After compiling my vacation reads, I'm *finally* ready to start combing through Reese Witherspoon's Book Club list. Her revelation about reading books in her cover feature interview with Harper's Bazaar made me realize I need to step my game up ASAP.
Her admirable hobby - that's since led her to create a bourgeoning book club— continues to highlight books with women at the center, girl does she have a great eye for stories that fit every mood. To date, her book club list has amassed over 90 titles of romantic beach reads, thrillers, and more.
Since it's a new year and we're sure you not ready to tackle that many titles, I went through the list to pick the top 26 books worth diving into. Buckle up because they're sure to take our emotions on a ride! After you finish your TBR (To Be Read list), check out 24 Standout Reads From Jenna Bush Hager's Book Club, 20 Captivating Shondaland Book Club Picks, and 16 Must-Reads From The Oprah Winfrey Book Club!
May 2024: How to End a Love Story
Trigger warning: This book mentions suicide and grief.
Helen Zhang and Grant Shepard are bound by an event that changed their lives forever. Before you ask, it's not a steamy one night stand where one of them ghosted the other.
Their paths actually crossed because of a pivotal accident that neither of them saw coming and it caused Helen to view Grant as her worst enemy for years. However, time passed and they moved on to separately create lucrative careers. What they couldn't have expected was for their paths to cross, especially not at work.
Given the amazing opportunity to be a writer for the TV adaption of her own successful YA books, Helen anxiously travels to LA to accept the position and hit the reset button on her life. She has a brief moment of euphoria until she realizes that Grant will also be in the writer's room.
Now they'll have to confront their complicated feelings for each other in order not to derail their jobs and lives. They know it's impossible for them to have a true love story, but sometimes the messiness of life is all it takes for two people to find common ground and decide how they want their stories to end.
April 2024: The Most Fun We Ever Had
When Marilyn Connolly and David Sorenson fell in love, all they knew is that nothing could shake their foundation. Despite their unwavering hope in the past, their current reality looks differently than they imagined. Their four daughters — Wendy, Violet, Liza, and Grace — each have a unique set of problems that creates of chaos for the family. From the loss of one's husband to the secrets the youngest daughter keeps, the Sorensons are never quite sure what to expect.
In a shocking turn of events, a young man — Jonah Bendt — shows up and reveals that one of the daughters is his mom. He was placed up for adoption some time ago, but he's ready to come home to learn more about his biological family. There may be drama in The Most Fun We Ever Had, but there's still a family who finds a way back to the love that Marilyn and David have always believed in.
March 2024: Anita De Monte Laughs Last
Art student Raquel only comes Anita de Monte's story after she starts feeling like she's starting to make a name for herself among College Hill's socialites. The more she learns about how Anita's life was horrifically cut short, she starts drawing parallels between their lives. It's almost like history is repeating itself and it's hitting too close to home.
As Gonzalez alternates between both of their perspectives, Raquel and Anita's lives begin to intersect in a way that makes Anita de Monte Laughs Last the kind of novel that'll have you thinking about it longer after you finish the last page.
February 2024: "Redwood Court" by DéLana R.A. Dameron
Redwood Court reads like a historical love letter to Black families and contains relationships that remind me of my own family. When Mika Tabor starts asking questions about her family's history, she receives much more than her class assignment asked for. The more she listens to her grandparents and observes her parents, she realizes they've been telling her meaningful stories all along. From tales of racism to the sweet grasp of a world that began moving past obvious racial tension, this novel offers a glimpse into the homes of many Black families.
While I often say I'd like to pass down books to my kids, Redwood Court has become something that I feel is mandatory to read.
January 2024: "First Lie Wins" by Ashley Elston
Reese's Book Club is coming in hot with their first pick of the year! This thriller of a reader is all about "Evie Porter" and her separate identities. One paints the picture of who she truly is, but her job places her in the position of assuming a new name in order to complete the mission given to her by Mr. Smith. She's never met Mr. Smith, her boss, but she has the inkling that her latest mission hits a little too close to home.
Does he know more about her than she realizes and can she successfully fulfill the goal he has for? Buy your copy of First Lie Wins today to find out!
December 2023: "Before We Were Innocent" by Ella Berman
What would you do if you knew a terrible secret that involved the death of one of your best friends? In Before We Were Innocent, Bess and Joni find themselves trying to escape answering this. However, some things are hard to bury — especially when the past comes knocking in the form of Joni. Will the two former best friends be able to maintain their innocence or will they have to accept the truth about themselves?
November Pick: "Maybe Next Time" by Cesca Major
If the past few years have felt like you've been stuck in a weird time loop, you'll love this page turner by Cesca Major. Maybe Next Time follows Emma as she navigates being a busy literary agent, wife and mother - except she only seems to have time for her career. When her husband is involved in a tragic car accident, Emma finds herself distraught only to wake up and see him alive again.
