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Joining a Book Club

At a friend's suggestion, Rahul joins a monthly book club that meets at a neighbour's home, and finds himself nervous before his first discussion.

Rahul, Book club members

Key words and phrases

book cluba group of people who meet regularly to discuss books they've readThe book club meets on the first Saturday of every month.
monthly pickthe book chosen for the group to read that monthThis month's pick was a novel set in colonial India.
discussion questionsprepared questions used to guide a conversation about a bookThe host prepared a few discussion questions in advance.
plot twistan unexpected turn in a story's eventsThe plot twist in the last chapter surprised everyone.
relate to a characterto feel a personal connection with a character in a storyHe surprised himself by how much he related to a character.
differing opinionsviews that are not the same among a group of peopleThere were differing opinions about the ending.
host the meetingto welcome and organize a gathering at one's own homeIt was his neighbour's turn to host the meeting this month.
finish the bookto complete reading a book before a meetingHe barely finished the book the night before.
genrea category of literature defined by style or subject, like mystery or romanceThis month they tried a genre none of them usually read.
nervous about sharingfeeling anxious about expressing one's opinion in a groupHe was nervous about sharing his thoughts at first.
book recommendationa suggestion of a book someone might enjoyHe got a great book recommendation from another member.
reading pacehow quickly or slowly someone reads a bookHis reading pace picked up once the story got exciting.
well-readhaving read a lot of books, especially across different subjectsHe hoped joining the club would make him more well-read.
book borroweda copy of a book obtained from someone else rather than boughtHe read a book borrowed from a fellow member.
vote on the next bookto collectively choose the group's next reading selectionThey vote on the next book at the end of every meeting.

Useful sentences

Dialogue

Book club membersWelcome, Rahul! Did you manage to finish this month's pick?

RahulJust barely, I finished it late last night, actually.

Book club membersWhat did you think of that plot twist in the last chapter?

RahulI honestly didn't see it coming at all. I was quite surprised.

Book club membersDid you relate to any particular character?

RahulSurprisingly, yes. I was nervous about sharing that, though.

Book club membersNo need to be nervous here, we love differing opinions.

RahulThat's a relief. Whose turn is it to host the meeting next?

Book club membersMine, actually. Let's vote on the next book before we wrap up.

RahulSounds good. I already have a book recommendation in mind.

Common mistakes

Quick quiz

1. What is a "monthly pick"?

2. What is a "plot twist"?

3. What does "relate to a character" mean?

4. What does "host the meeting" mean?

5. What does "vote on the next book" mean?

6. What does "well-read" mean?

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