This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.
In this blog post, I’ll share with you all the Book Club Reads I’ve read, and haven’t, over the past two-ish years. You’ll see which books I loved and which are recommended book club reads. See the list and my thoughts on the books below.
In late summer of 2018, I joined my first book club. As a book lover, this had obviously been a dream of mine, but as a teacher, my job and life kept me busy, and quite honestly, the opportunity didn’t come up! Then, I was invited to join a teacher book club. Yay! Dreams come true.
While I love my book club, and I’m always excited to meet with my friends and discuss life, teaching, and of course the books, there were a few parts of being in a book club I didn’t anticipate. One of those unanticipated outcomes: lack of motivation. I mean, I love to read! How could I procrastinate reading a book? But, it happens. This is probably the number one area in my life that I put off… and I want to read these books.
So why? I’ve no clue. I do love to read light hearted comedies and romances regularly, and when life and work are busy, I just want to shut my brain off and read something “feel good.” Not every single book club read can match the bill, nor do I want them to! I want to step outside my genre and tendencies. However, it can be hard to put aside a cheeky romance for the book club read of the month. Mostly, I’m able to overcome this and read the book in time. And, I have progressed—I’m getting better about it.
Below you’ll find a list of all the books, at least that I can remember and find, that my book club has read since I joined. Now, most of these I devoured with joy once I started. Others, I was less inspired by, and I DNF (did not finish) them. If you’re looking for a book to dive into, one that will ward off your procrastination, keep reading!
I’ve decided to organize the list based on my rating. Generally, my rating of books is based upon how well I liked the characters and the writing. If you’re looking for a book to read yourself or for your book club, check out the list below!
Five Stars
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Number one on my list. This book is amazing. If you read nothing else from this list, read this one. Fascinating, entrancing, beautiful, dark… all the things a gothic novel should be and more. A rich, spoiled young woman is sent to see her newly-wed and suddenly unwell cousin. Set in a remote town, on an even more remote estate, the events are completely unpredictable and engrossing.
We had so much to talk about with this book. I won’t say anymore, because… YOU NEED TO READ IT!
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
Any Jojo Moyes book is an emotional roller coaster. This book is no different in that capacity. However, this is the first historical fiction of hers that I’ve read, and it was phenomenal. There is some controversy out there, so if you look up this book and see it, don’t believe it. A similar book about the same concept, a women-run traveling library, exists, but they are not copies of each other. No one plagiarized the other. Don’t believe me?
The Giver of Stars was published in October 2019. The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek was published in May of 2019. Even if you know nothing about how long it takes to get a book published (years, my friends, years), then you can at least logically think out: could someone plagiarize a book idea, send it to their agent and publisher who had likely heard of this other book, get it approved, have it edited, revised, edited, and revised, and printed and turned into a digital version, within five months? The answer is no.
I loved this book, and it’s on the recommended book club reads.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
This is in the top five books I’ve ever read, and one of the top three of my book club reads. Delia Owens is a master, and again it was not predictable at all. Sometimes, predictability is nice, but usually in a serious book, it’s boring. Owens delivers a beautiful, insightful, and powerful novel that will keep you reading.
Seriously, I could not put this book down and finished it in a weekend. I loved the main character and empathized with her despite how unique she was, plus there are elements of love and romance, which ticks a huge box for me!
If you haven’t read this book yet, do it! It is worth the hype.
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
My book club read this at the same time as the previous book, because Bryan Stevenson becomes Hinton’s lawyer and aids in his release from death row. Stevenson’s book is likewise difficult, but an essential read!
Years ago, I found Bryan Stevenson’s TED talk, and I loved it so much I incorporated it into one of my courses. When this book came out, detailing Stevenson’s years of experience working with juveniles and adults on death row, I knew I needed to read it, no matter how painful. This is a book that will change you.
I read this book digitally, which I really like because I could highlight and note-take to my heart’s content without permanent damage to the beautiful pages! 🙂
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
One of my top five favorites! I love this book, and I love Ng’s writing. The characters, the setting, the story, everything is rich and alive in this story of family and conflict, and race and privilege.
As Brené Brown and Celeste Ng talk about in their Unlocking Us podcast episode, the setting, Shaker Heights, serves as a character itself. This book is the first time where I felt like the place was just as important as any other character, and it was amazing!
If you haven’t read anything by Ng, do it now! Plus, I highly suggest taking a listen to the Unlocking Us podcast after you read it… even more to digest.
