13 Fun and Unique Book Club Ideas for Your Next Book

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. I’ve also included 25 book club food ideas.

Tips for Hosting a Book Club

Here are a few tips to have the best book club meeting.

1. Choose the Right Books: Pick books that will generate discussion and interest among your members. Consider rotating the book selection duty among members.
2. Set Clear Expectations: Be clear about what’s expected in terms of preparation and participation. Make sure everyone feels comfortable expressing their opinions.
3. Create a Friendly Atmosphere : Encourage open and respectful dialogue. Make sure everyone feels listened to and appreciated.
4. Keep It Organized: Set a regular schedule for meetings and stick to it. Use tools like group chats or email lists to keep everyone informed and engaged.

Entertaining Book Club Ideas

1. Themed Potluck: Coordinate a meal where each dish corresponds to a theme or setting from the book.
2. Character Dress-Up: Have members dress up as their favorite character from the book for the meeting.
3. Author Q&A: If possible, arrange for the author to join your discussion via a video call or in person.
4. Book Pairings: Choose a wine or cocktail that matches the mood or setting of the book and share it at the meeting.
5. Field Trip: Organize an outing related to the book’s setting or theme, such as a museum visit or a walking tour.
6. Book Playlist: Create a playlist with songs that reflect themes or periods covered in the book and play it during your meeting.
7. Movie Night: If the book has been adapted into a movie, watch it together after discussing the book, then compare the two.
8. Artistic Expression: Encourage members to bring a piece of art they created that was inspired by the book, whether it’s a drawing, painting, or craft.
9. Literary Games: Incorporate games like quote matching where members match quotes to characters or literary trivia based on the book.
10. Guest Speakers: Invite a local expert or a professor to discuss themes or historical context relevant to the book.
11. Reading Challenge: Set a challenge related to the book, like reading a related novella or exploring another work by the same author.
12. Book Swap: At the end of the meeting, have a book swap where members can exchange books with each other.

25 Book Club Brunch Ideas & Book Pairings

Savory Bacon And Cheddar Cheese Scones Recipe

If your book club crew loves a savory start, these Savory Bacon and Cheddar Cheese Scones are a must. They’re flaky, buttery, and loaded with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar.
Book pairing: Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez

Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel Sandwiches

Spice things up with Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel Sandwiches. They are creamy, cheesy, and with a jalapeño kick that keeps things interesting. These are easy to grab between chapters or when the book debate gets heated.
Book pairing: The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Easy Chocolate Chip Muffins

You can’t go wrong with Easy Chocolate Chip Muffins. They’re sweet, simple, and always a crowd-pleaser. Serve them warm and let the chocolate chips do the talking while you discuss your monthly read.
Book pairing: The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman

Cabbage Pie

Yes, cabbage can be delicious especially in this Cabbage Pie, which is savory, satisfying, and surprisingly comforting. It’s a great option for a brunch book club meeting when you want something hearty but unique.
Book pairing: The No-Show by Beth O’Leary

Cottage Cheese Oatmeal Banana Pancakes

These Cottage Cheese Oatmeal Banana Pancakes are fluffy, slightly sweet, and secretly protein-packed.
Book pairing: The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams

Grated Egg Avocado Toast

This isn’t your average avocado toast. Grated Egg Avocado Toast takes things up a notch with fluffy grated egg on creamy avocado for the ultimate open-faced snack.

