A Qualitative Study on Book Clubs and Dialogic Literary Gatherings in Spain and Brazil

ABSTRACT

Some organizations in Spain that seek to foster innovation in reading are keen to establish book clubs or dialogical literary gatherings. However, there are notable differences between these two practices that are not always clear. This paper presents the results of an observational study based on participant observation and interviews with key informants that tackle their similarities and differences in school and social settings. The results show that their differences lie in origin, purpose, methodology, and coordination, among others. The conclusions show different paradigms behind these practices, and organizations should opt for one or the other.

KEYWORDS:

• Book club
• dialogic literary gathering
• library
• reading communities
• schools improvement