Hometown Pride Book Discussion

2020-01-28 15:19:24

Discussion of The Art of the Gathering in the Community Room.

Hometown Pride Book Club

Featured Book: The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters
Written by: Priya Parker

Friday, 1.31.2020
Noon
Maquoketa Public Library
Community Room

In The Art of Gathering, Priya Parker argues that the gatherings in our lives are lackluster and unproductive--which they don't have to be. We rely too much on routine and the conventions of gatherings when we should focus on distinctiveness and the people involved. At a time when coming together is more important than ever, Parker sets forth a human-centered approach to gathering that will help everyone create meaningful, memorable experiences, large and small, for work and for play.

Drawing on her expertise as a facilitator of high-powered gatherings around the world, Parker takes us inside events of all kinds to show what works, what doesn't, and why. She investigates a wide array of gatherings--conferences, meetings, a courtroom, a flash-mob party, an Arab-Israeli summer camp--and explains how simple, specific changes can invigorate any group experience.

The result is a book that's both journey and guide, full of exciting ideas with real-world applications. The Art of Gathering will forever alter the way you look at your next meeting, industry conference, dinner party, and backyard barbecue--and how you host and attend them.

From Mallory Smith, our discussion leader:

This month’s book is The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker. We’ll start off the discussion by talking about the big gathering that will happen in our community on Friday, July 24. What’s the purpose of RAGBRAI? Some of you might know the history or remember when it started. Has the purpose changed over the years? Are the purposes different for organizers, riders and host communities?

In preparing for the big gathering in July there will be lots and lots of planning meetings, how can reading this book help to make those more effective?

What can be done before July 24 to prime people to get the most out of their time in Maquoketa? Last, how might the RAGBRAI party and the stay in Maquoketa end in ways that best accomplish rider’s and organizer’s goals?

See you on Friday!