Looking for your next book club read? Look no further. This article has got you covered with 35 of the best book club books that are sure to get your group talking. From cutting-edge releases to classic recommendations, there’s something for everyone. Feeling overwhelmed? Take the 30-second quiz for a personalized book recommendation. Get ready to brew some coffee and dive in.
1. Girl A by Abigail Dean
Abigail Dean’s debut novel, Girl A, is a captivating and intense thriller that is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story revolves around the protagonist, Lex, who escapes from her abusive family home, which was dubbed the “house of horrors” by the media. Lex tries to move on from her traumatic past, but when her mother dies in prison, leaving the house to her and her siblings, she is forced to confront her past once again.
Girl A is a powerful exploration of trauma and its aftermath, and it offers readers an unflinching look at the long-lasting effects of abuse. The novel has been highly praised by critics and readers alike, and it has become a popular choice for book clubs. With its gripping plot, well-drawn characters, and thought-provoking themes, Girl A is a must-read for anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers and stories of survival.
2. Aquarium by Yaara Shehori
Aquarium is a novel that explores the lives of a deaf family, the Ackermans, and their struggle to navigate the world of the hearing. The family lives an isolated life, only observing outsiders from afar, until a secret is revealed that tears them apart.
The story focuses on the two sisters, Lili and Dori, as they are forced to face the world alone. The novel is a beautiful exploration of love and sisterhood, and raises thought-provoking questions about disability and identity.
3. Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Kazuo Ishiguro’s latest novel, Klara and the Sun, explores the concept of personhood and humanity through the eyes of a humanoid robot named Klara. Designed to be an “Artificial Friend,” Klara is chosen to be the companion of a sick 14-year-old, exposing her to the complexities of human emotions such as love, loneliness, and mortality.
The novel delves into thought-provoking questions about the ethics of technology and artificial intelligence, making it an ideal choice for book club discussions. With Ishiguro’s signature sensitivity and insight, Klara and the Sun is a must-read for fans of science fiction and literary fiction alike.
4. Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami
Haruki Murakami is considered one of the most influential authors of all time, but his work is often challenging to read due to his idiosyncratic style. His sparse writing and bizarre narrative structures often pose a riddle to readers.
Kafka on the Shore is a recommended starting point for those interested in exploring Murakami’s work. This novel is known to provoke strong reactions, either positive or negative, and readers often feel compelled to discuss it with others. It is recommended to read this book with a book club to fully appreciate its complexities.
5. One of the Good Ones by Maika and Maritza Moulite
In One of the Good Ones, sisters Happi and Genny are forced to confront uncomfortable questions about legacy and fallibility after the tragic death of their teenage activist sister, Kezi. The novel explores the aftermath of Kezi’s death and the public’s perception of her as an infallible martyr.
While dealing with their own grief, Happi and Genny struggle to reconcile the real-life Kezi with the idealized image that the public has created. The book raises important questions about who “deserves” to be mourned and the dangers of elevating individuals to an unattainable pedestal. With its timely themes and powerful message, One of the Good Ones is a must-read by the talented sister duo, Maika and Maritza Moulite.
6. With Teeth: A Novel by Kristen Arnett
In this novel by Kristen Arnett, the protagonist Sammie struggles to cope with her troubled son and strained relationship with her absent wife. As tensions rise, Sammie is forced to confront her own shortcomings as a parent and partner. Despite the heavy subject matter, the novel features moments of dry humor. With Teeth offers a candid exploration of family dynamics and the challenges of parenthood.
7. Filthy Animals by Brandon Taylor
Filthy Animals by Brandon Taylor is a collection of interlinked vignettes that provides a glimpse into the lives of people in the American Midwest. The book features a diverse cast of characters, including a young woman battling cancer, a young man navigating an open relationship, and a group of teenagers dealing with their own conflicts.
The stories are complex and thought-provoking, making it an excellent choice for book clubs. With its wide range of perspectives, there is something for everyone in this book. Filthy Animals is an engaging and refreshing read that offers a break from more dense novels.
