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Mollie Reads

Book Lists, Book Reviews, and Editing Tips

January 25, 2024

66 Best Book Club Books of All Time | 2024 5-Star Reads

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What makes a good book club book ? Whether you’re just starting a book club or you’ve been a part of one forever, I’ve got you covered! These are the best book club books of all time.

They’re well written, propulsive, atmospheric, full of lovable characters you want to root for, and ripe for a good discussion.

Best 5-Star Book Club Books to Spark Amazing Discussions

From the most uplifting book club books and the best fiction and nonfiction book club books to the shortest book club books and the best picks for women, these are the books every book club should read !

1. Top 20 Best Book Club Books of All Time 2. The Best Classic Book Club Books to Choose 3. The Most Popular Book Club Books for Women to Enjoy 4. The Best Nonfiction Book Club Books of All Time 5. The Best Book Club Books for Discussion 6. Addictive Book Club Reads to Keep the Pages Turning 7. Uplifting Book Club Books to Give You All the Feels 8. Short Book Club Books to Squeeze in to Your Reading Year 9. What Makes a Good Book Club Book? 10. My Favorite Book Club Planning Tool (Bookclubs) 11. What Are Book Clubs Reading Now in 2024?

Top 20 Book Club Books Your Group Needs to Read

Each book club has a different focus and purpose, and there are so many books to choose from. Even so, I have a top recommended reading list for book clubs .

These 20 books are hands down my favorite book club books of all time.

Peace like a river by leif enger.

Oh, Peace Like a River is powerful. It just stays with you. This historical fiction book will make you cry, smile, and leave you with the most heartwarming feeling ready to gush with your fellow bookworms.

Also, pssst: Leif Enger is coming out with another book this year and it’s on my most anticipated books of 2024 reading list . We’ll see if I Cheerfully Refuse is up to snuff for my 2024 book club books list.

Read the synopsis here .

Peace Like a River was published on August 2, 2001, from Grove Pr.

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Americanah is one of the most amazing books for book club! It’s about a Nigerian woman who moves to the United States. I learned so much because of this book—and there’s so much room for discussion for book club, specifically about race, cultural identification, immigration, and so much more!

Plus, it’s beautifully written, and the characters are so complex and interesting. Definitely check this book out if you want a hard-hitting book to really “marinate” on for your book club.

Americanah was published on May 14, 2013, from Alfred A. Knopf.

📚 Book Club Tip: Figuring out what book to choose for book club is tricky enough, but managing all the logistics of book club can quickly fill up your time when you could be reading. My favorite book club app is a free web and mobile app called Bookclubs . Since launching my virtual book club , I’ve been able to facilitate and encourage communication easily, from automated meeting reminders to interactive member polls to quickly vote on our next book club book. Check out Bookclubs to better reach your book club reading goals, track reading history, and host group discussions!

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

This historical literary fiction book is the perfect book club pick! Honestly, any Ann Patchett is a great book club book, imo.

And here’s a hint: If you like to get into audiobooks , this is one of my absolute favorite audiobooks ! Tom Hanks narrates. Need I say more?

Anyway, from the sibling dynamics and family saga to the compelling prose and the setting of the house being almost a character in and of itself, The Dutch House is without a doubt among the top 5-star book club books.

The Dutch House was published on September 24, 2019, from Harper.

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is for the literary fiction–leaning book club. It’s about much more than video games—it’s a complicated story about friendship and love, too.

This book is also the winner of the Goodreads best books of 2022 , fiction category. So you shouldn’t have to convince your book club too much. 😉

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow was published on July 5, 2022, from Knopf.

This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger

This Tender Land is one of the most heartfelt epic adventure and coming-of-age stories I’ve ever read! This is definitely one of the good, clean books for book clubs you could pick in 2024.

There’s many themes you could dive into for book club, including a sense of belonging, found family, loyalty, love, betrayal, and hope.

Not to mention the setting (1930s Minnesota to St. Louis ) and the historical impact of the Great Depression . . . what a book!

This Tender Land was published on September 3, 2019, from Atria Books.

One, Two, Three by Laurie Frankel

Laurie Frankel’s books are perfect for book club, in my opinion! They’re compelling and easy to read, but they tackle some heavier themes with plenty of room for discussion.

If you’re looking for unique book club books, One, Two, Three should be at the top of your list.

The character development, premise, and disability representation is all incredible. I’m also reading her newest book, Family, Family , which comes out in a few weeks, is also on my most anticipated 2024 new releases list. I think it will make a great book club pick, too.

One, Two, Three was published on June 8, 2021, from Henry Holt and Co.

The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters

The Berry Pickers is an immersive family drama that pulled me in immediately.

There’s so much to discuss for book club, from family ties and carrying the emotional burdens of your family to forgiveness, loyalty, and what it looks like to belong.

There are heavy themes here, of course, but The Berry Pickers is a wonderful, short book for book club.

The Berry Pickers was published on April 4, 2023, from Catapult.

This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub

Obviously I loved This Time Tomorrow , which is the perfect literary time-slip novel! I loved gushing about this book with my friends, and I know it would make a great book club book.

This Time Tomorrow is a lighthearted page-turner, but there’s some heavier topics to discuss as well, like aging and loving yourself through that process, seeing your parents through the lens of time, reevaluating what you want in life and who you love . . . the list goes on and on!

This Time Tomorrow was published on May 17, 2022, from Riverhead Books.

Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett

Unlikely Animals is one of the best books I’ve ever read (check out my book review here!), but I also think it’s a great book club pick. If you’re looking for quirky or unique book club books, this is the one.

A literary tragicomedy (one of my favorite genres) is ideal for book club because it’s lighthearted and funny at times but also has heavy themes and a bit more depth. The POV of the ghosts at the local cemetery gives this book an different spin, which is fun to discuss in book club!

Unlikely Animals was published on April 12, 2022, from Ballantine Books.

Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal

Thank you to @prhaudio and Pamela Dorman Books for the complimentary book! This is a cozy book to curl up with, and it is very character driven. Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club is a heartwarming, heartbreaking book that will leave you and your book club thinking about it for months to come.

If you’re a part of a midwestern book club, you should definitely add this one to your book club reading list.

Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club was published on April 18, 2023, from Pamela Dorman Books.

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

If you’ve been following my reading journey online at all, you know this is one of my most favorite books of all time. The Shadow of the Wind has a chilling mystery, intrigue, a romantic and gothic setting, and characters you root for.

This gothic thriller is the perfect book for book club. After you read it, you will want to hug this book, trust me! You’ll also want to dive into the premise and the plot while gushing about the book lover setting.

The Shadow of the Wind was published on May 1, 2001, from Penguin Books.

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Remarkably Bright Creatures is a beautiful, quirky, unique book perfect for book club.

It might take a second to get the gals in your book club on board with an Octopus POV, but trust me, this is an endearing, heartwarming, feel-good book that also tackles some tough issues.

This is a relatively short book club read, but it’s one that will stick with you for a long time. It was also a nominee for best fiction and best debut for 2022 on Goodreads .

Remarkably Bright Creatures was published on May 3, 2022, from Ecco.

All Adults Here by Emma Straub

Another Emma Straub! All Adults Here is a great book club pick for women’s fiction. If you like the dysfunctional family gossip feel mixed with lovable characters, you will love All Adults Here .

When I read this book, I didn’t want it to end. Your book club will feel the same way—and if some of the members don’t agree, it will make for an interesting discussion!

All Adults Here was published on May 4, 2020, from Riverhead Books.

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

Station Eleven is one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read, and if you like to annotate your books for book club, this is the one for you. This post-apocalyptic literary fiction book will give you all the feels and provide a lot of discussion about humanity, art, self-preservation, and so many interesting hypotheticals!

Bonus: You can do a book adaptation night after reading the book and watch the TV show together (which is incredible, by the way!).

Station Eleven was published on September 9, 2014, from Knopf.

Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane

Ask Again, Yes is a wonderful character-driven book about marriage, family, and the power of forgiveness.

As you may already know, I loved it . With the family drama and emotional honesty masterfully crafted, this is the perfect book club book.

I thought about this book for a long time after reading, which is always a sign of a great book club pick.

Ask Again, Yes was published on May 28, 2019, from Scribner.

The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo

Thank you to Doubleday for the complimentary book! The Most Fun We Ever Had is a wonderful book club book because there are so many different characters within a family, and it feels like you’re a fly on the wall for all the drama!

Even though this is somewhat chunky for a typical book club pick, Claire Lombardo’s writing style makes it easy to fly through this book.

Back when I went to an IRL book club, we read this book together, and it was such a fun one to do!

The Most Fun We Ever Had was published on June 25, 2019, from Doubleday.

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson

Thank you to Ballantine Books for the complimentary book! Black Cake is a Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for historical fiction and debut novel from 2022, so you know it’d be a great book club pick. I loved this one, and with the TV show coming out soon, I think it would make a great book club selection.

Historical and literary fiction with a mystery and driving secret? These are the best ingredients for the perfect book club book.

Black Cake was published on February 1, 2022, from Ballantine Books.

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

This is the book my virtual book club is reading right now! It’s definitely perfect for a cozy winter book club read —the descriptions of winter in the wilderness of Alaska are otherworldly. The Snow Child is a retelling of a Russian fairy tale.

This historical fiction book is irresistibly absorbing, tender, and oh my goodness, Eowyn Ivey can write a beautiful scene. The premise is so magical!

The Snow Child was published on February 1, 2012, from Reagan Arthur Books.

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

I read Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine several years ago, but it still sticks with me. Eleanor is a complex, intriguing, flawed character who experiences such transformation throughout the book.

There’s a lot to unpack in this story—mental health being the biggest topic. Broken characters and tragicomedy literary fiction stories with endings that don’t tie up in a perfect little bow are my kryptonite.

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine was published on May 9, 2017, from HarperCollins.

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Thank you to @prhaudio and Berkley for this complimentary book! Vera Wong is the most perfect character, and a cozy mystery is a really fun genre to explore for book club! I absolutely adored it. Check out my review !

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers is funny, heartwarming, and just plain endearing.

If you have an in-person book club and like to include more elaborately themed dinners, snacks, or drinks, this would be a really fun book to select. The food and the tea and all the cozy meals made me soo hungry and ready to curl up with a warm beverage. 😂

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers was published on March 14, 2023, from Berkley.

The Best Classic Book Club Books to Choose

If your book club is more of a classic, high brow type, you need to check out these top classic book club books.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is a beloved American classic and coming-of-age story at the turn of the century. Anyone who’s read it was moved to tears. Just a poignant, special book that will stick with you.

If you want to know what life was like for folks, especially young girls, in Brooklyn in the early 20th century, this is the book for you.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn was published on August 18, 1943, from HarperCollins.

Persuasion by Jane Austen

If your book club hasn’t read Jane Austen yet, it’s time! Start with Persuasion .

It’s highly regarded as the most approachable Austen book, and there’s plenty to dive into about a variety of themes, including second chance love, letting go of expectations, and the issues of social mobility, and so much more.

Persuasion was first published on December 20, 1817, from Oxford University Press.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Jane Eyre is another amazing classic to revisit with your book club! The audiobook is incredible, too.

The heartbreak, mystery, and romance is up to par with every modern literary mystery, and it’s fascinating to discuss Victorian society with other readers!

Jane Eyre was first published on October 16, 1847, from Penguin.

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

Their Eyes Were Watching God is a beautiful coming-of-age story that touches on so much, including masculinity vs. femininity, power, race, and identity.

If you read the American folklorist Zora Neal Hurston back in high school, it’s time to revisit it as an adult!

Their Eyes Were Watching God was first published on January 1, 1937, from Amistad.

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

If your book club likes a good gothic mystery or thriller and you all want to read more classics, Rebecca should definitely be on your list.

This book will probably be slower than your average domestic thriller, but the payoff is worth it. This is an engrossing, atmospheric read for everyone in your book club to enjoy.

Rebecca was first published on 1938, from Little, Brown and Company.

The Most Popular Book Club Books for Women to Enjoy

I think any of my top 20 best book club books are generally great picks for women, but here are some of the most popular women’s domestic fiction books for book club.

These are a lot of the titles you’ll see on Oprah’s book club list, Reese’s book club list, and Read With Jenna’s book club picks. Hey, if it’s good enough for Oprah Winfrey, it’s good enough for me!

Most of them are fun romantic comedies to fly through, family dramas, mysteries, or have some sentimental element—typically struggles with class, religion, marriage, or friendship.

There are usually other themes at play, but these are the most popular.

The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney

The Nest is a family drama and literary fiction book perfect for book club!

There’s so much to unpack, and the omniscient POV makes the reader feel like a fly on the wall, getting aaalll the juicy gossip.

This book is tender, funny, and definitely has some morally grey characters.

The Nest was published March 22, 2016, from HarperCollins.

Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan

Thank you to @libro.fm and G. P. Putnam’s Sons for this complimentary book! Nora Goes Off Script is also on my best books for summer reading list , so perhaps this is a book you nominate for your book club in July or August!

This book is sweet, easy to read, and will definitely get your book club talking. It’s one of the most heartwarming romance books , funny, charming, and Nora and her kids are so precious.

Nora Goes Off Script was published on June 7, 2022, from G. P. Putnam’s Sons.

Quick note: Annabel Monaghan has another book coming out in 2024 called Summer Romance (releases June 4, 2024). It looks sooo good, and it’s definitely on my most anticipated 2024 book releases list .

The Switch by Beth O’Leary

The romance community loves Beth O’Leary! I thought The Switch was so adorable and charming, and it’s such a quick contemporary romance read.

The Switch was a nominee for Best Romance in 2020 on Goodreads , so you should be able to easily convince your book club members!

The Switch was published on April 16, 2020, from Quercus.

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle

In Five Years is a wonderful contemporary romance time travel book!

There are some heavier themes, so sensitive readers should be sure to check content warnings. But in general, I think this book would make a great book club pick.

I love books that make you think about interesting hypotheticals. What would you do if you could see glimpses into your future? How would you change? The premise for this one is really interesting.

In Five Years was published on March, 10, 2020, from Atria Books.

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb

If your book club wants to read nonfiction that feels like fiction, Maybe You Should Talk to Someone should be your next pick! The mental health examination and behind-the-scenes world of a therapist is fascinating.

There’s so much to unpack in this memoir, and Lori Gottlieb’s background as a journalist really makes the book so engaging.

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone was published on April 2, 2019, from Harper.

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Little Fires Everywhere is perfect for book club because it’s an intriguing and compelling domestic drama. There’s so much to dig into, from motherhood and adolescence to race, following the rules of society, and the tragic power of misunderstandings.

If you want to shake up your book club with a fun domestic drama you can pick apart and analyze, this is a great pick for you.

Little Fires Everywhere was published on September 12, 2017, from Penguin Press.

Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple

If your book club likes to read backlist books and you missed the hype train on Where’d You Go, Bernadette , you simply must revisit it for book club! This is such a fun contemporary women’s fiction book to read with your friends.

The mystery will keep you turning pages, and the humor and characters will stay with you for a long time!

Where’d You Go, Bernadette was published on August 14, 2012, from Little, Brown and Company.

Beach Read by Emily Henry

It wouldn’t be a “best of all time” list without throwing Emily Henry into the mix! Beach Read is the ultimate feel-good romance with drama, heavier themes to discuss, and characters you fully swoon over—all to gush about at book club!

I think any book by Emily Henry would be perfect for book club (you know I loved Happy Place so, so much), but Beach Read seems to have the most universal appeal.

Beach Read was published on May 19, 2020, from Berkley.

Ghosted by Rosie Walsh

I’ve loved Rosie Walsh ever since I interviewed her on the podcast , way back when. This is a really fun contemporary fiction with a little romance and a little mystery thrown in.

Ghosted is a page-turner, and Rosie Walsh’s writing style is very similar to Liane Moriarty (another wonderful book club author!).

Ghosted was published on May 1, 2018, from Pamela Dorman Books.

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Malibu Rising would be one of the most amazing books for book club in the summer! If you like a beachy, atmospheric family drama with rich-kid-summer vibes, Malibu Rising is for you.

All Taylor Jenkins Reid books would be great for book club, but this historical fiction/contemporary romance has a lot of interesting elements to discuss in a group.

Malibu Rising was published on May 27, 2021, from Ballantine Books.

The Best Nonfiction Book Club Books of All Time

I am, i am, i am: seventeen brushes with death by maggie o’farrell.

To me, the best nonfiction books for book club are the ones that feel like fiction. And that’s definitely the case with I Am, I Am, I Am . This memoir is made up of memories curated in the most interesting way.

This is an astonishing memoir with so many stories to get your book club talking. Sensitive readers should definitely look into content warnings, but overall, this is a win.

I Am, I Am, I Am was published on August 2, 2017, from Knopf.

Educated by Tara Westover

Educated is the winner of the Good Reads Choice Award for Best Memoir & Autobiography in 2018, so really, I don’t need to convince you.

Tara Westover’s words are addictive. This book is so hard to read and so hard to put down.

This memoir is vulnerable, raw, and mesmerizing. From religion and mental health to her troubled background and the theme of hope threaded throughout the book, there’s so much to dive into with this book.

Educated was published on February 20, 2018, from Random House.

Max Perkins: Editor of Genius by A. Scott Berg

Editor of Genius is an excellent nonfiction book club pick for book club members who love F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and Thomas Wolfe.

For literary lovers who find the behind-the-scenes creation process of publishing to be really interesting, Editor of Genius is one of the best book club suggestions.

Editor of Genius was published on January 1, 1978, from Riverhead Trade.

Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness by Susannah Cahalan

Brain on Fire is a wild, true story! You may think it’s a little clinical to read about Susannah’s most intimate moments during her “month of madness,” but it was actually quite enthralling the whole way through.

I would love to read this book with my book club. The psychology and emphasis on mental health is so interesting, and Susannah’s inspiring family brought me to tears multiple times.

Brain on Fire was published on November 13, 2012, from Free Press.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain

Whether your book club members are introverts or live with or work with introverts, Quiet is a really interesting book to explore. This book truly has the power to change how we see ourselves and others.

Susan Cain talks about “restorative niches,” the places introverts retreat to when they need to recharge their energy. Discussing terms like this and exploring them together in a group really will change the way you think about introverts.

Quiet was published on January 24, 2012, from Crown Publishing Group.

Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Forms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown

Daring Greatly is an incredible book to read for book club if you’re looking for a nonfiction or self-help book. Brené Brown is a great author to pick in general!

If your book club is new and you’re hoping to get to know one another a bit better, why not dive into a book on vulnerability? This book explores shame, fear, vulnerability, and how we’re hard-wired to connect with others.

Daring Greatly was published on September 11, 2012, from Avery.

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Atomic Habits is the ideal book club pick for a club full of motivated members who love to be productive. If you’re trying to form positive habits together—like reading more books in 2024 !—this would be a great book to read and discuss together.

Learn about habit stacking and how to set up and form micro goals and habits to change your life for the better. Doing this in a group and having accountability is a game-changer.

Atomic Habits was published on October 16, 2018, from Avery.

I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

Thank you to @libro.fm and Simon Schuster for this complimentary book! This book won’t be for every book club because of the sensitive and heavier topics discussed. Plus, it’s a bit of a controversial read. You’ll need to make sure your group is okay with the content warnings first!

But for any group of people who love reading celebrity memoirs and discussing child stardom, I’m Glad My Mom Died is a fascinating read.

There’s a lot to get your group talking in this one, from TV and acting culture to mental health, creating boundaries in toxic relationships, and so much more. It’s also deeply moving, intriguing, and funny.

I’m Glad My Mom Died was published on August 9, 2022, from Simon Schuster.

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

Another Jeannette! The Glass Castle is one of my favorite memoirs of all time. This book is gorgeously written and reads like fiction.

It’s such a beautiful book about resilience and redemption and how Jeannette Walls defeats the odds to chase her dreams while growing up in a dysfunctional (and vibrant!) family.

The Glass Castle was published on January 1, 2005, from Scribner.

Glitter and Glue by Kelly Corrigan

Another family dysfunction memoir! 😂 But really, Kelly Corrigan so intimately captures a mother-daughter relationship in Glitter and Glue . Her awareness and humor is what makes this book!