Book pairing: Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino

Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

When you need a one-dish wonder, this Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole delivers. Packed with crispy hashbrowns, eggs, and sausage, it’s ideal for feeding a hungry book-loving group.
Book pairing: Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez

Greek Yogurt Oatmeal Pancakes

For a healthy-ish brunch option, Greek Yogurt Oatmeal Pancakes are fluffy, protein-packed, and lightly sweet.
Book pairing: Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

Frittata

Simple, colorful, and endlessly customizable, a Frittata is the kind of dish that makes you look like you tried (even if you didn’t). Throw in some leftover veggies, cheese, and herbs, and you’ve got the perfect centerpiece for a relaxed book club brunch.
Book pairing: Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune

Sourdough French Toast

This Sourdough French Toast is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and just tangy enough to feel fancy. Drizzle with maple syrup and let the book banter flow.
Book pairing: In a Jam by Kate Canterbary

Feta and Spinach Egg Muffins

These Feta and Spinach Egg Muffins are a smart little bite. They are easy to prepare ahead and packed with flavor. Plus, they’re great for grab-and-go situations if your book club always runs overtime.
Book pairing: Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood

Coconut French Toast

If your group has a sweet tooth, Coconut French Toast brings the sunshine. It’s rich, tropical, and a fun twist on a classic. Perfect for weekend morning meetings or summer-themed reads.
Book pairing: One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Boursin and Tomato Easter Brunch Bites

These Boursin and Tomato Brunch Bites work all year round. Creamy, tangy, and totally poppable, they’re great for grazing while flipping pages
Book pairing: The Roughest Draft by Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka

​​Cottage Cheese Pesto Avocado Toast

If you want something light but flavorful, Cottage Cheese Pesto Avocado Toast a new take on a brunch staple.
Book pairing: Happy Place by Emily Henry

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole

Dessert-for-breakfast lovers, this one’s for you. Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is gooey, spiced, and made to be shared. It’s the ultimate comfort food for a cozy book club meeting.
Book pairing: The Love Wager by Lynn Painter

Spinach Mushroom Quiche

A classic that never fails. This Spinach Mushroom Quiche is rich, creamy, and full of earthy flavor.
Book pairing: The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

Sausage Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Flaky croissants and savory sausage baked together into a cheesy casserole? Yes, please. This Sausage Croissant Breakfast Casserole feeds a crowd and is basically comfort in a dish.
Book pairing: Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

Italian Almond Cake

This Italian Almond Cake is light, subtly sweet, and perfect with a hot cup of coffee or tea. It’s the kind of snack that feels effortless but elegant.
Book pairing: The Second Chance Year by Melissa Wiesner

Sausage Spinach Quiche

Sausage Spinach Quiche gives a hearty, savory layer to your table. It’s filling without being heavy and makes a great main for a brunch-style meeting.
Book pairing: The Do-Over by Lynn Painter

Churro Muffins

Cinnamon sugar lovers, this one’s for you. Churro Muffins are fluffy, sweet, and just indulgent enough to feel like a treat without a sugar crash.
Book pairing: The Kiss Countdown by Etta Easton

Green Chile Egg Casserole

Next we have a Green Chile Egg Casserole, a warm, cheesy bake with just the right amount of heat. This is great for colder months or when your club wants something cozy with a kick.
Book pairing: Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan

Chocolate Chip Cherry Oatmeal Bars

Part cookie, part granola bar, these Chocolate Chip Cherry Oatmeal Bars hit the sweet spot. They’re chewy, chocolatey, and perfect for passing around while you discuss.
Book pairing: Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams

Prosciutto Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles

These Prosciutto Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles are fancy without the effort. Buttery pastry, salty prosciutto, and tender asparagus make this a standout savory bite for your next book club gathering.
Book pairing: The Love Connection by Denise Williams

High Protein Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

Keep things light but filling with this High Protein Cottage Cheese Egg Bake. It’s loaded with veggies and protein but still tastes comforting. It’s perfect for early morning clubs.
Book pairing: Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman

Cheese Danish Recipe

Soft, flaky, and filled with sweet cream cheese, a Cheese Danish is always a hit. Whether served warm or at room temp, it’s a treat that feels like a little gift on your plate.
Book pairing: Book Lovers by Emily Henry

Sourdough Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Bread

Warm slices of Sourdough Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Bread make everything feel cozier. Toast it, add butter, and let the aroma fill the room while you chat about the book.
Book pairing: The Road Trip by Beth O’Leary

Conclusion:

I hope these ideas and tips can help make your book club an engaging and enjoyable 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