I’ve been reading more and more Japanese, and am considering starting a book club that meets on Zoom for about an hour each week. I envision the meeting to go something like this:
- All participants read the assigned reading beforehand looking up words they do not know and being prepared to read the entire section aloud with not too many errors.
- Reading the assigned reading for the week out loud. Each member would read a section in turn.
- After the entire group had completed the section, any notable mistakes can be mentioned for the benefit of all.
- Shared recap of the section in English (what just happened? Character development, etc.)
- Grammar points and vocabulary, questions and discussion.
I’m thinking N3 equivalent and above, with a focus on contemporary Japanese writers. Short stories and/or novels. Eventually make reading the Akutagawa or Naoki prize winners. Reading selections will probably be pretty short (5-7 pages, depending on difficulty).
Please let me know if you are interested and if so, what range of times work for you. I’m also going to a local (San Francisco) Japanese learners meeting soon and will try and recruit there.
If there is enough interest, I’m hoping to select a book in January and start the club in February.