If your book club is made up of moms, you’ll have some great talking points about what motherhood really means, whether or not we become our mothers, and so on.

Glitter and Glue was published on February 4, 2014, from Ballantine Books.

The Best Book Club Books for Discussion

All great book club books are perfect for book club because they get members talking. They shake things up! They make you think.

These books, however, take the discussion to another level. These are the books you won’t soon forget—the ones that tackle big themes and topics.

Long Bright River by Liz Moore

Long Bright River was a nominee for the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Mystery and Thriller in 2020 . I loved this heart-wrenching story with remarkable characters.

There’s a lot of room for important discussion, especially about the opioid crisis in small towns, but also about sisterhood bonding, the concept of addiction, the importance of community and neighbors, and the layered and well-developed characters.

Long Bright River was published on January 7, 2020, by Riverhead Books.

True Biz by Sara Nović

Thank you to Random House for this complimentary book! True Biz is a great book club pick because it’s (1) compulsively readable and (2) fascinating if you’re a reader who’s generally unfamiliar with Deaf culture and American Sign Language.

I learned so much from this book, and I was thoroughly entertained!

This book will get your book club talking about Deaf and Hearing culture, disability and civil rights, isolation, love, loss, familial trust, race and how racism shows up in Deaf culture . . . the power of human connection, and so much more! It’s also a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick, which a lot of book clubs are interested in.

True Biz was published on April 5, 2022, from Random House.

Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield

Once Upon a River is an enthralling, whimsical historical fiction story with a little magical realism thrown in. Who doesn’t love that kind of book? There’s a lot to unpack in book club for this book.

This book weaves folklore and science, and it’s suspenseful, romantic, and atmospheric. You’ll have the best time discussing whether the story is magic or myth—miracle or science.

Once Upon a River was published on December 3, 2018, from Atria.

The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel

Thank you to Alfred A. Knopf for this complimentary book! Another Emily St. John Mandel book—are we surprised? The Glass Hotel is a dreamlike literary fiction book, and it’s (no surprise, again) beautifully written.

If you read this book by yourself and don’t discuss it at all, you really miss out on an enriched reading experience.

Your book club can really pick apart the ideas of love and delusion, the concept of consequences and how they change the course of our lives, the way we search for meaning, and so much more. Plus, there’s a mystery thrown in that will keep you reading!

The Glass Hotel was published in March 24, 2020, from Alfred A. Knopf.

The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende

Isabel Allende has been regarded as the queen of magical realism for so long! This is a historical fiction, Spanish literature book that you could read slowly and discuss often with a reading schedule. The House of the Spirits could be on your historical fiction book club reading list, too.

It’s an incredible saga to dive into, and there’s a lot of political and personal turmoil to discuss. The themes of magic, true love, and fate are thrown in—perfect fodder for book club!

The House of the Spirits was published on 1982 from Dial Press.

These Ghosts Are Family by Maisy Card

Thank you to @libro.fm and Simon & Schuster for this complimentary book. These Ghosts Are Family is an incredible generational saga about a Jamaican family. There’s so much to discuss here, from how trauma informs our decisions, migration, forming your identity outside of family, the history of slavery, and so much more.

If you like juicy stories about family secrets, you will love this book.

These Ghosts Are Family was published on March 3, 2020, from Simon & Schuster.

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

Thank you to Simon & Schuster for this complimentary book! Anxious People is a literary fiction and mystery book with a lot of heart and humor. We love a poignant comedy! Fredrik Backman has a way with words and is so good at communicating universal truths—which is why his books are perfect for book club.

Any book that is essentially an in-depth look at the human condition is going to be a great book club pick.

Anxious People was published on April 25, 2019, from Simon & Schuster Canada.

The Fury by Alex Michaelides

Thank you to Celadon Books for this complimentary book! The Fury is an incredible book club pick! This murder mystery thriller is captivating from start to finish, and the narrator/POV is one of the freshest voices I’ve read in a long time. We get to know him from the time he was a young man, and he tells the story so intimately.

A tale of murder and a spin on the classic whodunit, The Fury will be a fun story for your book club members who love juicy secrets among the rich and terrible!

The Fury was published on January 16, 2024, from Celadon Books.

Addictive Book Club Reads to Keep the Pages Turning

All good book club books should be page-turners, but these are my favorite book club books that come to mind when I think of propulsive, addictive, unputdownable books.

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

It had to be said!! Gillian Flynn’s books are made for book club, IMO. If you haven’t read Sharp Objects yet, just know it will have you on the edge of your seat.

The suspense, the secrets, the character development . . . it’s all complex and compelling from the start to the last page!

If your book club tends to love a dark, psychological thriller, you have to try this book.

Sharp Objects was published on September 26, 2006, from Broadway Paperbacks.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

The Nightingale is one of my favorite historical fiction books of all time. This is one of those must-read books for book club about strong women.

The Nightingale isn’t particularly short, but you will tear through this book. It’s incredibly easy to read—I know many people who read this book for the first time in one sitting.

The Nightingale was published in February 3, 2015, from St. Martin’s Press.

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

The Guest List is a fun, atomospheric whodunit that will have you turning pages as fast as possible! I couldn’t put this book down. A wedding celebration turns dark and deadly!? Are you kidding?

This would be a great book club pick for an in-person book club that likes to do a theme with food and drinks. The decadence on an island off the coast of Ireland adds to the festive vibe (that is, until everything goes wrong).

The Guest List was published on February 20, 2020, from William Morrow.

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

Thank you to G. P. Putnam’s Sons for this complimentary book! Such a Fun Age is compulsively readable and perfect for book club discussion. I devoured this book so quickly—all the way to the last page. The micro-aggressions in this book were so perfectly captured—it’s such a smart social commentary.

If you want to read a fun page-turner that also touches on deeper topics like race and privilege, you should definitely nominate Such a Fun Age for your book club pick.

Such a Fun Age was published on December 31, 2019, from G. P. Putnam’s Sons.

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

Thank you to @libro.fm and HarperTeen for this complimentary book! This book is so compelling—you will fly through it because it’s a novel-in-verse young adult book.

Clap When You Land is a story of sisterhood, familial ties, identity, and the power of forgiveness. Even though it’s a page-turner, your book club can dive into a deeper exploration of grief.

Clap When You Land was published on May 5, 2020, from HarperTeen.

Uplifting Book Club Books to Give You All the Feels

Sweep: the story of a girl and her monster by jonathan auxier.

Sweep is a beautiful historical fiction middle grade book that will, simply put, make you cry in the best way.

Your book club may be hesitant at first since this is a middle grade book, but it’s one of the most heartwarming middle grade books you’ll ever read.

Sweep was published on September 25, 2018, from Puffin Canada.

Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes

From the sleepy seaside small town in Maine to the lovable characters and the transformational storyline, Evvie Drake Starts Over is one of the best feel-good contemporary romance books.

It’s sweet, funny, and heartwarming as the main protagonist, a young woman named Evvie, deals with life after the death of her husband. It sounds heavy, but it’s quite lighthearted and charming.

Evvie Drake Starts Over was published on June 25, 2019, from Ballantine Books.

Last Call at the Local by Sarah Grunder Ruiz

Thank you to @prhaudio and Berkley for this complimentary book! I loved this neurodivergent romance book , and so will your book club! If you’re familiar with the sunshine x grump trope in romance, Last Call at the Local has two sunshine characters fall in love, and it’s literally the most charming feel-good novel!

Set in a cozy Irish pub, Raine meets Jack, and it’s the cutest. Raine has ADHD and Jack has OCD, so there’s a lot to learn and discuss about neurodiverse characters with your book club

Last Call at the Local was published on January 2, 2024, from Berkley.

The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella

Thank you to @prhaudio and The Dial Press for this complimentary book! The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella was a cute, charming, feel-good contemporary romance book! I really enjoyed this one—I was interested the whole time, and even though there’s some heavier topics discussed, it felt lighthearted and sweet.

I really think most people who have experienced burnout or bone-deep exhaustion will find this book to be refreshing, thoughtful, and inspiring.

The Burnout was published on October 10, 2023, from The Dial Press.

The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise by Colleen Oakley

Thank you to @prhaudio and Berkley for this complimentary book! This roadtrip book with a dear, sweet, unlikely friendship just made me smile the whole time. The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise has such a fun premise and a heartwarming transformation among the two main characters.

There’s a mystery thrown in, but really, this book is about friendship. Perfect for book club.

The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise was published on March 28, 2023, from Berkley.

Short Book Club Books to Squeeze in to Your Reading Year

My sister, the serial killer by oyinkan braithwaite.

My Sister, the Serial Killer is an absolute trip! This mystery thriller is darkly funny and so smart. If your book club is looking for a short book to read and discuss during a busy month, like November or December, this is a great pick.

The premise is fascinating, the characters are remarkable, and the pacing is impeccable.

My Sister, the Serial Killer was published on November 20, 2018, from Doubleday.

Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson

Red at the Bone surprised me in the best way. This short book is powerful! It packs a punch. Jacqueline Woodson’s prose actually took my breath away. It’s also a New York Times Notable Book of the Year from 2019.

It’s a hard-hitting book about parenting, identity, ambition, gentrification, education, class and status, and how young adults sometimes have to make decisions that affect the course of their lives forever.

Red at the Bone was published on September 17, 2019, from Riverhead Books.

Sula by Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison is a fantastic author to explore with your book club! There’s so much to unpack in all of her books, but Sula is especially great if you’re looking for a short read to dive in to together. In this book, we follow a Black woman, Sula, and her friend, Nel.

Sula is a best friend story and, honestly, a literary masterpiece. This novella explores many themes, from Black masculinity to what life looks like for a Black single mother of three in this period of time.

Sula was published on January 1, 1973, from Plume.

What Makes a Good Book Club Book?

In my opinion, what makes a good book club book is the main ingredients of good characterization, an engrossing story/premise, captivating prose, and themes throughout the book that lead to bigger, more important discussions.

So, what books are good for book club, exactly? Books with . . .

• Funny, quirky, and flawed characters you want to root for
• Complex relationships you could analyze with your book club besties
• Interesting historical time periods, settings, or worldbuilding
• Some sort of critique on culture and society at large
• Interesting themes that lead to more in-depth discussion
• Shorter pages, if possible (or books that are so propulsive they feel short)
• A wider availability, unless you have some savvy book club members
• Universal appeal, or at least they don’t alienate your members
• A lot of emotion, mystery, or a driving question

Different Books for Different Book Clubs

Every book club is different. Your book club may want more hard-hitting literary fiction while another book club is really only interested in lighthearted, funny, or uplifting books.

The best book club book recommendations come from really knowing the people in your book club and gauging everyone’s preferences and interests.

Read Widely and Diversely

You won’t find a book club book everyone will enjoy equally, and it’s okay to disagree about a book ! In fact, those book club meetings might be the most fun and interesting!

One of the best things about book club is having the opportunity to read widely and diversely—to discover a book you might not have otherwise picked up.

Read What Sticks

So if you’re wondering how to choose a book for book club, ask yourself, which book would provide the most universal appeal, evoke emotion or interesting questions for discussion, and likely stick with readers for a long time?

My Favorite Book Club Planning Tool (Bookclubs)

If you’re a booknerd like me, you probably also hem and haw over how to choose a book for book club . It can feel like a lot of pressure to pick a book for everyone!

That’s why I personally love Bookclubs , the free web and mobile app that helps book clubs manage and organize their groups! The app serves more than 65,000 book clubs worldwide and offers everything you need to start and manage a successful book club.

+ Invite anyone you want with a single click. + Easily automate your meeting reminders and calendar invites + Create fun and interactive member polls + Track your group’s reading history and collective to-be-read list so you can narrow down books your club wants to eventually read + Host discussions, virtually or in a chat thread When it’s time to pick a new book for my virtual book club , we nominate books in a chat thread, and then I throw up a poll with the selected book titles and descriptions.

Here’s what that looks like in the mobile app:

I can’t tell you how easy it is to pick books for book club now! Giving folks the option to vote on a book and see the results instantly . . . it’s so great. You can also make voting anonymous, if you want.

Even if you’d rather select the book yourself and not have members vote on the book, the polls are perfect for picking meeting times.

They don’t have to be just functional polls, either. Create icebreaker polls, polls about the book content, or fun and silly would-you-rather questions. 😊

What Are Book Clubs Reading Now in 2024?

Here’s a list of the most popular books for book club right now, in 2024:

• Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
• Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
• The Heires s by Rachel Hawkins (psssst, this is my book club’s pick for February! Join us !)
• None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
• Tom Lake by Anne Patchett

We love a popular, buzzy book! In my book club, we select one new release a month and a backlist book the next month.

What are your book club book lists for 2024 or the best book club reads you’ve ever brought to your group? I’d love to know. I’ll have more specific book club lists coming soon, but for now, these are my top 20 best book club books of all time !

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What Is a Book Club and How Does It Work?

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Do you love books? Are you often looking for people to discuss literature with? Lots of people love to read, but it can be hard to find someone to discuss the book you're reading — especially if you love an uncommon genre. If you're having a hard time finding people to talk with about your reading material, you might want to consider joining or starting a book club . They're also great opportunities to meet new people and make new friends with common interests.

What Is a Book Club?

A book club is a reading group, usually consisting of a number of people who read and talk about books based on a topic or an agreed-upon reading list. It's common for book clubs to choose a specific book to read and discuss at the same time. Formal book clubs meet on a regular basis at a set location. Most book clubs meet monthly in order to give members time to read the next book. Book clubs can be focused on literary critique or on less academic topics. Some book clubs are focused on a certain genre, such as romance or horror. There are even book clubs dedicated to a particular author or series. Whatever reading material you prefer, if you can't find a book club for it why not think about starting your own? 

How to Join

It's common for groups of friends who enjoy reading to start book clubs, but if your friends aren't the literary type there are other options. You can check your local library or community center to see if they run a book club. Independent bookstores often run book clubs as well, and they might even offer a discount to members. Websites are also a great place to search for book clubs in your area.

Where Do Book Clubs Meet?

Clubs started among friends often meet in people's homes. But if the purpose of your club is to meet new people, it's best to meet in public locations like library community rooms or coffee shops. Bookstores are often happy to host book clubs as well. Remember, if you meet in business (like a coffee shop), it's polite to purchase something if you plan on staying for an extended period of time.

Choosing Books

Deciding what to read in your club can be hard, especially if your club lacks a theme. Many books come with lists of discussion questions at the end, which are perfect for starting conversations. Books can be chosen as a group or by the club leader. Some clubs rotate who chooses the reading material.

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• Rules to Make Your Book Club Run Smoothly
• How to Lead a Book Club Discussion
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• 50 General Book Club Questions for Study and Discussion
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• 'The Rosie Project' by Graeme Simsion
• Book Club Discussion Questions for My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
• Going to College While Living at Home?
• R.J. Palacio's "Wonder" — Book Club Discussion Questions
• 17 Things to Do on a College Campus When You're Bored
• The Case for the Importance of Taking Notes

Create a free Bookclubs account to organize your book club, get reading recommendations, view hundreds of discussion guides, and more!

12 Best Book Club Questions for Any Book

Updated: Jan 10, 2024

Zoe Epstein

Today in our How to Book Club series , we’re tackling the best book club questions for a great discussion.  Some people like to wing it for book club, but others live by Alexander Graham Bell’s aphorism that preparation is the key to success. 

One of the best ways to ensure a successful book club meeting is to come prepared with good discussion questions.  A great list of discussion questions can help you avoid awkward silences and move your club beyond obvious questions like whether or not you liked the book.  

So dive into our favorite discussion questions below, and when you're ready to take your book club to the next level, organize your next meeting and manage your club membership with  Bookclubs.com  or the  Bookclubs app . From  scheduling meetings  and  polling members , to tracking books and facilitating discussion with  ready-made book club questions , we have all the tools you need to focus on the joy of reading together.

Looking for a book club questions for a specific book? 

A great place to start is Bookclubs' Book Club Discussion Guide center , which has book-specific questions for hundreds of titles.  Check back often as we add book club questions for new book club books every week!  Some are written by Bookclubs staff, while others come from the books’ publishers.  

General book club questions for any book! 

If you can’t find a guide for the book your club is reading, we’ve put together this helpful list of general book club questions.  These questions work well for almost any book, whether you’re reading fiction or non-fiction.  

Take a look through, pick out a few questions that you think will work best with your book, and never worry about running out of things to talk about at book club again!

If you're in search of even more questions, check out our ultimate list of book club discussion questions for fiction and nonfiction, with 124 book club questions broken out by genre .  

• Would you recommend this book to someone?  Why or why not (or with what caveats)?  What kind of reader would most enjoy this book?
• Did you find the author’s writing style easy to read or hard to read? Why? How long did it take you to get into the book?
• Who was your favorite character? What character did you identify with the most?  Were there any characters that you disliked? Why?
• Did any part of this book strike a particular emotion in you? Which part and what emotion did the book make you feel?
• How much did you know about this book before picking it up? What surprised you the most about the book?
• Was there any part of the plot or aspects of the characters that frustrated or upset you? If so, why?
• How thought-provoking did you find the book?  Did the book change your opinion about anything, or did you learn something new from it? If so, what? 
• Did you highlight or bookmark any passages from the book? Did you have a favorite quote or quotes? If so, share which and why?
• From your point of view, what were the central themes of the book? How well do you think the author did at exploring them?
• Compare this book to other books you have read by the same author, or other books you have read covering the same or similar themes.  How are they the same or different?
• How would you adapt this book into a movie? Who would you cast in the leading roles?

Finally, here at Bookclubs, we like to end all of our book club meetings with this question:

• Rate this book on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.  Why did you give the book the rating you did?  Did any part of this book club discussion change your rating from what it would have been directly after finishing the book? 

Then use the Bookclubs app or website to record your rating and share a review of the book !

Download free printable book club questions

Keep your book club discussion questions at your fingertips with our book club questions pdf , making it easy for you to plan and lead insightful discussions about the books you read. With the printable book club questions readily available, you can focus on fostering meaningful conversations with your book club members, instead of worrying about coming up with questions on the spot.

Looking for more on how to run a book club discussion?

Coming prepared with good discussion questions is only the first step to a great book club conversation.  Bookclubs also has all the club organizing tools you’ll need to keep your book club running smoothly. 

• Automated Meeting Scheduling & Reminders: The meeting syncs with your calendar and all members receive a notification so whether you’re meeting virtually or in-person, you’re keeping book club on the calendar!
• Interactive Polls: Avoid those lengthy email chains with our interactive polls for book selection, choosing your next meeting time, and more.
• Message Boards & 1:1 Direct Messages: Share your latest book banter with direct messaging features and club message boards.
• Digital Shelving: Keep track of what your club (or you) has read and wants to read next. See in an instant what your club is reading this month, view your past reads in one place, and recommend books to each other – so you always have options for what to read next!
• Track Your Reading Goals: Set a goal for the number of books you'll read over the course of the year, the number of book club meetings you'll attend, or jot down and memorialize any other reading-related intentions you might have. Check back over the course of the year to see your progress, and we'll even send you reminders and motivation if you're falling behind. 
• Grow Your Club: Looking to connect with readers outside your personal circle? Open your club to the public and find new members in your hometown or across the globe.

Say hello to a better book club experience today and create your free account to get started.

Do you have any other must-ask general book club discussion questions?  Share them in the comments below!  

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How to Keep Your Book Club From Becoming a Wine Club

Librarians, professors, and literary professionals offer their best advice on how to run a successful group.

Imagine this familiar scenario: A book club has decided to meet at an appointed time and place. A host has lit candles, set wine and cheese on a table, arranged chairs in a circle, and put on background music. The guests arrive, maybe holding hardcovers with stiff spines or library-laminated dust jackets. The room fills with chatter as attendees grab their glasses and sit. Then there’s some silence, some twiddling of thumbs, some sipping. Finally, the truth comes out: No one has read the book. Maybe the readers skimmed the title in question but found it boring. Maybe this is the second, or the fifth, month in a row this has happened. Someone might break the tension by asking another member about their job, or relationship, and soon the whole affair devolves into a social meetup, or—worse—things go quiet. Perhaps the club stops meeting altogether, or the gatherings end up so off-course, the group may as well just have gotten dinner together, no reading involved.

