So, I enjoyed reading about book clubs and Socratic seminars, but I also enjoyed the discussion we had in class. Some of the highlights (at least, in my opinion they are highlights):
1: I liked the discussion we had about Twilight-book club book or not. I know when I read a new book, I love to talk about it, but mostly I want to rehash my favorite parts, and in retrospect, that would be really boring for a book club. Not that you can't read Harry Potter or The Hunger Games for a book club, and in some ways, the hype may further the discussion. I mean, imagine discussing why the book is so popular, and does it merit the popularity, and what ideas are people buying into--are they sound, etc. Particularly with teens. It could really generate a lot of thought. But I do agree, that it could be very difficult to pull off.
2: All the wonderful information Vicki provided. Great website recommendations, great list of resources, great book suggestions (Delirium sounds like an interesting read--anyone read it?). Definitely worth the time.
3: The assessment review. Remember that activity? I had actually forgotten, until I reviewed the slides. But that was a really fun activity. First, I love to "edit" things--pick them apart, analyze them, etc. And in this case, it was really helpful. I get super frustrated with surveys, because I have so much more information I could provide that seems more useful than what they are getting. Looking at that survey made me appreciate the difficulty of writing them, but also made me aware of the importance of evaluating your work before you hand it out.
4: Dan the snoop. Loads of entertainment
5: Developing questions strategies. Great tips, not just for book clubs, but for any kind of discussion, presentation, etc. Long live transfer.
6: Socratic Seminar demo. One of the highlights was that I didn't get put on the spot (although, that means I'm still eligible for something else, and it could be worse). But, also, it was interesting to see the dynamics, and even more, to hear your thoughts on the Jeremaiads. Well done, and thank you all participants.
Those are my highlights, but feel free to share yours.
I think your intuitions regarding book clubs on mega-popular lit are well taken and I also tend to wonder if they might not work if only in the sense that one could debate merit on various aspects, and you really can't replicate the enthusiasm people have for the works. I guess thats why in doing them I might consider them in conjunction with some other, lesser known lit that inspired or came from it, or possibly try to look at it in a challenging, thoughtful way, like how does Harry Potter relate to real-life racism or even facism (I think the Death Eaters are a pretty blunt stand-in).
ReplyDeleteIn thinking about book clubs using popular books, I sometimes wonder if they can be used as a hook. I'm thinking in terms of a school library, and wondering if something popular were offered up first, and followed by something a little more obscure, if that first book would draw people in who normally would not have come? Just a thought...
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