Bay Area Book Groups Book groups are a great way to make friends, expand your literary interests, and examine your thoughts and feelings about books. If you don't see a group listed here that piques your interest, try starting a group of your own ... all it takes is a little creativity and a fair amount of organization. If you've never been involved with a book group before, the basic idea is simple: you meet once a month with other literary-minded people and discuss a book you've all read. These discussions are usually punctuated by wine, tasty food and the occasional tangential discussion. At last count, a bazillion book groups existed in the Bay Area. Get off your duff and join one ... or start one of your own! While the following list is up to date, it's always a good idea to contact the group leaders ahead of time and make sure the group will be meeting as planned. Adult Reading Groups These SF Public Library-sponsored reading groups discuss a variety of different books. If your local branch doesn't currently support a group, talk to your branch librarian about starting one. SF Public Library Marina Branch, 1890 Chestnut Street near Webster, 415.292.2150 Bernal Heights Branch, 500 Cortland Avenue near Moultrie, 415.695.5160 Books & Eats This book group meets at different member's homes for a potluck feast, enjoys gatherings that are sociable in nature and democratic in process, promotes engaging conversation, and indulges in tasty food! Meetings are the first Thursday of the month at 7 pm. For more information, email the group's leader. Borders Literary Discussion Group Discover new works and old every month. Join like-minded book lovers for informative and lively discussions of your favorite literary works. To get further information or to sign up for the mailing list, contact Mark Ducas at 415.433.3020. At Borders Books & Music in Emeryville. Classic SF and Fantasy Group Open to all comers, this group meets at Borderlands on the third Sunday of every month at six in the evening. Refreshments will be provided. The focus of this group is novels commonly recognized as classics in the field. This group will be facilitated by Alan Beatts, Jacob Wiseman and Espana Sheriff. Contemporary Classics Book Club This book club, open to anyone who enjoys a lively discussion, focuses on well-written literature by or about strong women. Alex Appell, group facilitator. Location: Falkirk Cultural Center, 1408 Mission Ave., San Rafael. For more information, call Marilyn Boatright at 415. 485.3317 or email her. East Bay Book Group These fun-loving ladies are politically progressive and like to read novels chosen by consensus, often supplementing their literary fare with a related film or author event. After meeting for two years, they looking to expand membership to diverse, similar-minded people. Group meets on Tuesday nights in different group member's homes. For more information, please email the group's moderator. East Bay Shakespeare Reading Club This group of diverse people from all over the Bay Area (mostly Berkeley) has been meeting the third Sunday of each month for a reading (not acting) of an entire Shakespeare play. It is always both enjoyable and culturally enriching! Midway through the reading, the group breaks for potluck dining. Contact the moderator for more information. Filipino Bilingual Bi-Monthly Book Club The San Francisco Main Library hosts this twice-a-month reading group, which features writers reading their own work, as well as Filipino readings in fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Main Library, Third Floor Conference Center. For more information, call 415.557.4400. Fremont Book Group This book group was formed around the member's desire to take on Anna Karenina in its recent translation by Pevear and Volokhonsky. Later titles will be selected by the group. Anyone who wants to join can get for directions and other information by writing to James and Suzanne at jasokeefe@attbi.com. Gay Men’s Sci-Fi Book Group Join the few and proud gay men who aren’t afraid to admit they like to read science fiction! The group is a diverse mix of gay men under 35, who meet on the 2nd Sunday of each month, also getting together to see movies, watch Enterprise, and more. The book list is a mix of Hugo, Nebula and Lambda award winners, with a range of different authors and genres, meeting at Borderlands in the Mission, San Francisco. For more information, email the facilitator. Great Books Discussion Groups Great books are rich in perspectives and complex in meaning; they require a meeting of minds to be understood fully. In discussion, several readers pursuing different threads of a work can help each other discover the intricate texture of the whole. Together, they can construct their own more complete visions of what the author is saying. As participants explore the point of view and ideas expressed in a selection, they begin to integrate an author's thoughts with their own. They may find themselves thinking critically and seriously for the first time about God and Man, Life and Death, Love, Hate, War, Courage, Wealth or Wisdom. Several reading series are available; for more information visit the SF Bay Area Great Books Council's website. Kepler's Fiction Book Group Meet to discuss contemporary fiction with other literary-minded folks. Moderated by Kepler's employees. This group meets monthly at Kepler's Books in Palo Alto. For more information, call the store at 650.324.4321. Kepler's Spanish Book Group This group focuses on Spanish-language novels, with an emphasis on works originating in Spain and Latin America. The group meets