Book Club Etiquette 101

There’s nothing quite like a book club night — the chatter, the cups of tea, the passionate “I loved it!” or “I couldn’t stand it!” debates. Chapter 25 book clubs bring together a wonderful mix of personalities, perspectives, and opinions, and that’s exactly what makes them so special.

But, like any great gathering, there are a few unspoken rules that make everything run smoothly. Whether you’re a long-time Chapter 25 member or just joining your first group, here’s our friendly guide to being the perfect book clubber.

Be Ready to Chat

You’re not back at school — there’s no homework here! But it’s always lovely when members come along with a few thoughts, favourite lines, or burning questions in mind. You don’t need a notebook full of annotations (unless that’s your thing!), just a couple of reflections to keep the conversation flowing. It helps spark discussions, build connections, and makes sure everyone gets a chance to share what they thought.

Prepare for Spoilers

Totally okay if you’re running a little behind — or even if you haven’t finished (or started!) the book at all. We always encourage members to come along regardless; there are still so many lovely bookish chats to be had.

That said, the golden rule is to be prepared: there might be a spoiler or two as we dive into the discussion! It’s all part of the fun of a good debate — and sometimes those discussions make you want to pick the book straight back up again.

Everyone Gets a Say

At Chapter 25, we’re all about inclusivity. We love that feeling when a book really gets people talking — whether it’s a five-star favourite or a DNF disaster. But it’s important that everyone feels heard, so try to make space for some of the quieter voices in the group, too.

A good club is a conversation, not a monologue. You might be surprised by what another member noticed that completely passed you by — and that’s where the magic happens.

Disagree with Kindness

Let’s be honest: there will be times when your book club bestie adored a book you could barely finish. And that’s totally fine — in fact, it’s one of the best parts of a book club!

Healthy debate makes for great discussion, as long as we keep things friendly and respectful. Think of it as literary therapy: a safe space to vent, discuss, and challenge ideas while still celebrating each other’s perspectives.

Bring the Vibes

At Chapter 25, it’s more than just a book club — it’s a whole vibe. We celebrate the social side too: the snacks, the settings, the mood!

Whether you’re joining one of our Virtual Clubs or meeting in person, a little atmosphere goes a long way. Bring your energy, your thoughts, and your enthusiasm. The best book clubs are as much about the people as they are about the pages.

Stay Curious

Our book club reads are chosen on a three-month rotation — and you decide what’s next! Members vote on genres to keep things interesting, and that means you might occasionally end up reading something outside your comfort zone.

If a genre isn’t what you’d usually pick up, keep an open mind — you might love it. And if you don’t, that’s fine too! Sometimes the books we struggle with spark the best discussions. One of the joys of Chapter 25 is discovering stories you might never have found on your own.

At Chapter 25, we know that every great book club moment starts with connection — between readers, stories, and ideas. So whether you’re a first-time member or a seasoned pro, a little kindness, curiosity, and community spirit will always make you the perfect book clubber.

Not part of Chapter 25 yet? Come join the conversation — our book clubs are open to all readers who love good stories, great chats, and a welcoming community.