The Aphasia Center of California’s innovative Book Connection™ program began in 1999 and evolved from more traditional reading and writing groups. In 2004, we received a two-year grant from the Langeloth Foundation to replicate our Book Connection™ program at four sites in North America. The content and format of the Book Connection™ materials were enhanced as a result of the feedback we received from independent speech-language pathologists and people with aphasia.
The Book Connection™ manual and curriculum materials provide “reading ramps” to help make books accessible to individuals with acquired reading impairments. These reading ramps include materials for content review of chapters in the book, worksheets to promote comprehension and personal connection to the story, and guidelines for facilitating book club discussions. The materials and manual are contained in computer files that are downloaded by purchasers. In addition to the materials we have developed, book club members should acquire a print version and unabridged audiotape of the book. Step-by-step instructions for running a successful book club are included in our thorough Book Connection™ Manual. Your cost for the Book Connection™ materials is approximately $15 per week–this can be divided among participants.
Although these materials were specifically developed to accommodate the communication challenges associated with aphasia, they may also be appropriate for other populations.
The Book Connection™ Facilitator’s Manual
The Book Connection™ Facilitator’s Manual contains:
- How to organize and run a book club
- Attributes of successful participants
- How to recruit new participants
- How to select a book for use in a book club
- Where to find unabridged audiotapes and tape players
- Types of tape players and useful features
- How to assess course length and create appropriate schedules
- How to use the chapter summaries in the discussion sessions
- Ways to use the chapter worksheets
- Things the facilitator needs to do when running a meeting
- Ways the facilitator can encourage individual participation in discussions
- Ways to utilize additional resources to enhance discussion sessions
- How to determine course fees
Note: This 20 page manual is not available separately. It is bundled with the Book Connection™ materials–you will automatically receive it with your order.
Three types of worksheets are provided for every unit in each book. The purpose of the worksheets is to explore personal connections to the story, provide writing and drawing opportunities, and reinforce book content.
Please click the links below for examples:
Worksheet A: Typically 5-10 multiple choice or rating scale questions
Worksheet B: Typically 2-5 essay questions or themes
Worksheet C: Typically 5-10 questions with single word or drawn answers
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Bel Canto
NEW
By Ann Patchett Description: Bel Canto is the fourth novel by American author Ann Patchett, published in 2001. The book tells the story of a group of people who are taken hostage during a party at the home of the vice president of an unnamed country. The hostages end up developing complex relationships with the guerrillas […]
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Born a Crime
By Trevor Noah Description: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood is an autobiographical comedy book written by South African comedian Trevor Noah, published in 2016. The book focuses on Noah’s childhood growing up in his native South Africa after he was born of an illegal interracial relationship during the apartheid era. The […]
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Little Fires Everywhere
Little Fires Everywhere is a riveting book that explores the weight of secrets, the nature of art and identity, and the pull of motherhood. This book inspired the popular streaming television miniseries of the same name.
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Save Me the Plums
Food writer and restaurant critic, Ruth Reichl, took a huge risk when she became editor-in-chief at Gourmet magazine. Here she shares her personal journey and the many challenges she encountered along the way.
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A Long Petal of the Sea
This historical novel follows two young people fleeing the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War. A story of love, war, family, and the search for home.
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A Dog’s Life
A humorous memoir, told from the dog's perspective.
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A Dog’s Purpose
The emotional and hilarious story of a dog's many lives. This moving story teaches us that love never dies and that every creature on earth is born with a purpose.
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A Long Way Home
The true story of Saroo Brierley who used Google Earth from Australia to rediscover his childhood life and home in India. An inspiring tale of survival and triumph against incredible odds. This book was made into the hit movie "Lion."
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A Redbird Christmas
Oswald Campbell ends up in the small town of Lost River, Alabama, where folks take him under their wings. A holiday tale of hope, friendship, and common decency that will inspire readers year-round.
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A Reporter’s Life
The autobiography of newsman Walter Cronkite.
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At Home in Mitford
The first in a best selling series. This "slice of life" story tells about the adventures of Father Tim, a cherished small-town rector.
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A Walk in the Woods
Bill Bryson has made a living out of traveling and writing about it. This best seller traces his journey across the Appalachian Trail.
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Crashing Through: A True Story of Risk, Adventure, and the Man Who Dared to See
The compelling story of Mike May, a highly successful entrepreneur, athelete, and father, who undergoes experimental surgery to regain the vision that he lost in a chemical explosion at age three.
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Cheaper by the Dozen
The classic story of the large Gilbreth family and their escapades at the turn of the twentieth century. Recently released as a movie.
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Fifty Acres and a Poodle
A humorous and true account of a city girl's adventures of living on a farm.
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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
The first of the best selling series. The story of Harry Potter at Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
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It’s Not About the Bike
The autobiography of Lance Armstrong, seven-time winner of the Tour de France and cancer survivor. The materials cover the first edition of the book.
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Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI
A haunting true-life murder mystery about one of the most terrible crimes in American history. A National Book Award Finalist.
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Life is So Good
An engaging memoir of George Dawson, an African-American manual laborer who learned to read at age 98.
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Little Heathens: Hard Times and High Spirits on an Iowa Farm During the Great Depression
A memoir about the author's Iowa childhood that lovingly recounts her frugal upbringing and detailed observations.
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Marley and Me
A chronicle of the adventures of the overly energetic but endearing labrador retriever, Marley-- written with great humor!
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Morality for Beautiful Girls
In book three of the #1 Ladies' Detective Series, the owner of the Agency, Mma Ramotswe, handles some fascinating cases including those involving a feral child, finalists in a beauty contest, and a suspicious cook.
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My Stroke of Luck
The autobiography of actor and stroke survivor Kirk Douglas.
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Orphan Train
Between 1859 and 1929, “orphan trains” ran from the East Coast of the United States to the Midwest, carrying abandoned children for adoption and sometimes hard labor. This fictional account tells the story of Vivian, an Irish immigrant, and Molly, an outsider raised by strangers. It is a powerful tale of upheaval and resilience, second chances, and unexpected friendship.
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Seabiscuit: An American Legend
A captivating account of thoroughbred horse racing and the true Cinderella story of one amazing horse.
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Shadow Divers
The enthralling true account of the search for the identity of a WWII deep-sea wreck found off the coast of New Jersey.
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Tears of the Giraffe
The second in the wonderful No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series of novels. This selection picks up right where detective Precious Ramotswe left off.
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The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind
A remarkable true story about human inventiveness and its power to overcome adversity. This book will inspire anyone who doubts the power of one person's ability to change his community and better the lives of those around him.
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The Fault in Our Stars
A romance between teenagers Hazel and Augustus, two kindred spirits who meet in a cancer support group. This novel tackles topics such as the meaning of life and how will I be remembered? Made into a highly rated 2014 movie.
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The Five People You Meet in Heaven
A fable about an ordinary man named Eddie. He meets five people from his life--each with a story to tell, a secret to reveal, and a lesson to share.
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The Greatest Generation Speaks
Tom Brokaw's homage to the Americans who proudly served during World War II and the lives they touched.
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The Homecoming: A Novel about Spencer’s Mountain
When Clay Spencer fails to arrive home on Christmas Eve of 1933, his family grows concerned. Filled with nostalgia, laughter, and tears, this is a touching story that became an American classic. Made into a television movie starring stroke survivor, Patricia Neal. The book inspired "The Waltons" television series.
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The Last Lecture
Randy Pausch provides life lessons for his young children so they'll know him after his death from pancreatic cancer. An entertaining and inspirational true story. A New York Times bestseller and Internet sensation.
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The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon
David Grann weaves the spellbinding true story of Percy Fawcett's quest for the fabled civilization of "Z" with his own journey into the jungle to unravel the mystery.
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The Miracle at Speedy Motors
In book nine of the #1 Ladies Detective Series, Mma. Ramotowe discovers that the biggest miracles in life are often the smallest!
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The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency
A series of captivating vignettes about Precious Ramotswe, Botswana's one and only lady private detective.
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The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
An unforgettable tale of transformation and second chances. A.J. Fikry is a bookseller on a sleepy island. This story is a celebration of life via books and reading. Spoiler alert: one of the characters has aphasia!
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The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax
Mrs. Pollifax, bored with life, decides to do something good for her country. This feisty lady becomes embroiled in an international adventure of intrigue.
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Tuesdays with Morrie
The true story about love and real-life teachings between a mentor and his pupil. The "lessons" chronicle Morrie Schwartz's battle with ALS.
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Water for Elephants
In this engrossing novel, Jacob Jankowski recalls his amazing life in the circus: a world filled with wonder, pain, anger and passion.
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West with the Night
Beryl Markham's memoir of her adventures as an African Bush Pilot.
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