monthly at Kepler's Books in Palo Alto. For more information, call the store at 650.324.4321. Kid's Reading Club This group, for kids aged 8 to 12, is facilitated by Byron Delcomb. New members are welcome at any time; the group meets every other Saturday. For further information, call 510.845.0837. At Cody's Books, Fourth Street Store in Berkeley. Kierkegaard Kaffe This book study of Kierkegaard's works meets in a North Beach pub starting in early December. Other authors will include C. S. Lewis, Charles Williams, et al. The book study is free, though you will want to buy some beer, wine or whatever, so that group members can justify their existences -- which is to the point. Check out the moderator's Kierkegaard site. For details please email the moderator with "Kierkegaard Kaffe" in the subject line. Know Your World A group of people who want to learn about the history and culture of different parts of the world, this group tries to pick easy-to-read, interesting books on the history of different peoples. A friendly and fun group, the Know Your World reading group meets in and around San Mateo once a month. Contact mala_ramakrishnan@hotmail.com or subscribe to world-history@yahoogroups.com Literature at Large Join Mill Valley Public Library's book discussion group for a fun, informal book discussion group led by Reference Librarian Eli Kilner. Both the library and the Community Center discussion groups will be reading the same book, so if you are unable to attend the Tuesday evening discussion at the library, you can drop by the Community Center for the Wednesday afternoon meeting, or visa versa. From 7 pm to 8 pm, third Tuesday of the month at the Mill Valley Public Library Creekside Room AND from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm (bring your lunch), third Wednesday at the Terrace Lounge, Mill Valley Community Center (180 Camino Alto). For more information, refer to the library's website. Marin County Classics Book Club This Marin book group reads and discusses the classics, beginning with the books on Random House's Modern Library bookshelf. For more information, please check out the group's website or email the group's moderator. "M" is for Mystery Book Club "M" has its own mystery book club, which meets at the San Mateo bookstore. If you have never attended, and are interested, just drop the moderator an email. Meet's the last Tuesday of the month at 7 pm Mechanics' Institute Book Club Thursday evening book club facilitated by Dr. John Reid. A new five-month series starting on February 22 will meet to discuss different contemporary titles. Fees: single session, members $10; public $15 ... series, member $40 ; public $75. To register: call 415.393.0114Mechanic's Institute, Room 405. Mission Bay Community Church Book Club This fun and informal group gathers about once a month over coffee to discuss and reflect upon a current book or reading. While the group is formed from a progressive Christian community, they hope to read a diverse group of books that will help them to grow as people, strengthen their relationships with others, and change the world for the better. For more information, please check out the group's website or email the group's moderator. Modern Times Reading Group Join the Modern Times Bookstore community-led monthly reading group and educate yourself on issues surrounding the current War on Terrorism, US foreign policy in Afghanistan and the Middle East, the politics and histories of these regions, the roots of fundamentalism and other related topics. To join in, simply visit the website, read the book, and show up with a few prepared questions to facilitate discussion. Email amanda@moderntimesbookstore.com for more information. Mostly, We Eat A group of friends that discusses books over a great meal. For more information, check out the group's excellent website. New Friends Book Club The members of this book club have two goals: to meet new people and to explore a love of books. The moderator is looking for women available to meet once every four to six weeks to discuss novels, the classics, controversial works, etc. on an intellectual level -- over a glass of wine. Looking for diverse, mature, professionally focused women to join. Open to all backgrounds. If you are interested, call Patti at 415.777.1620 for details. Parenting Book Club This reading group, facilitated by Ilona Sturm, welcomes new members at any time, be they parents, care-givers or other interested readers. The group generally meets the second Sunday of each month. For further information, call 510.559.9500. At Cody's Books, Fourth Street store in Berkeley. Personal Effectiveness/Business Skills Reading Group A discussion forum for those who are interested in books and subjects relating to personal effectiveness in connection with entrepreneurship, business, and creating a fulfilling/rewarding life, the purpose of the group is to discuss stimulating books and participate by sharing meaningful insights. This will be an inspiring and empowering group for those who are ambitious, motivated and wish to drive themselves to achieve their true potential in business and life. Authors in this space include Brian Tracy, Peter Drucker, Stephen Covey, Kenneth Blanchard, Zig Ziglar, so forth. Please email the group organizer for more information. Pulitzer Prize Discussion Group This group reads the Pulitzer Prize winners in fiction in chronological order, featuring two books a month and meeting the first Monday evening of each month. These readers discuss the style and content of the books and their relevance to the way we live today ... and have also