Introduction

Our book club's participants include individuals largely aged in their 20s to 40s from a variety of career and cultural backgrounds, but anyone is welcomed to join.  We do not promote a particular political or social position and welcome all points of view. 

However, to have a successful group, we believe, several conditions must exist:

Participation and Commitment: Participants in the book discussion group should NOT feel obligated to read all the books, especially if the selected book isn’t of interest to them. However, after a participant registers to attend a particular meeting, the participant is expected to read the book and attend the meeting.  Without participants reading the book, the successful exchange of thoughtful ideas is limited, significantly degrading the purpose of the group. 

Responsibility to attend meetings is important because if you register to attend a specific meeting it gauges actual interest in the selected book.  Occasional last minute emergencies  are understandable.  However, those who continue to register for specific meetings and fail to attend will be dropped from the mailing list. 

Balance: Many books (especially books regarding public policy issues) have a biased perspective. In those cases, to maximize our understanding of the topic, a complementary book should be selected afterwards to explore the other side of the issue. For example, if a book is selected that explores the problems of affirmative action, then the following book should explore the benefits of affirmative action.

Discussion Leaders: Alternating discussion leaders for different books are invaluable to maintain a vibrant group since everyone has different approaches and techniques to facilitate the discussion and the exchange of ideas. Anyone leading a discussion should feel that they have broad flexibility in facilitating discussions and should not be limited by the parameters of a previous discussion.  

Book and Topic Selection:  All participants should be involved in topic and/or book selection. Yet, if adequate interest cannot be generated from a proposed book or topic, then it is not reasonable to expect that topic or book to be covered. However, active group participation in the selection of books will keep the group fresh - exploring and learning about a whole range of topics.  

We have no limits on what types of books to read and include both fiction or nonfiction.  We have covered such subjects as public policy, science, history, religion, philosophy, economics, and mythology.  The only limits are gauged by the group's interest.   

You may register for particular discussions through the current Evite.  However, to be added to the master mailing list, please send an email requesting you name be added to DCBookDiscussion@yahoo.com Otherwise, you may not be informed of future meetings or be able to vote for the next month's book nominations.