Our book club's vote for 'The Goldfinch' in Portland got completely derailed

Andrew Walker · 2026-03-26T04:30:05.93139+00:00

We planned to read Donna Tartt's book last month, but one member brought a 15-page printed essay arguing it was overrated. The meeting turned into a two-hour fight about 'literary merit' instead of the story. I just wanted to talk about Boris and the painting heist. Has your group ever had someone hijack a pick like that?

hart.mark6mo ago

Sounds like your book club needs a bouncer.

8

paulw876mo ago

Sounds like a real page-turner.

5

alicew686mo ago

Ever think about making a "no homework" rule? Like, no outside papers allowed. My old group had a guy who'd bring academic articles. Killed the vibe. We made a new rule. Talk about the book, not about other people's writing on the book. Saved us. Maybe just say the book club is for the book itself.

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