As the scenario continues to repeat, Emma will have to dig deep inside herself to correct patterns she's been a part of her to save not only her husband but life as she knows it.
October Pick: "Starling House" by Alix E. Harrow
Starling House is a daring tale of what happens when dreams meet determination, grit and evil. All Opal wants to do is create a haven for herself and her brother Jasper but she'll have to fight for it once she finds herself in the mysterious mansion of author E. Starling. In the depths of the shadows, she'll come face to face with things that'll test her resilience.
September Pick: "Mother-Daughter Murder Night" by Nina Simon
Image via Target
The women of the Rubicon family have a lot to tangle with in Mother-Daughter Murder Night. When powerful matriarch Lana's granddaughter Jack becomes the prime suspect in an unsolved murder, Lana becomes determined to find a killer instead of waiting for her disease to have it's last say. Find out what Nina Simon has in store for the town the Rubicons find themselves living in.
August Pick: "Tom Lake" by Ann Patchett
Image via Target
Tom Lake weaves a beautiful tale of remembered love and viewing the humanity of one's parent. When Lara begins to regale her three daughters of a former romance she shared with actor Peter Duke at Tome Lake, they begin to take stock of what they know about their mom as well as their own love lives.
"Romantic Comedy" by Curtis Sittenfeld
Heartbreak has the potential to make you swear off love, which is something that late night writer Sally Milz knows all too well. She's also a firm believer in the "Danny Horst Rule," the phenomenon where average looking men exclusively date women more attractive than them — until pop star Noah Brewster shows up to host the late night show. Join her for an intoxicating love ride that makes her change her perspective.
"Where The Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens
If you love a good romance-murder mystery, you'll fall in love with Kya's story. After the town's golden boy winds up dead, everyone in town begins blaming Kya for his murder. With heartbreak and triumph woven throughout, Where The Crawdads Sing will become the summer read you can't put down.
"The House of Eve" by Sadeqa Johnson
Even when forbidden, love seems to find a way in The House of Eve. 15-year-old Ruby is set to be her family's first college attendee, until it appears a scandalous affair will bring her back into poverty. Meanwhile, Eleanor's in love with William, a member of an elite Black family in D.C. that doesn't let just anyone in. The lives of both women will collide in an unexpected way as they forge their own paths.
"The House in the Pines" by Ana Reyes
Maya witnessed her friend's sudden death in the woods seven years ago. Now, with nothing except a few hazy memories, she's determined to figure out what she saw, and who's behind it. The House In The Pines is proof that sometimes our past — and their secrets — don't stay dead.
"Tiny Beautiful Things" by Cheryl Strayed
Life can feel like a dumpster fire sometimes which is why Tiny Beautiful Things feels like a soothing hug. If you love advice columns, you'll love the beautiful compilation of questions "Dear Sugar" answers within the pages as Clare sets out to offer advice while her own life falls apart. After you read the book, check out our interview with Sarah Pidgeon, who stars in the Hulu series!
"Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng
New friends Mia and Elena are pitted against each other when everyone in town splits over a custody battle. Adapted into a mini-series on Hulu at the beginning of the pandemic, Little Fires Everywhere is a tale that shows everything isn't always what it seems, and there are always secrets to be discovered.
"Wrong Place, Wrong Time" by Gillian McAllister
Wrong Place, Wrong Time is a novel that explores the lengths a mother is willing to take to prevent her son from doing something unspeakable. Will she be able to piece together clues in time or will all hope remain lost?
"True Biz" by Sara Nović
This heartwarming book about life at the River Valley School for the Deaf, and all of its students with completely different backgrounds, will make you laugh and cry with its beautiful depiction of human connection.
"The Club" by Ellery Lloyd
If you've never liked hearing "How can you hate from outside the club? You can't even get in," you'll be glad you're not a part of this members-only society. The club has been pushed to its limit and everyone has something to hide.
"The Christie Affair" by Nina de Gramont
Nan infiltrates Agatha Christie's home in 1925, intent on luring her husband away. There's something about love, affairs, and dark secrets that make for a good read, and you won't be able to get enough of this tale where things aren't always what they seem.
"Lucky" by Marissa Stapley
"She's so lucky" ...or is she? Lucky redefines what it means to be honest when the titular character completes a million-dollar heist, and is left stranded by the very people who taught her how to scam.
"Sankofa" by Chibundu Onuzo
When Anna learns the father she never knew is still alive, she travels to West Africa in search of answers. The tale of self-discovery through one's history, as well as the themes of home and belonging, is something we all long to understand at some point.
"L.A. Weather" by María Amparo Escandón
Families can be complicated, and the Alvarados are no different. If you're looking for a little break from your own family dynamics, you'll get a kick out of reading along as they navigate evacuations, relationship problems, and their father's obsession with the Weather Channel.
