To think if you are in a book club you should read the book?

27 replies

BookClubGrinch · 02/03/2025 20:53

Joined a book club through a friend. We meet at a village hall and the books are provided each month in the village by a company. I don't know most of the people there so thought it would be more of a "proper" book club (I don't know what I mean by that but I guess not just an excuse to drink wine).

I am finding every week at least 50% have not read or finished the book so either don't want to talk about it or shoot down other people's thoughts on the book despite not actually having a clue. Others simply don't turn up. So mostly the discussion is just random tv programmes.

I am all for general relaxed talking and snacking as well as talking about the book - but I kind of feel like - what's the point of hanging out with people you don't really know if you have not read the book? Is this what book clubs are like?

OP posts:

CarpetKnees · 02/03/2025 23:05

I think there is more than one type of book club.

Some are to read and discuss weighty volumes.
Some are to read something lighter, but discuss it later
Some are just an excuse to get out of the house and socialise.

All serve a great purpose, and are equally worthy, it's just that everyone isn't looking for the same thing. The luck is finding (or starting one yourself?) whichever one it is that you are looking for.

bluesatin · 02/03/2025 23:01

Hmm. That does seem a little pointless. I belong to a book group, but we were all acquaintances when we formed it.. we all make an attempt to read the book even if we don't succeed. However, there is quite a lot of wine drinking and gossip (we all live in the same small area so the gossip is generally about local politics and the failings of the planning department).
Perhaps if you persist the non- readers will drop out or maybe you will find a sub-set who are more dedicated or more interesting generally?

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