My book club pick got roasted so bad I had to leave the room

Last month I brought "The Midnight Library" to our club meeting at Sarah's place and thought everyone would love it. Halfway through the discussion, Karen said it was 'emotionally manipulative garbage' and three other people nodded along. I sat there for ten more minutes then went to the kitchen to refill my wine without saying a word. How do you bounce back when your favorite book bombs with the group?

3 comments

3 Comments

avery_flores171mo ago

oh man that reminds me of my friend Jess who brought "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" to her group and it got totally destroyed lol. Someone literally said it was just 'long fanfiction for people who think they're deep' and she said she felt her soul leave her body right then. She texted me after and was like I can't believe I let my whole personality hinge on a book that apparently sucks. But what she did next was lowkey genius - she showed up the next month with a bottle of wine and was just like 'so clearly I can't pick books, someone else take the wheel.' She literally laughed at herself and said she's glad they saved her from being 'that person' who's obsessed with mediocre books. Now she just brings snacks and lets other people take the fall lol. Honestly the key is just not taking it personally and making a joke out of it, even if it stings a little.

murray.jana1mo ago

Take the hit and pivot fast, that's the play. I've been the one who picked a dud and sat there while people tore it apart. You gotta own it quick before the awkwardness sets in. Handing off the book duty to someone else and showing up with wine is a power move. It shows you're not fragile about your taste, which actually makes people respect you more. Worst thing you can do is double down and argue about why the book is actually good. Just laugh, move on, and let someone else take the heat next month.

wyatt_mitchell261mo ago

Your friend is a legend for that move lol