This scene is recognizable for a reason: Running a book club is hard. The format combines a social obligation with, essentially, adult homework. Even journalists who cover books are susceptible to this pattern. Like many others, I attempted to start a book club in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic. I was home all the time with little to do other than read; I had a willing group of my best friends on board; we’d made a schedule and discussed titles. And probably like a significant chunk of clubs that had started similarly, ours flopped very quickly. We struggled to decide what to read, had a hard time meeting consistently, and eventually abandoned the enterprise altogether.

Read: The exquisite pain of reading in quarantine

Where did we go wrong? And how can we set ourselves up for success in the future? More important, what would that even look like? To find out, I spoke with booksellers, librarians, professors, and other professionals in the literary world. Their advice varied, but they all agreed on a few major themes.

Be specific.

A good way to attract the right people to your club—and keep them focused—is to be up-front about what you’re going to read and what your goals are. With the sheer number of books in the world, and more released every year, going too broad can sow chaos. (Part of the reason my friends and I struggled to finalize our choices was our anything-goes attitude toward suggesting titles.) My Nguyen, a librarian at the District of Columbia Public Library, runs three book clubs with clear mandates: In one, members read Shakespeare plays; in another, they read International Booker Prize winners; and in The Intimidating Book Club, readers sign up to get through challenging classics—the group has finished Middlemarch , Moby-Dick , and The Brothers Karamazov . And Hannah Oliver Depp, the owner of Loyalty Bookstores in D.C. and Silver Spring, Maryland, runs a club that has been making its way through Agatha Christie’s work for three years.

A clear format tells attendees what to expect. But don’t get too in the weeds: “Try to be as original as possible, yet not so idiosyncratic that people are like, ‘What is this?’” said Shawn McDermott, another DCPL librarian who runs a cookbook book club. (In that group, members read a cookbook every month, and McDermott prepares food for participants to share.)

Picking the right book is important …

Everyone I talked with had opinions on how to pick a book to read, but most agreed that a good book-club book isn’t necessarily one that everyone in the group will love. When you choose a book, you should exercise what librarians call “reader’s advisory,” which Ron Bergquist, an associate professor of information and library science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, defines as being “able to understand what readers want to read even if they can't quite articulate what it is”—and even if it clashes with your own taste. This mindset is crucial when you are in a club with friends whose preferences differ from your own, as I was. I desperately wanted to read Patricia Lockwood’s No One Is Talking About This , but acknowledged that her unique, internet-addled style doesn’t work for everyone. Instead, as a group of 20-something women, we agreed on Meg Jay’s The Defining Decade , a 2012 book arguing that ages 20 to 29 are crucial to setting up future success and happiness. I’m not typically a pop-psych reader, but putting myself in my group mates’ shoes helped me find something that would spark discussion.

… But don’t overthink it.

Stressing too much about choosing the perfect title is unhelpful. Instead, the selection should get people talking, even if they dislike or disagree with it, Oliver Depp said. (Predictably, Jay’s style didn’t speak to me.) And it doesn’t need to be particularly popular or well known: Elisabeth Egan, who writes a monthly literary column, “Group Text,” at The New York Times , said that she tries to pick “the unsung heroes”—titles that might be unexpected. Egan sums up and comments on the book, then provides discussion questions and other suggested reading, so her column functions as a kind of “starter pack” for book clubs. Other simple tips I picked up: Make a scheduled reading list and choose something available in paperback—they’re easier to carry and might be more widely stocked at stores and libraries.

Nail down the cadence.

When deciding how often you’ll meet, think about how much time everyone has to commit to reading. Most of the people I talked with described meeting once a month, though you can adjust for your group’s needs. Erica Parker, the manager of adult programming at the New York Public Library, emphasized that having a consistent meeting time is a “key element,” so that members can build it into their schedules. Leaving too much time in between meetings can be counterproductive, even if it seems like it’ll give members more time to finish a title. (This may have been one of my own club’s greatest weaknesses, I learned; we scheduled our meetings nine weeks apart.)

Have a facilitator.

To keep things organized and on-topic, some experts like Nguyen strongly suggested appointing someone to lead the discussion. Their role is, essentially, to protect the group, she said. With someone in charge, the conversation is less likely to be derailed by a talkative participant, and interruption can be handled politely. A leader can also prepare and ask open-ended questions, which are especially helpful when what you’ve read has a lot to unpack. “Creating a supportive environment is a big part of making sure that there’s buy-in for books that might be a little bit more dense or challenging,” Parker told me. With someone guiding the analysis, there’s less potential for awkward silences. Still, “silence is an excellent educational tool,” even when it’s uncomfortable, so you shouldn’t shun those moments entirely, Nguyen warned. A good facilitator will realize that and make space for things to sink in.

Read: Why some people become lifelong readers

It’s okay to not finish the book.

The classic horror story—a room full of people who haven’t read the selection—might seem like a scenario to be avoided at all costs. But someone who didn’t finish (or, in some cases, start) can still show up and contribute valuable thoughts to the discussion. “We do really encourage people engaging with the content in whatever way makes sense for them,” Parker told me. And not getting to the end shouldn’t be shameful, Egan said. “You don’t hesitate to switch stations on the radio when you’re driving in the car and hear a song you don’t like … I’ve always had a strict no-guilt policy. If it doesn’t work for you, and you’ve given it its fair shake, onward to the next book.”

If people haven’t read the book, Nguyen said, that’s an opportunity to “read it together out loud, maybe slowly, and then stop and say … ‘How did you experience this paragraph?’ Or ‘What do you think this title means?’” Not finishing isn’t a disaster—but finishing is worth celebrating, too, even if it’s a book you disliked. For me, that was The Silent Patient , by Alex Michaelides (we’ll be ready for the film adaptation, at least).

The most important thing is connection.

“I think people put so much pressure on themselves to make sure that … they have the right food and it’s the right selection and people aren’t going to feel like they wasted time,” Shannon DeVito, Barnes & Noble’s director of books, told me. But what readers really want is “to connect with people and to learn more about each other through a fictional lens,” she said. And you don’t have to have an identity as a reader to get something out of meetings: Anyone can forge a connection with their fellow group members if they give it an honest shot, DeVito explained.

What I wanted from my book club was to come together with my friends, even though we were separated from one another by geography and the threat of illness. Even though we didn’t last long, thinking about the same challenges, mulling over the same twists, and showing up to talk about them was valuable. Reading was just a pretense to get us all in the same Zoom room. So here’s the last piece of advice I got: Even if your meetings come to an end, cherish the conversations you did have. The most important part of a book club is the club, not the books.

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Book Recommendations and Book Lists For Adults And Kids

The Ultimate List of Best Book Club Books To Get Your Group Talking

February 8, 2024 - Updated February 8, 2024 // Leave a Comment

Y’all know what a big book club enthusiast I am. Seriously, one of the best things about my social life since I started creating and joining book clubs in my mid 20’s. At one time I was juggling three in-person book clubs because I was extremely into being part of them — before you know, I had a child and can only juggle one now.

One of my favorite –yet most intimidating things –in life is picking book club selections for the many books clubs I’ve run or been apart of. A book club book can really make or break the meeting and sometimes it’s hard to juggle what everyone’s already read, making sure the book is easy to find, it will generate enough to talk about, etc.

I’ve been part of many book clubs, in different stages of my life, that have read very different types of books and I have enjoyed reading a variety of different books — some I might not have ever picked up but am glad I did. Every book club has also been different in HOW we select our books. But there’s always so much pressure (and thrill!) whenever it was my turn or it was time to pull together selections as a group.

I want to help you make that selection process easier for you with some suggestions of great book club books — newer and backlist faves — that will get your book club talking this year. These are ones I’ve either had great success with in my book clubs or books I thought “I wish I read this with my book club!”

So whether you are looking for book club suggestions in 2024 that will lead into a riveting discussion or just need a book to talk about for 10 minutes to keep the masquerade that your gathering is a book club (hey some of my favorite book clubs have been that!), I’ve got you!

• Popular Book Club Picks Worth The Hype

2024 Releases I Think Will Be Book Club Material

Books that generate discussion about social issues.

• Polarizing Book Club Picks

Book Club Picks That Your Group Might Not Have Read Already

Light-hearted book club picks.

• Mystery/Thriller Book Club Picks

Historical Fiction Book Club Picks

Literary fiction book club picks, general contemporary fiction /women’s fiction book club selections, non-fiction book club picks, fantasy/science fiction book club picks, young adult book club picks.

For more book club related posts :

• great ideas to refresh your book club
• book club gift ideas
• how to find a book club to join near you
• how to start a book club
• short book club books
• best young adult book club books
• engaging non-fiction book club picks

Good Book Club Books To Read With Your Book Club In 2024

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links which means that if you click on a link and purchase something I’ve talked about or recommended, I’ll receive a very small percentage of the sale. Please see my disclosure policy for more info

I think there’s a lot that goes into what makes a good book club pick but, in my experience, I try to go for books that I think will have A LOT to discuss versus something I just might think will be enjoyable.

I always say I would rather everyone hated the book but we couldn’t stop discussing it all meeting over a book we all loved but nobody really had anything to say about it.

Sometimes it can just be themes I think that can be relatable — motherhood, friendship, self-discovery, grief, courage, etc. Things I think will lead to a fantastic discussion — one of my most successful book clubs really kept picking books that had us meandering from the book-centric coversation to personal talk about the themes in the book.

Sometimes that means a book I know has been a bit polarizing to really get people talking about what they felt about it! Other times I like to grab books that feature a hot button topic or social issue (proceed with caution if you don’t have a book club that can handle that well). I really love when we have a lot to say about books haha

Or even sometimes just the “it” books that we hear everyone talk about and want to join in on the conversation!

One book club I was a part of kept picking books that were fun and everyone wanted to read but left for little discussion which is FINE depending on how much you are hoping to chat about the book.

You just kind of have to know your book club. If you just want a casual conversation, then you don’t need books with a lot of meatier topics. Just good books that you can talk about while you enjoy your meal or whatever.

Not every book has to have super heavy or “issue-y” things to discuss, but I do tend to pick things that — even if the book is on the lighter side — that will give SOMETHING to talk about. Even if it’s just a good plot twist or something thought-provoking, life-affirming or will simply have us sharing our own stories about dating, growing up, or whatever!

My favorite book clubs I’ve been a part of are ones where we discuss the book (not in any scholarly dissection way) and then conversation flows from the themes and things we discussed. I had one book club meeting where we talked more about friend breakups, a major theme in the book, more than we actually talked about the contents of the books — I loved it! I’m definitely a sucker for books that have a lot to talk about within their pages but also about things in our lives whether that’s current events or own lives. Also anything thought-provoking!

It really depends on what vibe you want for your book club!

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Popular Book Club Picks Worth Reading

These are the book club reads that are tried and true book club favorites that I think are definitely worth the read if your book club hasn’t gotten to them yet. Perfect for book clubs who are more casual readers or new-to-reading and maybe haven’t read all the popular book club reads.

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

I actually picked this one for an online buddy read that I hosted but I ended up failing spectacularly and reading it AFTER the discussion that went on without me — and that REALLY was the worst because there is a reason this book is a popular book club read. So much to discuss in this book about a young girl and her family, led by her father who hasn’t been right since Vietnam, who move to the middle of nowhere Alaska. It’s a harsh life, especially being ill-equipped and with her explosive father, and this one will break your heart.

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

Mostly everyone in our book club loved this one — I especially did. Honestly, I haven’t read a Backman book that wouldn’t be a good book club pick. But this one is a darling of book groups everywhere and for good reason — a curmudgeonly old man who doesn’t want to live much anymore and the new neighbors who barge their way into his life.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

This is a newer book that is taking book clubs by storm! Tons to discuss with this inspiring and magical story of “what ifs”, choices and living the life we have as the main character gets a chance to explore what life would have been like if she’d made different choices in her life. Just a content note: it doesn’t mention it in the summary but the MC is depressed and suicidal in the beginning. This would be a great book club book for groups who really love talking about their own life experiences by way of a book.

The Girl With The Louding Voice by Abi Dare

Another newer book club favorite — the story of Adunni, a courageous young girl in Nigeria determined to get the education she desires despite a society intent on her not doing that, will be one you won’t be able to stop talking about. Great if your book club loves books about courage, resilience, and strong women doing great things in the face of adversity. Heartbreaking and heartwarming all in the same breath — so much to discuss!

Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

If your book club loves historical fiction and hasn’t read this top book club pick inspired by the horrendous real-life events of child kidnapping/abuse surrounding the Tennessee’s Children Home activities in the 20’s and 30’s, grab this one! It’s a devastating one at times and will make an emotional impact for sure — I wish I read this one with a book club because there is just so much to dive into.

What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty

Liane Moriarty is basically a book club goddess with other book club faves like Big Little Lies and others — she always gets you talking whether or not you loved the book! What Alice Forgot is about a woman who wakes up to find a whole decade has passed and with it her marriage, her relationship with her sister and there’s been a whole lot of other life changes that weren’t the case when she last remembered as a 29 year old. Her memory is gone and she must piece together what happened in the past decade. I think things explored in this book will resonate with many women’s book clubs — especially those in their 30’s and 40’s. Perfect book if you want something light-hearted with tons of depth and discussion-worthy stuff.

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Such A Fun Age by Kiley Reid

Almost put this one under the polarizing category because, in my experience reading it with a group, it’s been pretty polarizing on how people feel about how well it tackled important topics — some people thought it didn’t dive deep enough (I think the onus is on the reader to dig deeper with what she laid out) and some hated most the characters. I personally thought it was such a sharp and nuanced look at every day racism, in a book that isn’t overly dark, but is still impactful in how it shows the nuances in conversations about race, white saviorism and all the ways even “woke” people fail no matter how well-intended, etc. A lot to unpack but I think if your book club is the thoughtful type this would be a great discussion book for your group.

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry

If you like charming books that make you laugh and cry all at the same time, this is a great one. It’s about a curmudgeonly, isolated bookstore owner who receives a surprise that begins to help him restart his life and give him a second chance.

If your group loves discussing the latest and greatest books here are the 2024 book releases I think will be good book club selections. Check out my 2024 most anticipated book releases list for more ideas.

Book clubs that devoured Hello, Beautiful last year will have much to talk about with this family drama.

Laurie Frankel’s books always bring the discussion! An exploration on what makes a family.

If your book club has enjoyed discussing books like Little Fires Everywhere or Such a Fun Age, check this one out!

If your book club loved The Midnight Library or Addie LaRue, check out this magical & thought-provoking read!

If your book club loves coming of age stories with memorable young, determined heroines — this is it!

No seriously just add this book to your book club books list now. So much to discuss!!! Meagan Church always delivers

There are just those books that will REALLY get you talking either because they are hot button issues, controversial topics or social issues in the forefront of society. These are the ones, in my experience, have really elicited a TON to talk about.

This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel

This book elicited one of the best book club discussions my current book club has ever had (we are all moms so this really gave us SO much to talk about in general). This book is about a loving and wonderful family and how they navigate their youngest wanting to not be Claude anymore but Poppy. Even good, supportive parents can fumble in knowing what to do, what’s the best thing and how to navigate uncharted territory for them and this book really, really is so nuanced and heartfelt in how it navigates everything. The author’s personal experience really shines through, having a transgender child, and I think especially book clubs made up of parents will have so much to discuss about and because of this one.

Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982

A short but scathing exploration at every day sexism, misogyny, and gender inequality (in South Korea but also in the world at large) through the story of a South Korean woman who, after having a child and leaving the workforce, mental state deteriorates as she starts impersonating the voices of women both from the past and present. We get glimpses of her upbringing as a child as her life gets recounted to the psychiatrist. So, so much to discuss with this book that will resonate with women everywhere! It’s also less than 200 pages so makes a great pick if you are looking for a short book club book.

Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin

If you are looking for something that will really give you something to talk about but isn’t on the heavier or sad side, check this one warm-hearted and smart book. The story of five women, connected by a scandal that is loosely inspired by Monica Lewinsky & Bill Clinton, and all the ripples that disrupted life in the aftermath. It’s about reinvention, mistakes, the double standards & misogyny women experience in situations like this & more.

Lucky Boy by Shanthi Sekaran

A timely novel about immigration, family, motherhood & a mother’s love in this book about lives colliding when an undocumented mother from Mexico is detained and her son is placed with an Indian-American family who has decided to foster children after struggling for years with infertility on their own parenthood journey. Heart-breaking, thought-provoking and truly a great book club pick!

My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

I’m going to be upfront with you, this book is a hard read. If your book club can handle the subject manner, I think this is a fantastic book to discuss with a book club — about the book itself but also the bigger scope of topics it unearths in this book about a young girl being groomed by her teacher and the reckoning she has as an adult when things come to light about his behavior. Raw, unflinching and unapologetically tough read but an incredible nuanced and important one, if you can stomach it, as it so deftly exposes the ways (and ease) in which society allows these things to happen, the complexity of trauma and things like the #metoo movement for victims.

A Woman is No Man by Etaf Rum

A truly incredible book that I wanted everyone I knew to read so I could talk about it. This story of 3 generations of conservative Arab American women, in the same family but living decades apart, was a hard read at times reading about Daya and her mom and learning about what really happened. It’s about family, life-defining choices, trauma, strength in the face of hardship, oppression and the grasp of the patriarchy on women.

Your House Will Pay by Steph Cha

A really complex story to discuss loosely based on a real event. It follows two families, a Black family and a Korean family, still dealing with an act of racially-charged violence that happened decades before in the 1990’s during a time of riots and a lot of racial tension. Page-turning, suspenseful and heart-wrenching!

The Book of Essie

Reminiscent of reality tv shows following families like the Duggards, this one is about about the daughter of an evangelical preacher and star of a hit reality show (Six for Hicks) who ends up getting pregnant which has the potential to be a huge scandal. The family will do whatever it costs to keep this a secret and keep their reputation and fame. But Essie refuses to be told what to do and makes a decision that could expose everything. So much to discuss — reality TV, religion, power, abuse and so much more!

Polarizing Book Club Reads

I have to be honest — I love a book club pick that polarizes a little bit because even the quieter members have opinions to be shared!

The Push by Ashley Audrain

This is one of the most polarizing & unsettling books I’ve read in a while with the many conversations I’ve had about it. Interestingly enough, most of the people who also thought it was SO good were other moms, most people I knew who hated it didn’t have kids. Obviously that’s not across the board but holy crap — this one will divide your book club. It’s a disturbing little psychological thriller that surprisingly brought a lot of depth when it comes to motherhood, ones expectations of it, postpartum depression, generational trauma, shifting identities, societal expectations of mothers, etc. I think this one would have been too dark for my current book club (they don’t tend to like dark like I do) but oh god I would have loved to read it with them. Some major triggers in here — definitely seek out reviews or ask me and I will tell you.

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle

This one seems like a love it or hate it from everyone I’ve talked to — especially when it comes to the ending. I personally really liked it and it totally sucker punched me emotionally! I don’t want to give things away so basically it’s about a woman whose meticulously planned life is on track and, on the night of her boyfriend proposing to her, she wakes up to a completely different life and man — 5 years in the future — in which she spends an hour before she’s back to her normal life. She dismisses it as a dream, even though it felt very vivid, and pushes it out of her mind until years later when she meets the man from her dreams. A very quick book club read!

28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand

This one polarizes a lot of people from the premise alone knowing that it’s a cheating storyline but I think also it surprised some people who normally hate that. My book club honestly all loved it (though they are all mostly all Elin superfans — I am not). It’s about a secret love affair that spans decades and only happens once a weekend each summer and is contained to that — until one of them is on their deathbed and reaches out.

Whisper Network by Chandler Baker

Honestly this book couldn’t be more polarizing! It tackles sexism and a lot of women’s issues in the workplace, particularly in a male dominated one, and the execution of that has left readers divided. In the vein of Big Little Lies, it follows a group of women whose boss — a man with a history and the focus of even more whispered secrets — is about to be promoted after the CEO dies and they decide to take matters into their own hands which has major repercussions for all. Lots to discuss about women in the workplace but also friendship and motherhood as we get to see a lot of the women’s lives.

