Leading a Reading Group

I just finished leading a 9-week, in-person reading group covering the Iliad. It was such a good experience. I’ve also participated in a number of groups over the years and wanted to use this podcast episode to share what I’ve learned and to hopefully encourage you to start your own reading group.Myths:* You don’t need to have all of the answers.* You don’t need to have an advanced degree.How to Prepare:* As you read the book you will cover, use different color pens/highlighters each time you read it. This will help you identify observations you had and will be helpful when you are leading the group.* Find podcast episodes that cover the book.* Find book guides that contain questions for the book.Facilitating the Reading Group:* Set expectations - expected time commitment, number of meetings, etc.* Limit the group to between 5 - 15 people.* Require an assignment:* A paragraph or an essay due a day before the meeting.* Use a shared Google folder so everyone can read the work of each other.* This has the added benefit of encouraging completion of the reading a day before the meeting. It also prepares the attendees to have a thought-out idea to address during the meeting.* Translation - attempt to use the same translation if it’s a work in another language. This will help everyone easily be able to locate the passage under discussion.Rules:* Use the first meeting to get to know each other. Don’t cover the book at all.* Discourage the reading of the book’s introduction. Just have them start right in with the book.* No outside influences - attempt to just discuss the book, not other books.Your Role as Facilitator:* You are not the teacher. The book is the teacher.* Ask questions that facilitate the discussion.* Keep the discussion on track.* Don’t give away spoilers to those who haven’t read the story. Keep the magic alive.Tools Specific to The Iliad* The History of Literature Podcast: Homer and His Iliad (with Robin Lane Fox)* Ascend the Great Books Podcast (incredible resource with a podcast episode per book of the Iliad)* Iliad Reading Guide (probably the single most helpful resource outside of the actual epic)* Young Heretics Podcast This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.booksoftitans.com/subscribe