Men & boys reading group

[Richard Griffin]

I have been attempting to set up a men and boys reading program at my library. So far a lot of people have said it’s a good idea but I seem to have trouble getting people to commit. I have a gift from our Friends of the Library group so I will be able to let the kids keep at least one of the books they read. I have room at the library and we have books. The main problem seems to be getting adult men to commit to the program. If anyone has any ideas about how to proceed, I would appreciate it.

[Christopher J. Holcroft]

Looking for gripping yarns for teenagers? Try Australian author Christopher J. Holcroft’s Scott Morrow trilogy.
In the first book, Only The Brave Dare, events turn Scott Morrow is into the hero he never thought he would be.
He is a Venturer Scout on a Christmas holiday camp with his Unit when international drug smugglers try to pick up their prize booty that has the potential to turn thousands of Australians into drug addicts.
Follow Scott as he pits his bravery against the might of war experienced drug runners in a race to free his fellow Venturers who have been imprisoned in a Convict jail.
Join the race by Australian Defence and law enforcement authorities as they chase a mother ship believed to have dropped off millions of dollars in drugs off the coastline where Scott and his Unit are holidaying.
Only The Brave Dare is a novel full of adventure and cunning as a teenage boy grapples with his fears and rushes to understand a technology that provides the key to the final climax.
In Christopher’s second book, CANYON, Scott Morrow and his Venturer Unit take a canyoning trip that will pit them against the raging elements and force them to make a life and death decision nobody wants.
The actions of the deft teenager will unite a nation behind him as time starts running out to save both he and his best mate.
Take the journey with Scott and his Venturers as they hone their abseil skills with Army Commandos and go on a trip of a lifetime down a canyon that will be etched into the national psyche forever.
Follow the intrepid Venturers as they are forced to face a daunting challenge that only their bravery and skills will help them overcome.
Join Scott as he is forced to rescue his best mate in a life and death struggle against the canyon in a gripping exploit to keep them both alive.
Once again, the Australian Defence Force joins the fight against time in a perilous race to save Scott and his fellow Venturer from certain death.

Canyon is a novel full of adventure and daring do as a teenage boy comes to grips with staring death in the face in a vain bid to save his best mate and himself.
Both these books are available through Poseidon Books at http{//www.poseidonbooks.com/

Christopher’s third book in the trilogy, A Rite of Passage, will be published late 2009.
In the final book, Scott Morrow and his Venturer Unit organise a scuba dive and a special ceremony to welcome a new Scout into the Unit at a picturesque seaside setting.
All calm is shattered when a vicious war between two motor cycle gangs erupts at the dive site. Follow Scott, his Venturers and hundreds of Rovers as they battle to save a group of Girl Guides who become caught between warring bikie gangs.
Scott and his fellow Venturers are forced to answer questions of courage when the lives of the Girl Guides are threatened: Will they stand and be counted when their own lives could be at dire risk? Will they stand at all?
A Rite Of Passage is a novel showcasing the determination of teenagers who become young men when fate steps in.

More details are available at http://www.christoperholcroft.com

Christopher

[Richard Griffin]

. Are you interested in reading programs or selling your own books? I am sure your books are good but spare me advertisements. (or at least label it as one).

[Gin]

Hi Richard -
sorry for the delayed response - I don't check this social network as often as I should. We have also attempted this at our library and faced similar challenges. Our programmers have now opened it up to "boys with an adult" so they allow moms as well as dads/uncles/older brothers etc. We get some dads and some moms. They have also started offering pizza or snacks, and have made it more than a book discussion. They are trying topics such as wacky architecture, sports trivia, survival in the wild, gross out foods. Sometimes they have the kids select their own books on those topics and then come prepared to share something about each book. Another thing to consider is to find out what the reading assignments at the school district are and try to tie in so that the reading for the club doesn't require additional reading. You could even talk with the schools and find out if the kids can get extra credit for attending your program, and that might give additional incentive. Good Luck and don't give up :)

[Nat Korsavidis]

I was thinking of doing a father/son book discussion for Grades 5th & 6th next year sometime. I haven't figured out a book yet, but perhaps I'll change the title to "guys night" for those who might bring an uncle, grandfather, etc. The boys with adult idea is also a good one. Thanks for the tips.