15 Mindful Ways to Make Your Home More Zen

Amethyst Wang
Sep 26, 2016

We get it. You’re busy. With bills, project deadlines and a growing to-do list, it can be hard to keep your house in order. But research shows that cluttered environments are tied to higher levels of stress, and that’s something you should not ignore.

1. Let your space speak for itself. There are so many ways to decorate a home, but before you begin drilling and filling up the shelves, really take time to understand and appreciate your space. Whether your home has traditional molding, modern kitchen cabinets or a quirky layout, your home’s bones are the foundation for building upon. You might find that many of your physical possessions don’t complement your space. Work with what you have (and not against it) to create a home that is unified. (via Studio Oink)

2. Purge once and edit often. There’s a reason why the KonMari method is such a huge hit — because it works. To create a mindful space, you need to master the magic of tidying. Surround yourself with things that you love and get rid of non-essentials that are cluttering your space. The result: a cozy, comfortable home you love. (via The Dreslyn)

3. Focus on negative space with low furniture. If something about one of your minimalistic rooms feels off or cramped, you might need to focus on the proportions of your furniture. Tables, a sofa or a bed that are just a few inches too high can greatly disrupt a room’s visual flow. The design trick: Buy low furniture for a cozy and simple look. (via KK)

4. Stick with a neutral or soft color palette. When decorating a minimalist interior, it’s all about creating a clean base. Clean white walls can open up a space and make it feel airy, while soft, nature-toned pieces in beige, tan and green are soothing and easy on the eyes. Decorating within a neutral color palette also gives your home that instant, pulled-together look. That plus calming vibes? It’s a win-win. (via Elysian Edit)

5. Get rid of (most) mirrors. In feng shui, mirrors are said to bounce off energy, which can cause you to feel restless. There have even been studies that show mirrors could trigger stress and anxiety. While we love how a mirror can make a space look larger, it’s probably best to remove them from your bedroom, living room and kitchen. If you must have a mirror, try to place it behind closet doors or limit it to the bathroom. (via Paulina Arcklin / The Style Files )

6. Shop for natural materials. While minimalism is all about perfecting the “less is more” approach, there’s a chance your interiors might feel cold and sterile (gross). Invest in pieces of natural or raw materials such as wood, marble, hides, clay and cork. The uniqueness of earthy materials adds character and warmth to your abode. (via Dezeen)

7. Bring in natural light. A simple mindfulness exercise is to wake up when it’s light out and sleep when it’s dark out to maintain a healthy sleep rhythm. Get rid of curtains and tear down walls that block windows to maximize the amount of light that comes in. Letting natural light fill your home brings the outside in and allows you to get the best rest possible. (via My Unfinished Home)

8. Keep surfaces clear and tidy. This is where being mindful isn’t just about aesthetics. De-cluttering a messy surface looks amazing and feels amazing too — think of it as a mind and spirit detox. Clear and tidy desks, tables and kitchen countertops on a daily basis so you can start every day fresh with clarity. (via Munger Interiors)

9. Use stylish storage. We know. It’s hard to get rid of all of your clutter. Paper, art supplies, makeup brushes, laundry — the list of stuff that accumulates (and you can’t always get rid of) goes on. Consider getting rid of trash cans entirely in rooms that don’t absolutely need them. Or, use pull-out and built-in garbage and recycling bins to free up floor space. Keep office and cleaning supplies organized with pretty baskets and containers, and find creative ways to store your hair and beauty products. With so much stuff, stylish storage is key to making your home organized and tidy. (via The Fashion Medley)

10. Keep cords out of sight. Have you ever seen a Pinterest photo of an interior with electrical cords coming out the wazoo? Didn’t think so. To make your home (and mind) feel clear, hide everyday eyesores like power strips, routers and laptop chargers by thinking vertically. Manage your electrical cords by purchasing desks with shelves for power strips (like this Akron St. Draper Desk [$485]), attach cords to the back or bottom of your desk with these Blue Key World Cable Clips ($10) or create a charging station drawer. There are so many ways to hide cords, and you can get as creative as you like! (via The Design Chaser)

11. Set the tone with soft lighting. In addition to installing dimmer switches to set a relaxing mood, task lighting (your table and floor lamps) should be warm and atmospheric. To get a soft glow, shop for fabric lamp shades or diffused light lamps. Layer the light with some scented candles, and your space will feel extra intimate and cozy. (via Sara Medina Lind)

