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One of the best things about a book club is the variety—new authors, new genres, and books you might never have picked up on your own. But let’s be honest: not every book is going to be a hit for every reader. There’s always a chance someone didn’t like the book club pick. Eventually, you will find yourself at a meeting thinking, “This one just wasn’t for me.”
Here’s the good news: That’s completely normal.
In my book club of ten years, one of our go-to questions at the start of the discussion is, “What did everyone think? Did everyone like it?” It’s a simple, effective way to open the floor and invite honest reactions. But it’s not about pointing fingers or passing judgment—it’s about sharing. I’ve found that checking in like this does a few things:
- encourages thoughtful discussion
- helps us understand one another’s reading tastes over time
- gives us, especially the discussion leader, an idea of the perspective everyone is entering the discussion from
And if it’s your pick? Take a deep breath—it’s okay to hear that not everyone loved it. We’ll share more about that below, too.
IF YOU DIDN’T LIKE THE BOOK CLUB PICK
Not every book will be your cup of tea—and that’s part of the beauty of a club that explores diverse genres and voices. But if you didn’t enjoy a particular selection, how you share that matters.
Instead of just saying, “I didn’t like it,” try to explain why in a thoughtful way. For example, I’ve said, “I had a hard time getting into it,” or “I found it challenging to keep track of the characters.” A recent read in our club was a little tricky for me. It had multiple storylines, all with strong female leads (yay for that!) who had similar names and storylines, but I struggled to remember who was who and what time period I was in when picking the book back up between reading sessions. So I shared at the start of the meeting that I was confused at a couple spots, and I hope this discussion and hearing your takes will help clarify some things for me.
That’s the kind of honest yet considerate feedback that adds to the conversation—and importantly, it reflects my experience rather than blaming the book. It wasn’t a “bad” book; it just wasn’t the right fit for me at that moment.
If this kind of thing only happens occasionally, no big deal. But if it’s happening a lot, try to assess the pattern:
- Is it one particular member’s picks?
- Or is it happening regardless of who’s choosing?
If it’s always the same picker and you find yourself dreading their selections, consider how often they’re picking. Once or twice a year? You might choose to just sit that month out. That’s okay! Skipping a book here and there isn’t a big deal and can help protect your overall reading enjoyment.
IF YOU PICKED THE BOOK AND SOMEONE DIDN’T LIKE IT
Don’t panic. This happens to everyone at some point, no matter how carefully you choose. But context matters:
- Is it just one person who didn’t enjoy it?
- Have you heard this feedback before on your picks?
- Is it always the same person with something negative to say?
If it’s a one-off, move on. That’s part of being in a book club—some books land differently for different people. If you’re noticing a pattern, though, take it as an opportunity to adjust. Look at what others are picking. Are your selections outliers in terms of genre or tone? Are they a bit heavier, longer, or more experimental?
That doesn’t mean your picks are “wrong,” but a good book club pick balances your own interests with the broader group’s. If you feel like your choices consistently don’t resonate, it may be time to switch it up—or even find or start another club that aligns better with your preferences. And there’s no shame in that!
A NOTE ON BOOK CLUB THEMES
Sometimes, friction around book picks isn’t about the book at all—it’s about the club’s structure. If your club has a narrow theme (say, only thrillers, or only literary fiction) or no theme at all, it can become a source of tension when someone chooses something outside the boundaries or unspoken expectations.
I generally recommend steering away from strict themes. Instead, consider light guidelines around things like book length or having a loose list of preferred genres from the group. That way, you maintain flexibility and curiosity, don’t have unnecessary restrictions, and can address conflicts or challenges as they come up.
BOTTOM LINE
Not liking a book club selection isn’t a problem—it’s an opportunity. With a little self-awareness and mutual respect, these moments can lead to better picks, deeper discussions, and stronger group dynamics.
Whether you’re the one who didn’t enjoy the book or the one who picked it, remember: it’s not personal. We’re all here to explore, discover, and connect. Some books will spark joy, some will spark debate, and some will just spark a polite “meh.” All are valid.
So speak up, kindly. Listen, openly. And keep reading, always.
Have you ever not liked a book club pick? How did you handle it? Let us know in the comments below!
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Featured Image Photo by cottonbro studio / Pexels
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