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How to Survive a Book Club When You Haven’t Read the Book

by David Borgenicht and Joshua Piven, April 30, 2019 11:43 AM
The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook

Just be honest.
Honesty is always the best policy, so bring good snacks and wine, and simply admit that you didn’t finish the book this month but wanted to come anyway because you enjoy everyone’s company so much.

Use one or more of the following lines:
“It just wasn’t my cup of tea.”
“I’m not really into historical fiction/speculative fiction/books that seem lightweight/books that seem too heavy these days.”
“I had such a crazy month.”
“I was busy binge-watching Game of Thrones for the final season.”
“Trump just has me so depressed.”

Read just enough of the book to participate in the discussion.
Read the first 20 pages, the last 20 pages, and the back cover and flap copy. Browse the final paragraphs at the end of a few chapters. This should give you something to say. Consider memorizing a quote or a phrase to throw into the discussion: “When she said, ‘I don’t know if I can ever eat cupcakes again’ at the end of chapter seven it just broke my heart.”

Browse the web and read reviews of the book.
Steal the most intelligent comments and insights from bloggers, newspapers and magazines, even individual reviews from bookstore websites.  

Compliment and agree with others during the discussion, but in generic ways.  
Use the following noncommittal phrases:
“Interesting perspective, Bob! I hadn’t thought of that!”
“I really relate to what you are saying.”
“Hmmmmm! Good point! I couldn’t agree more.”
“I wasn’t thinking along those lines. Very intuitive!”

Make connections to unrelated works and characters as your fellow club members are discussing the book.
For example: “Yes! Doesn’t Emily remind you a Reese Witherspoon in Wild?” Or: “This book feels sort of World According to Garpish to me. Don’t you agree?”
÷ ÷ ÷
Joshua Piven is a writer, editor, and website designer who lives in Philadelphia. He's ready for anything.

David Borgenicht is a Philadelphia-based writer whose own worst-case scenario involved a heavy-armored vehicle in Pakistan. The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook is their first book.



Books mentioned in this post

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail

Cheryl Strayed

World According To Garp

John Irving

Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook Expert Advice for Extreme Situations

Joshua Piven, David Borgenicht
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