Alvering Group (aka Alvering Library Group)

We are an adult reading group that has been meeting for twelve years. We are not academic, but are interested in our response to the books we read. These cover a wide range and are suggested by members of the group. We meet in the library and welcome new faces. It is a big group – over 20 members who regularly turn up. However as a group run by a public library, we are happy to meet new members. The group is mixed both in age and sex, though the majority of members are women. We are lively and opinionated, rarely agreeing in our views on any one book, but enjoying the insights such differences produce. The titles we choose – suggestions are made “from the floor” -range from classics to prize winners, “cult” titles to old favourites; the only obstacle that of obtaining enough copies through the library system. We do not discuss books as though we were approaching an exam; we want to share enjoyment and enthusiasm and are more interested in why the book was enjoyed – or disliked - than in literary theories. Meetings tend to be quite short since they are held in the day, but only if everyone has had their say. Indeed, this may be a particular attraction. There are few rules beyond that of allowing everyone to express an opinion if they want to; we do not require everyone to have read the book nor do we ask for formal papers. We have been meeting for over five years now discussing a wide range of books, some of which have surprised us, meeting authors, enjoying garden parties and Christmas get-togethers. We look forward to our next reading challenge