what did she say?

"There is no question that many a library book club owes its inception to Oprah Winfrey. Of course, there were plenty of library-sponsored and private reading groups in existence before Ms. Winfrey discovered the joys of reading and sharing, but when Oprah picks up a new hobby, so does a nation." MK Chelton

Oprah has brought book clubs back into popularity and the Internet has made it very accessible for nearly everyone with a computer and a connection to the World Wide Web. Book clubs are great fun and books with high popularity can have a lot of fans participating in discussions. Books like the recent Twilight Saga story about a modern vampire love story.

Chelton's article explains how book clubs originally met in salons or parlors, and the participants would debate the selected book. The Internet has open up the ability of those with an interest to participate in a variety of clubs regardless of location. The use of the Internet media allows for different types of discussions - emails, forums, blogs, and websites.

The Internet also allows for anonymity of the participant. Perhaps the rough and tough type of guy may not have wanted to be associated with intellectual ladies and would have avoided such group gatherings in the flesh, but the Internet allows for privacy and therefore encourages those that may have had some inhibition to participate in a gentle sport!

Book Clubs have been an enjoyable pastime for many years, and thanks to Oprah, and the Internet, they have been revitalized for many years to come.



References:

Chelton, MK (Fall 2001). When Oprah meets e-mail:virtual book clubs. (Readers' Advisory). Reference & User Services Quarterly, 41, 1. p.31(6). Retrieved November 20, 2009, from Academic OneFile via Gale: http://find.galegroup.com.dml.regis.edu/gtx/start.do?prodld=AONE&userGroupName=regis