12. Make your bed every morning. Listen — you’re an adult now. As tempting as it is to rush out the door in the morning, leaving your bed unkempt is hardly stylish. Making your bed forces you to slow down and set a healthy pace for the day. For more style, splurge on beautiful linen sheets that’ll motivate you to tidy your bed every morning. (via 55 Kvadrat)

13. Treat yourself with matching Turkish towels. Consistency in fabrics like your sheets and towels can make a room look instantly pulled together. Refresh your bathroom with Turkish towels that are extra absorbent and lightweight — perfect for small bathrooms, while big on style. (via Monika Hibbs)

14. Let the outdoors in with florals and plants. With clean, minimalist style, it’s even more important to bring a little bit of life into your space. Think of caring for a plant as a daily exercise in mindfulness. Bonus: Florals and plants instantly create an inviting atmosphere too. (via Luisa Brimble)

15. Add minimal texture. To keep a room from feeling cold or bland, add texture. Shop for soft throws, throw a sheepskin over your desk chair and lay down a fluffy wool rug. Your space will look put-together and cozier than ever. (via Josefin Haag)

How do you style your home? Share your favorite ideas with us on Twitter @BritandCo. And for more home decor inspo, see all things Brit + Co Home and check out our Pinterest!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

20 Minimalist Scandi Rooms That Will Inspire You to Simplify Your Life

If you’re looking for more peace and calm in the new year (and really, who isn’t?), it might be time to adopt the chic minimalism of Scandi-style. This aesthetic has a knack for giving your home the kind of vibe that’ll make you exhale with relief. Simple silhouettes are paired with muted hues and smart functionality to inspire both peace and organization. Plus, organic materials and natural light are used abundantly to bring the healing powers of the outdoors into your space. And, fortunately for us all, nearly any style sensibility can get in on the action. Check out these tips to add the benefits of Scandi-style to your abode.


1. Cute and Colorful: Some people think adopting a Scandi-style means you have to stay away from color. But as this room beautifully demonstrates, you can absolutely load up on color; just stick with more muted hues to keep things mellow.

2. Bedroom Vibes: There’s no better place to incorporate minimalism than in the bedroom. Not only does it look neat and tidy, but it’ll contribute peaceful vibes to your nightly slumber.

3. Home Office: Most of us have 10 million things to do at work, so the last thing we need is to manage a whole bunch of clutter on top of it. Integrating a nordic sensibility into your home office through simplicity and organization will ensure you’re the productive little worker you’re meant to be.

4. Have Fun: Just because you’re going after a minimalist look doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with eclectic decor. Just keep it simple by incorporating only a few of your favorite playful items. (via Style and Sugar)

5. Decor Becomes Art: This room looks artful enough to be in a museum, and it’s all thanks to thoughtful placement and a small handful of creative pieces. Keep your furniture sparse but interesting for an intriguing look without overwhelming your design. (via Vintage Industrial Style)

6. Simple Dining: This is Scandi-style at its best with a dash of mid-century flare. In an all-white room, play with different silhouettes and bursts of nostalgia to add visual interest. (via Selina Steba)

7. Basic Beauty: This is the epitome of how to do Scandi in a small space. A good trick to keep in mind if your rooms flow into each other is, rather than separate them with furniture, divide them using paint or backsplashes. This will create the effect you’re after without sacrificing precious space. (via Adore Magazine)

8. Sunshiney Days: This is the kind of room that makes you feel lighter and happier for having entered it. Its clean lines and geometric patterns add texture, while soft pops of color keep it warm and comfy. (via Loving It)

9. Mirrored Goodness: Mirrors can go a long way when it comes to opening up your space. Forgo a bunch of wall art in favor of a big ol’ mirror to fill a blank wall with room-expanding goodness. (via Squarefoot)

10. Natural Light: If you really want to make this style sing, make natural light your best friend. The clean lines and simple silhouettes will dance more brightly if you maximize the amount of sun that washes over them. (Honeymoon Hotel)

11. Dual Colors: If you’re not sure where to start, pick two of your favorite colors and go from there. The blush and blues in this room play together beautifully and corresponding patterns give depth to the design. (via Idealista)

12. Plant Love: Nordic lovers are all about bringing outdoor elements inside. Enliven any room by adding a plant — or five. (via The Life Creative)

13. Cozy Minimalism: If you’re craving cozy, a minimalist style probably isn’t the first aesthetic you think of. However, with natural light, some floating shelves, and a few plants, you can achieve all kinds of cozy without the clutter. (via The Design Chaser)

14. Dreamy Bedroom: A monochromatic palette is a stellar recipe for a restful slumber. Give your brain the break it needs with an all-white bedroom. (via Noir Mon Amour)

15. Textured Textiles: Adopting a simple style is the perfect opportunity to experiment with textures. Accessorize with faux fur, chunky knits, and velvet to add layers to your look.

