On another forum I visit, reading groups are sometimes formed as a way of enabling planned, structured discussion of a topic members are interested in.
What is a reading group? This list of FAQs was written by James Quinn, a highly respected member of Historic-Battles (James is currently working hard at university and unfortunately not as active on the net as he used to be though).
What is a “reading group”?
The reading groups are just groups of people who have all agreed to read a book in common and discuss it among themselves. The groups are really pretty informal. Basically a group of people talk about several different books and decide on one they all want to read. Then they read the book and discuss it on this forum.
How are the reading groups organized?
Generally we discuss about one hundred pages worth of reading each week. Each reading group has a “host”. This host opens up the discussion of that week’s material. He tries to keep the discussion focused on the topic at hand and, if possible, bring outside viewpoints into the discussion.
How can I identify what threads go which what reading group?
Every thread in a particular reading group will start with the abbreviation (RG …) with the “…” being the name of the author being discussed. For example, if we were discussing a book by Max Hastings then each thread in that reading group would start with the abbreviation “(RG Hastings)” and then the title of the thread would follow. i.e. “(RG Hastings) Deployment of Das Reich division”.
Can I join the reading groups or do I need to be invited?
Anyone can join the reading groups, no invitation needed. Just jump right on in. All that we require is that you stay focused on the topic at hand and that you treat the other members of the group with courtesy. In the past the reading groups have been friendly places were casual students of history can gather and learn from each other. If this is the type of discussion you are looking for, then make yourself welcome.
Do I need to have read the book being discussed to join in?
While it is obviously better if you have read the book being discussed, if you think you have something to add to the discussion and you haven’t had time to read the book yet, please do join in just the same. There is a value to reading groups having outside perspectives discussed in them. For example, if a reading group is discussing a book about Stalingrad by Anthony Beevor and a participant hasn’t read the Beevor book but has read John Erickson’s book that covers Stalingrad, this “outsider” might have some very valuable insights to offer the group which Beevor’s book does not touch on. Basically the rule of thumb here is, “If you know what you are talking about, then join in.”
If I have a book that I would like to nominate for a future reading group, how do I do that?
There is a “sticky” thread in this forum called “Nominations for future reading groups”. A “sticky” thread is one that always stays at the top of the list. If you would like to nominate a book just make a reply to this thread. In the past reading groups have happened about once every 3 to 4 months. Please check in on the “reading groups” forum from time to time to see if there is discussion on-going about what book will be read next. The reading groups are entirely dependent upon the input and interest of members to make them successful.
Thanks for reading this note and I'll look forward to seeing you in a future group! - James
Angie again - anyone interested? If so, please register your interest below and nominate a book. May I stipulate though that it should be currently in print and not too expensive.
This suggestion was put forward by Gerry chester on another thread:
War Without Hate
Authors: John Bierman & Colin Smith
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd., London
Copyright: 2004, 478 pp.
Reprint of 2002 edition entitled The Battle of Alamein
Of the many books on the battle for North Africa, in my opinion, undoubtedly the best. Copies are readily available at
http://www.abebooks.com/ for as little as $1.75.