LWL Book Club Picks of 2024
Looking for your next great read? Ladies Who Lit has got you covered! Here we revisit our book club picks for 2024, a year filled with captivating stories, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes. Let’s get into it.
January: Hello, Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
The Padavano sisters are a force of nature – four best friends bringing pure chaos and love to their Italian American neighborhood. Then there's William, an outsider drawn into their orbit when he falls for Julia. But things get messy when secrets from William's past threaten to tear the family apart. Can love heal the rift and bring them back together? This heartwarming story is full of family drama, unexpected connections, and plenty of Italian charm.
February: The Happy Couple by Naoise Dolan
Meet Celine and Luke, your seemingly picture-perfect couple. But looks can be deceiving! While Celine's more interested in her piano than her fiancé, Luke's got a habit of straying.
As their big day looms, the chaos spreads to the wedding party. A fed-up bridesmaid, a lovesick best man, and a whole host of guests and family members are all caught up in the drama, each searching for their own happy ending.
Get ready to be hooked by this addictive psychological thriller! Nine strangers, each carrying their own burdens, check into a secluded wellness retreat, seeking solace and renewal. But as they delve deeper into the retreat's mysterious practices, they soon realise that nothing is as it seems. With each passing day, tensions rise and secrets unravel, leading to a shocking climax that will leave you questioning everything.
April: Three Women by Lisa Taddeo
Prepare to be captivated by this bold and unflinching exploration of female desire, trauma, and the relentless pursuit of connection. Lisa Taddeo delves deep into the lives of three extraordinary women, each marked by their unique experiences with love, loss, and longing. Through raw and honest storytelling, Taddeo exposes the complexities of female sexuality, the enduring power of human connection, and the resilience of the human spirit. A powerful and provocative read that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
Lost in the hustle of New York City, Cleo meets Frank, a wealthy older man who offers her a lifeline. Their whirlwind romance promises stability and opportunity, but as their lives intertwine, they discover the complexities of love, desire, and the consequences of impulsive decisions. This captivating debut novel explores the power of chance encounters and the messy realities of modern relationships.
Lois, trapped in a loveless marriage, seeks freedom in Reno, Nevada. At the glamorous Golden Yarrow divorce ranch, she meets a group of women and the enigmatic Greer Lange. Together, they challenge societal norms and embark on a journey of self-discovery. This historical fiction novel is a captivating tale of friendship, desire, and the pursuit of independence.
July: Butter by Asako Yuzuki
A chilling true-crime story with a twist, Butter follows a journalist's obsession with a convicted female serial killer. As their unlikely friendship grows, the lines between victim and perpetrator blur. This captivating novel explores themes of obsession, desire, and the dark side of human nature.
August: Dreamland by Rosa Rankin-Gee
In a near-future Britain, Chance and her family relocate to the coastal town of Margate. As climate change and social unrest rise, they face new challenges and form unexpected bonds. Dreamland is a gripping exploration of a world on the brink, where hope and resilience endure.
September: Kala by Colin Walsh
A haunting mystery set in the idyllic seaside town of Kinlough, Kala reunites three old friends, Helen, Joe, and Mush. Haunted by the disappearance of their enigmatic friend, Kala Lanann, they are forced to confront the secrets of their past. As a series of disappearances rocks the town, the friends must delve into the dark corners of their memories to uncover the truth. A gripping exploration of friendship, loss, and the enduring power of the past.
October: Want by Gillian Anderson
In this groundbreaking exploration of female desire, Gillian Anderson delves into the hidden world of women's fantasies. By collecting and sharing anonymous sexual fantasies from women around the globe, she challenges societal taboos and empowers women to embrace their sexuality. From the mundane to the extraordinary, these fantasies offer a glimpse into the complexities of female desire and the power of imagination.
November: Think Again by Jacqueline Wilson
In Think Again, Jacqueline Wilson takes us on a heartfelt journey with Ellie, a woman navigating the complexities of life in her late thirties. As Ellie faces unexpected challenges and opportunities, she learns to embrace change and rediscover her own potential. A heartwarming and relatable story about love, friendship, and the power of second chances.
December: Gold Rush by Olivia Petter
In Gold Rush, Olivia Petter delves into the complexities of celebrity culture and consent. Rose, a young and ambitious woman, finds herself entangled in a whirlwind romance with the enigmatic pop star, Milo Jax. As she grapples with the consequences of a night she can barely remember, Rose must navigate the blurred lines of consent and the pressures of the public eye. This thought-provoking novel explores the power dynamics between men and women and the impact of fame on personal relationships.
