Have you ever been to a book club meeting where everything felt a bit too predictable?

Don’t get me wrong—talking about books is amazing (it’s why we’re here!), but sometimes, the meetings can start to feel like the same old routine: show up, chat about the plot, sip some tea, and leave.

Fun? Sure. Memorable? Maybe not always.

I’ve been there too, and that’s why I’ve learned the magic of spicing things up with a few creative activities.

Book club meetings don’t have to be all serious discussions.

Throw in some games, crafts, or even a themed potluck, and suddenly, your gatherings become the highlight of everyone’s week.

In this post, I’ll walk you through 20 fun and easy book club activities that you can try, whether your group meets in person or online.

Think of this as your guide to making book clubs more than just meetings—let’s make them experiences!

Why Activities Matter in Book Clubs

Before jumping into the list, let me quickly share why I think activities can totally transform your book club.

They get everyone involved. Not everyone feels confident sharing their thoughts on a book, but a fun activity? That’s a different story.
They make meetings feel fresh. A mix of activities keeps everyone excited to see what’s next.
They bring the book to life. Some of these activities are perfect for exploring the themes or characters in a unique way.

Plus, these ideas work whether your book club is in person or virtual.

So, no matter your setup, you can bring in some fun. Now, let’s get into the good stuff!

20 Fun Book Club Activities

1. Book-Themed Potluck

A book-themed potluck is one of the most immersive ways to bring your book club meeting to life.

It’s simple: each member contributes a dish or drink inspired by the book you’re reading.

If the book is set in Italy, you could have pasta, pizza, or tiramisu. Reading a fantasy novel? Think whimsical cupcakes or a drink with a magical flair.

The goal is to use food as a creative way to connect with the story and its world.

This activity works because it gets everyone involved. Members aren’t just passively attending—they’re actively contributing and thinking about the book in a new way.

Plus, it’s always fun to see how different people interpret the same theme. Some may go for elaborate dishes, while others might bring something symbolic, like cookies shaped like a key if the book features a mysterious lock.

To make it even better, encourage people to share why they chose their dish. Was it inspired by a particular scene? A character? This adds a storytelling element to the event.

If you’re meeting online, ask members to show off their creations on camera, and maybe even swap recipes afterward. It’s a delicious way to blend food, creativity, and conversation.

2. Who Said It?

“Who Said It?” is a trivia-style game that tests your members’ recall skills.

Before the meeting, jot down memorable lines or quotes from the book and challenge the group to guess which character said each one. It’s a simple but effective way to revisit key moments and characters in the story.

This activity works best when the quotes vary in difficulty. Include some iconic lines that are easy to recognize, as well as more subtle ones that might make members second-guess themselves.

For example, if the book includes a witty antagonist, you might pull some of their sassiest remarks. Or, if a romantic subplot is central to the story, you can test everyone’s memory of those heartfelt moments.

What’s great about “Who Said It?” is that it naturally sparks discussion.

Someone might remember the context of the quote differently, leading to debates about what the character meant or how the scene played out.

If you want to add a competitive edge, keep score and offer a small prize for the winner—a bookmark, perhaps, or a gift card to a local bookstore.

3. DIY Bookmarks

Making DIY bookmarks is an excellent way to add a creative twist to your book club meeting.

It’s hands-on, easy to set up, and leaves everyone with a personal keepsake tied to the book. You can theme the bookmarks around the story—use quotes, symbols, or even colors that remind you of the characters or setting.

To set this up, gather supplies like cardstock, markers, stickers, ribbons, or printed quotes from the book. You could also include specific items related to the story.

For example, if the book has a nautical theme, offer small anchors or seashell charms to add to the bookmarks. If it’s a mystery novel, perhaps include magnifying glass stickers or detective hats.

One of the best parts of this activity is the conversation that naturally happens while everyone is working on their bookmarks.

4. Alternate Endings

Imagine your book ended differently—what would you change?

Alternate endings encourage members to reimagine the story’s conclusion.

This activity is perfect for those books where the ending feels unresolved, controversial, or just plain unexpected.