8. The Secret History by Donna Tartt
“The Secret History” by Donna Tartt is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery novel. The book follows a group of classics students at an elite college as they slowly unravel and spiral into a dark abyss that ultimately results in a death among their ranks.
The novel has gained a devoted fanbase and has even spawned a subculture known as “dark academia”. It’s the perfect book club fodder and a great coming-of-age story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Overall, “The Secret History” is a heady and atmospheric read that will leave readers wanting more.
9. Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart
Shuggie Bain, the 2020 Booker Prize winner, is a heart-wrenching story that follows the life of a young boy named Shuggie in Thatcher-era Glasgow. The novel delves into the themes of addiction, abuse, sexual assault, and suicide, making it a challenging read for some.
Despite the difficult subject matter, the book has received critical acclaim for its authentic depiction of family life in trying circumstances. The toxic mother-son bond portrayed in the novel has shocked readers and critics alike, but it captures something universal and important. For book clubs looking to explore serious themes, Shuggie is a recent release worth considering.
10. Fake Accounts by Lauren Oyler
Lauren Oyler’s debut novel, Fake Accounts, is a thought-provoking exploration of internet culture, social media, and identity in the modern age. The story follows an unnamed young woman who discovers that her boyfriend is a notorious online conspiracy theorist on the night of Donald Trump’s inauguration. This discovery leads her on a journey to Berlin, where she uncovers a series of shocking revelations.
Zadie Smith praised the novel, stating that it made her want to retire from contemporary reality. Oyler’s writing style is cutting-edge and timely, with a clear understanding of the pulse of 2020s culture. The novel’s stark truths are sure to spark heated debate among readers.
Through the protagonist’s journey, Oyler highlights the malleability of identity in the digital age and the ways in which social media can be used to manipulate and deceive. The novel is a challenging but rewarding read that offers a unique perspective on the complexities of modern life.
11. The Odyssey by Homer
The Odyssey by Homer is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of readers for centuries. The epic poem tells the story of Odysseus, a Greek hero, and his journey home after the Trojan War.
Along the way, he faces numerous challenges, including battling monsters and overcoming the temptations of the seductive Sirens. The Odyssey is a foundational text that has influenced many modern works of literature. Its themes of heroism, perseverance, and the power of love have resonated with readers throughout the ages.
12. Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee
Harper Lee’s Go Set a Watchman is a controversial first draft of her renowned novel To Kill a Mockingbird. The book has divided readers and literary experts alike, sparking debates around authorship, ownership, and the relationship between readers and a book.
While To Kill a Mockingbird is a civil rights classic, Go Set a Watchman offers an unexpected divergence from the familiar story. For those looking for an interesting book club discussion, suggesting this book can throw a cat among the pigeons. For those willing to take it further, reading both Watchman and Mockingbird can lead to a heated debate on the comparison between the two.
13. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Markus Zusak’s Book Thief is a popular choice for book clubs seeking a well-written piece of historical fiction. The novel is set during WWII and follows the coming-of-age story of Liesel, a young girl growing up in Nazi Germany.
What sets this book apart is its unique narrative perspective, being narrated by Death. While this may sound morbid, the beautiful prose and moments of joy make it a fascinating and thought-provoking read. The book covers a wide range of themes, making it an excellent choice for in-depth analysis and discussion.
14. Lord of the Flies by William Golding
William Golding’s Lord of the Flies is a classic novel that has been both celebrated and criticized for its controversial content. Despite being the eighth most banned book in American libraries, it remains a popular choice among book clubs due to its timeless themes.
The story revolves around a group of boys who are stranded on a deserted island and their struggle to establish order amidst chaos. Golding’s novel is a brutal commentary on humanity, community, and civilization, making it a thought-provoking read.
While the book is not for the faint of heart, it is a guaranteed conversation starter that will leave readers questioning their own beliefs about human nature.
