Reading groups are one of the success stories of the age. But is the Reading Group really such a new phenomenon? How do they choose and use books? What kinds of social protocols and rituals do they observe and what do they mean? Why are men less likely to be members? Why do some groups work while others fail? Jenny Hartley surveyed over 330 Reading Groups to find the truth behind this modern phenomenon. Answers are provided in this lively book, full of anecdotes and comments from members. It is both an important contribution to the sociology of group discussion and an excellent "how to" manual, incorporating lots of useful extra information about resources and lists of the top books chosen.