Each member writes their version of the ending and then shares it with the group.

You can take this a step further by voting on the most creative or satisfying ending.

If your group enjoys storytelling, you might even have members act out their new endings or write a short epilogue to share with the group later.

It’s a flexible activity that can be as serious or as lighthearted as you like.

5. Bookish Bingo

Bookish Bingo is a fun way to get your members to engage with the book in a playful, yet thoughtful way.

The idea is to create a bingo card with different book-related prompts that challenge your group to identify certain elements of the story.

For example, you could have squares like “A character makes a major sacrifice,” “The protagonist has a secret,” or “There’s a plot twist.”

As members read, they mark off squares that apply to the book.

This activity not only keeps your members actively engaged with the book but also helps them pay attention to details they might have missed otherwise.

It’s perfect for books with multiple characters, settings, or subplots, where members might lose track of all the little pieces.

For example, if a character performs a selfless act, that would fill one square.

At the meeting, go through the bingo card together and discuss the different items.

If a member didn’t get a square, ask them to explain why or share what they were expecting in that part of the book.

The beauty of Bookish Bingo is that it’s easy to adjust for any book genre, whether it’s fantasy, romance, or thriller.

If your group is competitive, offer a prize for the first person to complete their card, like a cozy book-themed mug or a discount to an online bookstore.

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6. Literary Pictionary

Literary Pictionary is a spin on the classic drawing game, but with a bookish twist.

The idea is to draw book-related scenes, characters, or titles while others guess what they are.

You can use clues from the book you’re reading, so it’s directly tied to your current selection, but you can also add general literary elements to keep it exciting for every meeting.

For example, if you’re reading a fantasy novel, someone could draw a dragon or a magical staff.

If it’s a contemporary romance, someone might sketch a coffee cup or a park bench where two characters meet.

Keep the drawings simple and quick, since the goal is to guess the word or phrase fast.

If you’re playing in person, you can use a whiteboard or large sheets of paper. If you’re online, you can use digital tools like Skribbl.io or Zoom’s whiteboard feature.

This game is great for breaking the ice and getting people talking about the book in a fun, relaxed way.

You’ll see a lot of laughter and creativity as people try to express ideas with just a few scribbles.

7. Book Swap

A Book Swap is a wonderful way to expand your personal library while encouraging your members to share books they love.

It works like this: everyone brings a book they’re ready to part with—either a favorite they want to share or one they think others will enjoy—and then you all swap.

Each person gets to go home with something new to read!

To make it even more exciting, set some guidelines. For example, you could agree on a theme for the swap, like “Best Historical Fiction” or “Books that Changed My Life.”

Or you could ask everyone to bring books from different genres, so everyone gets a variety.

If you want to get extra creative, add a “mystery book” rule—each person wraps their book so the title and cover are hidden, making the swap feel more like a surprise gift exchange.

What’s great about this activity is the variety of books that will be shared. You might end up with a book from a genre you wouldn’t have chosen on your own, giving you a new perspective.

Plus, it’s fun to hear everyone’s reasons for why they chose their particular book to swap. Was it a childhood favorite? A book that helped them through a tough time?

Sharing stories about these personal connections can lead to some heartfelt conversations.

8. Character Costume Contest

A costume contest gives everyone the chance to bring their favorite character from the book to life.

It’s an interactive way to celebrate the story, and you can encourage everyone to get as creative as they want.

Whether they go for an elaborate outfit or a simple accessory to represent the book’s theme, the key is to have fun with it!

For this activity, you can either have everyone come dressed as a character and vote on the best costumes, or you can set up a specific time during the meeting for people to present their costumes and explain who they’re portraying.

Make sure to give everyone the chance to explain their choices, as it can lead to some funny and insightful moments.

“I’m this character because they remind me of how I felt at a certain time in my life,” or, “I love how this character had the courage to stand up to the villain!”

To make the costume contest more interactive, you can give prizes for categories like “Most Creative,” “Most Accurate,” or “Funniest Costume.”

If you’re meeting virtually, members can still join in by dressing up and sharing their looks on camera.

