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Books to Suggest at Your Book Club 📚
21
items All the books I actually can't put down and would/do recommend to anyone who asks. My personal preference leans towards historical fiction, but the sections on this list will give you a little bit of everything. Please please tell me if you read some...
Sections
4
Historical Fiction
Nonfiction
Contemporary Fiction
Beach Reads
Historical Fiction
WWII historical fiction, but based on the memory of a very real life story. Set in Northern Italy, I loved that this was a perspective we don't often see during WWII portrayals.
Beneath a Scarlet Sky, by Mark Sullivan
If you played Oregon Trail as a kid, you'll love reading this historical fiction book that follows a family from Missouri to California
Where the Lost Wander by Amy Harmon
1989 Romainia, just before the brutal dictatorship falls. Its a gripping story set in a place and time I'd never previously read about.
I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys
One of many TJR books on my list. I loved the story and the characters were easy to connect to. You also have no idea how it will end until it does. Love when a book keeps me up at night trying to finish it.
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
A popular book in this genre, and definitely worth the read. I love that the story is based on the real life journal of a midwife in colonial New England
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
One of those books that you can't believe is based on a true story, but it is. This book is slow at parts, but still an absolutely fascinating story of survival
Isola by Allegra Goodman
Historical fiction set in Korea/Japan from the 1930-80’s, this book is getting high praise and for good reason. It's a bit of a slow start, and I needed a second to adjust to the way the book switches perspectives, but the further I read, the more I ...
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
Nonfiction
A beautiful memoir discussing Complex-PTSD, and a story that I'm grateful has been told.
What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo
A must read for anyone postpartum. If you're a first time mom who is currently pregnant, I recommend skipping and coming back to the chapter 4 (TW: discussion of birth and birth trauma).
Matrescence: Pregnancy, Childbirth, Motherhood
a book filled with information that will help you make decisions that feel best for you
Cribsheet: Data-Driven Guide to Relaxed Parenting
This book is full of helpful knowledge about anxiety, without it feeling too dense.
The Anatomy of Anxiety by Ellen Vora
Contemporary Fiction
The show took a concept and RAN with it. I recommend reading the book to really feel the punch this brief, but hard hitting story packs.
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
The closest I'll get to a “thriller” book. I loved the way this one kept me guessing, and the main character is very loveable, despite questionable morals.
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
A long one, but worth it. I loved the look inside a part of the US I've never personally experienced. Its an eye opening tale.
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
I know some consider this “historical fiction” but for me it was a fiction book set in the past. Great story though, will keep you guessing until the end.
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
Perhaps one of my favorite books of 2025? A must read. You'll be rooting for the main character even though the whole thing would feel insane if it was real life. I actually laughed out loud multiple times while reading this book.
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
A quick read with a beautifully grounding message for anyone who has ever felt a little lost in life
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Do not read this book if you need the story to have a clear ending and answers! That being said, do read this book if you're interested in having some thought provoking conversation.
I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman
Beach Reads
I love a good beach read as a palette cleanser between heavier books, and Emily Henry never disappoints as she ties everything into the perfect rom-com bow.
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Probably my favorite beach read of all time. The characters invite you into their worlds. The chapters told from the perspective of the ghost haunting the hotel are actually so endearing.
The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand
A 5 star book for sure and officially tied for my favorite book from this author. It’s a beautiful tale of friendship and life, and I love everything about this beach read
The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand