The popularity of Writers’ Festivals is a growing cultural phenomenon matched by the boom in book groups. Now, book groups have been around for quite some time but I’m only just catching up. Last year I joined a men’s weekday morning book group (that’s code for retirees). I know of other groups for younger women who were once members of mothers’ groups which morphed into book groups. The common thread is companionship and a conversationally unifying central subject.

But the book group that everyone can connect with is ABC’s The Book Club, chaired by the irresistible Jennifer Byrne, which is often broadcast from writers’ festivals in a clever merging of literary phenomena. It’s possible that even the ABC is amazed by the enduring success of this show given that they used to have an irrational fear of what they called ‘talking heads’; ie, just people with no flashy footage. To be fair, they’ve stuck with Jennifer’s Book Club but then they’re lucky to have her.

But what’s the real appeal of book groups? Firstly, they are a little elitist; you have to be literate so that sets the group apart. Secondly, you’re in a situation where your opinion matters; at least everyone behaves so. Seriously, it is enjoyable to talk about a book when everyone has read it; also other peoples’ views are surprisingly interesting. Indeed our group is often delighted by the incisive and witty comments as they go around the room; reading and talking is fun.