San Antonio Public Library Book Discussion Groups

All San Antonio Public Library book discussion groups can be found on the library's event calendar.

Online Book Discussion Groups

African American Literature Book Club - Discussion of contemporary and classic works by authors of African descent. Readers may participate in a monthly online chat or post anytime to a bulletin board. Searchable archives.

Book Chat Central - For real-time chat, this site brings together four separate discussion groups: Book Bunch (for general fiction plus special picks); Booked for Murder (for mysteries -- from classics to cozies); SciFi/Fantasy Dominion; and Spine Tinglers (thrillers).

The Book Group List - You must subscribe to participate in this email discussion group, but non-subscribers may access archived discussion (which features a synopsis and a collective rating for each selection). Members choose two books (including a variety of fiction and nonfiction) for the group to read and discuss each month. Participants get to know each other by sharing biographical sketches of themselves. The site also features a Suggested Reading List, book reviews, and "Best Books" lists.

The Constant Reader - An excellent site for focused discussion of contemporary and classic novels, with occasional nonfiction and poetry. For those who'd rather not participate, it's interesting to browse the archived discussions going back to 1995. Site members organize an annual conference and smaller get-togethers.

The Lavender Salon Reader Online - This "Online Forum for Gay and Lesbian Reading Clubs" is not a book discussion site -- however it presents a directory of gay and lesbian book clubs across the U.S., as well as notes from the monthly book discussions of a number of these groups. The site also offers tips and suggestions on how to start your own reading group. Other features include reviews and bibliographies of gay and lesbian fiction and nonfiction.

Mosaicbooks.com Bookclubs - This list of reading groups that focus on African-American literature does not offer discussion, but it does include lists of what such groups are reading all around the country.

MysteryNet.com - Mystery fans discuss everything related to mystery, crime and suspense. Discussion on this extensive site is divided into numerous subtopics such as Mysteries on TV, Stage Mysteries, Famous Characters, True Crime, and Book Reviews. You must register to post, but lurkers can readily scroll through the various threaded discussions.

The Mythopoeic Society - An international group studies, discusses and enjoys fantasy and mythic literature, especially the works of J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis and Charles Williams.

New York Times: The Round Table - This "Discussion Forum about Books" offers dozens of discussions on a wide variety of authors ("Ayn Rand: Love Her or Hate Her") and topics ("Why does Science Fiction get so little respect?"). It's easy to post and read, and many people do! Hosted by Christopher Schelling.

Online Book Stores - Though these bookstores don't offer actual book discussions, the reader reviews and ratings on individual titles provide a virtual discussion forum. Popular books inspire hundreds of comments, and posters frequently respond to preceding comments.

Oprah's Book Club - Part of the official Oprah web site, this section provides an online forum for both readers' questions and discussions of current and past Oprah Book Club picks.

SeniorNet Book Clubs - Though SeniorNet was designed to promote computer use among seniors, its active book clubs are open to people of all ages. In addition to a number of nonfiction groups, there are discussion groups for readers of general fiction, great books, mysteries, science fiction, and romance. Registration is required to post, but not to read. Also feature quizzes and contests.