also features a Suggested Reading List, book reviews, and "Best Books" lists.

ESPN Book Club - The ESPN Book Club is an opportunity for sports fans everywhere to connect.

The Lavender Salon Reader Online - This "Online Forum for Gay and Lesbian Reading Clubs" is not a book discussion site -- however it presents a directory of gay and lesbian book clubs across the U.S., as well as notes from the monthly book discussions of a number of these groups. The site also offers tips and suggestions on how to start your own reading group. Other features include reviews and bibliographies of gay and lesbian fiction and nonfiction.

Mosaicbooks.com Bookclubs - This list of reading groups that focus on African-American literature does not offer discussion, but it does include lists of what such groups are reading all around the country.

MysteryNet.com - Mystery fans discuss everything related to mystery, crime and suspense. Discussion on this extensive site is divided into numerous subtopics such as Mysteries on TV, Stage Mysteries, Famous Characters, True Crime, and Book Reviews. You must register to post, but lurkers can readily scroll through the various threaded discussions.

The Mythopoeic Society - An international group studies, discusses and enjoys fantasy and mythic literature, especially the works of J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis and Charles Williams.

New York Times: The Round Table - This "Discussion Forum about Books" offers dozens of discussions on a wide variety of authors ("Ayn Rand: Love Her or Hate Her") and topics ("Why does Science Fiction get so little respect?"). Every month, the Reading Group discusses a book chosen by a vote from the readers. The authors often drop by to answer readers' questions. It's easy to post and read, and many people do! Hosted by Christopher Schelling.

Oprah's Book Club - Part of the official Oprah web site, this section provides an online forum for both readers' questions and discussions of current and past Oprah Book Club picks.

SeniorNet Book Clubs - Though SeniorNet was designed to promote computer use among seniors, its active book clubs are open to people of all ages. In addition to a number of nonfiction groups, there are discussion groups for readers of general fiction, great books, mysteries, science fiction, and romance. Registration is required to post, but not to read. Also feature quizzes and contests.

Salon.com Table Talk - Salon has gotten quite a name for itself as an online magazine. There are ample opportunities to discuss books in their Table Talk area (monthly fee required for posting access to Table Talk; reading posts is free).

Reader's Paradise Forum - Described as a forum "for the discussion of all topics related to reading and literature," this site has an eclectic and eccentric charm.

Bookworms - This friendly group discusses one book each month using the Yahoo! Club Page.

Book a Month - Book a Month is another good example of an active Yahoo! Groups book club. They focus on a book a month, but there's also talk about books in general.

Literary Fiction Lovers - A book club using the Yahoo! Groups system to discuss books via e-mail, this group covers two books each month.

The Bookies - This email-based book club reads two books every month and includes a section where past books have been rated by users.

The Coffee Will Make You Black Reading Group - This reading group, which is part of the African American Literature Book Club, discusses books via a web-based message board, as well as a java-based chat system.

The G.R.I.T.S. - An African American literary book club that features scheduled chats, reading guides, a selection of local book clubs, and more.

Classic Reading Group - This Yahoo! group reads and discusses one classic literary work each month.

BookTalk - BookTalk is an online book discussion community dedicated to the advancement of critical thinking, reason, intelligence, freedom of inquiry, philosophy and the scientific method.

Post Book Club - Monthly chat from The Washington Post.

Readerville - Lots of forums to choose from.