Usually I would say: “Don’t do it”. It could get really embarrassing. However, if you wish to stay in the conservation for whatever reason you might find the following ideas quite helpful:
Shake off your guilt
Don’t be intimidated if other people seem better read than you. Even the most prodigious reader never has access to more than a minuscule fraction of the books that exist. Comparing yourself to others is, as in many other situations pointless.
All knowledge is valid
You may not have read a particular book, but you may have views on the author’s life, opinions about the book’s cover, or knowledge of reviews. Perhaps you saw the film adaption, or read something similar? All are good ways to discuss a book you have never opened. These approaches provide food for sounding informed and keeps dialogue progressing.
Ask for information
If you know nothing at all about the book, use it as an opportunity to glean some information in order to talk about it next time. Perhaps you can bring up books you haven’t read into conversation, specifically to ask about them. Don’t feel embarrassed about asking questions – everyone loves to be asked for their opinion, and you’ll be appreciated as a good listener.
Liberate your reading
Decide to change your definition of ‘reading a book’ and read more books, but with more freedom. There are many ways of reading a book: You can skim it, you can start and not finish it, and you can look at the index. Remember, the person you are speaking to may not have read the book you’re talking about either.
Ideas from Psychologies UK Magazine
See also
HOW TO BE CONFIDENT IN A SOCIAL SITUATION
WANT TO BE RESPECTED? KEEP THIS IN MIND
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