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
-
I prepare extensively, bring literary context, carefully crafted questions, and create an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable participating. People leave saying they saw things they would have missed on their own.
I do like a book group of a few friends eating dinner or having drinks. (In fact, I’ve been in one for more than 15 years!) But often the book part of the evening gets short shrift and may not be as satisfying as it could be. I’m there to guide the conversation, keep the group focused, and make sure many facets of the book are considered.
-
Not at all. You just need to read the book and be curious.
-
I choose the books with care. My goal is to select titles that are excellent, accessible, and rich enough to sustain real conversation.
From time to time, I may offer a few options, but I rely on my experience to make sure every selection is a strong one.
-
It depends if we’re putting together a series or if it’s a one-off event. I like 8–18 people in a group, but I can adapt.
-
Absolutely. I have many times.
-
Book club discussions typically last 60–75 minutes. Author interviews generally run about an hour, including audience Q&A, if the venue allows.
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?