Definitely, I have been reading murder mysteries since discovering Sherlock Holmes. I don’t particularly care for popular fiction. I am currently in a book club that has a variety of choices that we vote on, I have decided that I will read whatever is chosen and keep an open mind.
I do agree with this! i belong to a book club at a local independent book store and most picks are not ones I would pick otherwise. Some I really like, others not so much
Totally agree with Arthur’s statement. I believe book clubs are meant to expand your reading experience, not keep you stuck in a possible “subject” rut. When I had my first experience with a book selection being different for me, I decided I just wouldn’t go to the discussion. I eventually changed my mind, read the book and went to the discussion. The book was wonderful and discussion both enlightening and enjoyable. I have not made that mistake again. .
I think it depends on the book club. There are book clubs for a specific genre, such as mystery or romance .,which have sub genres to choose from.
Then there are general fiction book clubs ,where members take turns choosing a book from a genre of their choosing, which I think would be fun.
I have definitely read books in book clubs that I wouldn’t have otherwise. I just recently read two books that were good but I would have skipped had I not had to read them. Though once I did read a book about Salt. Oh boy. The author was a friend of a group member so we discussed it with him. It’s hard to discuss salt.
Being in book clubs (2) I end up reading outside my normal (thriller) genre and learning a lot about my fellow readers, just like this book. However, we don’t go sleuthing, sadly.