The thing is, I (mom) love books and believe in the power of a good, beautifully written narrative. It can change lives. Book clubs are a fabulous forum for stretching minds, conversations and relationships. Of course, it has to be greased with the right book choice.
(Please note there are some affiliate links below.)
What makes for a good book club book? You are never going to be able to please everyone, no one has the same palate. But there are some elements that go into creating a successful book club agenda: 1) the book can’t be too long, 2) ideally, the style and type of book vary from month to month, 3) the books must lend themselves to a conversation. That book you just read that you are DYING to talk to someone about? That’s the book you want.
Here are some great books for book club:
New(ish) Book Picks for Book Clubs
These books released years ago but are still relevant to popular culture and are in the “newer” lexicon. Not surprisingly, most are made (or about to be made) into movies. But I have a rule with my kids and myself – we read the book first.
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
I know this is a movie with the stunning and talented Reese, but there is absolutely NO WAY that the movie can be as good as the book. Triumph, loss, love, discovery, doubt, redemption, hope…it is all here.
Not only is this book a gripping who-done-it murder mystery, the narrator is so unreliable and the characters so deplorable that it begs discussion. Who did you trust, and for how long?
There are some heavy issues in here, but the book is a surprisingly uplifting read, considering the topic. There is a reason this book catapulted into the bestsellers list.
Where’d You Go, Bernadette: A Novel
This is a comedy about a woman with some deep-seated issues that most women can relate to: the role of women in the workforce, the creative genius meets motherhood, PPD, the struggle for freedom and happiness, and marriage.
Honestly, anything by Liane Moriarty. This book just happens to be my favorite one. Other ones by Moriarty that would be great: Big Little Lies
 and The Husband’s Secret
.
The End of Your Life Book Club
This is a nonfiction book that, if you already love books, will rekindle your passion. If you don’t read much, it can inspire you to read more, dig deeper, and pick up more challenging books.
Young Adult Books to Consider
There are some amazing young adult books out there that grown adults should read (think The Book Thief
). These books are great for book clubs because, while they deal with relevant and poignant issues, they tend not to push the envelope in regards to foul language, graphic details or heavy sadness.
A boy who was born with a birth defect tries to matriculate into the local school. It is a tale of love and acceptance and will make readers grow in empathy.
Alaska is a girl; a bunch of high schoolers are at boarding school; Alaska has a profound effect. That’s all you need to know.
 Old Hits
Many of these oldies have been read by many a-woman and many a-book club but appear time and again as some of the best book club books ever. Thus, they must be mentioned.
The Red Tent – 20th Anniversary Edition: A Novel
Ahab’s Wife: Or, The Star-gazer: A Novel (P.S.)
Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books
And if you are reading anything book club worthy or have a particular book you think needs to be on this list, drop it in the comments and let me know! Happy reading and book clubbing!