All The Ugly And Wonderful Things

This extremely uncomfortable, controversial read is about a forbidden relationship between a young girl and an older man and has become quite the polarizing book club read that will really get you into a heated discussion likely. I honestly was shocked to read so many 5 star raving reviews after I heard what this book was about. Full disclosure, I haven’t been able to bring myself to read this yet but when I was asking for really hot topic, discussion heavy book club books years back this one came up SO OFTEN and people said it really got their book club talking with many varying opinions.

Three Women by Lisa Taddeo

A provocative book club read (non-fiction) that explores the sex lives and desires of three women. A friend read it with her book club ,which put it on my radar, and said her book club still can’t stop talking about it months later. But not everybody that I’ve encountered feels this book hit the mark of what it said it set out to do. I think it could lead to a lot of good and interesting discussion despite if people enjoy or not.

If you have a hard time finding a book your book club hasn’t all read because they are extremely well-read, maybe these picks will give you some inspiration for book club suggestions.

Walking On Trampolines by Frances Whiting

I read this with a book club I created via a meetup group I was in, where we all didn’t really know each other that well, and it was SUCH an amazing discussion that happened because of the book about our own experience with friendships and relationships. It also touches on things like mental illness, betrayal and first love.

The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter by Hazel Gaynor

I’m actually kind of shocked this hasn’t become a more popular book club selection! If your book club likes inspiring historical fiction featuring strong women, I recommend this one a lot! This one is inspired by the true story of Grace Darling, a lighthouse keeper’s daughter in 1838 who performs a heroic rescue when a shipwreck happens off the coast, and becomes overwhelming when unwanted fame comes to her. 100 years later, woven into Grace’s story, is the story of a young pregnant and unmarried girl who is being sent away to a reclusive distant relative’s home to keep her family from being disgraced.

Everything Here Is Beautiful by Mira T. Lee

This empathetic and heartbreaking book about sisterhood, familial devotion and mental illness — among many other things — will give much to talk about. It’s definitely a more slower-paced, character driven book about two sisters, Chinese immigrants, and the way in which the one’s mental health struggles with schizophrenia affect them both and their relationship through the years.

The Care And Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls by Anissa Gray

If your book club enjoys books about dysfunctional families, y’all might really enjoy this book about a family, once the pillars of the community, fractured even more when the couple gets thrown in jail for fraud leaving their two daughters as pariahs in their community and their two aunts come together to care for their daughters in the house they grew up in that holds their own dysfunction and trauma from childhood.

Last Letter To Your Lover by Jojo Moyes

Love epic love stories? Love dual storylines from the past and present that are entertwined so beautifully? This is a love story, spanning 40 years, about a woman who has a head trauma after an accident and doesn’t remember her life but finds an impassioned letter from a mysterious lover in her things and the woman, in the present, who finds this romantic mystery and sets out to find out who the star-crossed lovers may be. A good pick, too, since it’s an upcoming book to movie adaptation !

Mother Land by Leah Franqui

My book club read this one last year and it was a surprising success! It’s about a woman who decides to pack up and move to Mumbai with her Indian-born husband. As she deals with the culture shock, she also gets the shock that her mother-in-law, who we also get alternating chapters from, has left her husband and has decided to move in with them — which means the two women will be spending a lot of time together as her husband travels a lot of work. What results is a lot of clashing and a battle of wills as the two get to know one another. This is a good pick if you are looking for a lot to discuss but isn’t inherently heavy! This author’s first book America for Beginners would also be a great under-the-radar book club selection!

Especially this past year I feel like a lot of book clubs are looking for some light and easy reads ! As someone who tends to reach for darker/sad/depressing/heavy books, this has always been a challenge for me to balance out with some light reads that still have stuff to talk about or will generate interesting conversations from them.

Luckily, as I’ve expanded my own book club repertoire thanks to my current book club’s preference for book club material, I’ve got some great choices that will still give you more to say than “well that was fun or nice” and some vague conversation about liking the characters or not.

The Authenticity Project by Claire Pooley

If your book club really needs something light, hopeful and still thought-provoking after a string of darker, heavy reads — this one 1000% needs to be your choice! This charming book is about an older man who feels the world could use some more authenticity and truth so he writes down his truths in a green notebook and leaves it in a cafe for others to leave their truth in and then leave it somewhere for someone else to find. What happens next is connection among strangers which will change each other’s lives in a small scope and some much larger.

The Switch by Beth O’Leary

A delightful book about a young woman and her grandmother, both in their own life ruts, who decide to switch lives for two months — grandma goes off to a busy London and her grand-daughter heads to her sleepy little village full of nosy but lovable neighbors. There is a touching storyline of grief (from a death in the past) but it’s balanced really well to keep this a charming and light read. I was grinning ear to ear listening to this on audiobook. HIGHLY recommend the audiobook.

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The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal

If your book club is looking for a family story that isn’t dark & depressing, this is a great book club read for you! It’s about two estranged sisters, split because of an inheritance their father only left to one of them, and how their lives diverge over the years and the grandaughter many years later who might be able to bring the two back together by way of the beer empire built by one of the sister’s (a key part of their estrangement). Family, adversity, resilience –so much to love! This author’s book, Kitchens of the Great Midwest , is also a great book club book!

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

If your book group is looking for more of a (semi cheesey but in a good way) rom-com feel, this office romance is one to check it out. Set in 1999 and party told through emails, this one is about an IT guy who, in his job to monitor employee’s messages and internet usage, falls in love with a woman through her correspondence with a co-worker. Life-affirming, full of found family and high concept that somehow WORKS.

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Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson

This is an odd book but in such a good way. I know if I proposed it to my book club they’d probably be like “this sounds weird”, and maybe yours will too, but give this weird and endearing little book a chance. A quirky little book about a woman who becomes the caretaker of a long lost friend’s stepchildren — who just happen to burst into flames when they get upset.

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The Love Story of Missy Carmichael

If your book club loved A Man Called Ove, definitely check out this one for book club potential. Missy is an older woman who is lonely — her husband died, she’s estranged from her daughter and her son lives far away — and spends much of her time alone in her home and thinking of her regrets and mistakes. When she decides to get out to the park one day, a chance encounter brings new people into her life (and a dog!) who help her embrace life again.

Mystery/Thriller Book Club Books

My current book club is big on thrillers! I think it’s so fun to talk about the big twists and turns of mysteries and thrillers during book club. We’ve had some duds where we haven’t had much to talk about after we talk about the plot-twists so I want to help you avoid that, too, with books that will give you plenty to talk about while still either being a can’t-put-down-thriller or a perfectly plotted mystery.

For even more thrillers, check out this book full of this year’s must-read new thrillers .

Mother May I by Joshilyn Jackson

This one is a fast-paced domestic thriller about the lengths a mother will go to get her abducted child back when the kidnapper leaves notes telling her what she must do. A perfect summer book club pick if you are looking for something easy to read!

Long Bright River by Liz Moore

This book is more on the literary side than the rest of the thrillers/mysteries I will recommend on this list. Part family drama and part police procedural, this was one of the best books I read in 2020 — especially because it was SO MUCH MORE than I thought it would be. Beautiful and heartbreaking story of two estranged sisters — one a police officer and the other an addict living on the street — and the mysterious string of murders that has one sister in a race to find the other when she appears to go missing. Perfectly plotted, great reveal!

These Women by Ivy Pochoda

Another mystery/thriller on the more literary side full of thought-provoking book club fodder within — less heart-racing, more focused on the characters. It follows a handful of women who appear very different on the outside, seemingly unconnected, who are being pursued by a serial killer. Lots to talk about with this one — how we view certain women in society, violence against women, who the police prioritizes and doesn’t, sex work stigma and more! If your book club wants a thriller/mystery that still has really timely social issues and thought-provoking content, this is it!

The Holdout by Graham Moore

If your book club loves true crime type stuff or courtroom thrillers, check out this twisty little book! It’s about the 10 year anniversary of a case in which a teacher, accused of murder, was acquitted in the disappearance of a teenage girl he was allegedly involved with and the jurors are reunited for a planned docuseries when one of the jurors, who thinks they made a mistake, ends up dead. It’s told from the perspective of the juror who was the holdout in thinking he wasn’t guilty and who spearheaded the eventual acquittal and has now, in the present, become a suspect of this murdered juror.

The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson

If your book club is into psychological thrillers, this is a good book club pick! This one is about two strangers, a man and a woman who meet on a flight, and begin to reveal things about themselves — one being that the man has found out his wife is cheating on him — and a joke about killing his wife becomes a reality when this stranger says she will help and they start hatching a plan. A super twisty cat and mouse game emerges, that someone won’t survive, in this page-turning book perfect for book clubs who love things like Gone Girl or Patricia Highsmith.

The Night Swim by Megan Goldin

This one tells the story of a successful true crime podcaster who is working on her next season about a case of a golden boy swimmer and the rape of a teenage girl that is rocking the town they are from. As she’s working on this case, she’s also finding mysterious notes for her asking for help in a case of a drowned girl in which the note-leaver thinks was actually a murder. As she continues to investigate both, she comes to some startling connections. Feels ripped from the headlines which will also be great to discuss similar cases and societal discourse surrounding cases like these.

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A Nearly Normal Family by M.T. Edvardsson

A slow burn legal thriller (part family drama) about a teenaged pastor’s daughter accused of murdering a business man and asks just how far would you go to protect your family.

The Last Flight by Julie Clark

This suspenseful thriller is about two women who are attempting to escape from their lives for different reasons. They decide to switch flights and assume the other’s identity to get a head start on escaping their lives but, when one plane crashes and the woman who held that ticket is presumed dead, the other woman decides to fully assume her identity — without knowing all the secrets she left behind. Being purposefully vague but definitely has some good discussion points.

The Passengers by John Marr

Even if sci-fi thrillers aren’t typically your book clubs thing, I have a feeling this Black Mirror-esque premise will intrigue them into trying. In this world self-driving cars are the norm and the safest option. Until one day when a hacker gains control of 8 people and puts them on a collision course in which they will die in a little over 2 hours. This stunt is broadcasted on live tv and the hacker gets the public involved by having to choose who will be saved and who will be killed first. Just as page-turning as it is thought-provoking!

Playing Nice by JP Delaney

A domestic suspense novel about a family who receives a house call one day and another a couple is on their doorstep saying that their 2 year old isn’t really theirs and that their babies were switched at the hospitals at birth. Quite the conundrum the family is in and as they try to make an agreement things start to fall apart!

I know some people hear historical fiction and go running for the hills expecting all sad and depressing WW2 novels (and boy do I truly love those) but I promise that’s not what is going on here. A variety of selections set in different time periods and varying levels of sad haha. Some really good stories here not to be missed and will give great discussion!

The Island Of Sea Women by Lisa See

This is seriously a perfect book club pick, no surprise because Lisa See is a book club fave, for any women’s book club – it’s about friendship lost and found and a very unique matriarchal community of fierce women that do deep sea diving on a Korean island in the 1930’s-1940’s while their husbands stay home & run the households. It perfectly weaves in history of the time into the story of this all female diving collective and their personal lives — namely the friendship between two of the divers. (I HAD to look up the haenyeo because I was so fascinated by this society that bucked the cultural norms).

The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai

This was one of my favorite books I read in 2019 — a beautiful and heart-breaking story about love, friendship and the trauma of a generation set amidst the AIDS crisis in Chicago in the 1980’s. Well written, compassionate, and full of characters you won’t forget! Seriously, I think about this book often.

Hum If You Don’t Know The Words by Bianca Marais

Set during Apartheid-era South Africa, a ten year old white girl named Robin and a Xhosa woman (Beauty) collide when tragedy strikes both of them during the Soweto uprisings — the girl’s parents are killed and the woman’s young daughter is missing. Robin is sent to live with her unprepared aunt who hires Beauty to be her caregiver, as Beauty still searches for her daughter, and the two form a really strong bond. I don’t know how this isn’t yet a popular book club book as it really has all the makings for one. (Also really recommend If You Want To Make God Laugh by this author for a great book to read with your book club)

Tell The Wolves I’m Home by Carol Rifka Brunt

This coming of age story is one that will stick with you! It’s about a 14 year old girl in the 1980’s whose uncle is her best friend (she’s a bit of a loner) and she learns he has AIDS and is about to die. As she grieves this loss, she is surprised to find out about his partner that she never knew about and begins to form an unlikely and secret friendship, because her family views him as a murderer, with him and learns more about her uncle as they both grieve together. The family dynamics in this book really come into play (especially with June and her sister and mother) and it’s just one your book club certainly will discuss the whole time!

This Tender Land by William Kent Kruegger

Set in the 1930’s, four orphan kids escape from the awful Indian reform school they are at and make their way through the mid-west via a canoe trying to escape the headmistress and her henchmen and meeting many along the way of their travels. A very Huckleberry Finn-esque adventure with a dash of Stand By Me.

Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum

One of my all time favorite historical fictions that is an oldie, but a goodie, that I WISH I would have had a book club to discuss it with. An absolutely haunting mother/daughter story set in WW2 about a woman who, because her mother refuses to speak about it, investigates what happened in their life before they were liberated by an American soldier and moved to the U.S. after she unearths a photo of them with a Nazi officer. Her mother’s story is beyond heart-breaking but a testament to what a mother will endure for their child. content warning: rape

Check out what new & upcoming historical fiction might make great book club picks!

Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane

I am still mad I didn’t read this one with a book club — it was one of my absolute favorite books of 2019 and there was so much within these pages to discuss. If your book club enjoys family dramas that span over decades, pick up this one about two neighboring families bound by tragedy and a blossoming love between two of the children. Definitely more character driven but so compelling and great exploration of mental health, parenthood, growing up to see our childhood through an adult lens, forgiveness and SO SO SO much more.

Writers & Lovers by Lily King

Love character driven, slice of life novels with a lean towards forging forward to those ‘next chapters’ in messy adulthood? Love Sally Rooney? This would be a great book club book then! It’s about a early 30-something grieving the loss of her mother and the fact that she’s not where she’d thought she’d be (in debt, recent breakup, job as a waitress) as she keeps holding on to the dream of writing a novel. I feel like the description (and mine) doesn’t do it justice but I think if you’ve got a book club full of late 20/30-somethings, this one will be a treasure trove of conversation if y’all like quieter, character driven novels.

Fleishman Is In Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner

If you’ve got a book club that loves talking marriage, parenthood and middle life strife/crises (and doesn’t mind some sex and crudeness) — this is one that will possibly be divisive but contains lots to talk about. It’s about a man, going through a divorce, who is suddenly left with his children full time when his ex-wife silently disappears – interrupting his recently active sex life and newfound identity/freedom in his shared custody agreement. As he tries to find out what happened to his wife and why she’d do something like this, he’s forced to reexamine the 13 year long marriage as he juggles balancing the children and his job. Honestly, did not at all seem like a book I would like but so surprised!

A Place For Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza

A gorgeous and emotional book, bouncing around in time from the perspective of different family members, about 3 generations of an Indian-American Muslim family centering around family, faith and belonging — as well as all the little moments and choices that can define us. Bound to have a good discussion!

Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi

Yaa Gyasi writes remarkable books that truly demand to be talked about! Her latest explores things like addiction, depression, grief and faith through the story of a family who immigrated from Ghana to the U.S. and how things fell apart for the family. My little blurb cannot even do this book justice — you just have to experience for yourself. (and if your book club hasn’t read Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi — I highly recommend! Personally think it’s even better).

Infinite Country by Patricia Engel

This short novel (almost 200 pages) is a moving portrait of a Colombian family pulled apart because of a deportation. It gives the backstory of the parents and how they became undocumented in America which lead to their family being split between the U.S. and Colombia. I think if your book club likes talking about the more literary merits of books, as well as the themes, there’s some interesting storytelling choices with this one that people either love or hate.

One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Honestly so many of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books would be fantastic book club picks but I read this one in particular with a book club and we had THE BEST discussion from it. An absolutely impossible situation the main character is in.

Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center

A perfect read that is on the lighter side that has romance and some really good potential for conversation in this journey of self-discovery in the vein of Wild (but fiction and its a wilderness survival program).

Ghosted by Rosie Walsh

I absolutely cannot say much about this one because it’s best read without knowing much except a woman meets a man, they fall for each other in a whirlwind and then he leaves for a trip & completely ghosts her. Except she thinks something else must have happened. And the search for the truth is on!

Just Last Night by Mhairi McFarlane

Don’t let the cover fool you — while this one is fun and does have romance elements it’s all bound together by something heart-wrenching that changes everything for this long-time group of friends and unravels some secrets in the aftermath. A wonderful read about friendship, grief, forgiveness and more.

The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeycutt

If your book club likes books like A Man Called Ove or Elinor Oliphant, check out this life-affirming book about an 85 year old woman ready to embrace death on her own terms and the little girl who comes into her life and reminds her what it means to live. The flashbacks of Eudora’s life are wonderfully done.

Know My Name by Chanel Miller

If your book club hasn’t yet read this powerful and moving memoir, I highly recommend it. Chanel Miller, the woman who was raped by Brock Turner, shares her story boldly and beautifully. I couldn’t stop thinking about it — the audiobook was read by her and particularly compelling. It’s not an easy read but it will be one that is impactful. There is SO much to discuss with this one — rape culture, victim blaming/how victims are treated, the justice system, treatment of women and girls, trauma etc.

You May Also Like : The Audible Alternative I Am Obsessed With

The Undocumented Americans by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio

I couldn’t stop talking about this one after I read it and I so wish I would have read with a group. It’s part memoir (the author is a Dreamer) and part stories of others undocumented Americans that she gets to know and interviews. These stories have stuck with me — heart-breaking, unflinching and eye-opening. If your group was into American Dirt, definitely read this for an #ownvoices perspective.

Maybe You Should Talk To Someone

Part memoir and part insights/stories from her patients, this book shines a light on therapy and mental health — often in a light-hearted but an insightful & moving way. There will be so much to discuss and reflect on on your own but especially with a group.

The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner

If your book club enjoyed discussing the book Educated (mine had SO much to say about that book!), check out this memoir about a woman who grew up in a polygamist cult and lived in destitution and abuse because of her step-father. Heart-wrenching, compelling storytelling and a LOT to talk about. Content warning for sexual abuse.

Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup

Sometimes real life is more bananas than fiction — like in this account of one of the biggest corporate frauds in Silicon Valley featuring a young woman who was deemed the next Steve Jobs and was going to revolutionize the medical industry with this new technology she developed.

Good Talk by Mira Jacob

I think this graphic memoir will be a great book club non-fiction pick even if you all don’t normally do graphic novels. The author, in this memoir, explores race, politics, and other relevant subjects to her six-year-old son Zakir. A powerful read!

After The Last Border by Jessica Goudeau

This one is the story of two female refugees, one a Christian from Myanmar and the other one a Muslim from Syria, and their journey to being refugees and finding home and belonging in America as part of the refugee resettlement program. With their stories, there’s also discussion about the history and current shape of immigration in America. I think this one will bring a lot of discussion if your book club is interested in social issues.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

This is now one of my all time favorite books that I’m glad I had friends to talk about it with. The main character, in the 1700’s, makes a bargain to live forever — the catch is that nobody will remember her. Like literally if they leave the room and come back they won’t remember her at all. 300 years later, accustomed to her life, a man in a bookshop remembers her. A gorgeous character driven book about making your mark on the world. So much to talk about — especially the ending!

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green

A strange little sci-fi (lite) novel with a whole lot of social commentary! This one touches on themes of internet fame, the effects of social media on people and society (both good and bad in how it can be used), gender, & so, so, soooo much more.

The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey

This sci-fi thriller tells the story of Evelyn, a scientist, whose husband is cheating on her — with a clone he made from her research. The clone, Martine, is the perfect version of Evelyn and everything her husband wants her to be. When the husband ends up dead, the two wives have figure out a way to clean up the mess. All sorts of morally grey goodness and interesting things to talk about — identity, what makes a human a human, ethics and responsibility. If your book club loved Never Let Me Go and all that came from that discussion, check this one out.

