Booklist hosted a live event with librarian book-group experts to talk about what makes a good selection, how to pick something unexpected for your group without causing a mass exodus, and lots and lots of suggestions for when you want to take your book group rogue. Check out their Macmillan recommendations:
BINTI by Nnedi Okorafor
Science fiction can be scary for book groups, but don’t be afraid, especially if Black Panther piqued your interest. BINTI is about space, sure, but it’s really about race and other meaty issues.
CAN’T WE TALK ABOUT SOMETHING MORE PLEASANT? by Roz Chast
Dealing with aging parents is a familiar book group topic. This graphic novel includes art and photography that will enhance the conversation.
EVERFAIR by Nisi Shawl
Like BINTI, this is an Afro-futurist sci-fi book, plus steam punk and alternate history! So many genres. It will lead to discussions about prejudice, identity, colonialism, and even the structure of the story itself.
IF I WAS YOUR GIRL by Meredith Russo
Another YA book that adult book groups might poo-poo. It’s a teen love story, but the heroine is a trans girl who starts her senior year at a new school where she can be herself. If your book group members like to gain new understanding of people they might not (think they) encounter in real life, this is a great choice.
THE LONELY CITY by Olivia Laing
Pair with images of the artists discussed (Hopper, Warhol, Wojnarowicz); you can also talk about gentrification.
Watch the full event below!
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