9. Themed Movie Night

If your book has been adapted into a movie or TV series, why not host a themed movie night to watch it together?

It’s a great way to see the book’s world come to life on screen.

If the book hasn’t been adapted yet, you can still watch a movie that’s thematically similar to the book you’re reading.

For a movie night based on a book adaptation, you can compare the differences between the book and its screen version.

Did the filmmakers capture the essence of the book, or did they take creative liberties? If the movie added or changed certain scenes, how did that impact the overall story?

This is a fantastic way to dive deeper into the book’s themes and character development, and you can get into the nitty-gritty of what worked (and what didn’t) in the adaptation.

Make it a cozy event with snacks, blankets, and themed drinks. You can ask members to dress up as their favorite characters from the book or bring book-related props to make the experience even more fun.

If it’s an online meeting, encourage everyone to watch the movie at the same time and gather afterward to discuss it.

10. Bookish Jeopardy

Bookish Jeopardy is a fun and competitive game that challenges your members to recall details from the book you’ve been reading, or it can be centered around general literary knowledge.

This activity is perfect for any group that loves a little friendly competition, and it works for any genre, whether you’re diving into historical fiction or a modern thriller.

To set it up, create categories related to the book’s content.

You could have categories like “Character Names,” “Famous Quotes,” “Plot Twists,” “Settings,” or “Trivia About the Author.”

Each category will have a series of questions with increasing difficulty and point value, just like the traditional game.

For example, a question in the “Character Names” category might be, “Who is the antagonist of the book?” or, in the “Famous Quotes” category, “Who said the line: ‘You can never go home again?’”

You can play individually or divide your group into teams. Each team will take turns selecting categories and answering questions to earn points.

At the end, the team or individual with the most points wins!

To make things even more interesting, you can offer prizes like book-themed merchandise, or if you’re on a budget, the winner could choose the next book for your book club to read.

This activity works especially well for books with intricate plots and well-developed characters. It helps the members really dive into the book’s details, and because everyone is competing, it encourages a deep understanding of the material.

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11. Literary Trivia Night

Literary Trivia Night is perfect for book clubs that love testing their knowledge.

This activity challenges everyone’s recall of literary facts, trivia, and specific book details.

You can structure it as a competitive game or make it more casual, depending on your group’s vibe. It’s a great way to mix in some fun while keeping the book discussions going.

Create a list of trivia questions that can range from easy to hard. For example, you could ask, “Who wrote ‘Pride and Prejudice’?” (easy), “What’s the name of the fictional town in ‘The Great Gatsby’?” (medium), or “Which author’s works are all set in the fictional world of Middle-Earth?” (hard).

You can divide your group into teams or let people answer individually. Add a time limit for answers to keep the pace exciting and quick.

If someone gets a question wrong, don’t worry—keep the vibe light and fun by offering bonus points for explanations or extra trivia facts.

To make it even more exciting, you could make themed rounds based on the book you’re reading, such as trivia about the author, the time period, or the setting.

For added fun, create a few “lightning round” questions, where you ask a rapid-fire set of questions, and people can only answer quickly, no thinking allowed!

12. Literary Scavenger Hunt

A Literary Scavenger Hunt takes reading to a whole new level by adding a physical or virtual search element.

This activity encourages members to look for specific things in the book or even find real-world items related to the book’s themes.

You can host this activity in person, where participants search for clues in the physical book, or virtually, where you provide online clues and challenges.

For example, if you’re reading a mystery novel, you might create a scavenger hunt where people need to find specific clues that point to the killer’s identity.

If it’s a fantasy novel, your hunt could involve finding references to magical objects, creatures, or significant locations.

You could even tie in quotes, asking participants to find a particular phrase and explain its significance in the context of the story.

If your book club is meeting virtually, you can create a list of online clues. Maybe participants need to find quotes or character descriptions online, or they can even take photos that represent different aspects of the book.

For example, “Find an image of a setting from the book” or “Find a character who shares a key trait with the protagonist.”

At the end of the scavenger hunt, come together to compare answers and discuss the different clues and their meanings.

