How to Choose a Book Club Book Everyone Will Love

One of the trickiest parts of running a book club - or being the one tasked with the monthly pick - is choosing a book that won’t have half the group silently cursing your name by chapter three.

The dream? A book that sparks conversation, makes people want to keep reading, and doesn’t feel like homework. Bonus points if no one’s already read it.

So how do you pick a book club book that everyone will love (or at least want to talk about)? Here’s my go-to guide:

1. Go for discussion gold

The best book club books aren’t always the best-written books, they’re the ones that make people feel something. Whether that’s joy, rage, or a desperate need to talk about that one scene ASAP, you want books that leave space for opinion:

✔️ Complex characters
✔️ Moral dilemmas
✔️ Big questions or relatable themes
✔️ A twist that makes you text your friend in all caps

In other words: safe picks = safe conversations. Don’t be afraid to ruffle a few (bookish) feathers.

2. Consider the mix (but don’t aim for perfection)

Trying to please everyone with one book is like trying to cook one meal for 12 people with different allergies and preferences. You’ll go mad.

Instead, think of variety across the months - not in one title. Alternate between genres, or choose books with crossover appeal. For example, a historical novel with a thriller subplot. Or a contemporary story that reads like a rom-com but tackles deeper issues.

Not everyone will love every book. That’s okay. If it leads to a good chat, it’s a win.

3. Skip the obvious picks

There’s a reason certain books are all over BookTok but that doesn’t mean they’re right for your club. Often, they’ve already been read, or the hype leads to disappointment.

Instead, try going a little off the beaten path:
✨ Backlist books that flew under the radar
✨ Newer releases from lesser-known authors
✨ Books with a strong theme your group cares about

At the Busy With Books Book Club, I love finding those hidden gems!

4. Avoid anything too long (or too dense)

There’s nothing like a 900-page epic to make your group ghost the chat.

Aim for books under 400 pages (unless your club is full of speed readers), and be mindful of style. A slow burn can work if it builds to something juicy.

5. Know your group or find one that fits your vibe

Choosing a great book is easier when you know what the group enjoys. But sometimes the problem isn’t the book, it’s the mismatch in energy.

If your current club stresses you out or feels like a reading challenge rather than a community, maybe it’s time for something different.

Like... oh, I don’t know... a relaxed online book club that welcomes a variety of genres, and always brings snacks into the conversation? 😉 Come join the Busy With Books Book Club!

We focus on under-the-radar picks with great discussion potential, chat monthly on Zoom, and keep things low-pressure.