Stay Motivated In A Reading Club

Reading groups are created by people who gather to share their opinions on books they have read. These groups can be as small as four friends to as large a classroom full of book lovers. All have some kind of structure. Usually, there is a leader and a set of rules for moderating the discussion. The leader guides the conversation and helps the group keep time and allow everyone a chance to speak. The leader may also have other duties. The group guidelines, meeting place and schedule will vary according to the group. The rewards of being in a reading club give members opportunity for socialization, exposure to others opinions and a lot more.

Keeping the Mind Active

Often people are so busy with their daily lives such that discovery takes a backseat and the mind stagnates. A reading club is a place where one can be stay aware of recent events, authors and read about diverse cultures and societies to stay intellectually engaged. Reading diverse books leads to a broadening of thinking and make the person more open to a variety of ideas.

Socialization

Especially true for introverts who do are not make friends quickly, when you are in a group, the natural tendency is to add to discussions. Friendships are formed and deepened by the engagement. Additionally, there is a common ground that keeps conversation flowing and creates a oneness with the other members.

Reduction of the Mundane

Meeting in a reading group regularly, one escapes free from the routine of life even if it for brief time. This feels very invigorating and gives one a much essential break from everyday experiences. This therapeutic angle of being part of a reading group can be enjoyed only when one develops into a regular member. The best part is that one feels safe in the group and the sense of belonging is created.

Find New Books

A reading club is the right spot to enjoy the rewards an interesting book can give you. One can learn about recently released books, hear opinions before choosing new books. At the same time, the chance to meet new people with fresh views helps to encourage the growth of one's mind. You end up making friends with people of similar interests. Ideas for reading group selections are available

Self-Expression

A reading club is a place where one need not restrict expression of one's opinions. It's a place where opinions will vary and each viewpoints are expressed. In a well run group, one can be candid about feelings toward a particular book or idea. This self-expression goes a long way in making people more confident.

Helping Yourself and Others

After making the decision to join a reading group, selecting the correct group for you can be tricky and sometimes a little intimidating. Here are tips for on choosing a reading club.

Joining a reading group and receive the rewards a reading club can give. You'll be the wiser, friendlier and happier as a result.

Help with your Reading Club:

If you are a reading group member or leader looking for tips or new ideas, there are resources available to you. The Book Group Registry can aid you with tools, techniques and other information to make their job easier, less stressful and simply more enjoyable.

Tools include attractive handouts of your reading club reading list. Tips on selecting books and more to help with your reading group. The service is free to book group leaders and members.

Join the Book Group Registry by visiting http://www.bookgroupregistry.com/

1984 - Reading Between the Lines

1984, was written by Eton-educated democratic socialist George Orwell. Orwell was a great opponent to totalitarian rule and displayed this hatred not only in this novel, but in its sister novel, Animal Farm, which has already been reviewed. Orwell presented his book about the dangers of a totalitarian rule through the eyes of Winston Smith, a disillusioned Outer Party worker, who has seen through the lies that the Party has fed its citizens.

Technological Advances and Psychological Manipulation

Technology is used in 1984 to keep monitor all the citizens of Oceania. Throughout the country telescreens and hidden microphones are present. This limits the citizens freedom and the fear that they are always being watched will prevent the citizens from being themselves. In fact it is stated in the novel that the only time one is truly alone, is when he is sleeping in his bedroom. The large signs dotted around the city with the caption 'Big Brother is Watching You' serves to intimidate the civilians into believing that they are never alone and that they are not safe. Even the slightest facial twitch could alert the Thought Police of their hidden ulterior motives. Also, the citizens of Oceania would have to induct their children into an organisation called 'Junior Spies'. An organisation which encourages children to spy on their parents and, if need be, submit them to the Thought Police if the children believe that their parents have any resentment towards the party.

The Control of History

The main protagonist, Winston Smith, works in the Department of Records in the Outer Party. Due to his work there he recognises many of the lies the Party feed to the public and it is this accumulation of lies that led him to join the rebels. One such lie that it was in his line of work to alter an incredibly sensitive piece of evidence. Three Inner Party members had been accused of consorting with Oceania's enemy at that time, Eurasia, or was it Eastasia? However a photograph on the front cover of the Times (the official and most-likely the only newspaper in Oceania), depicted the three Party members posing for a photograph in Oceania on the same date that, in the trial, they were accused of passing sensitive information to Eurasia. Winston's job, in the Records Department was to alter the data to make it seem like the Party was in the right all along. Winston's job is of the utmost importance. By changing data, from pieces of evidence in a trial to a predicted decrease in chocolate ration, and preventing citizens of Oceania from keeping diaries, the Party controls history. The Party's great skill in changing historical data comes to light when Winston, in an effort to unveil the truth, seeks out trying to see whether life before the rebellion was better than the quality of life now. All books from before the date of the rebellion had been destroyed and the only records about life before the rebellion had been published by the Party and was heavily biased an unreliable. Desperate for the truth, Winston heads out into prole quarters, hoping to find somebody to help him on his quest but he is unsuccessful. Realising the full power that the Party has, Winston Smith is close to surrendering.

Physical Torture

The price for disobeying the Party is physical torture. However as O' Brien, Winston's torturer repeatedly stated, the Ministry of Love's purpose was not to exterminate troublemakers, but to convert them. By using sophisticated instruments of torture the Party can alter reality, ultimately forcing Winston to believe that 2+2=5.