Not only will it keep everyone engaged, but it also promotes deeper analysis of the book’s themes, characters, and setting. If your group is more competitive, offer a small prize to the person or team who finds the most clues.

13. Author Q&A or Interview

Hosting an Author Q&A or Interview can be one of the most exciting and insightful activities for your book club.

If you can get the author of the book you’re reading to participate, it’s a fantastic way to dive deeper into the themes, characters, and writing process.

This could be done in person if the author is local, or virtually if they’re farther away.

Before the event, ask your members to come up with questions they’d like to ask the author.

These could range from things like “What inspired the setting of the book?” to more personal inquiries like “What was the most challenging part of writing this novel?”

Encourage members to be thoughtful with their questions, as this can spark interesting discussions and reveal things about the book that might have been overlooked.

If you can’t arrange an in-person interview with the author, you can still host a mock interview. Have one member take on the role of the author, while the rest of the group can ask questions.

It’s a fun way to get a fresh perspective on the story. Even without the author present, this activity encourages everyone to think critically about the book and articulate their thoughts clearly.

This activity is also great for creating a connection between the author and the readers. If members get the chance to hear from the author directly, it can help them better understand the book’s background, inspiration, and the writing process.

14. Create a Book Playlist

Creating a Book Playlist is a fun way to connect music to the reading experience.

Have your members pick songs that remind them of scenes, characters, or emotions in the book you’re reading.

Music has a special way of evoking feelings, and this activity allows everyone to share how they interpreted the story through their song choices.

To get started, create a playlist where each member adds a few songs that reflect different aspects of the book.

For example, if your book has a romantic subplot, one member might choose a song that evokes the feelings of love, while another might add a dramatic track to reflect a pivotal scene.

If you’re reading a historical novel, members could choose songs that capture the time period or emotions the characters might be experiencing.

Afterward, listen to the playlist together (or individually) and discuss how each song connects to the book. You’ll find that different songs will resonate with different people in unique ways, which sparks deeper discussions about the book’s meaning, themes, and impact.

This activity works great if you’re a group of music lovers or if you’re looking for a creative way to explore the book’s mood or tone. Plus, the playlist can become a lasting memory of the book club’s reading journey.

15. Themed Book Club Dinner

A Themed Book Club Dinner is a delicious and creative way to immerse yourself in the world of the book you’re reading.

Food has a way of bringing people together, and pairing a meal with the themes, setting, or specific details of the book can elevate the entire experience.

It’s all about having fun with the culinary possibilities while deepening your connection to the story.

To get started, think about the book’s setting, time period, or even specific food mentions in the text.

For example, if you’re reading a historical fiction novel set in ancient Rome, you might try making some Roman-inspired dishes like honey cakes, roasted meats, or wine. Or if your book is set in a modern-day café, you could recreate coffee drinks or pastries.

For fantasy novels, perhaps you’ll have a magical, whimsical spread that could include foods from mythical lands. If the book mentions a specific dish, like a character’s favorite meal or a special feast, use that as your inspiration!

As members arrive, everyone can share their dish and its connection to the book. This gives people the chance to explain why they chose their dish, whether it’s based on a character’s preference or simply something that evokes the spirit of the book.

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16. Literary Charades

Literary Charades is a lighthearted game that’s sure to get everyone laughing.

It’s a fun way to act out scenes, characters, or even famous quotes from books, which gives members the opportunity to interpret parts of the story in a creative way.

The game works best in a group setting where everyone feels comfortable acting silly.

To play, write down famous book quotes, book characters, or memorable scenes from the book you’re reading on small slips of paper.

Each person will take turns drawing a slip and acting out what’s written on it—no words allowed!

For example, if you draw “The Mad Hatter,” you could act out a tea party scene with exaggerated gestures, or if you get “The Great Gatsby,” you could mimic dancing at one of Gatsby’s lavish parties. The rest of the group has to guess what it is.

If you want to make it even more competitive, you can set a timer for each round. If no one guesses the correct answer within a set amount of time, the actor can give hints or try again.

To make it fair, ensure that all the items you’re acting out are relevant to the current book or theme you’re exploring.

