Book Club Night Kit

Cancel Me If You Can

Dave Portnoy

Cozy night

A candid, self-made founder's story of building Barstool Sports from a scrappy four-page newspaper into a digital media empire, told with unfiltered hustle and humor. It is an easy, conversational read that sparks warm talk about grit, loyalty, and chasing a dream.

Cozy Night In: Cancel Me If You Can

Pull up a comfy chair for warm cider, loaded nachos, and easygoing talk about one wild underdog hustle. Come as you are, finished the book or not.

Reading level: Easy

Best for: A relaxed club that loves real-life stories, strong personalities, and cozy debate over comfort food

Discussion

Warm-up

1.Grab a warm mug and settle in: what is a scrappy little project or side hustle you once poured your heart into, and how did it make you feel?
2.Before we dig in, share a moment in the book that made you smile, laugh, or feel a spark of I get that.

Digging in

1.The book is all about building something from almost nothing. Which part of that underdog journey warmed you or rooted you on the most, and why?
2.So much of the story is about loyalty to the people who showed up early. Who in your own life has been that kind of ride-or-die, and did the book bring them to mind?
3.When the author faces criticism or pushback, how did that land for you emotionally? Did it comfort you, unsettle you, or remind you of a time you were doubted?
4.There is a real thread of stubborn belief in yourself here. When have you had to trust your gut even when it felt risky, and how did it feel reading someone else do the same?

Going deep

1.Without giving anything away, what did the arc of this story leave you feeling by the end, hopeful, tired, inspired, conflicted, and did it sit warmly with you?
2.Looking at the whole journey, what did this book gently teach you about ambition and the cost of chasing a dream, and would you pay that price?

On the table & to sip

To eat

Loaded stadium nachos

A nod to Barstool's sports-bar roots, warm and shareable for a low-pressure night

Slow-cooker buffalo chicken sliders

Homey game-day comfort food that feeds a crowd with easy, doable effort

Warm soft pretzels with beer-cheese dip

Cozy pub-style snacking that fits the scrappy, blue-collar hustle of the story

To sip

Spiked hot cider

A warm, indulgent mug that keeps the gathering relaxed and toasty

Local craft lager

An easygoing nod to the sports-bar spirit at the heart of the book

Warm spiced apple cider (non-alcoholic) (no alcohol)

A nurturing, comforting pour so everyone has a cozy mug in hand