When thinking about having a book club for your free time, the goal is often to have fun and connect over books you’ve been able to enjoy! What this does not look like is your typical AP English socratic seminar. Instead, for this to be a relaxing experience the hope is that with a few conversation starters the dialogue can begin to flow naturally. Listed below are five options we’ve used in our book clubs that you should try.
1. What was the last book you read and would you recommend it? (Everyone be prepared with one of their favorite books to chat about.)
Although this is basic, if you get someone going about their favorite novel, you may never hear the end of it. If you’re lucky, multiple members in the group may feel passionate about the same book! Or you may get another title for your TBR list.
2. If you could live the life of any protagonist from any book you’ve read recently, which character would you choose and why?
Nothing is more telling that what character you would be and why. I was asked this very same question in an interview once and had to spend five minutes explaining why I would be Kim Possible. You’ll be amazed what answers people come up with and it can also bring up lots of laughs!
3. What upcoming books from your favorite authors are you excited about?
There’s nothing super fancy about this, but don’t you love the anticipation of your favorite author releasing a new book? Together you can swap titles and countdown the days until the new releases.
4. What are the best book to movie adaptations? The Hunger Games, The Hating Game, Maze Runner, etc.
Movie adaptations can be a hot topic. Some people love a good movie adaptation while others can hate it. Bringing some specific examples of movies/books you’ve read can lead to some lively conversation!
5. What are your hot takes about books? (ex: Twilight is terrible but I still love it)
Speaking of lively conversation, people love sharing their hot takes on the internet. We know readers can have strong opinions about books, so this is a time to ~respectfully~ let it all out. I love watching BookToks where people share the books they thought were overhyped and why. I want to hear all of it!
Try a couple of these questions, or sit down and work through all of them. If your group comes up with other conversation starters you like, send them our way so we can share them too!