17. Book Club Bingo

Book Club Bingo is a fun and interactive way to get everyone involved in the book discussion.

It’s especially effective for larger book clubs where you want to ensure everyone participates, but it’s also a simple game to play in a small group.

The goal is to create a Bingo card full of different literary themes, character traits, or moments from the book, and players mark them off as they come up during your discussion.

Start by creating Bingo cards with a variety of different literary prompts that are specific to the book you’re reading.

You could include things like “A surprising plot twist,” “A character who faces a difficult decision,” “A mention of a specific location,” “A hero’s sacrifice,” or “A love confession.”

As members discuss the book, they’ll mark off items on their Bingo card when those themes or events come up in conversation.

The game continues until someone completes a row, column, or diagonal on their card. They can call out “Bingo!” and share which prompts they marked off and why.

For added fun, you can offer a small prize to the first person to win, or just enjoy the satisfaction of connecting specific aspects of the book to a game.

18. Write a Collaborative Story

A Collaborative Story is a creative way for book club members to get their imaginations flowing while still focusing on the book’s themes or characters.

This activity challenges everyone to contribute to a story by adding their own piece, with each member building upon what the previous person wrote.

It can be inspired by the book you’re reading or completely based on a fun literary concept.

Start by choosing the genre, setting, or theme of your story. For example, if you’re reading a fantasy novel, your collaborative story could take place in a magical world.

If your book has a romance element, your story could center around a love story.

Once you have a loose idea in place, start the story by having one person write the first paragraph or a short scene. Then, pass it on to the next person, who will continue the story based on what’s already been written.

The fun comes in when each person adds their own twist, whether it’s creating new characters, changing the direction of the plot, or introducing unexpected events.

By the end, you’ll have a completely unique, collaborative story that’s full of surprises. This can be done in writing, or if your group prefers, it can be spoken aloud, with each member contributing verbally.

19. Book Themed Costume Party

A Book Themed Costume Party is a fun and festive way to bring your book club meetings to life.

This activity allows members to express their love for the book through costumes, and it’s a great excuse for everyone to dress up as their favorite characters or even as a specific scene from the book.

Whether it’s a casual meet-up or a special event, this theme adds a sense of excitement and creativity to the gathering.

To organize this, choose a book where the characters or setting lend themselves easily to costumes.

For example, if you’re reading “Harry Potter,” attendees could dress as their favorite wizard or witch, while if you’re reading a historical novel, members could dress in period-specific clothing.

The more creative, the better! Everyone can share the story behind their costume and how it relates to the book.

You can turn this into a party by adding snacks, drinks, and music that tie into the book’s world.

If your book features a fictional event, you could even host a themed “event,” such as a grand ball or banquet, and ask everyone to dress accordingly. Don’t forget to offer a prize for the best costume!

20. Virtual Read-Aloud

A Virtual Read-Aloud is a great way to bond with your book club, especially if your group is meeting online or if members prefer hearing the book read aloud rather than reading it silently themselves.

This activity can take place on a video call, and the person reading aloud can either take turns with the group or read a chapter in its entirety.

The best part of a read-aloud is that it brings the book’s language, emotions, and pacing to life.

Whether it’s the dialogue, descriptive passages, or moments of tension, hearing the book spoken aloud can give everyone a new perspective on it.

It also gives the opportunity for group members to pause and reflect on the meaning behind certain passages or the tone of the reading.

If your book is long, you can break it up into sections, assigning each person a part of the chapter or specific scenes to read aloud.

This keeps everyone involved and helps everyone pay attention to the details they might otherwise miss.

Afterward, discuss what you all learned from the reading and how the vocal delivery impacted your understanding of the text.

This activity works well for any book, but especially for those with rich language, complex dialogues, or emotional scenes.

It allows members to experience the book in a unique way, enhancing the group discussion by deepening their connection to the text.

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you tried any of these activities before, or do you have a favorite book club tradition?

Share in the comments, and let’s keep the conversation going.

Oh, and don’t forget to subscribe for more bookish ideas like this one! Happy reading!