About the group:

• The ideal group size is 5-15 members, depending on your meeting space.
• For location, you could meet in a restaurant that matches the theme or setting of your book; you could meet in a living room or library, coffee shop, community center, or book shop.  Alternatively, you could have a meeting over the Internet. 
• You could share costs by having a potluck.
• Give everyone enough time to locate the book and read the book before your meeting.
• Choose a meeting time to accommodate as many of your members as possible.
• Try to start the meetings on time and keep to the decided time frame (e.g., 1 to 2 hours).
• Encourage all members to come prepared, whether it is with notes for discussion or simply to have read the book.

 
Tips for taking part in a book discussion:

• Remind all members of the importance of keeping on topic during discussions .
• All personal discussions and social small talk should be kept to the periods before and after the literary discussion.

Tips for facilitating a book discussion:

1. Having an assigned leader can make all the difference to a successful meeting. It helps to keep discussions focused and on track, and prevents awkward starting silences when no one is willing to kick off the conversation.
2. While it is a good idea to have reading guides and prepared questions for discussion, it is also important to let the discussion “flow” and be spontaneous. If conversation is lively and members are participating enthusiastically, no need to rush on to the next topic or make sure that you have checked off all discussion points on your list!
3. You may wish to use an “icebreaker” activity to loosen up your group and get your discussion off to an enthusiastic start. Each person might have about 2 minutes to answer a chosen question and have someone call the time. Here’s a few suggestions: What character did you identify with (or would like to be) and why? What was your favorite location mentioned in the book?  Have you been there?  Would you like to go there and why?
4. If your participants don’t know each other, possibly you would want to have something more personal, such as what are their hobbies; or what are 3 of their favorite books, name a gift they will never forget, what’s the hardest thing they have ever done, what’s the first thing they think of when they think about God. 
5. You may have one or two props related to the story, such as maps, photos, or food. This can help stimulate the members' thinking about some aspect of the story.
   
6. Choose one question at a time and toss it out to the group. Encourage as many who wish to share to participate. 
   
7. Select a number of questions, write each on an index card, and distribute. Each member (or a team of 2-3) takes a card and answers the question. 
   
8. Pick out a specific passage from the book description, an idea, a line of dialogue — and ask members to comment. For instance, “How does the passage reflect a character or the work's central meaning?” 
   
9. Choose a primary character and ask members to comment on him or her. Consider things like: Character traits, motivations, how he/she affects the story's events and characters. 
   
10. You may wish to distribute handouts that summarize the plot and the main characters to everyone.

As a way to celebrate our readers this year we are picking the most "liked" posts of 2018.  Let's recapture the past year by counting down to the #1 most favorite post of 2018 as voted on by our readers. 


#8. A heart felt testimony from someone who loves MSI books!
MSI's Gems Of Wisdom

​#7. It was so cool that our readers appreciated our post on why we write for this blog!
Our 4 Reasons To Blog On MSI Books

#6. This hearty post was long but it is a great way to get to know the Great Teachers in MSI's stories.
Sage Acknowledgement - The Great Teachers Of The Thunder Series

#5. This was a fun submission written by a lover of both MSI books and Star Wars.
Yoda's Wisdom Picks: Thunder Series – Part 1

#4. This post most certainly touched the hearts of those whose life MSI's writing has transformed for the better.
MSI - Most Influential Author Award

#3. We knew we'd catch your attention with this title! But it is great to see that you liked what you read once you got there.
The True Grit Guide To The Enlightenment Book – Ascend Or Die

#2. This is further proof the catchy series title was more than just skin deep. Look for a couple more of these posts in 2019!
The True Grit Guide To The Enlightenment Book- Entitlement

#1. The post that was most liked by our readers was basically as a result of our graphic designer who keeps MSI's books alive with her vision. We know you love her art and this is just further proof!
MSI Book Covers Turned Into Awesome Bookmarks
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As usual we are always open to comments. If you would have picked a different list and want to share your picks in the comment section we would LOVE to read them!

Have you seen an MSI book in your local library or bookshop? Take pictures of MSI books on bookstore shelves and tell us where the picture came from, then send it to us via Facebook or email. We'll add your pictures to our slide show!