Book clubs are amazing. You get to hang out with friends, talk about books, and if you’re lucky, eat some awesome snacks. Over time, however, something about a book club can feel start to feel a little off. Maybe you’re over the reading selections, or you aren’t happy with the structure of the meetings. Maybe you can’t get a word in edgewise, or it just isn’t fun anymore. It’s good to know when your book club is no longer a great fit so you can start looking for something better. Read on for signs it’s time to leave your book club and what to do next.
You don’t like the books
Maybe your book club has gotten very into sci-fi novels, but you’re on a romance kick. It happens! The tastes of a book club are likely to shift over time. It’s okay to recognize that you’ve moved in different directions.
You’re not enjoying the conversation
Does your book club love talking about literary devices, while you just want to gush about the characters? There’s nothing wrong with either approach, but a situation like this one might be a sign you’d be happier in a different book club.
It’s turned into a social club
One of the best things about book clubs is that they’re great ways to make close friends. But maybe your book club has nurtured such close friendships that the meetings have become all about catching up instead of reading. If the rest of the group isn’t interested in going back to their bookish roots, embrace the chance to relax with your friends and think about where you might find a more focused club.
No one ever reads the book
Are you consistently the only person who reads the agreed-upon book before the meeting? That’s ok–odds are, meetings are still fun just because of the company. But it might be worth looking into a club with more motivated readers.
It’s gotten too big
Your book club might have been small at the beginning, with five close friends meeting each month to chat. But over the years, more and more people have joined, and suddenly it’s hard to get a word in edgewise or take a deep dive into a topic.
… You feel like it!
Maybe something just doesn’t feel quite right anymore. You don’t need a compelling reason to move on. Book clubs are supposed to be a fun way to read and socialize. If something seems off, don’t sweat it! Your perfect book club could be right around the corner.
Not sure where to turn after leaving your book club? Try starting your own! We have hips here on starting in-person and virtual book clubs, plus unique ideas for keeping things exciting!