I just finished leading a 9-week, in-person reading group covering the Iliad. It was such a good experience. I’ve also participated in a number of groups over the years and wanted to use this podcast episode to share what I’ve learned and to hopefully encourage you to start your own reading group.
Myths:
You don’t need to have all of the answers.
You don’t need to have an advanced degree.
How to Prepare:
As you read the book you will cover, use different color pens/highlighters each time you read it. This will help you identify observations you had and will be helpful when you are leading the group.
Find podcast episodes that cover the book.
Find book guides that contain questions for the book.
Facilitating the Reading Group:
Set expectations - expected time commitment, number of meetings, etc.
Limit the group to between 5 - 15 people.
Require an assignment:
A paragraph or an essay due a day before the meeting.
Use a shared Google folder so everyone can read the work of each other.
This has the added benefit of encouraging completion of the reading a day before the meeting. It also prepares the attendees to have a thought-out idea to address during the meeting.
Translation - attempt to use the same translation if it’s a work in another language. This will help everyone easily be able to locate the passage under discussion.
Rules:
Use the first meeting to get to know each other. Don’t cover the book at all.
Discourage the reading of the book’s introduction. Just have them start right in with the book.
No outside influences - attempt to just discuss the book, not other books.
Your Role as Facilitator:
You are not the teacher. The book is the teacher.
Ask questions that facilitate the discussion.
Keep the discussion on track.
Don’t give away spoilers to those who haven’t read the story. Keep the magic alive.
Tools Specific to The Iliad
The History of Literature Podcast: Homer and His Iliad (with Robin Lane Fox)
Ascend the Great Books Podcast (incredible resource with a podcast episode per book of the Iliad)
Iliad Reading Guide (probably the single most helpful resource outside of the actual epic)
Leading a Reading Group