Recursion by Blake Crouch

I read this with a couple people who don’t normally go for sci-fi and everyone LOVED it. I don’t want to say too much about this one because I don’t want to give anything away but it’s mind-bendy, twisty and kinda hurts your brain but in the best way.

Children of Blood and Bone

This unputdownable Nigerian-inspired YA fantasy, that explores inequity and racism so deftly within it, is a bit of a long one for book club but you’ll fly it so fast you won’t even notice that page count in this fight to bring magic back from the power hungry ruler who is purging it from the kingdom.

You May Also Like : Best YA Book Series

Severance by Ling Ma

Is it too soon for you to enjoy a satirical, character-driven book about a sickness that rips through the world and halts life as we know it? I actually think, given everything we’ve been through, the conversations would be even MORE interesting!

Does your group love young adult books? I am personally a huge fan whether you are a teen or not so YA anymore!

If you love young adult books, check out my most anticipated YA books of 2024 !

The Grace Year by Kim Liggett

I absolutely loved this thrilling story — part dystopian horror and survival story about a secretive tradition that girls must embark on for a year when they turn 16 to become women but also to “let all their magic out” so they don’t tempt and lure men and are ready to become wives when they come home. It’s a fast, brutal read that will give your book club so much to talk about — about how society pits women against one another, how society uses and disposes of women, how we are supposed stay silent about things which keeps us down in one way or another.

The Female of The Species by Mindy McGinnis

Think Dexter but a teenage girl avenging the murder of her sister whose killer still walks free. It tackles things like rape culture and slut-shaming really well and is super compelling. The wonderful thing about this one is it wasn’t JUST about her vigilante justice but about typical coming of age things, too, that she’d hidden from in all her grief and rage.

You May Also Like : Patriarchy Smashing Novels

This Is My America by Kim Johnson

A must read if your book club has loved books from Jason Reynolds, Angie Thomas or Nic Stone. Powerful, important and will start a conversation as it explores systemic racism in its many forms, mass incarceration and more through the story of a young woman who has been tirelessly looking for help to get justice for her father who is innocent and on Death Row while getting involved in investigating a murder in which her brother has become a main suspect of.

They Both Die At The End by Adam Silvera

Tik Tok has made this one blow up and for good reason — I wrote an entire post about things this book made me reflect on because it was just SO thought-provoking and incredible. What if you got a call, on the day you were going to die, informing you of your imminent death (but not when). That’s the premise here!. Two teen boys both get the call that today is their End Day, and in their quest to make a friend for their last day, they join an app for that and are brought together to have the Last Day of a lifetime.

Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson

Any of Tiffany D. Jackson’s novels would make for great book club picks but this one especially I wished I had read with a book club. (But seriously Allegedly and Monday’s Not Coming are great picks too!) An unflinching look into rape culture & how society perpetuates & doesn’t protect young women (especially Black girls). It deftly tackles SO MUCH throughout the story of a young girl being preyed upon and abused in her search for stardom by a famous singer who has promised her a career. I could NOT put this down — just racing through because I NEEDED to know what happened.

You May Also Like : New YA Books By Black Authors

The Memory Book by Lara Avery

Oh this book made me cry but still managed to be delightful! It’s about a girl who gets diagnosed with a rare degenerative disease that will steal her memories and eventually her body will shut down so she sets out to make a book of memories and things she doesn’t want to forget while also falling in love. A really moving book — a great under the radar gem!

You May Also Like: Under-the-Radar Young Adult Books

A Million Junes by Emily Henry

A surreal and beautiful book about feuding families, a magical bloodline curse that has plagued generations and star-crossed lovers who will work together to break the curse. Definitely a unique choice for book club as it perfectly blends real life with magical aspects.

Goodbye Days by Jeff Zentner

Jeff Zentner’s books are always so incredible and this one would be such a great discussion book for a book club. It’s about a boy who loses his 3 friends in a car accident and blames himself, for sending the text message while they were driving, as well as carrying the burden of other people’s blame — so much so that a criminal investigation is being opened up. When the grandmother of one of the boys comes up with an idea to honor and celebrate their lives, he hesitantly participates in these Goodbye Days with his friend and family. Heart-achingly beautiful! Also highly recommend The Serpent King.

What books have you read that would make a great pick for a book group? What books have been a hit with YOUR book club or have brought some lively discussions? Would love to know!

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Five Ways to Structure Your Book Club Discussion

The best part of being in a book club is getting to discuss the books you read with fellow bookworms, but it’s not always easy to stay on track and keep focused on the book. Below, you’ll find five ways to structure your book club discussion based on what’s best for your group.

Follow a discussion guide If you love the idea of set topics and questions guiding your meeting, consider using a discussion guide. Following a discussion guide allows book clubs to cover all of the major themes of a book, and many publishers provide them for free online. We Are Bookish includes custom discussion guides in all of our book club kits !

Members ask the questions If you’re looking for a setup that encourages participation, we’d recommend asking each reader to prepare one or two discussion questions for your next meeting. You can go around in a circle, allowing each member to ask a question and moderate the discussion around it. This is an ideal way to keep everyone involved and chatting!

Divide and conquer When you have a lot to say about a book, conversations can quickly become overwhelming. We’d recommend dividing your discussion into sections that help drive the conversation. For example, you could spend time on the characters, writing, plot, and overall reception. Depending on the book, you can add sections that reflect what you’ve read (plot twists, multiple POVs, etc).

Chapter-by-chapter Is your book club obsessed with details? You might want to try talking through your reads chapter-by-chapter. Perfect for groups that meet online, this method allows you to take a deep dive into the small details that make up the book you’re reading. Just make sure to allocate your time well so you don’t find yourself halfway through the book at the end of the meeting!

Structure-free discussion Some groups need organization to thrive, while others do best with a little more freedom. Don’t force things if your group finds that they have a great time diving into a discussion without worrying about sticking to a plan. After all, there’s no right or wrong way to have a book club!

Book Club Tips

How To Get Your Book Club Out of a Rut

Rules and Expectations to Consider When Starting a Book Club

What to Do When You Pick a Bad Book for Your Book Club

How to Start a Virtual Book Club

How to Manage Member Issues in Your Book Club

The Dos and Don’ts of Book Club

10 Questions to Ask at Your Next Book Club Meeting

How to Perfect Your Book Club Selection Process

Five Things to Discuss at Your January Book Club Meeting

Kelly Gallucci

Kelly Gallucci is the Executive Editor of We Are Bookish, where she oversees the editorial content, offers book recommendations, and interviews authors and NetGalley members. When she's not working, Kelly can be found color coordinating her bookshelves, eating Chipotle, and watching way too many baking shows.

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Is Online Book Club Legit Or A Scam? (My Complete Review!)

Do you love reading and wish you could get paid to read books? If so, you’re not alone!

There are actually a surprising number of ways to get paid to read books . So, if you're a self-proclaimed bookworm and want a new side hustle , this is excellent news.

One of the most popular companies in this space, OnlineBookClub.org , says you can earn $60 or more for reading and writing book reviews.

But is Online Book Club legit? And does this site actually pay?

My Online Book Club review is sharing how this website works and what you need to know about writing book reviews with this company so you can decide if it's worth using.

Looking for more ways to make money? Checkout :

• Branded Surveys : Share your opinion to get PayPal cash and free gift cards!
• Freecash : Another fun way to earn gift cards and cash in your spare time.

What Is Online Book Club?

Online Book Club is a free book review website and forum that has been in business for over 10 years. It's also one of the most popular companies that advertises paid book reviewing jobs to avid readers .

The entire idea behind Online Book Club is pretty simple. You can sign up, get books for free, read them, and then write reviews for money .

If you're looking for a fun way to make money online , this could be the perfect side hustle. And the fact that Online Book Club says it gives you books for free is another awesome perk.

But as I'm going to explain, getting paid for book reviews with Online Book Club might be a bit more difficult than you might think.

Is Online Book Club Legit?

Yes, Online Book Club is legit and pays you for writing book reviews and even gives you books for free. However, earning consistent money with this site is very difficult. And some book reviewers never get paid if Online Book Club doesn't like their reviews. Overall, the site makes it seem like making money is easy, but in reality, this isn't a very good side hustle .

If you love writing book reviews and have no problem following the guidelines, Online Book Club could be a fun side hustle you do in your spare time.

But if you’re looking to pay your rent, buy a car, or want to earn larger amounts of money, I don't think Online Book Club is worth using.

It simply takes too long to ever get paid with OnlineBookClub.org. And the amount of free work you do upfront is a downside for this online side hustle .

How Does Online Book Club Work?

Signing up for Online Book Club is free and simple. And the entire process of getting paid for your book reviews takes a few steps :

• Write a free test book review
• Write paid book reviews

Let's examine how each step works in a bit more detail.

1. Sign Up As A Book Reviewer

Signing up to review books at OnlineBookClub.org is quick and easy. You simply create an account with your email address and enter a password.

Once you create your account, you choose your preference on how to get free books to review.

All the books that Online Book Club sends you are sent in a digital format, rather than hard copy. So you're essentially getting emailed ebooks you can read for free .

If you prefer paper copies to ebooks like a lot of readers do, this is bad news. However, Online Book Club sends free books, so it has to rely on electronic formats to keep costs down.

2. Complete A Free Book Review

As a book reviewer on Online Book Club, you have to complete a free test review before you can unlock paid opportunities.

This step helps Online Book Club determine if your book reviews are high quality and belong on the site. Again, this test book review  isn't  paid, so keep this in mind.

You still get to pick the book you want to review, so you get a free book out of it and can read something you enjoy.

Just note that it's important to follow the Online Book Club guidelines when writing your book review. These guidelines include :

• Making note of any grammatical or spelling mistakes
• Noting if the author is vulgar or swears
• Noting if the book contains adult content

Generally, book reviews have to be around 500 words. And you have to follow a specific review format as well that Online Book Club outlines.

The reason book reviews aren't really opinion pieces is largely because Online Book Club helps new and aspiring authors get feedback on their work. So, you're often reviewing manuscripts and earlier drafts from new authors, not an upcoming New York Times Best Seller.

You still give your feedback and thoughts about books, but it's also important to mention grammatical and stylistic issues if you spot them.

Also note that if you don't follow the guidelines for your first review, you might not be eligible for paid reviews in the future.

3. Complete Paid Reviews

If OnlineBookClub.org accepts your test book review, you then qualify to write book reviews for money with the site.

According to Online Book Club, you earn $5 to $60 per review for most reviews. You also get books for free, and you can be completely honest as well, so you don't have to leave a positive review if you don't enjoy a book .

However, how much you make with Online Book Club reviews also depends on your book reviewer score.

When you start out, you have a book reviewer score of 0. Writing quality reviews raises your score, with a maximum score of 100 being the cap. If you have a higher score, you earn more per book review.

Some people claim that unless your score is over 35, you don't get paid. This means you might not get paid for the next couple of book reviews if Online Book Club doesn't think your reviews are high quality.

As a freelance writer , the idea of doing so much free work definitely isn't appealing. Especially when you consider most legit online jobs pay you weekly and guarantee payment for your work.

4. Get Paid

Once you submit a paid book review, Online Book Club needs time to process and review your work before it pays you. Online Book Club states that it can typically take about three weeks to be paid after the review is published .

If you need quick money , this isn't great news. And remember: you might not get paid at all if your overall book review score is too low.

Online Book Club only has one payment method available, which is PayPal. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can create one for free. From PayPal, you can then transfer the funds to your bank or use them to make purchases.

I like the fact that OnlineBookClub.org lets you get free PayPal money for writing. But it's not the best side hustle if you want to make money the same day.

Does Online Book Club Pay Real Money?

Yes, Online Book Club pays readers for reading select reviews and writing qualified reviews. Pay averages between $5 and $60 per review, and payment is made via PayPal.

Because this hustle is an independent contractor position, you're responsible for reporting any income you make and paying any appropriate taxes.

Also note that this  isn't  a full-time online job ; it's just a way to make a bit of extra cash in your spare time while enjoying some free books.

Is Online Book Club A Scam?

No, OnlineBookClub.org isn't a scam, and you can make money by writing reviews for the website. However, Online Book Club is somewhat misleading with its advertisements and makes it seem like you can make a lot of money by writing reviews. In reality, you have to follow strict guidelines and do a lot of free work before you ever get paid .

I’m usually a little bit leery of some of these offers to make money online that seem a little bit too good to be true. And I think Online Book Club falls under this category.

If you  love  reading and don't mind some free work, you can give it a try. But don't expect to make $500 a day or anything even close to that with this website.

Pros & Cons

• Get access to free digital copies of books
• Get paid to write reviews (if the reviews meet strict guidelines)
• Get access to a fun forum where you can talk about new books with other bookworms
• Reviewers don't get paid for their first review
• Book review guidelines and requirements can be tricky to understand and meet
• Books you review are generally from new and unknown authors
• Errors in reviews or failure to follow guidelines can result in pay reduction or no pay
• Hourly rate can be extremely low when you consider book reading time
• Limited number of titles available which may not fit your interests and affect your earning potential
• Long approval process for submitted reviews which can delay payment
• Multiple reviewers report difficulty getting paid

Other OnlineBookClub.org Reviews

After signing up and reading about how to make money with Online Book Club, I don't think the site is worth using.

But one excellent way to tell if a money-making idea is worth it or not is to read reviews from other people. And thankfully, there are lots of Online Book Club reviews on forums like Reddit :

• briannorelfhunter says : “First of all, yes they are legit, they 100% pay out. However – it’s not so easy to get good money. They have a ranking system of how good your reviews are based mostly on how well you stick to their review guidelines, and you only unlock higher paid reviews by getting a better reviewer score. Your first review will not be paid – it is voluntary, to get you on the scale. Then you’ll have access to more voluntary/unpaid books and some $5 ones. Personally, I didn’t do that many reviews, so never got a really high reviewer score to see the better paid ones.”
• Necessary-Classic-79 says : “I reviewed a book for them in October and my review was approved and posted and they still haven’t paid me the $25 I was supposed to get. They keep changing the status update for no reason so their excuse is that I can only get paid three weeks from the last status update.”
• Micro21 says : “It's legit. There's a very strict guideline you have to follow but it does pay. Although don't expect to make this to be anything but a side hustle. Each review requires you to finish a whole book after all.”

When you consider how many ways you can make money online as a beginner these days, I'm pretty unimpressed with how hard it is to make money with OnlineBookClub.org.

Extra Reading – How To Write Product Reviews For Money .

The Best OnlineBookClub.org Alternatives

I don't think Online Book Club is a good way to make money online. But this doesn't mean you can't make money by writing book reviews in your spare time.

In fact, there are plenty of OnlineBookClub.com alternatives you can consider like :

• Starting a blog about books you enjoy and reading
• Making money on YouTube by talking about book reviews
• Writing books and short stories yourself
• Becoming a freelance writer in the book niche
• Making money as a creative writer

This video from PaidFromSurveys also shares some sites and methods you can use to get paid to read books.

The bottom line is there's a lot of money in publishing and writing. So don't be afraid to sell your skills online in this space to get in on the action!

Extra Reading – The Best Jobs You Can Do With A Phone .

Frequently Asked Questions

Is online book club worth it.

OnlineBookClub.org is worth using if you want to get free books and don't mind writing reviews in your spare time. And if you stick with it, this website can turn into a small side hustle that pays up to $60 per review. But if you need fast cash or want to make a lot more money, Online Book Club isn't worth it .

Your pay depends on the quality of the review, and it’s necessary to take detailed notes and write a comprehensive review. There are extremely detailed guidelines that need to be followed for the review including formatting, punctuation and grammar.

Failure to follow these rules exactly can result in your pay getting reduced or not getting paid at all.

Should Authors Use Online Book Club?

Authors can use Online Book Club to get reviews by paying a fee for the service. While Online Book Club does have guidelines to help keep the reviews higher quality, there are a few challenges that authors can run into with these reviews.

One challenge is that they may not be able to use the reviews anywhere that can generate sales. Reviews from Online Book Club typically cannot be used on Goodreads or Amazon, and as a result may not offer return on your investment.

Other complaints by authors are that not all reviewers can provide quality reviews or that they may not speak English as a primary language. As a result, reviewers from Online Book Club might incorrectly label your book as having errors that the book does not contain.

Extra Reading – How To Make $5,000 A Month .

Final Thoughts

Overall, yes, you can get paid to write book reviews for Online Book Club. This is a legitimate side job that pays you to read books.

However, the strict guidelines and lack of starting pay are massive downsides. And you don't get to read very popular books either, so don't expect that each book is going to be an amazing read.

The fact you get free ebooks out of this gig is a selling point. But unless you love reading and want to write book reviews for fun, I'd stay away from OnlineBookClub.org.

Thanks for reading my OnlineBookClub.org review!

Looking for even more ways to make money? Checkout :

• How To Make Money In One Hour .
• How To Make Money Online Without Paying Anything .
• How To Get Paid To Listen To Music .

Online Book Club Review

Name: OnlineBookClub.org

Description: OnlineBookClub.org is a free website that pays you to read and write book reviews for upcoming authors. It pays $5 to $60 per review and also gives you ebooks for free.

Operating System: Desktop

Application Category: Online Jobs

Author: Tom Blake

• Earning Potential
• Ease-Of-Use
• Getting Paid
• Book Quality
• Try Out OnlineBookClub.org

Tom is a full-time blogger and freelance writer with a passion for side hustling, passive income, and making money online. His work has appeared on dozens of personal finance websites like Money Crashers, The College Investor, Forbes, and more.

Tom also founded the blog This Online World - a finance site dedicated to helping people make money online - in 2018. After 6 years, that site merged with WebMonkey, with the goal of helping even more people earn their first dollar of online income.

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Blog – Posted on Thursday, Nov 11

The only book review templates you'll ever need.

Whether you’re trying to become a book reviewer , writing a book report for school, or analyzing a book, it’s nice to follow a book review template to make sure that your thoughts are clearly presented. 

A quality template provides guidance to keep your mind sharp and your thoughts organized so that you can write the best book review possible. On Reedsy Discovery , we read and share a lot of book reviews, which helps us develop quite a clear idea what makes up a good one. With that in mind, we’ve put together some trustworthy book review templates that you can download, along with a quick run-through of all the parts that make up an outstanding review — all in this post! 

Pro-tip : But wait! How are you sure if you should become a book reviewer in the first place? If you're on the fence, or curious about your match with a book reviewing career, take our quick quiz:

Should you become a book reviewer?

Find out the answer. Takes 30 seconds!

Book review templates for every type of review

With the rapid growth of the book community on Instagram, Youtube, and even TikTok, the world of book commentary has evolved far beyond your classic review. There are now many ways you can structure a book review. Some popular formats include:

• Book reports — often done for school assignments; 
• Commentary articles — think in-depth reviews in magazines and newspapers; 
• Book blog reviews — short personal essays about the book; and
• Instagram reviews — one or two-paragraph reviews captioned under a nice photo. 

But while the text in all these review styles can be organized in different ways, there are certain boxes that all good book reviews tick. So, instead of giving you various templates to use for different occasions, we’ve condensed it down to just two book review templates (one for fiction and one for nonfiction) that can guide your thoughts and help you nail just about any review. 

⭐ Download our free fiction book review template  

⭐ Download our free nonfiction book review template  

All you need to do is answer the questions in the template regarding the book you’re reading and you’ve got the content of your review covered. Once that’s done, you can easily put this content into its appropriate format. 

Now, if you’re curious about what constitutes a good book review template, we’ll explain it in the following section! 

Elements of a book review template

Say you want to build your own book review template, or you want to customize our templates — here are the elements you’ll want to consider. 

We’ve divided our breakdown of the elements into two categories: the essentials and the fun additions that’ll add some color to your book reviews.

What are the three main parts of a book review?

We covered this in detail (with the help of some stellar examples) in our post on how to write a book review , but basically, these are the three crucial elements you should know: 

The summary covers the premise of the book and its main theme, so readers are able to understand what you’re referring to in the rest of your review. This means that, if a person hasn’t read the book, they can go through the summary to get a quick idea of what it’s about. (As such, there should be no spoilers!) 