16. Soft and Feminine: This room uses all the tricks — various textures, clean lines, plant life, and geometric patterns — and punctuates ’em with a soft color palette. If you fear the Scandi look might be a little too sterile for your tastes, adding a pretty shade of pink will warm it right up.

17. Nordic Nursery: Who knew a Nordic-inspired nursery could be so stylish and cozy? Let your little one reap the benefits of this soothing style by incorporating comforting elements from nature coupled with fun art and toys.

18. Black and White Palette: Stick to a black and white palette and add a few natural accents like wood and plants. Keeping the color scheme simple will help you keep the decor minimalist and clutter minimal.

19. Open Space and Minimal Clutter: If you have an open floor plan, stick to a soft complementary color scheme and modern, Scandi-inspired furniture.

20. Stylish Entryway: Light wood, white accents, and plenty of plants will create a fresh look right off the bat.

Want more ways to make a Scandi-style sing? Follow us on Pinterest!

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"A Family Affair" Is The Hilarious Summer Rom-Com You Can't Miss

I love sappy, sweet-as-candy rom-coms. You know, the ones where two leads spend the entire movie pursuing other people only to realize they were in love with each other the whole time. The movie usually takes place in a big city or a small town (and sometimes both), there's a quirky best friend, and there's always a big declaration of love before the credits roll. And while these straightforward movies are always on my watchlist, I also love the wacky movies that involve hilarious misunderstandings, ridiculous fight scenes, and gravity-defying Dirty Dancing movies (yes, I'm talking about Emma Stone & Ryan Gosling'sCrazy Stupid Love here). Humor always makes a movie even more enjoyable to watch, and A Family Affair is as wacky as they come. The movie reunites Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron, who played opposite each other ten years ago, and this time, Joey King's added into the mix. Here's everything you need to know about the new summer movie.

What is the movie A Family Affair about?

Image via Netflix

Like any good rom com, A Family Affair is all about a surprising romance — just not the kind Zara might be hoping for. When her mother (Nicole Kidman) and her famous actor boss (Zac Efron) fall for each other, their newfound relationship complicates everyone's ideas of sex and identity, and Zara's entire life. And, just like you might expect when your boss and mother hook up, chaotic hilarity ensues.

When does A Family Affair come out?

You can watch A Family Affair on Netflix starting June 28.

Who's in the A Family Affair movie cast?

Image via Netflix

Joey King, Zac Efron, and Nicole Kidman lead this new rom-com, and they're joined by a few of our other favorite actors! A Family Affair also stars Liza Koshy and Kathy Bates.

What does A Family Affair mean?

Image via Netflix

A family affair refers to a situation that's connected to someone's family in one way or another. For me, being an adult has been all about establishing work-life balance, and I'm sure the same is true for Zara. I can't wait to see how this movie's unexpected romance turns everything upside down.

What else did Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron star in?

Image via Netflix

Before they were cast in A Family Affair, Zac Efron and Nicole Kidman played lovers in The Paperboy in 2012. Familiarity and comfort are two super important things in any romantic role, and I can already tell from these first look images that Zac and Nicole not only have awesome chemistry, but they're comfortable enough around each other to just have fun. And that's all we can ask for from a good movie!

What would YOU do if your boss and one of your parents hooked up? Let us know in the comments and on Facebook!

Lead image via Netflix

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How To Create A Minimalist Wardrobe Without Being Boring

We're big fans of aesthetics from pearlcoreto cottagecore togoblincore— there's an aesthetic for everyone! Minimalism is our newest obsession, and it's pretty toned down in comparison to some of the other aesthetics. Contrary to what you might think, it's definitely possible to have a super cute minimalist wardrobe that still lets your personality shine through. We've broken down some tips and tricks, as well as some shopping recommendations, to help you start building your own minimalist wardrobe.

What Is The Minimalist Aesthetic?

Image via Irina Demyanovskikh/Pexels

The minimalist aesthetic focuses on pairing simple, timeless pieces that have a traditionally professional twist. Think blouses, hoop earrings, simple sweater vests. This aesthetic usually doesn't incorporate a lot of different colors, textures, or prints in the base pieces, but if you don't want to stick to neutral colors, just make sure you stick to the same color palette. That way, a lot of the pieces can be worn together.

