Just realized our book club debates got way better after we banned people who didn't finish the book

Our group of 12 has been meeting for 2 years and it used to be just the same 3 people talking while everyone else nodded along. I brought up a rule change 6 months ago after someone admitted they skimmed The Goldfinch in one night. Now every meeting has actual back and forth and last week we argued about Circe for almost 45 minutes straight. Anyone else try something similar to shut down the half-readers?

2 comments

2 Comments

faith_smith12d ago

Wow, gatekeeping book club reads based on actually finishing the book? That's like telling people they need to watch the whole movie before discussing the plot twist. I bet the person who skimmed The Goldfinch is still salty about it too. Honestly though, it makes sense - trying to argue about Circe's choices when you only read the first three chapters is like trying to win a cooking contest with a picture of someone else's meal. Did you have to kick anyone else out, or did most people shape up after the rule?

reese55111d ago

Three people left after enforcement, honestly it cleaned up discussions fast.