Book clubs used to just be about the book, didn't they?
By @judekinda · Culture
I joined a new neighborhood book club and it feels more like a fancy wine-tasting party with a book as a vague suggestion. Last week, I was the only one who had actually finished the book, and everyone looked at me like I was the weird one for trying to discuss the plot.
The full story
Back when I first started joining book clubs, maybe twenty years ago, it was a simple affair. We'd have some tea, maybe a few biscuits, and we'd really get into the weeds of the characters and the story. Now, it seems like it's all about who brings the fanciest appetizer or the most expensive bottle of prosecco. The book is an afterthought. I tried to bring up a chapter I found particularly moving, and the hostess just laughed and said, 'Oh, I only got through the first few pages!' and then immediately changed the subject to her kitchen renovation.
How people voted
- Valid Take — 30% (36 votes)
- I’m Torn — 34% (41 votes)
- Bad Take — 37% (45 votes)
Readers are split: “Bad Take” leads with 37% — 122 votes and 5 comments so far.
What people are saying
@ava — A book club is for discussing books, not for renovating your kitchen.
@vinceyy — I would start suggesting the most obnoxiously long and academic books I could find. See how they like that.
@benkk — Find a new club.
@jade — Are you sure it wasn't advertised as a 'book and wine club'? That's a pretty common thing.
@benmaybe — ok but what wine was it