been known to slag supposed four-star books! The novels inspire participants to bring food and wine creations based on the settings they read about. For more info contact Lisa. Readers Respond This group meets monthly at the participants' homes in revolving order to discuss contemporary fiction and literature. The host moderates the meeting, gives a biographical sketch of the author, and prepares a delicious spread of snacks; the other participants bring wine and wisdom. Instead of applying literary criticism, cynical analysis or other modes of desiccative thought, the group focuses on discussing how the book has affected them personally, sharing the responses it elicited and the particular resonations experienced. While discussions can be tangential, they are always lively! Made up of diverse members who can commit to attending and participating at meetings the first Thursday of the month. For more information, email the group's organizer. Rockridge Branch Library Reading Series The theme of this group is "Romantic Love: Illusion or Reality?" Join the Rockridge Branch Library's new book discussion group as it looks at one of life's enigmas from the perspective of great literature: Wednesday, March 21 Madame Bovary, by Gustave Flaubert; Wednesday, April 4 Death in Venice, by Thomas Mann; "Lady with a Lapdog," by Anton Chekhov; Wednesday, April 18 End of the Affair, by Graham Greene; Wednesday, May 2 Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen; Wednesday, May 16 Wuthering Heights, by Emily Bronte. Leon Ginsky, who has been facilitating book discussion groups since 1974, will provide background information and guide the discussions. The book group meets from 7 pm - 9 pm in the Rockridge Branch Library, 5366 College Avenue. To register and reserve copies of the books, call Rockridge Library at (510) 597-5017. Rockridge Branch Library is part of the City of Oakland's Life Enrichment Agency, Oakland Public Library. The Friends of Rockridge Library are funding this free program. San Francisco Bibliophiles: Russian Book Club New members are welcome at any time; discussions are in Russian. 2 pm – 4 pm, last Saturday of the month. At the Main Library, Lower Level, Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room. For questions, call 415.557.4400 San Francisco Gay Book Club This book club the reads works by gay authors or other gay-themed literates. The initial list of books was taken from the Lambda Awards Finalist list for 2000 and 2001. The club is actively seeking members -- the current group is a diverse mix of people, women and men included. The group meets bi-monthly to discuss the book, vote on the next book, and select the next café. Club meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at various cafés around the city. For more information, visit the website. Saturday Morning Book Group Join the folks at A Clean Well-Lighted Place for Books for coffee, cookies and conversation. Discussions, which are led by different store staff members, are free and newcomers are welcome to drop in on any meeting. For more information, including current books and meeting times, visit the store's website. At A Clean Well-Lighted Place for Books. Science Fiction Discussion Group Discover new worlds and like minds in this otherworldly reading group. For further information, including current books and meeting times, visit the group's website. At Borders in Emeryville. Spanish Book Club New members are welcome at any time; discussions are in Spanish and facilitated by Miriam Ruvinskis. For further information, call 510.601.0454. 7:30 pm, last Friday of the month. At Cody's Books, Telegraph Avenue Store. Speculative Fiction Group Moderated by Lisa Rose, this group focuses on science fiction, fantasy, and other works of futuristic and alternate social realities. Meets monthly at at Kepler's Books in Palo Alto. For more information, call the store at 650.324.4321. Starlight Book Club March 26, 7:00 pm Please join us for an evening of discussion, debate, disagreement and consensus. This group emphasizes themes of love, friendship, family and community, with an eye toward prize-winning books. San Rafael Public Library, 1100 E Street, San Rafael. For more information, call Marilyn Boatright at 415. 485.3317 or email her. Sunday with The Times A Sunday-morning "salon style" New York Times reading group. Come pour through the New York Times just as you used to do with friends and family. Discuss the important issues of the day and be in conversation and community. Bring your own paper. Mechanic's Institute, 4th Floor Meeting Room/Café. Facilitated by two Mechanics' Institute members: Vince Vitale and Wendy Beck. Coffee and tea provided. Free to members and public. Every Sunday! 10 am - 1 pm Women's Reading Group This monthly book group meets at A Different Light Bookstore to discuss contemporary books with a female slant. For more information, call the store at 415.431.0891. World Affairs Book Club Meet and discuss pressing world issues. For further information, call 415.399. At Borders in Emeryville. Yoga Reading Group Deepen your understanding of yoga beyond asana by reading key texts in the history and theory of yoga. Books include classics as well as important modern works. The atmosphere is relaxed and everyone is welcome. We meet from 2 pm to 4 pm on the first Sunday of every month at Samtosa Yoga in Potrero Hill. Contact Leila Easa or visit our web page. Want to list your book group? Email us! <<< Back to Literary Arts |
| ... |
|
© 1996 - 2002 SF Station, All Rights Reserved. Terms and Conditions. Please send questions & comments to webmaster |