Whether leading or not, everyone should help keep the discussion on track, avoid side conversations, and make sure everyone has a chance to speak. If you're the moderator, and every discussion needs one, consider your role. The moderator is sort of a cross between a chairperson and host/hostess. The role has some significant responsibilities. Keep these things in mind:

➢    It’s a good idea to get an initial reaction from people about the book. It's quite likely one or two might not have finished it (maybe they ran out of time or just found it tedious) - it's not a big deal; this is supposed to be fun, not a test. Having said that, if after a couple of meetings you find many people aren't finishing the books in time you might want to review the types of books you're reading and/or extend the time between meetings.

➢    Use an 'official' reading guide if you’d like. (Most of the publishers have them.) Or think up your own discussion points. Just decide ahead of time where you want to start the discussion and which discussion points you really want to cover. Then keep the conversation on track and throw in a new question if the conversation lags, goes too far off topic, starts to repeat itself or gets too contentious. You probably won't get through all the potential topics for discussion. And that’s OK, too.

➢    End the discussion by going around the room allowing everyone to have a turn to share thoughts on the book. Some folks are not natural talkers; this gives them an opportunity to speak up without having to fight to get into the conversation. Some of our most insightful comments are delivered at this point. And it gives people something to take home with them.