Bringing People Together Through Books & Conversation

Why Books? They elicit opinions, create empathy, encourage critical thinking, evoke laughter, and create connection. And a good book conversation is never really just about the book.

Services

  • Private Book Clubs

    As a professional facilitator, I prepare extensively for every meeting, bringing literary insight, thematic analysis, cultural context, and thoughtfully crafted questions. It's that preparation, combined with the depth of my experience, that elevates the conversation and helps groups discover things they might otherwise miss.

    Just as importantly, I create an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable participating. I draw people into the conversation, keep discussions balanced, and encourage thoughtful, respectful disagreement.

    Nothing wrong with drinking wine and talking about kids and spouses—but this isn't that.

  • Corporate Book Clubs

    A great office book club doesn't feel like a team-building exercise. It feels like a real book club. Reading about other people's lives builds empathy. Discussion broadens perspective, brings together colleagues from across departments and roles, and creates connections that carry into the workday.

    It's a lunch hour co-workers look forward to—and for many, a chance to join the kind of book club they've always wanted to be part of, without giving up another evening.

    I choose high quality, accessible literary fiction that has lots of fodder for conversation. I provide the book selection in advance, prepare extensively, and come to your office to lead the discussion.

    You provide the space and invite the group. I take care of the book club.

    To be clear, I don’t provide the lunch!

  • Author Interviews and Book Event Moderation

    Over the years, I’ve interviewed many celebrated authors and moderated literary events for audiences large and small.These conversations have been with authors of fiction, memoir, biography, narrative nonfiction and cookbooks; each requires a different kind of preparation and approach. My goal is always to create discussions that are thoughtful, dynamic, accessible, and engaging—for devoted readers and casual audiences alike.

    I read the book closely, research the author’s work and influences, and craft questions that go beyond the standard promotional interview. 

    I'm known for a conversational style that puts authors at ease while drawing out the stories behind the stories. I also read the room, inviting audiences into the conversation rather than leaving them as spectators.

Authors I’ve Interviewed

Over the years, I've had the pleasure of interviewing hundreds of authors—from bestselling novelists and memoirists to historians, journalists, chefs, and thought leaders. A few include:

  • Belle Burden, Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage

  • Molly Jong-Fast, How to Lose Your Mother

  • Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Roller-Coaster Grandma

  • Marjorie Margolies, And How Are the Children

  • David Denby, Eminent Jews

  • Rita Rudner, My Life in Dog Years

  • Lisa Belkin, Genealogy of a Murder

  • Janice Kaplan, The Genius of Women

  • Peter Blauner, Picture in the Sand

  • Sarah Seltzer, The Singer Sisters

  • Christine Kuehn, Family of Spies

  • Beejhy Barhany, Gursha

...and many more.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Kathy

I graduated from Yale with a degree in literature. For more than 14 years I led literary programming at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, where I facilitated book discussions, interviewed celebrated authors, and created literary experiences for passionate readers.

Years of literary programming and author interviews have given me a deep knowledge of contemporary books, authors, publishing, and the ideas and themes that connect them. That broader perspective adds depth and context to the conversations I lead.

Today I bring that background to corporate teams, private book clubs, community organizations, and anyone looking for thoughtful, guided conversation about great books.

What’s better than reading a great book alone? Talking about great books together.

Recent Book Club Selections

Contact

Interested in bringing a book club or author conversation to your company, community, or private group?

I’d love to hear from you.