25 Fun and Creative Book Club Ideas For 2025

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Starting a book club is fun, but keeping it interesting can be tough. You might worry about people losing interest or running out of things to talk about. In this post, I’ll share a few ideas to keep your book club meetings engaging and fun. I’ve got 13 unique suggestions to spice things up, making sure every meeting is one to look forward to. From themed gatherings to fun games, these tips will keep your discussions lively and ensure everyone in the group stays excited and involved.

Fun and Creative Book Club Ideas

1. Themed Snacks and Drinks

Prepare snacks or drinks inspired by the book you’re reading. For example, if you are discussing a novel set in Italy, serve pasta, gelato, or Italian wine. If the story is about a summer beach house, think fresh lemonade or seafood appetizers. For fantasy books, create fun-themed cocktails or mocktails. You can even have each member bring a dish they associate with the book. Check out 35 Book Club Questions For Funny Story by Emily Henry

2. Dress Like the Characters

You can turn your book club into a costume party by encouraging everyone to dress as their favorite character . For historical novels, wear vintage-inspired outfits. For fantasy, you can have capes, crowns, or magical accessories. Even simple props, like a specific hat or scarf that represents a character. Check out 40 Fun Book Character Costumes.

3. Host a Book Swap

Ask everyone to bring a favorite book they’re ready to part with and exchange them with other members at the end of the meeting. You can write a short note about why you loved the book and include it inside the cover. Check out this great guide on book swap.

4. Trivia Game Night

Test your members’ knowledge by creating a trivia game about the book. Questions can be about key plot points, character details, or memorable quotes. If the book has a movie adaptation, include questions comparing the two.

5. Invite the Author

Many authors enjoy talking about their book and interacting with their readers. You can reach out to the author on social media or through their publisher. Even a 15-minute discussion can give you unique insights into the story, characters, and writing process.

6. Watch the Movie or TV Adaptation

If your book has been adapted into a movie or series, host a watch party after finishing the discussion. Compare how the adaptation differs from the book; what was left out, changed, or done well. It’s always fun to see how others envision the characters and settings. Check out 21 Epic Romantic Movies Based On Books.

7. DIY Bookmark Craft

Set up a crafting table with materials like markers, stickers, and ribbons to create bookmarks inspired by the book. Book club members can decorate them with quotes, symbols, or scenes from the story. Check out 81 Best Quotes for Bookmarks | short, funny & inspirational.

8. Debate the Ending

Host a discussion about how the book ended and whether members would change it. Ask questions like, Was it realistic? Were all loose ends tied up? I feel Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow will be a great book to discuss. So check out book club questions & snack ideas for Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow.

9. Themed Party

Turn your meeting into a full-blown themed party based on the book. For example if you are discussion Lessons in Chemistry, go all out with 1950s outfits, jazz music, and cocktails. For a fantasy novel, decorate with magical props and serve whimsical treats.

10. Silent Reading Party

Start your next book club pick by reading together. Set up seating, bring snacks, and spend 30–45 minutes reading silently before discussing the first chapter.

11. Build a Playlist Inspired by the Book

Music can set the mood for your discussion. Create a playlist that fits the book’s vibe, setting, or themes. For instance, a historical novel might feature era-specific songs. Share the playlist with members ahead of time so they can listen before the meeting. You could even play it softly in the background during your discussion. Check out Fourth Wing Playlist.

12. Alternate Endings Exercise

Imagine how the story could have ended differently. Have each member come up with their version of an alternate ending and share it with the group. You can discuss why they would make those changes and how it would impact the characters and themes. This is a great way to engage everyone creatively. If writing isn’t everyone’s strength, members can share ideas verbally as well.

13. Role-Playing or Acting Out Scenes

Pick a dramatic or pivotal scene from the book and assign roles to members to act it out. It doesn’t have to be serious. You can bring simple props or costumes to make it more engaging. If acting isn’t for everyone, try reading the dialogue aloud in character voices. This idea works especially well for books with strong dialogue or theatrical moments.