"The Paper Palace" by Miranda Cowley Heller
What happens when desire spills over and threatens to unravel everything two friends have built? The Paper Palace answers that as Elle must choose between continuing the life she has dedicated herself to and the life she never got to live.
"Seven Days in June" by Tia Williams
When former lovers Eva and Shane reunite in the midst of their successful literary careers, they find that their chemistry is still as strong as it used to be. But, will the flame fizzle before their lingering questions are answered or will Eva choose vulnerability before Shane disappears again?
"The Sanatorium" by Sarah Pearse
Le Sommet is a sanatorium-turned-luxury hotel in the Swiss Alps. Detective Elin arrives to celebrate her estranged brother Isaac's engagement to Laure, and her discomfort turns to all-out horror when Laure goes missing.
"You Have a Match" by Emma Lord
DNA tests can reveal new information about our ancestry, but when Abby learns that she has an older sister — and that her older sister is an Instagram star — the women decide to meet up and get to the bottom of why their parents split them up in the first place.
"The Chicken Sisters" by KJ Dell'Antonia
Nothing brings families together like food and age-old rivalries, something that sisters Amanda and Mae learn firsthand when they end up on opposite sides of a cooking competition. If you love hit TV series The Bear, you'll love The Chicken Sisters.
Other Stories On Reese Witherspoon's Book Club List
- "Yellowface" by R.F. Kuang
- "Cassandra in Reverse" by Holly Smale
- "Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?" by Crystal Smith Paul
- "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah
- "The Marriage Portrait" by Maggie O'Farrell
- "Our Missing Hearts" by Celeste Ng
- "On The Rooftop" by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton
- "Honey & Spice" by Bolu Babalola
- "Counterfeit" by Kirstin Chen
- "The Dictionary of Lost Words" by Pip Williams
- "Anatomy" by Dana Schwartz
- "Honor" by Thrity Umrigar
- "The Island of Missing Trees" by Elif Shafak
- "Within These Wicked Walls" by Lauren Blackwood
- "We Were Never Here" by Andrea Bartz
- "The Downstairs Girl" by Stacey Lee
- "Tokyo Ever After" by Emiko Jean
- "Northern Spy" by Flynn Berry
- "Firekeeper's Daughter" by Angeline Boulley
- "Infinite Country" by Patricia Engel
- "Outlawed" by Anna North
- "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron
- "A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow" by Laura Taylor Namey
- "Group" by Christie Tate
- "Fable" by Adrienne Young
- "His Only Wife" by Peace Medie Adzo
- "Furia" by Yamile Saied Mendez
- "The Last Story of Mina Lee" by Nancy Jooyoun Kim
- "You Should See Me in a Crown" by Leah Johnson
- "Everything Inside" by Edwidge Danticat
- "I'm Still Here" by Austin Channing Brown
- "The Guest List" by Lisa Foley
- "The Henna Artist" by Alka Joshi
- "UNTAMED" by Glennon Doyle
- "The Jetsetters" by Amanda Eyre Ward
- "The Scent Keeper" by Erica Bauermeister
- "Such a Fun Age" by Kiley Reid
- "Conviction" by Denise Mina
- "The Giver of Stars" by Jojo Moye
- "Fair Play" by Eve Rodsky
- "The Secrets We Kept" by Lara Prescott
- "The Last House Guest" by Megan Miranda
- "Whisper Network" by Chandler Baker
- "The Cactus" by Sarah Haywood
- "From Scratch" by Tembi Locke
- "The Night Tiger" by Yangsze Choo
- "The Proposal" by Jasmine Guillory
- "The Library Book" by Susan Orlean
- "One Day in December" by Josie Silver
- "The Other Woman" by Sandie Jones
- "This Is How It Always Is" by Laurie Frankel
- "Still Lives" by Maria Hummel
- "Next Year in Havana" by Chanel Cleeton
- "Something in the Water" by Catherine Steadman
- "You Think It, I'll Say It" by Curtis Sittenfeld
- "Happiness" by Heather Harpham
- "Erotic Stories For Punjabi Widows" by Balli Kaur Jaswal
- "The Light We Lost" by Jill Santopolo
- "Braving the Wilderness" by Brené Brown
- "The Last Mrs. Parrish" by Liv Constantine
- "The Is the Story of a Happy Marriage" by Ann Patchett
- “The Rules of Magic” by Alice Hoffman
- "The Lying Game" by Ruth Ware
- "The Alice Network" by Kate Quinn
- "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman
Whether you want to challenge yourself to read a book every couple of days like Reese or choose a few books to get you through the summer, I'm sure you'll find titles to add to your growing library. I already have my eyes on Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and The Club by Ellery Lloyd!
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This post has been updated.
Header Image via Amazon