Step 1: Figure Out What Basics You Like

One of our favorite things to do when figuring out how to pair an item is to search for it on Pinterest (ie: "White tee outfits"). The platform is full of so many creatives who all have different ideas, so you're bound to find an outfit idea that you never thought of before!

Minimalist Aesthetic Basics

  • Jeans (midwash is our favorite)
  • Button-down blouses
  • Plain tees
  • Solid-color shoes
  • Neutral bags
  • Simple jewelry that goes with everything

Stores To Shop For The Minimalist Aesthetic

Step 2: Get Rid Of Any Pieces You Don't Love

Image via Liza Summer/Pexels

The most important thing about your closet should be that you love each and every piece. If you only kind of like what you own, you'll never be happy about what you're wearing. Here are some ideas for times you're unsure about a piece:

  • If you haven't worn an item for six months, or if you go an entire season without picking something up (like when you reach the end of summer and didn't wear that one tank top at all), it might be time to say goodbye.
  • Try the hanger trick; flip all your hangers so that they're hooked onto the bar in your closet backwards. Every time you wear something, fix the hanger, then see what hasn't been worn after a set period of time.
  • If you're not sure whether you want to get rid of something, put it under your bed or in a box for a few weeks. If you forget about the item or don't miss it, then you can definitely part with it.

Step 3: The Extras

Image via Darina Belonogova/Pexels

Once you've figured out the basics, then comes the fun part: accessories! This is where your individual personality can really shine through; your accessory and beauty choices will make a plain tee and jeans look different than everyone else's.

Figure out what hairstyles you like (popular ones within the minimalist aesthetic are a slick bun, ponytail, and loose waves). Stick to simple base makeup — fresh-faced foundation and a bit of blush — but feel free to try out different eyeliner shapes and lipstick colors. Stick to neutral nail polishes like whatever matches your skin tone, or go with a neon.

Ready to get started building your minimalist wardrobe? Here are some of our favorite outfit formulas for inspiration:

Minimalist Wardrobe Inspiration

Statement silhouettes — like a square neck jumpsuit with wide legs, rounded sunnies, and a gorgeous tote — means you don't have to rely on crazy colors to turn heads.

Something simple like a white button down pairs well with a variety of colors and styles. Wear it with slacks and a nice bag or cutoffs and sandals.

Strategically picking pieces that look good layered together and on their own (like a white tee, light cardigan, and trench) means you'll have a wardrobe you love all year long.

Sticking to a minimalist color palette doesn't mean you have to stick to the same silhouettes over and over again. This arched tank hem looks amazing with wide leg trousers.

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When you're sticking to a minimalist color palette, small details add elegance and texture. Pleats in your pants and crisp tees add structure to your look, ensuring it's never boring.

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Elevate your look with classic details like a boat-neck neckline, and *never* skimp on accessories like belts and jewelry — when your wardrobe is this minimal, these tiny details are what makes it look put-together, rather than bland.

How are you building your minimalist wardrobe? Let us know on Twitter and follow us on Pinterest for more fashion inspo!

Fashion Inspirationaestheticminimalist wardrobeminimalistminimalismfashion

Hey Mamas! Enter To Win A Diaper Genie + A Refill Bundle

From running on 3 hours of sleep to constant diaper changes, mamas do so much. We've teamed up with @diapergenieofficial for a special Mother’s Day gift to make things easier for new moms: receive a FREE Diaper Genie Select Pail with square refill technology, plus enough refills to get you off to a great start! The giveaway will consist of one Select Pail + four Jumbo Refills for an associated value of up to $118. Say goodbye to diaper odors in style with this sleek, easy-to-use pail. The winner will also receive a $500 Amazon gift card to shop for all their baby and household needs. Check the deets below!

Enter to win a new Diaper Genie Select Pail and four Jumbo Refills here. Giveaway ends on May 31. One lucky winner will be announced on Wednesday, June 5.

Good luck mamas! #DiaperGenie #MothersDayMagic

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Reese Witherspoon's Book Club Just Announced Its Rom-Com Pick For May!

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

How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

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

The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo

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?

"Daisy Jones and The Six" by Taylor Jenkins Reid 

This titular novel turned Emmy award-nominated Amazon Prime series Daisy Jones & The Six explores the rise — and fall — of a legendary (and fictional) band.

"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 Last Thing He Told Me" by Laura Dave 

What would you do if your significant other disappeared without a trace, only leaving a cryptic note behind? In Hannah's case, she sets out on an unpredictable mission for answers — regardless of what lies ahead. After you read the book, check out our interview with Angourie Rice, who stars in the Apple TV+ series!

"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.

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