Best Summer Books

What's on your summer reading list? Settle into your beach chair or hammock with one of these excellent reads.

First Impressions

Four Fabulous First Lines
True, you can’t always judge a book by its beginning. But these new offerings, with great starts, will keep you hooked to the end. And for more great summer reads, click here.

The Power of Books

New Uses for Books
Can a book come in handy for keeping the kids entertained? Find the answer—and many more innovative ways to use everyday items with the family.

7 Steps to Starting a Book Club

Everything you need to know about starting a reading group.

• Decide on the tone and theme of the club. Are you a die-hard mystery buff? A shameless Anglophile? Or an equal-opportunity bookworm? Decide whether you would prefer to focus on one genre or have an Amazon.com free-for-all, and set the tone, too: a scholarly meeting of the minds, a reason for a get-together, or something in-between.
• Spread the word. Alert friends, family, and coworkers that you’re starting a club; be sure to mention your expectations. Start collecting e-mail addresses. Your goal should be between 5 and 15 people, so everyone gets a chance to speak. New to the area? Post a flyer on the community board at your local bookstore or library, or check out Craigslist.org and ReadersCircle.org.
• Figure out the best time for everyone to meet. Coordinating busy schedules can be the toughest part of this process, but finding a good slot will boost attendance down the line. (After dinner, when younger kids have gone to bed, is a popular choice.) Something to consider: Will the time of the gathering warrant a meal (hello, potluck!), snack, or just refreshments?

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