Comments on: On Book Clubs and Hot Takes

By: Lib

Lib — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 09:30:28 +0000

Late to the party, but that is my way I guess.

I’m in a Bookclub organised by my local library. They supply the books, we take turn supplying the snacks and wine.

I like that it’s a bunch of people I don’t know outside of the club, because I don’t mind sharing my honest opinion. We have a range of people (there’s 10 of us) and that means we get contrasting views. People aren’t afraid to say they hated a book everyone else liked, and we happily discuss why they feel that way.

If a book is a DNF for me, then I’m upfront as to why.

It’s great because I read things I wouldn’t usually have touched. And I meet some great people I would ever usually get an opportunity to meet. It also flexes my confidence and social skills in a safe environment.

So yeah, I get why some people don’t like them. And I sometimes don’t like the feeling of “having” to read something I may not enjoy when I have a really good book lined up, but I also like that accountability.

By: ShadowKat

ShadowKat — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 18:51:09 +0000

In reply to Lisa Allen. that's hilarious.

By: Tiphaine

Tiphaine — Sun, 03 Dec 2023 20:58:16 +0000

i’m an Ilona andrews’s reader!
i love your Books and i have read almost all of them (those i could find, in France it’s not easy) many many times…

thank you soooooo much for tour wonderfull gift to the World of imagination
please never doubt yourself, but continue to strive for greatness, because i soooo love the résultats!!!!!

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 21:58:44 +0000

In reply to Donna A. I now know what HABO’s on SBTB are and, alas, I also know none of them... yet. Thanks for a new blog to check on!

By: Amartae

Amartae — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 19:30:30 +0000

I joined a mystery book club through my work place (a public library) to force me to expand my reading in a genre I knew I liked. I had also survived cancer the previous year, so it was the kick to get my introverted butt out there to do something I would enjoy but wasn’t likely to do. Since everyone in the book club is a member of the public and and not a pre-existing friend group, we are definitely more book-focused and have a wider range of ages and perspectives on what we read. We all see to have a similar meter for measuring quality, though, so that’s nice. I have since become the facilitator, so I compile a list of books with summaries for people to look through and we vote on the titles we are most interested in reading. I also just take suggestions for our reading list as well. Members are always giving each other reading recommendations, so it’s a good resource for all of us. Anyway, I think genre-based book clubs are a good idea because there is always going to be something for everyone if they like that genre. And it sets a certain expectation that you can generally meet.

By: NicoleAllee

NicoleAllee — Sun, 26 Nov 2023 04:42:15 +0000

My friends and I started a new book club – only fiction, only happy endings. Other members choose more bittersweet or nebulous endings, but that’s been part of the fun, the learning what people love in their books.

By: Patrice

Patrice — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 21:36:25 +0000

I used to be hurt that I was never asked to be in a book club. People would make it sound like a lot of fun. I had a feeling that I wasn’t asked because I was an English major and a copy editor. Thank you for freeing me from that feeling!
I like the idea of a silent book club. Maybe with just one member? I’m not sure I’d want to discuss how I felt about Rogan’s tactile abilities, for instance. Cue the fans and cold showers.

By: Susanna

Susanna — Sun, 19 Nov 2023 00:33:36 +0000

I have not liked book clubs I have tried in the past. I did feel judged and I didn’t like much of what they wanted to read. However I joined a bookclub when I moved a couple years ago and it has been wonderful. We have yummy food. There is no shaming if you don’t read the book and our discussions are always so interesting. You are able to contribute to the conversation even if you haven’t read the book. Sometimes I read the book and sometimes I don’t. I agree with the previous comment about loving the people and not particularly liking their taste in books.