14. Write Letters to the Characters

This is a really clever ways to ask members to write letters to or from their favorite characters. What would you ask the protagonist? How might the antagonist defend their actions? Members can share their letters during the meeting and discuss what they reveal about the characters.

15. Outdoor Meeting in Nature

If the book has themes of nature or adventure, host your meeting outdoors in a park, garden, or even a backyard. You can bring blankets, snacks, and drinks to create a cozy atmosphere. Discussing the book in a setting that mirrors its themes can make the story feel more immersive. Plus, it’s a refreshing change of scenery, especially for summer meetings.

16. Bookish Bingo

Create bingo cards with themes, events, or quotes from the book. For example, squares might say, A twist you didn’t see coming or A character’s secret revealed. As members discuss the book, they can mark off squares that match the conversation. This gives a playful element to your discussion.

17. Explore the Author’s Background

Dedicate a portion of the meeting to learning more about the author. Research their life, other works, and what inspired them to write this book. Maybe you can share interesting facts or interviews.

18. Character Casting Game

If the book you are discussing is being adapted into a movie or TV show, let members suggest actors for the main characters. It’s always fun to see how everyone envisions the characters and to compare your casting ideas.

19. Themed Journals or Notes

This will be a really fun idea. Ask members to keep a journal or take notes while reading. They can jot down favorite quotes, questions, or reactions. Provide themed notebooks or templates inspired by the book. During the meeting, everyone can share their entries. This keeps the discussion more focused and personal. Check out quotes from The Women by Kristin Hannah.

20. Virtual Meeting

If your book has an international theme or setting, invite someone from that region (if possible) to join your meeting virtually. They could share insights about the culture or setting. If not, consider inviting a guest who has expertise in a related topic.

21. Bookish Vision Boards

Ask your members to bring magazines, scissors, glue, and boards to create vision boards inspired by the book. You can include images, words, or symbols that represent the story’s characters, themes, or setting. This creative activity is a visual way to discuss the book.

22. Explore Fan Theories or Reviews

This is a really good book club idea. You can discuss fan theories, reviews, or online discussions about the story. You can either check Goodreads or book forums to get to know unique perspectives. You can also watch YouTube reviews or TikTok book discussions. This will be an exciting, interactive element to the meeting while learning more about the book/ plot or author.

23. Travel-Inspired Meeting

Bring the book’s setting to life by turning your meeting into a travel-themed event. You can decorate with iconic symbols or items from the location, like Eiffel Towers for a Parisian setting or tropical flowers for a beach locale. Think about serving foods from the region, such as pasta for an Italian story or samosas for an Indian narrative. If possible, include music or scents (like candles). Book club members can also share travel photos or memories if they’ve visited similar places.

24. Mini Book Club Games

Keep the energy high with some quick, fun games. Here are a few examples: Who Said It?- You can pick memorable quotes and challenge members to guess which character said them. Another good one would be, Guess the Scene – Describe a moment from the book without giving away key details, and have members identify it. Bookish Pictionary is another really good game. This is where players draw scenes or objects from the book for others to guess. These games are a great way to make everyone laugh and keep the meeting interactive.

25. Create a Club Reading Challenge

Set up a fun year-long challenge for your club to read together. You can read books across specific genres. Maybe focus on award winners, or pick novels set in different countries. To make it more engaging, set milestones and celebrate reaching them with small rewards, like themed snacks or bonus discussions. Here is a fun reading challenge for you, 52 Books in 52 Weeks

Conclusion:

I hope these ideas and tips can help make your book club an engaging a experience for all members. Let me know what other tips you find helpful.

MORE BOOK CLUB TIPS AND FOOD IDEAS

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4 Irresistibly Easy Desserts for Your Next Book Club Meeting

33 Book Club Snacks That Are Almost as Good as the Plot

Insanely Easy 5-Minute Treats for Your Book Club

11 Refreshing Drink and Snack Pairings for Your Summer Book Club + Book Suggestions

Stephy George
Stephy George

Hi I am Stephy ! I became a bookworm in my late twenties. So I created this little corner of books online to share my love of reading with YOU! I want to help you find the best books to read so you won’t ever have to worry about your next read!

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