Run a mini book club with roles

A book club is a small group of readers who meet regularly to discuss the same book. Instead of everyone talking at once, structured book clubs assign each member a specific role. Each role asks you to focus on a different aspect of the text — so together the group covers comprehension, personal response, visual interpretation, and critical connection. Structured roles ensure every reader prepares, every voice is heard, and every dimension of the book gets explored.

The four classic book club roles

• Discussion Leader — writes 4–6 open-ended questions about the assigned chapters and facilitates the group conversation, making sure everyone contributes.
• Illustrator — draws or describes a scene, moment, or symbol from the reading that stands out, then explains the choice to the group.
• Connector — finds links between the text and the real world, another book, a film, a news event, or personal experience, then explains how the connection deepens understanding.
• Summariser — prepares a concise summary (3–5 sentences) of the assigned section and opens the meeting by orienting the group on key plot or argument points.

How to prepare for your role

1. Read the assigned chapters carefully, annotating as you go.
2. Focus your annotation lens on your role: questions (Discussion Leader), images (Illustrator), links (Connector), events (Summariser).
3. Write your contribution on a role card before the meeting — do not prepare on the spot.
4. Practice saying your contribution aloud so it is clear and confident.
5. Arrive ready to listen as well as to share — active listening is as important as your role preparation.

Why structured roles improve discussion quality

• Every member is accountable — preparation is visible and expected.
• Roles distribute the cognitive load: no one has to notice everything.
• Rotating roles over time means each reader practices every dimension of comprehension.
• The group builds a richer interpretation together than any individual could alone.