The analysis is where, if it’s a fiction book, you talk more about the book, its plot, theme, and characters. If it’s nonfiction, you have to consider whether the book effectively achieves what it set out to do. 

The recommendation is where your personal opinion comes in the strongest, and you give a verdict as to who you think might enjoy this book. 

You can choose to be brief or detailed, depending on the kind of review you’re writing, but you should always aim to cover these three points. If you’re needing some inspiration, check out these 17 book review examples as seen in magazines, blogs, and review communities like Reedsy Discovery for a little variation. 

Which review community should you join?

Find out which review community is best for your style. Takes 30 seconds!

Which additional details can you include?

Once you’ve nailed down the basics, you can jazz things up a little and add some personal flavor to your book review by considering some of these elements:

• A star-rating (the default is five stars but you can create your own scales); 
• A bullet-point pros and cons list; 
• Your favorite quotation from the book; 
• Commentary on the format you read (i.e., ebook, print, or audiobook);
• Fun facts about the book or author; 
• Other titles you think are similar.

This is where you can really be creative and tailor your review to suit your purpose and audience. A formal review written for a magazine, for instance, will likely benefit from contextual information about the author and the book, along with some comment on how that might have affected the reading (or even writing) process.

Meanwhile, if you’re reviewing a book on social media, you might find bullet points more effective at capturing the fleeting attention of Internet users. You can also make videos, take creative pictures, or even add your own illustrations for more personal touches. The floor is yours at this point, so go ahead and take the spotlight! 

That said, we hope that our templates can provide you with a strong foundation for even your most adventurous reviews. And if you’re interested in writing editorial reviews for up-and-coming indie titles, register as a reviewer on Reedsy Discovery !

Continue reading

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9 Benefits of a Book Club (And Why You Should Join One!)

Wondering what are the benefits of a book club? Trying to decide if you should join one? Here are 9 benefits and reasons you should join a book club in your area or online now!

1. Creates reading accountability

One of the biggest benefits of book clubs, particularly for those trying to get back into reading, is that book clubs help keep you accountable to actually reading!

By joining a book club, you’re committing to read the book of the month (or week, etc.). And if you don’t read the book, you know you’ll be disappointing your fellow book club members. So joining a book club can be a great way to force yourself to read if you need a little external motivation to do so!

2. Helps You Engage Deeper With the Book

Another benefit of joining a book club is that it can help you engage deeper with the book. If you’re the type of person who reads quickly, then you may find that knowing you’ll be discussing the book with others helps you slow down and actually digest what you’re reading. Plus, book club discussion with others may help you see new details you missed in your own reading!

3. Encourages Critical Thinking

Joining a book club can also be a great way to encourage critical thinking in yourself and in your fellow book club members. By working through and discussing the book together, you can help each other to see all aspects of a topic and consider each one carefully.

4. Keeps Your Brain Sharp

Reading in general helps with overall brain function and increasing memory, but add in discussion time with your book club and your brain will be compelled to keep up and keep sharp! If you don’t have many other avenues to fully engage your brain, then book club can be a great way to keep everything working well.

5. Gives You New Perspectives

Another of the top benefits of book club is to help give you new perspectives! The other members in your book club may come from backgrounds that are different from yours, which may mean they bring vastly different perspectives to your discussions. This can help you learn new things and see things from new angles you might never have considered!

Of course, differing perspectives can lead to disagreements and even arguments…which is why it’s important to always be kind and considerate of each other in book club (that’s one of the most important rules for book club !).

6. Helps You Make New Friends

Yet another fantastic benefit of book club is that it can help you make new friends! If you’re looking to meet others in your area (or online) who share similar interests to you, then joining a book club can be a great way to do that. For book lovers, there are few things that forge a bond as instantly as meeting someone else who loves books…so get ready to make some new friends!

7. Can Improve Writing Skills

If you’re interested in both reading and writing, then book club can also benefit you by helping you improve your writing skills. By reading a variety of books, you’ll learn a lot about different styles of writing and what makes writing good. Before you know it, you’ll be incorporating elements of excellent writing into your own writing projects!

8. Fosters a Continuing Love of Literature

While reading is sometimes it’s own reward, joining a community of literature lovers can help foster a continuing love of literature in yourself and in your community. By meeting with others and sharing the love of literature, you’ll help keep your own love of reading strong and encourage each other to continue reading and loving literature!

9. Gives You a Break From Life

Life can be difficult. But book club can be a great escape when you need it! Whether your book club meets weekly, monthly, or any other frequency, knowing you have a book club meeting coming up can be a great way to help you make it through your daily tasks and can be something to look forward to!

When you meet with fellow book lovers, the stress and cares of your day-to-day life will melt away as you fall into the world of the book you’re reading and discussing!

Have you experienced any other benefits from joining a book club? Share about it in the comments!

2 thoughts on “ 9 Benefits of a Book Club (And Why You Should Join One!) ”

I agree. We have a lovely interesting book club at my house. Once in four weeks on Thursday mornings we meet up in order to talk books and make some friends too. We use websites and the bookshops to find a few different cheap new books to read, and often like to visit local community free libraries as well. Try it. I also recommend asking a friendly librarian for advice and recommendations on books of all types. Same applies to bookshop staff. They should definitely be able to help you find something to read. During the first ever national public lockdown I participated in a book swap. Past events and activities included making bookmarks, discussion questions that are based on books, and cool quizzes. It is a lot of good fun. Have fun. Discussion questions vary according to the book we choose. We award a limited set of prizes in addition. Books are our friends in a way. You can also do various other activities like twenty questions and prepare colourful character fact files etc. You can read discussion questions on the internet. Experiment to learn a bit more in addition here. Cast your net fairly wide in other words for optimal results. See what happens as a result of your inquiries.

I love this! So happy to hear you host a book club at your house. Thanks for sharing, Thara!

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The Best Book Clubs

The 9 best book clubs.

• Brilliant Books
• Book of the Month Club
• Books & More
• BookCase Club
• My Thrill Club
• Unplugged Book Box
• Once Upon a Book Club
• Fresh Fiction Box

What is the Best Book Club to Join?

Any bookworm knows that one of the most enjoyable experiences in life is to cuddle up in a cozy blanket, maybe light a candle, grab your favorite snack, and dive into your novel. It's a healthy outlet to help you escape into a new world and learn something new. Hours can pass you by as you're engulfed in your book adventure and you may hardly realize it.

Whether you're a fan of mysteries, sci-fi, history, action, or fantasy books, there are thousands of titles out there for you to read. The hardest part is narrowing them down. Sometimes there is such a thing as too many options. Wouldn't it be nice if you could have hand-picked books delivered to you that fit your taste? It would save so much time and ensure you have an endless list of books ready to enjoy.

Wednesday, July 17th

2024 Book Club Reviews

Brilliant Books is a store out of Traverse City, Michigan that ships books worldwide for kids and adults to enjoy. They have a team of employees who curate book boxes for subscribers to fit their taste. If the recipient doesn't like it, they can send it back for a new one through the guaranteed selection process. There are 18 types of books and delivery schedules to choose from Brilliant Books, making this the most flexible and custom way to take part in a book club.

Book of the Month selects 5 titles each month for subscribers to choose from that span a variety of topics and genres. Members will receive a box with their chosen book included and any other add-ons they may have chosen. If you aren't thrilled with the selection in any given month, you can skip it and use a credit toward a future month's book club purchase. Book of the Month gives you a deal on your first box and once you've purchased 12, you qualify for lots of great perks and discounts. Customer service may sometimes be hard to contact, according to subscribers, but otherwise this is a well-liked book club option and earns very high marks.

Books & More is a fun option for readers who want more than one book each month in addition to little surprises to make your unpackaging experience more exciting. Each box contains little items like travel book rests, candles, tea towels, bookmarks, and more. No two boxes are alike and are based on a short survey you take during checkout to specify what you would like to see in your box each month. This is a slightly more expensive choice, but people like what they get here and you'll never run out of reading material.

BookCase Club provides a selection of 2 books to each subscriber monthly. Their prices are extremely low - even as little as $5 per book. If you want a book club for your children, they have an option that includes 3 picture or activity books in each box. You can choose to have books delivered month-to-month or prepay for a 3, 6, or 12-month plan. All sales are final here and you can only pick between 5 semi-broad book genres, but customers are generally satisfied with their purchases here and are pleased with this service.

OwlCrate is a whimsical book subscription service for kids or young adults. Each month they send a newly released hardcover signed by the author along with 4-6 bookish goodies based on that month's theme. Subscribers can choose between 1, 3, or 6-month plans and cancel or skip boxes at any time. Shipping is pretty expensive on top of an already pricey box when you consider you're only getting one book to read. However, the frills of OwlCrate on top of a good read may make this option worth it.

My Thrill Club sends 2 hardcover books each month to subscribers. You can choose from horror, mystery, or thriller novels, or a surprise mix. My Thrill Club ships for free, offers big discounts on memberships, and allows subscribers to pause or cancel their subscriptions at any time. People are generally very excited about the contents of their boxes from My Thrill Club, making this a fantastic option for those who want to stick to mystery, thriller, and crime genres.

Unplugged Book Box is a self-care package delivered straight to your door each month. Included is a newly-released book to help you unplug from technology and relax with 5-8 self-care items that are included in each box. This subscription has options for both adults and young adults, depending on your age, and supports small, women-owned businesses. If you're looking for a mental health boost and want to indulge in a good, relaxing book each month, Unplugged Book Box is for you.

Once Upon a Book Club features a new book each month that comes with 3-5 wrapped gifts that you are instructed to open at a certain time throughout the book. The gifts relate to the plot of the story to help you have a unique and immersive reading experience. Once Upon a Book Club is primarily for women ages 18+ and is more expensive than some other book club options. However, this is a fun gift idea or way to treat yourself if you want to feel a part of the surprise book you are reading each book.

Fresh Fiction Box is a monthly subscription for women that includes between 2 and 5 books in each box. The genres are either romance or mystery, so you aren't branching out too much if you choose to become a subscriber with Fresh Fiction. They don't offer returns, exchanges, or requests for boxes, so there are no guarantees that you'll like all the books you receive. This is a book club that offers good value, but may not be for everyone.

Continued from above... Continued from above... -->

Lucky for all the bibliophiles out there, book clubs provide award-winning titles from popular and new authors that fit your reading preferences. You don't have to leave your house or do any research because each month you'll get new books delivered to your door. You can select the length of your membership and even give a book club as a gift to a loved one. We can't think of a more enjoyable way to spend money.

As you browse different book clubs, there are some important things to consider:

• Membership fees: How much does it cost to participate in the book club? Does your membership auto-renew, or does it end after your selected duration?
• Cancellation policy: Can you cancel your membership at any time? How much notice do you have to give the company beforehand?
• Return policy: If you're disappointed in the book selection you receive, can you get a refund or send it back for a different book?
• Reputation: Is the book club used by a lot of members? What do customers have to say about their experience with the company?

TopConsumerReviews.com has reviewed and ranked the best book clubs available today. We hope this information helps you continue to find new book titles that provide all the enjoyment and relaxation you are hoping for!

Book Club FAQ

How often is it delivered, what is in the package, can i choose what book it is, are book clubs a good gift, is it expensive, is it a subscription or one time gift, what if i already have the book, is there variety, compare book clubs.

Select any 2 Book Clubs to compare them head to head

Book Club Articles

Are monthly book club subscription services worth it, do book clubs make good gifts, what are some of the most popular books to read.

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Book Club check-in: We need to talk about Claudia from 'Subduction'

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  Mon, 15 Jul 2024

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Book clubs can offer community and accountability for readers. Follow this six-step guide with tips from expert leaders to run your own book club.

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The Poisons We Drink: Book club guide

A book club guide for the novel The Poisons We Drink by Bethany Baptiste including the book synopsis, a drink, food, and outfit guide, and discussion questions ...

  Fri, 12 Jul 2024

Esquire on MSN

How Celebrity Book Clubs Actually Work

Three famous readers hold immense influence over the publishing industry. Their recommendations can make or break a book—but how do they make their selections, and is their influence waning? Insiders ...

Velshi Banned Book Club: 'The Poet X' by Elizabeth Acevedo

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  Sat, 13 Jul 2024

The Denver Post

The Book Club: “Whale Fall,” “How to Read a Book” and more ...

Editor’s note: The opinions of the smart, well-read women in my Denver book club mean a lot, and often determine what the rest of us choose to pile onto our bedside tables. So we asked them, and all ...

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• Review Site

Online Book Club Review: Why It’s Not Worth Your Time

• Views: 6,139

In this article, you’ll learn all the basics of the Online Book Club and some tips to help maximize your earnings. The Online Book Club is an online company that pays people to read books and write book reviews.

If you’re looking for a way to get paid doing something you already like then joining the club might be right up your alley!

You can get paid anywhere from $5-$60 per review, with more money earned as you complete more reviews and amass higher scores from the editors.

Online Book Club Overview

• Year Founded: 2011
• Payment Methods: PayPal
• Set Your Own Rates or Margins: Yes
• Earning Method: Review Site

Online Book Club is a site that pays you to review books. The reviews are generally 400-600 words long, and the pay is very low, starting at just $5 per review. Also, you won’t be paid for your first review on the platform.

What is Online Book Club?

Online Book Club is an online community for readers and authors. Started in 2011, the website claims to have over 3 million members and has provided opportunities for authors to get their work reviewed by others. 

The site also helps readers discover new books to read, with reviews from other users to help inform their decision.

How Does Online Book Club Work

I would describe Online Book Club as a hybrid of both a review site and a book club. From the surface, the process seems simple enough: you create an account, write your review, and then get paid. 

However, that’s not quite the case, according to Online Book Club reviews online.

To start getting paid reviews, you first need to have your first review approved and published. Once that’s done—assuming your review hits all their requirements—you can start taking on paid review projects.

Keep in mind that the site doesn’t pay you for your first review, regardless of the messaging used in the emails that they send you pressuring you to write the first review. 

Online Book Club Pros

• You can read whatever you want. There are no requirements for what types of books you have to read or review, so you’re free to choose whichever books appeal to you.
• It’s a great way to read books for free. If you’re like me and don’t have a lot of money for purchasing new books, OBC is a fantastic option for finding new material to read without having to pay anything at all. And even get paid to leave your thoughts on the book you just read.

Online Book Club Cons

If you’re looking for a quick way to earn money , this isn’t it. 

• Reviewing books can be fun, but it takes time and effort to read the book, and then write a good review. You are not going to earn much on this site, given that even if you commit to reading 4 books a month, that’s just $40 if you are lucky to get $10 per review, every time.
• The availability of books is also limited, so you might need to browse through the categories for weeks before finding one that interests you. 
• The pay is ridiculously low compared to the work involved
• Editors undermine your work as most of them haven’t read the book in question. Some reviewers have claimed that editors do this on purpose to save the company from paying the full amounts per your level.
• The site is ripe with dishonest policies when it comes to compensating reviewers: Simple grammar errors like missing commas a whopping 10 points out of the possible hundred. Have four of them, and you are 40% off the full pay.

Online Book Club Payouts

Once the first review is approved and published, you can take on paid jobs. The pay is just $5 and you might not even get the full piece. They pay via PayPal only.

While they claim that the maximum payout is $60, it isn’t necessarily true. You will be starting at level 0 and can only earn a maximum of $5 per review. 

Choosing a Book for Review

• When you first sign up, you will be given access to a list of books available for review. To get started, browse the list and find a book that looks interesting to you.
• Once you’ve chosen a book, click on it to learn more about it before requesting it. 
• Set your preferences for the types of books you want (pdf, kindle book, epub, doc, Audible). Then click the “Request Book” button at the bottom of the screen.
• Once you make a selection in Step 2 above, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to download your free copy of the book to your device or computer. 
• You’ll need to confirm that have received the book by clicking on a link from within this email or logging into your account and updating your status for that particular book accordingly. 
• If any issues arise during this process (e.g., maybe one of these free copies has expired), don’t hesitate to contact Online Book Club Support via their Contact Us page or email them at support@onlinebookclub org.
• Once verified, you’ll have 14 days to update the status. You’ll update the status by marking either that you’ve finished reading the book, you no longer wish to read the book, request an extension, or report an error. 

Qualifying for Paid Reviews

To get paid, you need to qualify for a paid review. To qualify, you will need to have one unpaid review published before you become eligible for the “low-level” paid reviews, which are for $5.

If you make the mistake of reviewing other books before you get your first review approved and published, the rest of the reviews will be unpaid as well. So, simply submit your first review and wait until it is published or requested to modify.

Once it is approved by an Editorial Assistant (EA),  go ahead and see what other books they have available that might interest you. If there’s something great available in your interest area then pick it and start working on it.

Online Book Club Reviews

What to Look for When Reading a Book for Review Purposes

As a reviewer for Online Book Club, you may encounter a number of books with different subject matters, genres, and audiences. Before you begin reading a book for review purposes, it’s important to be aware of some guidelines so that your review will be accurate and comprehensive.

Here are the things to look for in each book:

• Instances of profanity
• Erotic content
• Any errors in grammar/formatting/proofreading
• Religious affiliations that would influence readership

Things to Note

• Only choose books from the select button on the review score page. If it is not listed there you won’t get any credit for reading it.
• Reviews should be original and not published elsewhere.
• Reviews should be written in the first person

Online Book Club FAQs

How much money can you make with online book club.

How much money can you make with Online BooYou earn $5 for every book review you write as an entry-level reviewer. The pay increases as you move up the levels and access review jobs with better rates.

Is Online Book Club a Scam?

No, Online Book Club is not a scam. People have been paid by them over the last few years. That said, people have claimed that the editors intentionally demean your work so as to pay you even lower rates.

Online Book Club Review: Is Onlinebookclub.org Worth It?

To answer the question, “Is Online Book Club.org worth it”, we gave this site a score of 2.7 out of 5 stars. As you can see from our review above, it is not worth your time as the work involved is a lot for measly payments.

If you still want to review books and get paid for it, then starting your own website is better . Sure, it will take you longer to start earning but with a reputable brand, you can start getting authors coming to you with sponsored opportunities.

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•   25 book club books to discuss and debate

25 book club books to discuss and debate

Discover our edit of the best book club books, guaranteed to spark thoughts and opinions from everyone around the table. .

It's easy to feel overwhelmed when choosing a new book for yourself, let alone for a book club; the added challenge of trying to appease a wide range of tastes can make it a real headache. That's why we've collected our favourite book club reads, including both new releases and literary masterpieces , all of which provide multiple angles for group discussion and healthy (or not!) debate. 

• New releases

Literary fiction

• Crime & thriller

The best new book club books

By kristin hannah.

Frankie McGrath, a nursing student in 1965 California, has her world transformed when she's told "women can be heroes, too." Joining the Army Nurses Corps to follow her brother to Vietnam, Frankie faces the harsh realities of war and its aftermath. Amidst chaos and heartbreak, she finds strength in female friendship and learns the value of sacrifice and commitment. This emotionally charged novel illuminates the often-forgotten stories of women who bravely served their country. With a memorable heroine, searing insights, and lyrical beauty, The Women is a poignant tale of courage guaranteed to move any book club.

Don't Miss

More unmissable reads by Kristin Hannah

The King's Witches

By kate foster.

A beautifully written yet chilling tale, Kate Foster’s  The King’s Witches  tells the story of three women: Princess Anna of Denmark, betrothed to King James VI of Scotland, her pious lady-in-waiting Kirsten Sorenson, a woman with her own secret desires, and Jura, a young housemaid known for her healing charms. Based on a true story, this novel gives a voice to the women whose lives were forever changed by the impact of the sixteenth-century Scottish witch trials. 

One of the Good Guys

By araminta hall.

Cole, considered the 'perfect husband,' is left shocked when his wife, Mel, decides to leave him. Seeking isolation, he moves to the coast and befriends Lennie, an artist leading a similar solitary existence in a precarious cliff-edge cottage. However, their lives are upended when two young women vanish nearby while on a protest walk on the coast. Now at the center of a police investigation and media storm, it becomes clear that Cole and Lennie may not know each other as well as they thought. Full of suspense, mystery and twists , this feminist thriller is sure to spark debate.

