The Unspoken Rules of Book Clubs (And How to Break Them)

Book clubs are a magical mix of literature and camaraderie—until they're not. From debates over who gets to pick the book to silent judging of who actually read it, book clubs have their own set of "unspoken rules." But who says we have to follow them? In this post, we’ll unpack these unspoken guidelines with a wink and offer some fun tips for breaking them in style.

1. Rule: Always Read the Book

Let’s be real: not everyone finishes the book every time. Life happens, and sometimes Netflix wins.

Break It:
Turn missed reads into a fun guessing game. Ask those who didn’t finish to predict the ending based on the title or cover. You might discover some wildly creative (and hilarious) conclusions.

2. Rule: Stick to “Serious” Books

There’s often an expectation to choose highbrow literature that sparks deep discussions.

Break It:
Why not mix in some guilty pleasures? Alternate between thought-provoking novels and books that are just plain fun—hello, romantic comedies or cozy mysteries! Bonus: They lighten the mood and bring variety.

3. Rule: The Host Always Provides Snacks

Hosts often feel pressured to whip up gourmet spreads worthy of a Pinterest board.

Break It:
Make it a potluck! Assign themes like “literary-inspired dishes” or “characters’ favorite foods.” It’s less stress for the host and more fun for everyone.

4. Rule: Everyone Must Agree on the Book

Choosing a book can feel like negotiating a peace treaty.

Break It:
Shake things up with a book lottery! Each member writes a title on a slip of paper, and the group picks one randomly. This ensures variety and removes the pressure of unanimous decision-making.

5. Rule: Stick to the Agenda

Some book clubs are all about structured discussions, with pre-set questions and strict schedules.

Break It:
Introduce “wildcard” activities. Host a dramatic reading of a favorite chapter, act out a scene, or create a bookish trivia game. These moments will make your meetings unforgettable.

6. Rule: No Spoilers Allowed

It’s the golden rule of book clubs, but sometimes spoilers are unavoidable—especially for those who like to skim.

Break It:
Make spoilers a game! Have a designated "spoiler-friendly" segment at the end where members guess future plot points or discuss twists.

7. Rule: Meetings Are All About the Book

Some people join book clubs just for the social aspect, and that’s okay!

Break It:
Dedicate part of each meeting to non-bookish bonding. Whether it’s sharing personal stories, playing games, or swapping bookish memes, make time for connections outside the pages.

8. Rule: Keep It Formal

Many book clubs tend to have a serious tone, but who says they need to?

Break It:
Add themes to your meetings! Dress up as characters from the book, decorate your space to match the setting, or create playlists inspired by the story.

Conclusion: Rewrite Your Book Club Rules

Book clubs are about celebrating a love of stories, but that doesn’t mean you have to take everything so seriously. By breaking a few unspoken rules and injecting fun, creativity, and flexibility, you’ll make your book club a place people can’t wait to attend.

So, which rule will you break first? Or better yet—do you have any rebellious book club tips of your own?