Books for Conversation

...by Wendy Pender

It’s Fall! Such a wonderful time for cozying up with a good book or gathering around the fireplace. Having grown up in a less digital era, one tried and true delight we “elders” can model for our younger counterparts is the joy of conversation (as well as the joy of reading!).

This season brings numerous occasions to create meaningful connections and interact with all ages as we celebrate holidays, perhaps enjoy sports events or share our favorite recipes.

Stumped for conversational topics or looking for more people to converse with? Try a local book group, a Wisdom Café, author event or one of these titles for conversation starters:

Gary Chapman's Conversation Starters for Families.

Conversation Starters for Families by Gary D. Chapman.

Sample questions:

· “If you had a magic wand and could change anything in your life right now, what would it be?”

· “If you could be on any magazine cover, which one would you select?”

· “As a surprise for your birthday, we’ve arranged for a famous person of your choice to attend. Who will you choose?”

Dinner Talk: 365 Engaging Conversation Starters to Help You and your Family Connect by Emily Hall.

Emily Hall's Dinner Talk: 365 Engaging Conversation Starters to Help You and your Family Connect.

Sample questions:

· “If you could invite any character from a book or movie to do something with you, who would you invite and what would you do?”

· “What would your life be like if you could be invisible?”

How to Start a Conversation and Make Friends by Don Gabor.

This experienced small talk expert shares tips and strategies as well as helps you identify your own conversational style. He also covers how to turn online relationships into face-to-face ones.

Don Gabor's How to Start a Conversation and Make Friends.

Are you wanting to start your own group or are already participating in one and need some guidance? Check out Running Book Discussion Groups: A How-to-do-it Manual for best practices and guidelines to help keep your group on track.

For more ideas or to find discussion groups near you, check with your local library or call Ask KCLS at 1-800-462- 9600. We’re here for you!

Wendy Pender is the Older Adults Program Coordinator for the King County Library System. She can be reached at 425-369-3285 or wgpender@kcls.org.