Discover more books with jaw-dropping twists

By hernan diaz.

Winner of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, Trust is undoubtedly one of the novels of the year. Everyone in 1920s New York knows of Benjamin and Helen Rask, the Wall Street tycoon and the daughter of bohemian aristocrats. They live in a sphere of untold wealth, but what is the true cost of their fortune? This mystery sits at the heart of a bestselling novel that all of New York has read. But, like all stories, there are different perspectives. Hernan Diaz tracks these narratives across a century and documents the truth-bending power of money, with provocative revelations at each turn.

The Lamplighters

By emma stonex.

A BBC Radio 2 Book Club recommendation and a Sunday Times bestseller, The Lamplighters is a mystery, a love story and a ghost story all at once. Cornwall, 1972. Three keepers vanish from a remote lighthouse, miles from the shore. The entrance door is locked from the inside. The clocks have stopped. The Principal Keeper’s weather log describes a mighty storm, but the skies have been clear all week. What happened to the three men, out on the tower? Twenty years later, the women they left behind have been driven apart by the tragedy. Still struggling to move on, Helen, Jenny and Michelle are approached by a writer who wants to know their side of the story. But by confronting the past, dark fears and hidden truths begin to surface. Inspired by real events, Emma Stonex weaves a suspenseful mystery with an unforgettable story of love and grief.

Maude Horton's Glorious Revenge

By lizzie pook.

London, 1850. Constance Horton has disappeared. Maude, her older sister, knows only that Constance abandoned the apothecary they call home, and, disguised as a boy, boarded a ship bound for the Arctic. She never returned. When she finds Constance’s journal, it becomes clear that the truth is being buried by sinister forces. To find answers Maude must step into London’s dark underbelly, and into the path of dangerous, powerful men. The kind of men who seek their fortune in the city’s horrors, from the hangings at Newgate to the ghoulish waxworks of Madame Tussaud’s. This brilliant adventure is sure to keep book club members turning the pages.

Bright Young Women

By jessica knoll.

January 1978. Tallahassee. When sorority president Pamela Schumacher is startled awake at 3 a.m. by a strange sound, she’s shocked to encounter a scene of implausible violence – two of her friends dead and two others, maimed. The only person to see the man responsible, she is thrust into a terrifying mystery, entangled in a crime that captivates public interest for more than four decades. This extraordinary novel is inspired by the real-life sorority targeted by America's first celebrity serial killer in his final murderous spree. 

by Julia May Jonas

A bold, razor-sharp and timely debut, Julia May Jonas'  Vladimir takes us deep into the emotional conflict between the strictures of morality and the impulses of the heart. The book's unnamed narrator: a popular English professor whose husband is under investigation for his inappropriate relationships with his former students. When the narrator then becomes infatuated with Vladimir, a celebrated, married young novelist who’s just arrived on campus, their relationship comes close to capsizing. An edgy and assured literary debut, mapping the personal and political battlefields of our current moment.

Everything's Fine

By cecilia rabess.

This stunning debut is a whip-smart exploration of an age-old question: what have you got to lose when you fall in love? When Jess first meets Josh at their Ivy League college she dislikes him immediately: an entitled guy in chinos, ready to take over the world. Meanwhile, Jess is almost always the only Black woman in their class. And Josh can’t accept that life might be easier for him because he’s white. But when they end up working for the same investment bank, their tempestuous friendship soon turns into an electrifying romance, forcing Jess to question who she is and what she's willing to compromise for love. 

No easy answers: Cecilia Rabess on Everything's Fine

Disorientation, by elaine hsieh chou.

When Ingrid Yang finally completes her dissertation on canonical poet Xiao-Wen Chou she never wants to hear about 'Chinese-y' things ever again. Finding a strange note in the Chou archives, she thinks she has found a way out of the academic labyrinth. But Ingrid is accidentally in deep, and the note leads to a huge discovery, one which upsets her life and the lives of those around her. Perfect for fans of Yellowface, Disorientation is an uproarious and big-hearted satire – alive with sharp edges, immense warmth, and a cast of unforgettable characters. It asks big questions about society, particularly: who gets to tell our stories?

Shuggie Bain

By douglas stuart.

Set in a poverty-stricken Glasgow in the early 1980s, Douglas Stuart’s Booker Prize-winning debut is a heartbreaking story which lays bare the ruthlessness of poverty and the limits of love. Agnes Bain has always dreamed of greater things, but when her husband abandons her she finds herself trapped in a decimated mining town with her three children, and descends deeper and deeper into drink. Her son Shuggie tries to help Agnes long after her other children have fled, but he too must abandon her to save himself. Shuggie is different, and he is picked on by the local children and condemned by adults. But he believes that if he tries his hardest he can escape this hopeless place.

by Sarah K Jackson

In the aftermath of a devastating microplastics storm that decimated humanity, Not Alone follows the journey of Katie and her son in a tale that intertwines heart-stopping adventure with the profound bond between a mother and child. Trapped within the confines of their apartment, they navigate a world where survival hinges on scavenging for sustenance. Katie, braves the dangers outside while Harry remains sheltered, oblivious to the truth of their existence. This remarkable debut delves into themes of love, trust, and hope while unmasking the imminent peril that looms over humanity as a whole.

The Miniaturist

By jessie burton.

It's an autumn day in 1686 in Amsterdam, and eighteen-year-old Nella Oortman knocks at the door of a splendid house in the finest part of the city. She has come to marry esteemed trader Johannes Brandt, but instead his sharp-tongued sister opens the door. When she encounters Johannes he presents her with an amazing wedding gift: a cabinet representing their home. It is furnished by an enigmatic miniaturist, whose creations not only mirror but begin to predict the increasing peril they find themselves in . . .

Book Club questions for Jessie Burton's The Miniaturist

The women could fly, by megan giddings.

The Women Could Fly  is a speculative feminist novel for our times, set in a time where magic is reality, and single women are monitored in case they turn out to be witches. Josephine Thomas has heard a plethora of theories about her mother's death: that she was abducted, murdered and that she was a witch. This is a concerning accusation, because women who act strangely – especially Black women – can soon find themselves being tried for witchcraft. Facing the prospect of a State-mandated marriage, Jo decides to honour one last request written in her mother's will.

The Mercies

By kiran millwood hargrave.

A Richard & Judy Book Club 2021 pick and a BBC Radio 2 Book Club read for 2020, this evocative novel was inspired by the real Vardø storm and the subsequent witch hunt. When a catastrophic storm wipes out almost the entirety of the male population of the island, the women who are left, still grieving for their men, are forced to fend for themselves. Eighteen months later, the sinister new commissioner, Absolom Cornet, arrives with his young wife Ursa. Ursa sees independent women for the first time in her life and finds herself drawn to Maren, the young woman who helps her navigate life in this harsh new world. 

by Emma Donoghue

Now a major film as well as a Booker Prize-shortlisted novel, Room is a profoundly affecting book for all types of reader. Scared is what you're feeling. Brave is what you're doing. Jack is excited about turning five. He lives with his Ma in a small room, with a skylight and a door that is always locked. His only friends are Ma, and the cartoon characters he sees on TV. Then one day, Ma admits there is a world outside. Narrated in Jack's voice,  Room  is the story of a mother and son whose love lets them survive the impossible. 

Book Club questions to inspire debate for Emma Donoghue's Room

Dear mrs bird, by aj pearce.

As bombs fall on 1940s London, Emmy dreams of assisting the war effort as a fearless Lady War Correspondent. Unfortunately, after a misunderstanding over a job advert, Emmy instead ends up as a typist for formidable agony aunt, Henrietta Bird. But Mrs Bird won’t answer letters containing any form of Unpleasantness, so what can Emmy do but try to help these desperate women herself? A Richard & Judy Book Club Pick and Sunday Times bestseller, Dear Mrs Bird is a sweet and uplifting wartime tale of bravery, friendship and love. 

Once a Monster

By robert dinsdale.

Victorian London is brought to life as Robert Dinsdale expertly blends historical writing with ancient myth. Ten-year-old orphan Nell belongs to a crew of mudlarks who work a stretch of the Thames. She spends her days searching for treasure in the mud in order to appease her master, Benjamin Murdstone. That is until she finds a body on the shore – a seven-foot matted creature with horns. As she ventures closer the figure draws breath and Nell is forced to make a decision which will change her life forever. This imaginative retelling of the Minotaur transcends genre, making it the perfect book club read. 

by Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi

This is the ultimate book with twists to get everyone talking. Anisa spends her days writing subtitles for Bollywood films in her London flat, longing to be a translator of literature. Her boyfriend, Adam, on the other hand, has an extraordinary aptitude for language - or so Anisa thinks. After learning to speak Urdu practically overnight, Adam reveals his secret - the Centre: an elite programme that guarantees fluency in any language in just ten days. But when Anisa enrols and is quickly seduced by all that it's made possible, she soon realizes the disturbing, hidden cost of its services.

Maps of Our Spectacular Bodies

By maddie mortimer.

Something is on the move in Lia's body: something shape-shifting, gleeful and malevolent. And it's spreading... When a sudden diagnosis changes Lia's world, the gap between her past and her present starts to crumble. Secrets awake within her, and the outer landscape blends with that within. And Lia and her family must face the most difficult of questions: how do you die with style, when you're just not ready to go? Utterly heart-breaking yet darkly funny, Maddie Mortimer’s debut is a symphonic journey through one woman’s body: a celebration of desire, forgiveness, and the darkness within us all.

by Sarah May

Determined to get away from her dead-end hometown, Becky Sharp sets out to make a place for herself in high society and reach the top of the career ladder – no matter who she has to step on to get there. Following a very modern heroine through 90s tabloid era London, Becky charts the rise and fall of Sarah May's titular protagonist as she rises through the ranks at Mercury newspaper. Scoop after scoop, Becky's downfall looms as she becomes more and more involved in every scandal the newspaper publishes. Inspired by the classic Vanity Fair , Becky Sharp is a morally grey character to provide plenty of food for thought. 

More brilliant literary fiction to read right now

Crime & thrillers, the axeman's jazz, by ray celestin.

In the jazz-filled, mob-ruled streets of 1910s New Orleans, a ruthless serial killer called the Axeman stalks the city, demanding that people must play jazz or risk becoming his next victim. Three individuals set out to catch and unmask him, each for their own reasons. Detective Michael Talbot heads up the official investigation, but is left struggling for leads and battling his own grave secret. Former detective Luca d'Andrea, now working for the mafia, just as much need to solve the case as the authorities. And Ida, a secretary at the Pinkerton Detective Agency and dreaming of a better life – until she stumbles across a clue that leads her and her musician friend, Louis Armstrong, into terrible danger . . .

Sixteen Horses

By greg buchanan.

Near the dying English seaside town of Ilmarsh, local police detective Alec Nichols discovers sixteen horses’ heads on a farm, each buried with a single eye facing the low winter sun. After forensic veterinarian Cooper Allen travels to the scene, the investigators soon uncover evidence of a chain of crimes in the community – disappearances, arson and mutilations. In the dark days that follow, the town slips into panic and paranoia. This story of enduring guilt, trauma and punishment will keep your book club readers gripped until the last page.

People Like Her

By ellery lloyd.

Another Richard & Judy Book Club Pick, this smart debut thriller from husband-and-wife writing team Ellery Lloyd takes a compelling look at the dark side of social media and influencer culture. Emmy Jackson is better known to her online fans as Instagram sensation Mamabare , famous for telling it like it is when it comes to modern parenthood. But not everything you see online can be believed, and someone out there knows the truth about Emmy and intends to make her pay . . . 

Emily Noble's Disgrace

By mary paulson-ellis.

After trauma cleaner Essie Pound makes a gruesome discovery in an abandoned Edinburgh boarding house, she quickly meets a young policewoman, Emily Noble, who has her own hidden reasons for solving the case. As the duo journey deep into the heart of a forgotten family, fragmented memories of their own traumatic histories are thrown up by the investigation – something Emily has spent a lifetime attempting to bury, and Essie a lifetime trying to lay bare. Introduce a Scottish crime-thriller like no other to your book club with the third novel from Mary Paulson-Ellis, bestselling author of The Other Mrs Walker .

More page-turning thrillers to keep readers gripped

You may also like, the best thriller books of 2024, and all time, the best fiction books of 2024, and all time, 20 of the best feel-good books and uplifting reads.

What is 'Hillbilly Elegy' about? All about JD Vance's book amid VP pick.

Capitol Hill is rarely the only career venture for politicians. Before taking office, many elected officials have already made a name for themselves in business, economics, advocacy work or tech. 

Such is the case for J.D. Vance, Donald Trump’s recently announced vice-presidential running mate . The Ohio Republican was first elected to the Senate in 2022 after defeating Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan. But before his time in Congress, he was most well-known as an author . 

Here’s everything you need to know about Vance’s 2016 bestseller and its 2020 film adaptation.

JD Vance’s book: What is ‘Hillbilly Elegy’ about?

Vance has written one book – his memoir “Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis” was published in 2016 by HarperCollins Publisher. He was under contract to write a second book, "A Relevant Faith: Searching for a Meaningful American Christianity," but the project fell through, the Associated Press reported in 2022. He also wrote a foreword to Microsoft Chief Technology Officer Kevin Scott's "Reprogramming the American Dream: From Rural America to Silicon Valley – Making AI Serve Us All."

“Hillbilly Elegy” tells the story of a childhood plagued by abuse, alcoholism and poverty. It follows Vance’s white, working-class family from his grandparents in Kentucky’s Appalachia region to his coming-of-age in Middletown, Ohio. Vance also chronicles his time in the Marines and higher education, touching on “generational upward mobility” and carrying “the demons of his chaotic family history.”

"I think of so much of politics through the eyes of my Mamaw and Papaw...they grew up very poor and they moved to southern Ohio because that was the land of opportunity," told a crowd in Delaware during his 2022 Senate bid. "That was the place where a guy could work hard and play by the rules and raise a family on a single middle-class income."

Pundits began using his memoir to explain Trump’s popularity with white, rural voters in the 2016 election. The New York Times called it “a tough love analysis of the poor who back Trump.” Vance, however, openly criticized Trump in 2016, even suggesting he could be “America’s Hitler.” He switched his messaging while gearing up for his 2022 Senate run, securing a Trump endorsement in the GOP primary.

Vance had the name recognition of “Hillbilly Elegy” on his side by the time he ran against Rep. Ryan. Many saw him as a politician able to identify with everyday Americans. But not all Appalachians felt themselves represented in its telling of white, middle-class families.

One review in The Atlantic criticizes the film and book for framing poverty as a “moral failing of individuals” rather than a larger system at work: “Hillbilly Elegy has to simplify the people and problems of Appalachia, because it has decided to tell the same old pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps narrative that so many of us reject.”

‘Hillbilly Elegy’ movie cast: Who played JD Vance in the film adaptation?

Ron Howard directed an adaptation of Vance’s memoir, which was released in select theaters and on Netflix in November 2020. “Hillbilly Elegy” stars Amy Adams as his mother, Bev Vance, and Glenn Close as his grandmother, Mamaw. Gabriel Basso plays J.D. Vance and Owen Asztalos plays a younger version of him. 

The film didn’t fair well among critics – receiving only 25% on Rotten Tomatoes – but Close scored a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the 2020 Oscars for her role. 

Just Curious for more? We've got you covered.

USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "How many Bridgerton books are there?" to "How many people voted for Trump in 2020?" to "What does indicted mean?" – we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer for you.

Things To Do | The Book Club: “Whale Fall,” “How to Read a…

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Things to do | broncos, rg quinn meinerz agree to four-year, $80 million extension with $45 million in guarantees, per sources, things to do, things to do | the book club: “whale fall,” “how to read a book” and more short reviews from readers.

“Whale Fall,” by Elizabeth O’Connor (Pantheon Books, 2024)

Manod is 18 when her isolated Welsh island is disturbed, first by a dying whale, then by two social scientists with unknown agendas. Believing Edward and Joan can help her attend university on the mainland, Manod becomes their assistant in studying the small fishing community. But it’s 1938, and the outside world won’t leave the island isolated long. O’Connor’s brief novel is terse and quiet, but the details of life on the island are vivid. Readers are drawn in to “read between the lines” of this very atmospheric book. — 3 stars (out of 4); Neva Gronert, Parker

“How to Read a Book,” by Monica Wood (Mariner Books)

A delightful novel of multi-generational characters that brings together (1) a retired teacher, who volunteers at a local Maine prison to create a book club for women inmates; (2) one of the book club members, who is soon granted early release for good behavior; and (3) a retired machinist, who intersects with each woman’s life in surprising but perhaps inevitable ways. Each storyline is given equal time, with alternating chapters presented from each character’s perspective. There are laugh-out-loud moments, as well as moments of heartbreak. Plus, the book club segments WILL give you lessons on how to read a book, in thought-provoking ways. — 3 1/2 stars (out of 4); Kathleen Lance, Denver 

“Spin a Silver Dollar,” by Alberta Hannum (Ballantine Books, 1972)

A memoir with a vivid Western setting creates a charming tale, replete with nostalgia and rare insights into art. Published decades ago, a challenge to locate today, the book is well worth the search. An Eastern couple purchased a desert trading post and discovered Jimmy, aka Little No Shirt, a Navajo boy carving pictures on rocks. They fostered and encouraged the young artist, then brought the attention of the outside world to his work about desert life. The author knew artist Beatien Yazz, who did, indeed, grow up to be a respected artist, as well as Bill and Sallie Lippincott, the post owners. Liberally illustrated with color reproductions from the artist to convey Native traditions, lifestyles, the rich heritage of their wool industry, and history. — 3 stars (out of 4); Bonnie McCune, Denver (bonniemccune.com)

“After Annie,” by Anna Quindlen (Random House, 2024)

What happens to individual family members when the wife/mother/sister/daughter and central glue of her immediate family suddenly dies at a young age? Quindlen’s latest novel depicts one family’s experience in navigating both shock and grief, in loving and excruciating detail. But more than that, this novel also illuminates the impact of such a loss on a lifelong friend. Novels that explore grief rarely grapple with the loss of a close friend, but Quindlen does in a way that is both touching and searing. Fair warning: have your tissues at hand, readers. — 3 1/2 stars (out of 4); Kathleen Lance, Denver

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Fabulous stars drink, talk about sex in racy comedy.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Promotes strong female friendships and not allowin

All four main characters are role models in differ

Lots of discussions about sex (or lack thereof). J

One use of "f---ed up," plus occasional use of wor

Book trilogy Fifty Shades of Grey prominently feat

Wine in nearly every scene: The women drink it (es

Parents need to know that Book Club is a comedy about four best friends (Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, Diane Keaton, Mary Steenburgen) whose lives change after they agree to read Fifty Shades of Grey together. E.L. James' trilogy plays a prominent role in the movie; it's quoted and discussed several…

Positive Messages

Promotes strong female friendships and not allowing stereotypes to define how you age. Also positive messages about healthy marriages, sex and intimacy/commitment, and how adult children and their parents interact.

