So many books, so little time. But what happens when your book club can’t decide what to read next? Here at We Are Bookish, we round up book recommendations like it’s our job (and well… it is!), but we understand how tricky it can be to pick a single book for your group. Try out these tips for when you’re struggling to decide on your next book club read.
Pick a favorite
It can be tempting to try to hunt down read-alikes, but when it comes to your favorite authors there’s nothing like the real thing. Ask your members which authors they’ve loved reading together in the past and see if there’s another book from that author you’d all enjoy picking up.
Hold a reading
It can be difficult to judge a book based on jacket copy alone. At your meeting, have members read excerpts from the books that you’re considering to give everyone a sense of the tone, writing style, and plot. If your members are a little shy about reading aloud, try audio excerpts!
Ask the experts
Booksellers and librarians have a wealth of knowledge at their fingertips. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your local professional bookworms to ask for recommendations.
Consider a theme
If votes are divided, try thinking about a single theme everyone can agree on. From there, everyone can read a book that matches the theme and share their thoughts during the next meeting. Some people might pick the same book, but most likely you’ll get to spend your meeting hearing about a variety of different books that you can add to your personal TBR.
Use a book club kit
Bookworms lead busy lives, and it can be challenging to prep for a book club meeting no matter what you’re reading. If your group is having a tough time deciding on a new book because you aren’t sure how to plan a meeting around it, try out a book that comes with a book club kit. A book club kit takes the pressure off planning and lets you focus on reading.
Switch things up
Book clubs bring readers together, but there are a lot of different ways to celebrate a shared love of the written word. If your group is unsure of what to read next, consider turning your next meeting into a silent reading party, a virtual viewing party for an adaptation of a book you’ve all read, or attending an online literary event.
