Are you tired of the same old book club picks? Looking to spark lively discussions and discover hidden literary gems? You’re not alone. Choosing the best book club books can be daunting, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to explore new worlds and share unforgettable experiences with fellow bookworms.

Whether you’re a seasoned book club member or just starting your literary journey, this blog is your go-to resource for finding the perfect reads. We’ll delve into various genres, from heart-wrenching dramas to mind-bending thrillers, and offer expert recommendations to suit every taste.

But what makes a book truly remarkable for a book club? It’s more than just a captivating plot or memorable characters. The best book club books spark conversation, challenge our perspectives, and leave us wanting more. They should offer ample material for discussion, whether exploring complex themes, analyzing character development, or debating the author’s message.

In the following post, we’ll offer a curated list of books based on your group’s interests. So, get ready to dive into a world of literary adventures and discover the joy of sharing your love of reading with others.

The Best Book Club Books:

Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield

is a historical fiction novel set in Victorian England. The story follows Ned, a young boy found floating down a river with no memory of his past. While trying to piece together his identity, he encounters a mysterious woman who may hold the key to his secrets. The novel explores themes of memory, identity, and the power of love.

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The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry

is a historical fiction novel set in Victorian England. The story follows Cora Seaborne, a widow fascinated by the legend of a mythical serpent rumored to terrorize a coastal town. As she investigates the sightings, she bonds with a local vicar, Will Ransome, and becomes embroiled in a conflict between science and superstition. The novel explores themes of faith, loss, and the power of nature.

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The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

is a historical fiction novel set in the Democratic Republic of Congo during the 1950s and 1960s. The story is told through the perspectives of a missionary family who arrives in the country to spread Christianity. The novel explores themes of colonialism, religion, and the complexities of cultural differences. As the family’s experiences unfold, they grapple with the challenges of living in a foreign land and the devastating consequences of their actions.

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Bel Canto by Ann Patchett

is a novel about a group of people who are taken hostage during a birthday party in a South American country. As the days become weeks, the hostages and their captors form unexpected bonds and discover a shared love of music. The novel explores themes of human connection, the power of art, and the complexities of the human condition.

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A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

is a historical fiction novel set in Soviet Russia. The story follows Count Alexander Rostov, a nobleman sentenced to house arrest in a luxury hotel. As decades pass, Rostov becomes a fixture in the hotel’s life, befriending its staff and guests. The novel explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

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The Secret Life of Bookclub by Heather Woodhaven

is a contemporary fiction novel that follows a group of women who meet weekly for a book club. As they discuss their favorite novels, they also navigate the challenges and triumphs of their personal lives. The book explores themes of friendship, love, loss, and the power of literature to connect people.

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The Woman They Could Not Silence by Kate Moore

is a historical nonfiction book that tells the story of Mary Wollstonecraft, a pioneering feminist writer and philosopher. Wollstonecraft challenged traditional gender roles and advocated for women’s education and equality. The book explores her life, her radical ideas, and her enduring legacy as one of the most influential figures in the history of feminism.

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The Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

is a historical fiction novel that follows two sisters, Libby and Evelyn, who grow up in a small town during the Great Depression. The sisters’ lives are intertwined with the fate of their family’s beloved winter garden, symbolizing hope and resilience in the face of hardship. The novel explores themes of family, love, loss, and the enduring power of the human spirit.

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The Women by Kristin Hannah

is a historical fiction novel. The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm’s way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten. A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, The Women is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era.

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The Grace Year by Kim Liggett

is a dystopian young adult novel set in a world where young women are banished to the wilderness for a year before returning to their villages to be married. The story follows seventeen-year-old Tierney, who must survive the harsh conditions of the wilderness while questioning the traditions that have shaped her life. The novel explores themes of female empowerment, societal expectations, and the power of friendship.

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The Measure by Nikki Erlick

is a dystopian young adult novel set in a world where all humans are assigned a number representing the number of years they will live. Sixteen-year-old Jenna receives a devastatingly low number, forcing her to confront her mortality and the value of life. The novel explores themes of hope, love, and the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity.

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A Love Letter to Whiskey by Kandi Steiner

is a captivating tale of love, loss, and second chances. Set against the backdrop of Nashville’s vibrant music scene, the story follows Brecks and Jamie, two individuals who share a passionate connection. Their tumultuous relationship, fueled by their love for whiskey, is a rollercoaster of emotions, heartbreak, and ultimately, the possibility of redemption.