Positive Role Models

All four main characters are role models in different ways: Vivian is a successful entrepreneur, Carol is a celebrated chef and generous philanthropist, Diane is an attentive and loving mother, and Sharon is an admirable and respected judge. They're all encouraging and supportive friends to one another. No notable diversity within the cast.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Lots of discussions about sex (or lack thereof). Jokes about erections, unused vaginas, celibacy, one-night stands. Vivian shown putting on her shoes after casual sex. The friends quote from, have conversations about "hot" scenes in Fifty Shades of Grey . One character has sex in a car after a date. Another attempts to seduce her husband, puts Viagra in his beer. A husband suffers through a prolonged erection. Husband and wife rush off to have sex off camera. A new couple is shown in bed (clothed) and kissing in various places.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

One use of "f---ed up," plus occasional use of words including "s--t," "hell," "ass," "damn," "Jesus Christ" (as an exclamation), sexual use of "come," nonsexual use of the term "lethargic pussy," etc.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

Book trilogy Fifty Shades of Grey prominently featured, as are Eargasm, Mercedes cars, iPhone, iPad, MacBook, Bumble, the book Wild , Honda, Buca di Beppo restaurant, Viagra, Volvo, Toyota Prius, Cave of Forgotten Dreams , Smirnoff vodka.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Wine in nearly every scene: The women drink it (especially white wine) a lot . In one scene, the four of them finish three bottles of wine and one bottle of hard liquor. Other adults drink beer, wine, and cocktails at restaurants, bars, parties, etc. Diane takes some sort of anti-anxiety or sleeping meds to fly on a plane.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Book Club is a comedy about four best friends ( Jane Fonda , Candice Bergen , Diane Keaton , Mary Steenburgen ) whose lives change after they agree to read Fifty Shades of Grey together. E.L. James' trilogy plays a prominent role in the movie; it's quoted and discussed several times and acts as a catalyst for each of the women to re-examine the state of her own love life. Not surprisingly, there are many obvious references to sex, several scenes of flirting and kissing, jokes about erections, and a couple of shots of couples who are either about to have sex or have just had it. Expect occasional strong language (including one use of "f---ed up") and lots of drinking (especially of white wine). Teens may not be especially interested, but the movie does have strong messages about female friendships and healthy relationships. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

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Community Reviews

• Parents say (12)
• Kids say (3)

Based on 12 parent reviews

not my kind of film

Even a party loving 18 yr old loved it, what's the story.

BOOK CLUB follows four 60-something Southern California best friends who've been meeting and discussing books since they were in their 20s. Single hotelier Vivian ( Jane Fonda ) never demands more than casual sex from men. Federal judge Sharon ( Candice Bergen ) has been celibate for the 18 years since she divorced her husband. Recently widowed stay-at-home mom Diane ( Diane Keaton ) is at odds with her two adult daughters, who want her to move near them in Arizona. And chef Carol ( Mary Steenburgen ) is happily married to newly retired Bruce ( Craig T. Nelson ); they love each other but haven't been intimate in six months. When it's Vivian's turn to pick the next book, she gives everyone Fifty Shades of Grey . At first the women balk at reading erotica, but as they read E.L. James' trilogy, they each rediscover their "inner goddesses," whether it's through online dating (for Sharon), flirting with a handsome pilot ( Andy Garcia ) for Diane, or rekindling an old flame ( Don Johnson ) for Vivian.

Is It Any Good?

No matter how you feel about the Fifty Shades of Grey book s , it's a treat to watch this quartet of excellent actresses on screen together, although the comedy is only somewhat entertaining. Although it would be wonderful for the 65-and-over actresses to perform in a film that didn't involve Fifty Shades as a central plot point, it's undeniably amusing to see them banter in this Nancy Meyers -like comedy. (Gorgeous homes? Check! Keaton's trademark costume style? Check! Sexagenarian romance? Check! All-white cast? Check ...) It's also refreshing for a movie to offer the possibility that older women can be with younger men (Johnson is 12 years younger than Fonda, and Garcia is 10 years younger than Keaton) and to cast acclaimed actors like Wallace Shawn , Ed Begley Jr. , and Richard Dreyfuss in supporting roles.

The characters' various love stories are unevenly played out, with Keaton's and Fonda's the most traditionally romantic, Bergen's played for laughs (she finds her suitors through online dating), and Steenburgen's somewhat bittersweet except for a predictable sequence involving Viagra and its long-lasting effects. But it's not the romances that make this film watchable, it's the supportive relationships between the women. The dialogue is authentic -- as is the high amount of alcohol consumption associated with women's book clubs (it's unclear how the characters were functional at their jobs after drinking so much wine). Two of the best parts of the movie are the breathtaking California and Arizona locations and the nostalgic soundtrack, which ranges from Paul Simon and Meat Loaf to Tom Petty and Roxy Music.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about who the target audience for Book Club is. How can you tell? Why do you think there are relatively few films featuring older women?

Which characters do you consider role models in the movie? Why?

What role does drinking play in the characters' lives? Do you think they drink responsibly?

Why do you think the Fifty Shades books are so popular, even among those who haven't read the trilogy? Why do you think they've made such an impact on popular culture?

Movie Details

• In theaters : May 18, 2018
• On DVD or streaming : August 28, 2018
• Cast : Diane Keaton , Jane Fonda , Candice Bergen
• Director : Bill Holderman
• Inclusion Information : Female actors
• Studio : Paramount Pictures
• Genre : Comedy
• Topics : Friendship
• Run time : 104 minutes
• MPAA rating : PG-13
• MPAA explanation : sex-related material throughout, and for language
• Last updated : July 8, 2024

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Four brilliant, accomplished, gorgeous female actors play four friends who take a bachelorette trip to Italy in this dumb, dull, dud of a waste of their time and ours. I’ll bet the actors had a lot more fun when they were just hanging out between scenes than anyone will in watching the movie. In one brief scene, the characters visit some of Italy's magnificent ancient Roman statues, and all the script gives them to say are middle school-level dick jokes. What those characters do to those classic works of art is what the script does to the women who play them. Both deserve much, much better. And boy, so do we. 

Like Smurfs, each character gets just one attribute. The male characters all get the same one: unconditional adoration of the fabulous creature to whom they are lucky enough to be able to devote their full time and attention because they have no other interests, wishes, obligations, or, indeed, reasons to exist except to be Perfect Boyfriend (PB). It’s a dumbed-down, glammed-up “Golden Girls.”

Once again, Jane Fonda plays the free-spirited, sex-positive hotel executive, Blanche, I mean Samantha, I mean Vivian. Her PB is Arthur ( Don Johnson ). Candice Bergen is the now-retired judge. Diane Keaton is the, oh, I don't know, they just had Diane Keaton play her dithery fallback persona, the one who loves wide belts, crinolines, and polka dots. Her PB is Mitchell ( Andy Garcia ), the man she met in the last movie. Mary Steenburgen is Carol. She is happily married to Bruce ( Craig T. Nelson ), but he is recovering from a heart attack, and she is worried and perhaps over-protective. 

Oh, boy, pandemic humor! If you think that means shots of Zoom calls with people trying to understand the mute button and turn off the filter, you are right. If you think that's fresh or funny, you might enjoy this movie. Maybe. There are also useless pandemic-era activities like a new pet and a new musical instrument intended to be charming or funny. They are neither. The last movie’s cute elevator pitch was, “A bunch of old but sexy ladies read  50 Shades of Gray .” They jettison the concept of an actual book club this time, but apparently, they all read Paulo Coelho’s  The Alchemist . Instead of snickering jokes about bondage, there are woo-woo references to destiny.

Viv's PB impulsively proposes to her, and the woman who never wanted to get married suddenly finds herself engaged. The friends decide to celebrate with a trip to Italy before the wedding. If you think this means a shot of them walking toward us in slow-motion like a cutesy version of " The Right Stuff " and the dozens, possibly hundreds, of movies that have imitated that shot ever since, you are right. If you think that's adorable, you might enjoy this film. Maybe.

In one of the world's most beautiful countries with some of the world's most legendary historic art and architecture, the women get up to all kinds of silly hijinks that could just as easily happen at home. A mis-sent photo might be misinterpreted! Oh, no! They get thrown in jail. They get thrown in jail again! Same sheriff ( Giancarlo Giannini , slumming)! How funny is that? Not!

Co-written by director Bill Holderman and Erin Simms , the film even fails the Bechdel test. These characters have almost nothing to say to each other except for how much they love (1) each other and (2) men. Plus, a few "jokes" about getting older. 

And there's a finding a bridal gown scene. If you think that means a montage where, " Friends "-style, everyone gets to try on dresses, you're right. If you think it's funny, maybe you'll enjoy this movie. If you think there are "life is what you make it" comments, a farewell to a late husband, and a last-minute switch that makes no sense whatsoever, you're right. But you’ll be better off with “ 80 for Brady .”

In theaters on Friday, May 12. 

Nell Minow is the Contributing Editor at RogerEbert.com.

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Film credits.

Book Club: The Next Chapter (2023)

Rated PG-13 for some strong language and suggestive material.

108 minutes

Diane Keaton as Diane

Jane Fonda as Vivian

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‘Bright Objects’ Brings Together a Cult, a Comet and a Widow Out for Justice

Set among the fevered residents of a remote Australian town, Ruby Todd’s debut novel considers how grief can draw people to extreme beliefs.

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By Ivy Pochoda

Ivy Pochoda’s most recent novel is “Sing Her Down.”

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BRIGHT OBJECTS, by Ruby Todd

HBO’s Covid hit series “The Vow” unleashed what has become an almost insatiable appetite for cult documentaries — the more extreme, the more addictive. By now we are all but inured to the wild things people do to belong: drinking colloidal silver, getting branded, stalking their supposed “twin flame.”

Because Ruby Todd’s debut novel, “Bright Objects,” is loosely based on the Heaven’s Gate cult, whose members, with the help of phenobarbital, imagined they could hitch a ride on the tail of the Hale-Bopp comet in 1997, you might expect some of the same emotional pyrotechnics and bizarre antics you found in 2023’s hottest cult documentary series, “Love Has Won” and “Escaping Twin Flames.” Instead, Todd has chosen a quieter and more unusual route toward understanding the extremity of belief.

It’s 1997 in the small Australian town of Jericho. A newly discovered comet, St. John, is approaching Earth — its impending arrival summoning fevered responses from the town’s residents, most of whom are searching for outsize meaning in the sky. One of these searchers is Sylvia Knight, whose husband, Christopher, was killed by a hit-and-run driver two years earlier. Tortured by the fact that the killer remains at large and unwilling to live without Christopher, Sylvia has set a date for her own death.

Before she can carry out her plan, she finds herself torn between a surprising new lover, Theo St. John, the astronomer who discovered the comet, and Joseph Evans, a local mystic with increasingly fatalistic notions about the comet’s approach.

At the outset Sylvia tells us that she has died twice within two years — the first time after the car crash that killed her husband. The second, well, those of you familiar with Heaven’s Gate will be able to guess what’s in store for those in Joseph’s orbit.

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Briefly Noted

The God of the Woods , by Liz Moore (Riverhead) . Told from rapidly shifting points of view across several decades, this expertly paced thriller tracks the disappearance of a young woman named Barbara Van Laar from a summer camp in the Adirondacks, which is owned by her fabulously wealthy family. The Van Laars and their associates are a shady bunch, and the novel plays dexterously with the tension between the opulent family and the working-class environs in which they live. Barbara’s vanishing is further darkened by rumors that a recently escaped serial killer, who “does not believe in any god except himself,” is stalking the forest. Driven by a sprawling plot, Moore’s novel explores adolescence and social class and has the kineticism of a well-crafted miniseries.

Gretel and the Great War , by Adam Ehrlich Sachs (Farrar, Straus & Giroux) . At the start of this inventive novel, which is set shortly after the First World War, an unknown woman, unable to speak, appears on the streets of Vienna. After she is institutionalized, a letter arrives from a man claiming to be her father. A mysterious one-way correspondence begins, ultimately coalescing into twenty-six linked tales of aristocrats, artists, eccentrics, and revolutionaries. Though tending toward the whimsical, the stories also display the dark undercurrents of early psychiatry. Along the way, tantalizing clues about the woman’s identity, and that of her mother, are glimpsed. Fusing period atmosphere with fairy tale, Ehrlich Sachs hints at modern themes while summoning an unexpected imaginary place.

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They Called It Peace , by Lauren Benton (Princeton) . This history demonstrates how European imperial expansion in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Australia from 1400 to 1900 was fuelled by so-called small wars. Taking place during times of ostensible peace, these conflicts—involving raids, massacres, and enslavement—weakened indigenous resistance and produced truces that secured terms under which colonial powers enacted further, now lawful, violence. Benton, a historian at Yale, uses harrowing case studies from around the world, and contextualizes events with the work of contemporary intellectuals, such as Jeremy Bentham, who “upheld the necessity of colonial violence for the protection of property . . . standing in for the common good.”

The Friday Afternoon Club , by Griffin Dunne (Penguin) . This consuming family memoir recounts comically foul judgment, striking privilege, and unspeakable tragedy. Dunne grew up in Beverly Hills, the son of the movie producer (and, after failing at that, crime reporter) Dominick Dunne, whose brother and enduring rival, the writer John Gregory Dunne, would marry Joan Didion. Those figures loom over Dunne’s book, as does his sister, Dominique, who was killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1982, when she and Dunne were cultivating their acting careers. Throughout Dunne’s account, which concludes in 1990, with the birth of his daughter, he drops frequent bombshells, details raging family battles, and admits to frequent (if winsome) acts of self-sabotage.

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What is 'Hillbilly Elegy'? Everything to know about VP candidate JD Vance's book

Former President Donald Trump selected Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance on Monday to be his 2024 vice-presidential running mate.

Vance, who grew up in Jackson, Kentucky, and Middletown, Ohio, skyrocketed to fame as the author of “Hillbilly Elegy.” The book later turned into a movie of the same name that was released in 2020.

Here's what to know about "Hillbilly Elegy."

Is JD Vance's 'Hillbilly Elegy' based on a true story? What is it about?

Yes. Vance described a childhood consumed by poverty and abuse in "Hillbilly Elegy," his  best-selling 2016 memoir . Vance's mother struggled with drug addiction, so he spent many of his formative years with his grandmother – known to him as Mamaw. The book, which has 4.3/5 stars out of over 96,000 ratings on Amazon, also touches on his journey to a Yale Law School degree that opened doors for him in Silicon Valley.

"Hillbilly Elegy" later turned into a  Netflix feature film of the same name.

What to know about 'Hillbilly Elegy,' the movie

The movie inspired by Vance's book released to Netflix in 2020. Directed by Ron Howard, it stars Amy Adams and Glenn Close. Vance's character is played by Gabriel Basso. Owen Asztalos also plays the younger version of him.

The IMDB description says, "An urgent phone call pulls a Yale Law student back to his Ohio hometown , where he reflects on three generations of family history and his own future."

The film, which is rated R, received a 6.7/10 on IMDB and 25% on Rotten Tomatoes .

Where was 'Hillbilly Elegy' filmed?

According to Decider , "Hillbilly Elegy" was partially filmed in Vance's hometown of Middletown, Ohio, as well as Atlanta and Clayton, Georgia.

Who is JD Vance's mother?

Vance's parents are Donald Bowman and Bev Vance. The two divorced when he was a toddler, according to Politico . In the movie, Bev Vance's character is played by Amy Adams.

Where can I watch 'Hillbilly Elegy'

The film is available to stream on Netflix.

Where is Middletown, Ohio?

Middletown is located in Ohio's Butler and Warren counties, the southwest portion of the state. It's part of the Greater Cincinnati area.

Who is JD Vance? Vice presidential candidate has multiple ties to Columbus

'Hillbilly Elegy' trailer

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Here's what each Sarasota School Board candidate had to say at Thursday's Tiger Bay forum

Three of the five candidates for August’s Sarasota School Board election participated in a public forum Thursday afternoon.

District 2 candidate Liz Barker was present, while the incumbent board chairwoman Karen Rose was absent. District 3 candidates Thomas Babicz and Tom Edwards participated, but Greg Wood was absent due to a family illness. The three faced a crowd of more than 250 people at Michaels on East armed with questions and concerns for the future of the Sarasota County School District.

The panel spanned a variety of topics from the upcoming school tax referendum vote to charter schools and political distractions at board meetings.

Here is what each candidate had to say at Thursday's Tiger Bay Forum:

If you had a magic wand, what is one thing you would do for Sarasota County Schools?

Tom Edwards: Secure funding for a family engagement specialist in every Sarasota County school to ensure that every student arrives ready to learn. He added that a large portion of the Sarasota County community is at or below the poverty line, which can impact learning due to household traumas involved with poverty.

Thomas Babicz: Send every teacher to learn how to teach phonics for literacy. He added that every Sarasota County graduate should know how to read.

Liz Barker: Get families more involved, and build meaningful relationships between families and schools. She said family empowerment in schools should mean a lot more than a pile of permission slips.

What metrics are you focused on in keeping the Sarasota County School District’s A rating?

Tom Edwards: The work of the district's teachers and administrators combined with the support of families is the reason behind the district's perennial A rating, he said. Edwards pointed to the district's financial situation, the effect of Florida HB 1 and universal vouchers, as something of concern in maintaining the A rating. As the cost of construction continues to rise and money leaves the district to private schools through vouchers, that money is lost for investing in students.

Thomas Babicz: Babicz said the best thing the district can do to maintain its A rating is to equip each student with a quality education and good self-esteem.

Liz Barker: The board needs to focus more on the achievement gap, Barker said, and by working to close the gap, the district will continue its A rating. She also said eighth-grade reading scores, and other statewide test scores, should be focused on outside of just third-grade reading being a gauge for district status.

If the Sarasota County Schools tax referendum does not pass, what are you eliminating first?

Tom Edwards: Referendum funding is intertwined into many aspects of the district's budget, so losing referendum dollars would take cuts from more than one place. However, pointing to one item specifically, Edwards said he would look into obsolete programming in the district.

Thomas Babicz: Evaluate every position in the district and see where cuts can be made. Also, Babicz said much budget cuts could be made in the savings from re-negotiating the district's contracts with outside entities,

Liz Barker: Losing referendum dollars is not an option, she said. It doesn't matter who you vote for, be sure to vote in favor of the referendum.

How do you curb distractions at Sarasota County School Board meetings?

Tom Edwards: The school board is being run by extremists, he said. Edwards asserted that everyone at the forum, on both sides of the political aisle, would vote for a safe, high-achieving academic environment for all students

Thomas Babicz: School should be free of politics, he said, adding that he'd work with both Democrats and Republicans while in office. Political activists create circuses at school board meetings, he said.

Liz Barker: The majority of Sarasota School Board members are pushing a particular political agenda, and it distracts from the real issues facing the district, she said. If a school board is doing its job, the meetings should be boring and no one should feel like they have to come, she said.

What is your position on charter schools in Sarasota County?

Tom Edwards: Edwards said he supports school choice, and said Sarasota County had several wonderful charter schools that are a good fit for the community. He said that for-profit charter schools and the district's approval of two new for-profit charters were a "blatant misuse of our tax dollars" as it puts public funds into the pockets of private businesses. He said the district needs to send a message to the Legislature in Tallahassee that they need to evaluate parts of the state's charter school legislation because it isn't a "one-size-fits-all" solution.

Thomas Babicz: Babicz said he is in total support of charter schools and the voucher program. He said the public has equal rights to the funds because they pay into it already with their tax dollars.

Liz Barker: There should be more guardrails with vouchers because, as it stands now, there is not enough accountability in private/charter schools as there is in public schools, Barker said. She said that private schools are not required to take ESE students, which is why public schools are so vital.

What is your position on the book removal process in Sarasota County schools?

Tom Edwards: The district already has a robust opt-out policy that parents can use to avoid their children seeing content they don't want them to see. Edwards said he hasn't seen any pornography in the district's schools, and said that students should be taught to think critically — something that diverse and sometimes controversial books often do.

Thomas Babicz: Emphasized that he is running for school board on the platform of eliminating pornography and critical race theory from schools. He emphasized the difference between sexual education and explicit content. Babicz supports the current book removal process but wants every new instructional material to be checked by parents.

Liz Barker: Believes the current process in Sarasota County works well and said the board hasn't banned any books. She cited personal anecdotes of teachers self-censoring and urged the board to support teachers and educators.

What are your thoughts on the Sarasota School Board candidates who weren't present at Tiger Bay?

Tom Edwards: Questioned the trustworthiness of the candidates who did not appear Thursday, adding that it showed a lack of transparency. He commended Babicz for attending and said it showed integrity.

Thomas Babicz: He said many people told him not to come because the audience could be hostile to conservative ideas, but he wanted to come.

Liz Barker: She said she couldn't comment on why Rose wasn't present, but said that she was there herself because she values truth, honesty and transparency. She said she'd always answer a question from the public, even if someone doesn't agree with her.

Do you support abolishing the federal Department of Education?

Tom Edwards: No

Thomas Babicz: Yes

Liz Barker: No

Follow Herald-Tribune Education Reporter Steven Walker on Twitter at @swalker_7. He can be reached at [email protected].