How to Choose a “Book Club” Read That Everyone Will Actually Want to Talk About

We’ve all been there: you join a book club with the best intentions, but by the third meeting, the conversation has fizzled out because the book was either too long, too "prestigious," or worst of all, too boring.

The biggest mistake book clubs make is choosing a book because it’s "important", only for half the group to give up by chapter three. If you want a successful discussion, follow these six simple rules:

1. Look for “The Moral Gray Area.”

The best discussions come from books where characters make questionable choices. If everyone agrees the protagonist was a saint, the conversation ends in five minutes. Look for stories involving secrets, ethical dilemmas, or complicated family dynamics, the kind that make you ask, “What would I have done?”

2. Aim for the 400-Page “Sweet Spot.”

Life is busy. Choosing an 800-page epic is a surefire way to have half the group show up saying, “I didn’t finish it.” Stick to books between 250 and 400 pages. It’s long enough to have depth, but short enough to finish between work, the gym, the family, and sleep.

3. Check the “Polarization” Score

Before you commit, go to Goodreads. If a book has a solid 4.0 rating but the reviews are a mix of “I loved this” and “I hated the ending,” pick that book! Polarizing endings are the fuel of great book club fires.

4. Embrace the Open Ending

Choose a book with an open ending. This naturally sparks the imagination and keeps the conversation flowing as members debate what actually happened after the final page.

5. Rotate the Repertoire

Don't let your club become a one-person show, or it will eventually feel like a chore. Create a roster and let members take turns picking the title. This keeps the selections fresh and ensures everyone feels involved.

6. Know Your Club’s Vibe

There is nothing more dull than forcing yourself to read a book just for the sake of others. Ensure the selections match the members' actual interests and vibes. Whether you love a dark thriller or a spicy romantasy, the best book club is the one where everyone is genuinely excited to turn the page.

Planning your next book club meeting? Pair your discussion with some of our premium Australian drinks and snacks to make the evening truly special.

Check out our book collection for reading inspiration