„Ich lache nicht über dich, aber es kli...

Reading groups need not talk about a funny book or pleasurable content in order to enjoy a book discussion. According to the findings of a study on threeAustrian f2f reading groups, a lot of fun may be experienced during the debates themselves, as they may generate several forms of entertaining effects. At the social level participants join in a thrilling process of communication and exchanging jokes. In doing so, they may also feel emotionally released and inspired atamore individual level. Differences in humour and qualities of amusement turn out to be mostly the results of group profiles: One group enjoys approaching the text and each other with great respect. Another group discusses literary fiction as if it were selfhelp literature, with group members supporting and consoling each other and exchanging experiences, which go far beyond the text. The third group behaves like professional literary critics, enjoying the passions of a hearty debate. Current theories of pleasure contextualize the empirical findings.