10 Icebreaker Questions for Your Next Book Club Meeting

Starting a book club discussion can sometimes feel like a daunting task.

How do you break the ice and get everyone engaged, especially if it’s a new group or a particularly challenging book? Icebreaker questions are a fun and effective way to set the tone, encourage participation, and make everyone feel comfortable.

Below are ten creative and thought-provoking icebreaker questions designed to spark conversation, laughter, and insight at your next book club meeting.

Whether your group is tackling a modern thriller, a timeless classic, or even a banned book, these questions can help everyone connect and dive deeper into the story.

1. If this book were made into a movie, who would you cast in the leading roles?

This question invites creativity and allows members to visualize the characters in a different medium.

• Encourage everyone to share their dream cast and explain their choices. For example, if you’re discussing The Great Gatsby, who would make the perfect Jay Gatsby in a modern adaptation?

• This can lead to fun debates about character interpretations and how well the author described them.

Bonus Follow-Up: Would this book work better as a TV series or a movie? Why?

2. What one word would you use to describe this book, and why?

This quick and simple question gets everyone thinking critically about their impressions of the book.

• Members can choose words like "uplifting," "tragic," or "complex," then elaborate on what led them to pick that word.

• It’s a great way to uncover initial reactions and set the tone for deeper discussion.

Pro Tip: Write the words on a whiteboard or piece of paper to visualize the group’s collective thoughts about the book.

3. If you could step into the world of this book, would you want to? Why or why not?

This question is perfect for books with vivid world-building or unique settings.

• For a dystopian novel like 1984, members might discuss whether they could survive in such a world.

• For a romance or historical fiction piece, the discussion could center on the allure or challenges of a different time period.

This question often reveals personal connections to the story and encourages deeper empathy with the characters.

4. What character’s perspective would you like to see more of, and why?

Books often leave readers wondering about secondary characters who don’t get as much attention.

• This question allows members to explore untapped aspects of the story. For example, what would Pride and Prejudice look like from Mr. Darcy’s perspective?

• It’s a fun way to reimagine the book and speculate on "what if" scenarios.

Bonus Follow-Up: Would you read a sequel or spinoff focusing on this character?

5. What’s one question you would ask the author if they were here?

This question sparks curiosity about the writing process, the author’s intentions, and behind-the-scenes details.

• For a mystery novel, members might ask about how the author crafted the plot twists.

• For a controversial book, they might inquire about the inspiration behind certain themes or decisions.

Encourage members to reflect on what they found most intriguing or unresolved in the story.

6. What part of the book surprised you the most?

Everyone loves a good plot twist or unexpected revelation. This question encourages members to share their reactions.

• Discuss moments that shocked, delighted, or even frustrated them. For example, was there a twist ending they didn’t see coming?

• It’s a great way to revisit key scenes and gauge how different members interpreted them.

Bonus Follow-Up: Do you think the surprise added to or detracted from the story?

7. If you could change one thing about the story, what would it be?

This question invites constructive criticism and encourages members to think like editors.

• Would they rewrite the ending, add more character development, or change the pacing? For example, if a story felt rushed, how could it be improved?

• It’s a safe space for constructive debate and brainstorming.

Pro Tip: Encourage everyone to justify their changes with examples from the text.

8. What’s your favorite quote or passage from the book, and why?

This question highlights the power of language and storytelling.

• Members can share quotes that resonated with them, made them laugh, or stuck with them after finishing the book.

• It’s a great way to celebrate the author’s craft and find shared moments of connection within the group.

Bonus Activity: Compile everyone’s favorite quotes into a shared document or visual keepsake.

9. What themes or messages do you think the author wanted readers to take away?

This question digs into the "big picture" of the book and its relevance to broader topics.

• Members can explore themes like love, justice, power, or resilience and relate them to current events or personal experiences.

• For example, how does Beloved challenge readers to think about history and healing?

Pro Tip: Encourage members to connect these themes to other books they’ve read.

10. Who would you recommend this book to, and why?

This question encourages members to think about the book’s broader appeal.

• Is it perfect for fans of a certain genre, age group, or interest? For example, would The Catcher in the Rye resonate most with teenagers navigating identity?

• It’s also a great way to brainstorm who might enjoy the group’s next book pick.

Bonus Follow-Up: What kind of reader might struggle with this book, and why?

Final Thoughts

These ten icebreaker questions are just the beginning of what could be a memorable and meaningful book club discussion.

The goal isn’t just to talk about the book but to connect with one another, share unique perspectives, and find joy in the power of storytelling.

Feel free to mix and match these questions, adapt them to your group’s needs, or use them as inspiration to craft your own.

And don’t forget—every great book club meeting starts with a welcoming environment, a touch of creativity, and, of course, a love for reading.