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The Whispers by Ashley Audrain

is a psychological thriller that explores the dark underbelly of motherhood. The story centers around Nina, a seemingly perfect wife and mother whose idyllic life begins to unravel as she is haunted by disturbing whispers and secrets from her past. As Nina grapples with the line between reality and delusion, the tension escalates, revealing a chilling truth about her family and the lengths she will go to protect them.

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28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand

is a heartwarming tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of family. Set on Nantucket, the story follows two childhood friends, Trish and Ethan, who reunite after years apart. As they navigate the complexities of their past and present lives, they discover that the bond they share may be stronger than they ever imagined, leading to a second chance at love and happiness.

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Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

is a modern-day retelling of Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield, set in Appalachia. The story follows Demon, a young boy struggling to overcome poverty, abuse, and addiction. With a powerful voice and vivid imagery, Kingsolver explores themes of resilience, hope, and the devastating effects of social injustice on individuals and communities.

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The Five Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand

is a romantic comedy set on Nantucket. The story follows a group of friends who reunite for a weekend of relaxation and indulgence at a luxury resort. As they navigate love, loss, and the complexities of adult life, the friends discover that the true meaning of friendship and happiness may lie in unexpected places.

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The Rain Keeps Falling by Peony Brown

is a poignant tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory. Set in the Scottish Highlands, the story follows a young woman who returns to her childhood home to confront the ghosts of her past. As she unravels the secrets of her family’s history, she must come to terms with the choices she has made and the consequences they have had on her life.

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Maame by Jessica George

is a poignant exploration of the complexities of family, identity, and belonging. Set in London, the story follows a Ghanaian-British woman who struggles to reconcile her traditional upbringing with her modern life. As she navigates the pressures of career, love, and cultural expectations, Maame must confront her past and find a way to define herself on her own terms.

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Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See

is a historical fiction novel set in China. From a young age, Yunxian learns about women’s illnesses, many of which relate to childbearing, alongside a young midwife-in-training, Meiling. The two girls find fast friendship and a mutual purpose and they vow to be forever friends, sharing in each other’s joys and struggles. But when Yunxian is sent into an arranged marriage, her mother-in-law forbids her from seeing Meiling and from helping the women and girls in the household. Yunxian is to act like a proper wife—embroider bound-foot slippers, recite poetry, give birth to sons, and stay forever within the walls of the family compound, the Garden of Fragrant Delights.

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Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

is a heartwarming tale of friendship and resilience. Set in a small-town aquarium, the story follows a wise-cracking octopus named Marcel and a lonely widow named Hannah. As they form an unlikely bond, they help each other find meaning and purpose in their lives, discovering that even the smallest of creatures can have a profound impact on the world.

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Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts

The author of two New York Times bestselling nonfiction books, The Eighty-Dollar Champion and The Perfect Horse, Elizabeth Letts is a master at discovering and researching a rich historical story and transforming it into a page-turner. Finding Dorothy is the result of Letts’s journey into the amazing lives of Frank and Maud Baum. Written as fiction but based closely on the truth, Elizabeth Letts’s new book tells a story of love, loss, inspiration, and perseverance, set in America’s heartland.

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The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy

is a poignant exploration of family, trauma, and the complexities of human relationships. Set in South Carolina, the story follows Tom Wingo, a successful real estate agent who is forced to confront his troubled past after his sister’s suicide attempt. As he delves deeper into his family’s secrets, Tom must grapple with the devastating effects of childhood abuse and the search for healing.

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The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom

is a historical fiction novel set in the American South during the Civil War and Reconstruction era. The story follows a young enslaved girl named Aibileen who works in the kitchen of a wealthy plantation owner. As she witnesses the horrors of slavery and the changing landscape of the South, Aibileen must find the strength to survive and fight for her freedom.

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The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

is a heartwarming tale of friendship, love, and the power of literature. Set during World War II, the story follows Juliet, a writer who forms a connection with a group of islanders who have created a unique book club to survive the German occupation. As they share their stories and experiences, Juliet discovers the enduring power of human connection and the importance of finding joy in the darkest of times.

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West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge

is a historical fiction novel based on a true story. Set in the early 20th century, the story follows a group of giraffes that are transported from Africa to America to be part of a traveling circus. As they journey across the country, the giraffes become symbols of hope and wonder, capturing the hearts of millions and inspiring a nation.

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Box 88 by Charles Cumming

is a thrilling spy novel set in London. The story follows a British intelligence officer who is tasked with investigating a mysterious box that has been found in the city. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a dangerous conspiracy that threatens to destabilize the world order.

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If you’re up for a solo reading challenge, read our post on the popular A to Z Book Title Challenge with an added social media template to track and post your progress. 

What are your favorite book club picks? Share your recommendations in the comments below!