Book Discussion Selection Criteria
A book must meet three criteria in order to considered for use in a book discussion program.
In order to be considered for use in the program, a book must foremost:
· Be in print
· Be available in paperback
· Be in stock at one of the library’s approved distributors
Other considerations in choosing books for discussion include:
· Availability in large print and/or audio formats
· Length of the book
· Quality of writing
· Ability to stand alone if a novel is part of a series
· Availability of resources pertaining to the book and author such as Cliffs Notes, discussion guides, and biographical information
· Previous selection as a book discussion or one book one city program title
Books are chosen to encompass a wide variety of genres and appeal to an array of readers with different tastes and interests. There is no expectation that a selection will be liked by all participants.
The genres from which discussion books are selected are as follows:
· Biography/memoir
· Christian fiction
· Classics
· Contemporary fiction
· Historical fiction
· Indiana author
· Juvenile/young adult literature
· Men’s interest
· Midwest author/Midwest interest
· Movie tie-in
· Multicultural
· Mystery
· Nonfiction
· Popular fiction
· Science fiction/fantasy
· Short story collections
