The NCAMN book club will meet in the Knox Community Room B at Baxter County Library on March 18, 2023 at 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. The library opens at 10:00 on Saturday, so we will probably spend the first 10 minutes setting up. The book will be Braiding SweetGrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Please read over the guidelines for these meetings.

Respectful Guidelines for Book Clubs

Do: Read the book (or at least attempt to)
Sometimes you don’t have time to read, or you dislike the book so much that you can’t bring yourself to finish. Either way, do try to read the selected book so you can contribute meaningfully to the discussion.

Do: Speak up
Don’t be afraid to share your thoughts, even if you disagree with the rest of the group. If everyone says the same thing, then there won’t be much in the way of interesting discussion. Just remember to be gracious in your comments and respectful of others and their opinions—and keep an open mind.

Do: Listen to Others
Sometimes multiple people will want to contribute at the same time. If you end up in the awkward situation of talking at the same time, graciously let the other person go first and then add on to what they say.

Don’t: Steamroll
No one likes a conversation hog. Everyone’s opinion matters, so it’s important to make sure everyone gets a chance to express themselves. Don't interrupt or dominate the discussion.

Don’t: Feel like you must weigh in every time
If you don’t feel like you have something unique to say on a particular topic of conversation, it’s okay to just listen. No need to repeat what others have already said.

Don’t: Force anyone to contribute
Putting a fellow book club member on the spot can make them feel uncomfortable. Keep the environment welcoming so everyone is encouraged to share their thoughts when they’re ready.

Don’t: Veer away from the book
It can be easy to get sidetracked. Try to stay on topic.