Choosing LAVA Discussion Books

• Throughout the year: LAVA collects ideas for our next series of discussion books (or occasionally a film, a play, etc).
• Late in the year: The proposed books along with basic information about them are compiled into a "voting list."
• Early January: At our annual dinner party/business meeting, we exchange information and opinions about each proposed book.
• Early February: After all votes have been cast, the next series of LAVA discussion books is posted on the web.

Key Considerations

• Favorable reviews: Has the book received favorable reviews?  Has it won awards?  Do other book clubs recommend it?
• Length: Is it a good length? Books with about 200-350 pages generally work best.
• Availability: Is the book available in paperback and well-stocked by local libraries?
• Depth: For fiction, are there complex characters, ambiguous situations, multiple levels of meaning or other factors that promote vigorous and satisfying discussions?
• Collateral Interest: Does the book cover a topic that itself promotes discussion, such as travel, medical ethics, etc?
• Supporting Material: Is it likely that book reviews, interviews with the author and other related commentary are available for the book?
• Good for Discussion: The crucial question is not, "Is this one of my favorite books," or "Is this a book I have been meaning to read," or "Is this a worthwhile book," but this: "Would this book generate a good LAVA discussion?"