15. Animal Farm by George Orwell
Animal Farm is a novella written by George Orwell in 1945. It is an allegorical tale that explores political power, democracy, and communism through the lens of farm animals. The book is a timeless statement that never fails to leave readers reeling.
Even those with limited knowledge of WWII and the era of Stalin can understand the message conveyed through Orwell’s sharp, compelling, and clear prose. The book is packed with wit and humor that appeals to everyone.
The story is centered around a group of farm animals who overthrow their human owner and establish their own society. The pigs, who are the smartest animals, take control of the farm and establish a set of commandments that all animals must follow. As time passes, the pigs become corrupt and start to resemble the humans they overthrew. The book serves as a warning about the dangers of political power and the potential for corruption.
16. Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo
In Bernardine Evaristo’s Girl, Woman, Other, the reader is presented with a thought-provoking question: What does it mean to be a girl, a woman, or a gender-nonconforming person in Black Britain? The book provides a stunning portrayal of twelve female and nonbinary characters from across the African diaspora.
Each section of the book is a self-contained masterpiece, following one of the twelve leads whose lives intersect across lines of class and identity.
Evaristo’s mastery of short story writing ensures that every section is as vividly realized as it is absorbing. This book is both beautiful and important, making it a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of identity and intersectionality.
17. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Published in 1932, Brave New World by Aldous Huxley is a dystopian science fiction novel that presents a future society that is controlled by technology and consumerism. The novel explores the themes of individuality, freedom, and the consequences of a society that values pleasure and efficiency above all else.
Huxley’s vision of a world in which people are genetically engineered, conditioned, and drugged to conform to a strict social hierarchy is both prescient and disturbingly relevant to our modern world. The novel has become a classic and is considered a must-read for anyone interested in dystopian literature or social commentary.
18. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig is a novel that explores the power of literature to transport and transform readers. The book’s premise is intriguing: imagine being able to retrace every decision made in life and lead any of the lives that could have been lived if different choices were made. The Midnight Library allows readers to do just that by reading the books that line its shelves.
This delightful dose of magical realism poses thought-provoking questions about regret and fate, making it a perfect choice for book clubs. The novel is sure to get readers reminiscing about their own lives and the choices they’ve made.
19. Three Women by Lisa Taddeo
Lisa Taddeo’s Three Women is a compelling work of narrative nonfiction that explores the sexual and emotional lives of three American women in the 21st century. The book provides a nuanced and complex snapshot of the internal worlds of these women, chronicling their experiences with stunning detail.
Through Taddeo’s skillful storytelling, readers are challenged to rethink their preconceptions of what nonfiction can be. This book is an excellent introduction to the genre of creative journalism and a must-read for anyone looking to broaden their literary horizons.
20. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
Dan Brown’s bestseller, The Da Vinci Code, is a controversial novel that has sparked numerous debates and discussions. The book is a thrilling story of murder and code-breaking, intertwined with art history and religion.
Despite its popularity, the book has received criticism from some quarters, with Stephen King famously calling it “the intellectual equivalent of Kraft macaroni and cheese.” Nevertheless, the book’s unique blend of historical fact and fiction has made it an enduring classic in the genre of art-historical thrillers.
21. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
Philip Pullman’s The Golden Compass is a classic work of science fiction and fantasy that offers a rich and thematically complex world for readers to explore. While the fantastical elements of the story are certainly entertaining, it is the way that Pullman presents an alternative version of Oxford that really sets the book apart.
Through his exploration of religious and political power dynamics, Pullman creates a world that is both familiar and strange, inviting readers to engage in thoughtful analysis and debate. The inclusion of talking polar bears and shape-shifting daemons adds an extra layer of intrigue and excitement to the narrative.
Summary
Book club books are carefully selected to foster discussions and create a sense of community among members. These books are often thought-provoking, diverse, and cover a wide range of genres.
Some popular book club books include “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot, “Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Ng, and “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah. Book clubs provide a platform for individuals to share their perspectives and engage in meaningful conversations.