booktalk online reading group book discussion forum
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About our online reading group

BookTalk is the Internet's best FREE online reading group!

If you've been searching the Internet for a great online reading group you are aware that there just doesn't seem to be many quality book discussion sites out there. Fortunately, you have found us and I'm confident that you'll soon realize that BookTalk is by far the very best online reading group in the world.

BookTalk started out originally as an in-person book discussion group. Just prior to any real-life group meetings I realized the limitations, complications and risks of creating a reading group that meets in person.


BookTalk is not the typical reading group!

The typical reading group meets once or twice per month either at a public place, like a coffee shop or restaurant, or at a member's personal home. I applaud those reading group owners that have succeeded in creating book discussion groups that meet in person, but I strongly believe what we have here online is far superior to the in-person reading group.

What makes BookTalk better than an in-person reading group?

Thanks for asking this question! With an in-person book club you have all sorts of potential problems that we just don't have to deal with here. Don't get me wrong. There are thousands of small informal book groups throughout the world, and most of them are probably worth investigating and even joining. But the advantages of an online group just can't be ignored.

With an online group you don't have to spend your hard-earned money at restaurants and coffee shops just to have the right to use their building for your group meetings. You also don't have the headache and expense of feeding and cleaning up after a group of people when it's your turn to host the meeting at your home.

And do you really want to invite just anyone into your home? How do you screen these people to weed out the dangerous ones or at least the ones lacking common sense, courtesy and etiquette? Once someone knows where you live you can't click your fingers and make them forget. Are you sure it is safe to have book group meetings in your private home? And how do you ask the new guy with the bad manners and even worse gas to please not come again?

With an online reading group you have no annoying background noises such as screaming children, clanging dishes or rude customers. You can make comments about the book without having to wait your turn, only to realize that some people don't really care what you have to say and will never give you the floor.

The price of gas and the dangers of driving are additional factors. It is far cheaper and safer to enjoy your book discussions in the comfort and safety of your own home. If you do decide to join an in-person group find one close to home and wear a helmet when driving.

And think of how frustrating it could be to save up your energy and enthusiasm for your book only to have one rude member monopolizing the entire once-per-month meeting! You might never get a chance to speak. Our book discussion forums are open 24 hours per day every day and are 100% free. Post what you want - when you want - and reply to whoever or whatever post you feel warrants a reply.

 

But why BookTalk? ...why not another online reading group?

BookTalk is different in many ways, but the truth is we don't really have much competition. In the 5+ years we've been around I have yet to find another comparable online reading group. And I've been searching! If you know of another quality online reading group please email me and let me know!

So how are we different? We read and discuss nonfiction books for starters. Most book groups specialize in fiction books. And most of our book selections are somewhat academic or of specific appeal to intellectuals. We don't read romance novels, murder mysteries or fantasy books - at least not as a group. Most of our member's read and thoroughly enjoy all sorts of genres including all of the above, but our focus here on BookTalk is books that stimulate discussion, make you think deeply and passionately, and hopefully expand and increase your appreciation, respect and sense of awe for humanity, nature and the cosmos.

BookTalk.org is about learning, sharing and growing intellectually. So we're not for everyone and we don't deny this fact, but if you're looking for the very best online nonfiction reading group in the world you've found it.

As a final note I'll say that you won't find another online reading group that regularly hosts live chat sessions with leading authors and scientists. All members are invited to attend and participate in our live author interviews and chat sessions. You won't be simply a spectator - ask questions and interact directly with our authors in a casual and comfortable online setting.

To get involved just click on the above FORUMS link, create a free ezboard account, and start posting on the forums. There are no catches and no fees. You can even join the discussions bare naked. See, another benefit of an online reading group! Try that at Starbucks.

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