Book clubs: Why your group might actually be a ticking time bomb

The drama is real

Think book clubs are just wholesome vibes and tea? Think again. Real talk: these monthly meetups can spiral into total chaos faster than you can say “main character energy.” Whether it’s group infighting or members who refuse to actually read the book, the dream of a chill literary salon is often a total L.

Take Laura, a young mom who spent four years in a church-based book club that turned into a power struggle. One member insisted on being a “dictator,” forcing the group to read spicy romance novels against everyone else’s comfort zone. The result? A standoff where the drama queen now sits in the corner and sulks because the group tried to set boundaries.

Why things go south

It’s giving high school energy. Freelance writer Steph Auteri notes that book clubs usually implode because of mismatched expectations. You’ve got the “book nerds” who actually want to deep-dive into the prose, and then the “vibes-only” crowd who just want to snack and catch up. When these two worlds collide, the tension is palpable.

Then there’s the outright chaos. Barbara VanDenburgh, who runs the First Draft Book Club, recently saw her members almost throw hands over a theory regarding Ann Patchett’s Whistler. “I will see you in the parking lot after this,” one member jokingly threatened another. And don’t even get them started on the “spoiler” etiquette. If you didn’t do the reading, most mods agree: don’t expect the group to stop talking about the ending just for you.

Surviving the club

So, how do you avoid the flameout? Experts like VanDenburgh and bookstore owner Bittina Sheen swear by a “benevolent dictator” approach—someone needs to be in charge of the books to keep the vibe consistent. Other groups take a more unserious approach; Olivia Alatorre’s Florida-based club, Wings & Flings, makes members who didn't read the book wear a literal dunce hat. Honestly? Iconic.

Why it matters

Despite the drama, book clubs are officially in their golden era. Eventbrite reported a 33% jump in book club events in 2026, and in-person meetups are trending up as people trade screens for real-life connection. Even if your group is currently on the verge of imploding, you’re not alone—the struggle to read and socialize simultaneously is just part of the plot.