Our group's vibe changed completely after we dropped the star rating system.
For about two years, we ended every meeting by giving the book a number from one to five. It was quick, but it made people shut down if they gave a three and someone else gave a five. Last month, our leader, Sarah, said we should stop. Now we just talk about what worked or didn't for us, without a grade. The difference is huge. People are way more open about why a character annoyed them or a plot twist felt cheap, because they aren't defending a score. Last week, discussing 'Piranesi', we had a real talk about loneliness that would have been impossible before. Has your club ever tried ditching ratings to get better talks?