I admit it. I have a love-hate relationship with book groups.

I love to discuss literature, discover new authors, drink wine/coffee, usually in a setting that doesn’t involve anyone spitting up, smacking a sibling, or yelling, “MAMA!”

But I hate those final moments when someone pops out the question: “So, what do we want to read next?”

I’ve heard some groups are very disciplined and develop a well-researched book list at the start of the year, or some such thing. I’ve never been in one of those groups.

My groups have generally involved all the members frantically scrolling Amazon for “that one book” someone told them about. Which means some of the book picks have been … questionable.

Like in one group, we read what I suspect were one member’s child’s high-school lit reading list.

Another group mainly of Oprah picks … from the early 2000s.

And once a group even defaulted to the book the server (as in waitress—we weren’t playing volleyball) recommended.

Across all book groups, however, there’s one thing we’ve never done.

Taken risks.

Because, let’s be honest, risks are risky.

I remember the one time I suggested a book I hadn’t read yet. I’d picked it up on a whim at the library and the cover and premise looked interesting.

So we all read it.

Well, not quite all. I only made it one chapter in. I hated it. Absolutely hated it and I felt awful for those who actually finished it. (Sorry, ladies!)

I’m violating my own risk aversion, my own dislike of wasting hours on a bad book (whatever that means) by suggesting this: if your book group wants to branch out, try poetry!

And if you’re going to try poetry, can I suggest you try my new book, Sweetened Condensed? It’s really almost un-poetry, because it’s accessible, about a real person with a real life and never once mentions Plato or Sophocles.

Try Poetry for your Next Book Group!

So let’s just imagine that you did decide to read Sweetened Condensed for your next book group meeting. The conundrum becomes: What do you talk about?

Here’s where my groups have been all over the map.

Usually we’d spend a really long time chatting about family and life and our highs and lows. Then someone might bring up the book. And someone else would say, “That’s interesting because I didn’t get time to read it,” and we’d spend a while giving them a summary and convincing them to/not to read the book (which we all know they won’t because, hello, book group will be done by then!).

Once or twice the miraculous happened.

Someone brought discussion questions to Book Group that they found online!

I’ve done the hard work for you (no, not writing the book. That part was fun!). I created a workbook specifically for book groups.

The Book Group Pack has within its pages:

• Printable bookplates (formatted for the large Avery labels linked below)

• Discussion questions (with space to write down notes!)

• A Freewrite Journaling activity

• A printable poetry journal to carry the inspiration home

Imagine reading Sweetened Condensed, pasting book plates in each copy, discussing it over mulled cider (because, October—switch this to Gin & Tonics or Cabernet or Peppermint Lattes as you wish), doing a writing exercise together, and creating a small anthology of your book group’s own poems.

Personally, I’d LOVE to be in that book group!

What do you think?

Would you like to read Sweetened Condensed?

Would you like the free printable Book Group Guide?

Preview the full thing below. You’ll get a printable poetry journal, bookplates, and so much more!

Claim your download below!

As a final offering … have you ever been discussing a book and wished you could drag the author in to ask him or her what the heck they where thinking when _________ (fill in the blank: the heroine ate the berries, or gave up the baby or walked out of the store). Have you ever simply wanted to find out who this author-person is, how they wrote their book?

What if you could bring the author to your book group?

You can! Thanks to Skype, Google Chat, FaceTime, and modern technology in general, I can be right there in your circle. I’d love to “pop in” to your group for a Q&A.

I usually charge about $100 for a 45-minute session, but I will waive my engagement fee if all members of your group purchase a copy of Sweetened Condensed (minimum of six)*. (Don’t have six members? Why not purchase more to donate to your local library?)

*depending upon availability and schedule! Even I can’t be in two places at once!