The Perfect Reads For Your Book Club
When it comes to book clubs, I am in my element! Book clubs are a way to indulge in a love for reading and a chance to chat about it with a group of ladies who share similar interests. Choosing the right book for your book club is another matter; pick something excellent and everyone is happy, or make the wrong choice and book club members can be left disappointed. After all, the perfect read is a subjective matter, and what might resonate with one person might resonate not with another.
Here I’ve curated a diverse, tried-and-tested list that is sure to spark interesting conversations among your club members. Let’s discover some perfect book club reads!
Lessons in Chemistry
by Bonnie Garmus
We kicked off the Ladies Who Lit book club with this book, and what a start! A tale of determination and intellect, we follow Elizabeth Zott as she navigates a world that dismisses her expertise - because she’s a woman.
Elizabeth is a brilliant chemist in the 1960s who dreams of pursuing groundbreaking research, but due to the gender biases of her era she is relegated to teaching women how to cook through an incredibly popular TV show.
As she embarks on her unconventional journey, readers experience a vivid portrayal of the challenges women face, not only in the workplace but in all areas of their lives. Thought-provoking, inspiring and celebratory of the spirit of women, this book club read is an easy choice!
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
An incredibly popular book club book, Where the Crawdads Sing is set in the lush marshes of North Carolina and combines a murder mystery with a coming-of-age story and a love letter to nature.
In this book, the narrative seamlessly shifts between different time periods to recount the life of Kya Clark, also known as the Marsh girl. Kya resides on the outskirts of town, dwelling amidst the Marsh, where the townspeople often regard her with disdain, subjecting her to judgment, ridicule, and bullying. However, amidst the cruelty, there are individuals who extend kindness, offer friendship, and reveal the depths of their love for her.
This novel provides a rich backdrop for discussions on resiliency, survival, hope, love, loss, loneliness, desperation, prejudice, determination and strength.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
For those who crave suspense and psychological thrillers, The Silent Patient is an ideal book clubpick. This gripping novel revolves around a famous painter who stops speaking after shooting her husband. The mystery deepens as a psychotherapist attempts to unravel the truth.
It's a fast-paced ride with short, punchy chapters. The story has so many threads and little surprises to uncover. More questions arise at every turn.
Themes of trauma, trust, and the human psyche will keep your book club members engaged in heated debates.
Yellowface by R. F. Kuang
Yellowface follows the story of Juniper who, after watching her ‘friend’ Athena Liu die in a freak accident, steals her friend’s manuscript and publishes it as her own.
This is a story of racism, plagiarism and serious secondhand cringe and embarrassment in the best way possible. Never have I met a character that I love to hate more than Juniper.
Whether you like this book or not, it’s one you can’t look away from and the writing will sweep you up into the controversy. The themes of social media scandal are throughout, and the book feels very of the time.
A fantastic choice for a book club read as it will certainly get your members talking!
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
For readers who appreciate enchanting, atmospheric storytelling, "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern is a magical choice. This novel transports readers to a mysterious, otherworldly circus that only appears at night. As two young illusionists engage in a magical competition, themes of love, destiny, and the sacrifices one makes for art take center stage, providing ample material for lively discussions.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I love this book, and I've struggled to find anyone who doesn’t feel the same way. A mesmerising and emotionally charged novel that takes you on a journey through the glamorous and tumultuous life of Evelyn Hugo; a legendary Hollywood actress who decides to divulge her life story to a journalist.
The storytelling is impeccable and the characters often feel real due to the richly layered plot. The novel explores themes of love, ambition, identity and sacrifices in pursuit of fame.
If you’re looking for a book club read that will leave an impact and prompt contemplation of the complexities of human relationships and the price of fame, this one is for you.
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
Looking for a rom-com as your next book club read? Well, this is one with a twist.
Sally is a comedy writer who has sworn off love until a handsome pop star flips the script. A beautifully written, charming novel that is completely engrossing. It’ll leave you feeling like you need to head back to the beginning and start again.
A behind-the-scenes look into how sketch comedy shows function and a story entering around the not in that the woman never gets the hot guy, until everything changes.
An easy choice for a female-centred book club read!
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
A heart-warming and bittersweet tale of an elderly, and quite frankly, grumpy man named Ove. His life is ruled by routines and his gruff exterior keeps people at bay. Over the course of the novel, we learn of Ove’s story of loss, love and unexpected connections.
This beautifully crafted story explores human spirit and the profound impact individuals can have on each other’s lives, often without realising it. A charming and emotional story that reminds us that compassion and understanding can break down even the most stubborn of barriers, and lead to unexpected bonds.
The Power by Naomi Alderman
Thought-provoking, provocative and empowering - the perfect female book club read! A story that reimagines the dynamics of power and gender.
Set in a world where women develop the power to generate electrical energy, this novel explores the dramatic shift in power as women become the dominant gender.
A compelling narrative that follows the change in four central characters’ lives, each from different backgrounds and each navigating this newfound authority.
A gripping and unsettling commentary on gender, politics, social structures and challenging preconceptions. This book club read will spark many a discussion within your group.
Selecting the perfect book club read for your group can be an adventure in itself. These recommendations encompass a variety of genres and themes, ensuring there's something for everyone in your group. Whether you're exploring historical fiction, mythology, memoirs, psychological thrillers, or magical realism, these books are sure to ignite stimulating discussions among your book club members.
So, go ahead and dive into these literary treasures, and may your book club discussions be as enriching as the books themselves. Happy book-clubbing!
