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Easiest of all would be to let Jon set a slate of twelve books.
A few observations, noting that hasn't been said: It's important not to conflate one's own preferences with what is best for the group. Just because you don't like something doesn't mean others don't or it's not worth reading.
It's illogical to say that people don't participate because they don't like the choices, because somehow books not nominated or with fewer votes would lead to more participation. Most (not all) of the categories were broad enough to admit any time frame. As an aside, I think seven of twelve choices last year were post WWII and six from the past 25 years.
That said, it's important to guard against a consistent scant majority or plurality imposing its choices every month. I don't think it's all that likely, but perception counts. People shouldn't feel excluded or as if their tastes are never taken into account.
Still, there seems to be very little collegiality in the club. Mostly people seem unwilling to read something they wouldn't have read anyway. I think this is the big issue with lack of participation.
I'm a democrat. I'd like to see popular input into category selection. If people vote for it, they should be willing to read it. My own suggestion would be a poll, where each person could vote for up to three categories. That would prevent the disenfranchisement of any minority. I know the software doesn't support it, but when the votong's done the community could police and anyone who went over the limit eliminated. Oh, and Jon will like this, a closed poll so people can't game their choices
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