Similarities and differences between book clubs and dialogicliterary gatherings

Abstract

Two practices of innovative reading have recently gained tremendous popularity in Spain, particularly in terms of the didactic aspect of increasing reading literacy and language comprehension: book clubs and literary gatherings. Based on the results of an ethnographic study with participatory observation and interviews, the author illustrates the differences and specific potentials of both practices both for the school-based form and in other social settings. A direct comparison reveals that each of the two forms follows a different paradigm, and can thus compensate for different preconditions or, respectively, promote different skills.