Book clubs offer the perfect opportunity to read and discuss a variety of titles, especially genres that you may not choose on your own. From historical fiction to memoirs, true crime to romance, book club picks include something for every type of reader and leave room for a great discussion. Here are five great picks for your next book club meeting.
Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee
Casey Cep
With high praise from both readers and critics, it’s easy to see why this layered true crime tale has been added to the top of so many book lists. At first glance, the story appears to be a detailed investigation into the mysterious 1970s trial and death of Reverend Willie Maxwell, who was accused of murdering five of his family members. When author Harper Lee, of “To Kill a Mockingbird” fame, is revealed to have spent time in the Alabama courtroom researching for her own book on the crimes, the story turns into a detailed and rare glimpse into the private life of Lee, highlighting her unwavering and dedicated passion for writing.
My Friend Anna: The True Story of a Fake Heiress
Rachel DeLoache Williams
Living a life of luxury in New York City, Anna, a wealthy heiress, insists on regularly treating the author, Rachel, to expensive dinners, drinks, parties, and vacations until suddenly, during a getaway to a luxury resort in Marrakech, Anna’s credit cards are declined. With limited options, Rachel agrees to cover the bill, contingent on the promise that Anna will reimburse her right away. When Rachel wakes up the next day, she discovers that Anna has left early and weeks later, she still has a charge totaling more than her yearly salary on her credit card. As if taken straight from a movie plot, readers will be glued to the dramatic true story and honest emotions Rachel shares of her fight to expose Anna’s lies.
Honestly, We Meant Well
Grant Ginder
Meet the Wright family: Sue Ellen is an accomplished classics professor who is in a loving marriage with her husband and looks forward to a bright future for their son. It all must have been going too well, because suddenly, the delicate appearance of her perfect family is blown to bits. Faced with the truth about her unfaithful husband and failing son, Sue Ellen jumps on the chance to teach in Greece for a month. In the midst of family drama, the characters find themselves on a small Greek island having to confront the truth. With humor and relatable traits, the characters work to discover happiness and connect with each other once again.
Evvie Drake Starts Over
Linda Holmes
Evvie lives in a small town in Maine where, since losing her husband, she spends her time alone rarely leaving her house. Her friends and neighbors allow her space and assume she is taking time to heal. A former major-league baseball player, Dean, is struggling with the loss of his career and accepts his friend Andy’s invitation to spend time in his small Maine town. When Dean moves into the apartment behind Evvie’s house, a friendship grows and the two seem to bring out the best in one another. With witty dialogue and endearing characters, readers will root for both individuals to face the truth and overcome challenges for the chance to be together.
The Most Fun We Ever Had
Claire Lombardo
The Sorenson family is deeply rooted by the strong marriage and love between Marilyn and David, who have raised four daughters in their Chicago home. Wendy, Violet, Liza, and Grace are each facing the inevitable triumphs and challenges that come with growing older. The sisters struggle to find relationships comparable to their parents’, to accomplish goals, and find a place in the world. The arrival of a new family member sets off the story of the Sorenson’s life and digs into the characters’ pasts. As the Sorenson family fights to grow together and adapt to the new dynamic, readers will find themselves relating to the characters through the complex and joyful times.
Meghan Odegard is a librarian living in Wisconsin. She proudly supports Barn Sanctuary, a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and caring for farm animals in need.
