I finally quit bringing prepared notes to book club, and you should too
For months, I'd spend hours crafting arguments for our debates, but it made discussions feel rigid and scripted. After one particularly stale meeting (you know the kind, where everyone just recites their points), I decided to ditch my notes and just engage naturally. The very next debate was vibrant, with authentic reactions and deeper connections to the text. I've seen our club's energy transform since adopting this approach. Now, I warn fellow members: over-preparation can stifle the spontaneous magic that makes book clubs special.