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I run a couple of Reader's groups using library stock.  Because of stock constraints we read on a theme or genre rather than all reading the same title.  We usually try for 2 or 3 copies of the same title.  This results in one level of discussion between those who have read the same title and another level of discussion as to whether the title is a worthy representative of whatever theme we have chosen.  

Themes recently have varied from
WRITING ON THE SUBJECT OF THE IMMIGRANTS EXPERIANCE OF BRITAIN,
THE SHORTLISTED BOOKS FROM THE HARROGATE CRIME FESTIVAL,
PENGUINS BOOKS OF THE MONTH,
THE MODERN TEENAGE NOVEL etc etc.

One spin off of this way of working is that the group often borrow other people's recommendations as well as choosing a title from the current topic.  Having talked to the group, they much prefer this method to the idea of all reading the same title.
The groups are open to trying anything and one of the best moments we had was when we were reading teenage literature and an 84 year old gentleman took a Melvin Burgess novel and was bowled over by it!  We had never heard him discuss anything with so much enthusiasm.

We are in the throws of organising some joint "meet the author" events with authors.  So far we have Valerie Woods, Ian Whybrow and probably G P Taylor.