Rules

To make the book club enjoyable for all attendants, please consider the following rules.

  1. RSVP.  Let us know throught the WhatsApp group if you’ll be able to make it to the meeting, and be sure to update your RSVP if your availability changes. Try to make your decision about attending or not 24 hours before the meeting.
  2. BE A GOOD GUEST. Book club meetings will be held in our members homes. Be respectful. Take off your shoes when entering the house. Some hosts may appreciate if you bring some snacks or drinks. Please coordinate this with the member who’s hosting the meeting.
  3. TRY TO ARRIVE ON TIME. Don’t keep your club hanging! But if your work schedule or private matters don’t allow you to attend the full meeting, please let us know in advance and it will be no problem to drop in later or leave earlier.
  4. LANGUAGE. Book club meetings will be held in English. Though, we will try to suggest books that are available in English and German in order to make the reading easier for not so fluent readers and speakers.
  5. READ THE BOOK! If you haven’t finished the book but decide to attend your book club meeting anyway, be prepared to hear spoilers. Life happens, and sometimes we don’t get to do as much reading as you’d like, but we will still discuss the full section of the book that was to read up to the meeting.
  6. COME PREPARED. Spend some time before the meeting thinking about the book. We also appreciate members to bring questions and topics they would like to discuss.
  7. SPEAK UP. Contribute to the discussion!  Book clubs work best when everyone participates. Don’t be shy – there is no right or wrong. The book club is about spending a good time and every opinion is equivalent.
  8. LISTEN TO OTHERS. Your fellow book club members want to hear your opinion — but they also want to hear everyone else’s.  Don’t interrupt or dominate the discussion.
  9. BE HONEST. Most of us join book club because we want a richer reading experience through discussion.  That can only happen when we share what we really thought or felt about a book.  It’s completely fine to dislike — or even hate — a book that someone  else loves.  Having different tastes in books is part of what makes book clubs fun.  
  10. BE RESPECTFUL. You can disagree with someone, but always do so respectfully. Ask questions. Avoid personal attacks. And keep an open mind.
  11. HAVE FUN! Why are we book clubbing if we’re not having fun?  Don’t worry so much about the book club rules and expectations that you’re not enjoying book club.