The Girl With the Louding Voice by Abi Daré
I devoured this book. The main character had so much spirit, she was indomitable. As the title suggests, this book is about a young girl living in poor conditions who, despite her father’s promises to her dying mother, is married off to the wealthiest man in town. Even though the man is already married twice over, young Adunni is sacrificed in the name of money.
I won’t go into details, but this book is worth a read. It is inspiring, fresh, and moving. As a teacher, I love that it speaks to the power of education to uplift. Maybe that’s a bit self-congratulatory of me, but I’ll keep that joy nonetheless.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
I’m sure you’ve heard of this book. It was everywhere, on every list, in 2020. Should it be? Yes. It is definitely worth the read, Brit Bennett does not disappoint! Put it on your recommended book club reads.
Bennett’s writing has been likened to James Baldwin, Jacqueline Woodson, and Toni Morrison… if that isn’t’ enough for you to dive in, then perhaps the intrigue of the plot and characters will help.
After years of talking about it, twin sisters leave their small Southern town in the middle of the night, they head to live in the city. Soon though, one sister disappears and moves away. No word, no message for her sister. The story tells their stories, flashing back to the 1950s and to the “present” of the 1990s, and it is gripping.
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
So good! I loved this book. I’ve read quite a few books set around World War II and this is by far the best (other than Ruta Sepetys). It interweaves two women’s stories, one who was a spy during World War I and the other a young woman, in a “situation,” directly following World War II.
Although distinctly different, both women fight for themselves and follow their instincts even at steep prices. They live with shame and guilt and through their journey together they heal and grow as people. It is captivating and beautiful.
Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman
Ah! This book was so good. We read this in October for a thriller around Halloween, and it fulfilled its duty! The ending is not what I predicted at all, and I pride myself on anticipating endings fairly well.
The characters are human, flawed and frustrating but still fascinating and relatable. I loved how the author, Catherine Steadman, put you in the mind of the protagonist. Plus, the book’s events lead to wonderful conversations about “what would you do if….?” If you want a thriller read with depth and suspense, read this one.
Four Stars
Men Explain Things to Me by Rebecca Solnit
My first book upon joining my book club! In the latter part of summer 2018, we met at a local restaurant to eat and discuss (those were the times, right!?). I was so nervous! It was like going to class for the first time, I wanted to impress and click with the group, some of whom I didn’t know.
This book made it easy on me. There is so much to discuss and bond over! It’s a quick read and puts insight into experiences that are uniquely “woman.” Trust me, it goes way past “mansplain” blame.
The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo
I devoured this book as well. If you just look at the cover, you’ll be hooked. The book feels like the cover: dark, magical, mysterious. The book is a bit mystical, and set in Malaysia in the 1930s. It follows two characters whose lives will soon cross paths, and it is enchanting!
If your book club needs some magical realism, this is high on the recommended book club reads list!
The Bookshop of Yesterdays by Amy Meyerson
This book was delightful. It tied together family, loss, identity, love, and much more. And, because it’s set in a bookshop and a scavenger hunt… well, that was quite magical, thank you!
The characters are fun and quirky, and it follows a young woman trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life and who she wants to be. A perfect read anytime of year!
The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row by Anthony Ray Hinton
This was a difficult read, as the title likely indicates. Wrongly accused and sentenced to life in prison, Anthony Ray Hinton writes about his experiences. His trial and attorney were a joke. There was no justice in the system. Hinton’s story highlights the problems within the justice system, and yet through his experiences on death row he finds meaning and hope.
An incredible read but get ready to cry.
White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo
This past summer, nearly a year ago now, our club decided to tackle this book. There are countless opinions out there about it. Generally I liked it. It led to open and interesting conversations. It’s timely and engaging. DiAngelo addresses whites directly and approaches topics that normally raise hackles with an air of poise and approachability.
While I think this book offers important insight, I would recommend Ibram X Kendi’s How to Be an Anti-Racist if you’re looking for a book to open your eyes to racism. If you’ve already read Kendi’s, or this one sounds more your style, then be ready to address some of your own racism!
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
Such a Fun Age confronts issues of privilege and race while also dealing with struggles of identity: appearance versus character. Reid gives us a deceptively fun title and cover, and easily readable book that uncovers darker truths of everyday life: racism and the perceived guilt of POC.
While this is not one of my favorites, there were interesting conversations about it, particularly the title and how this plays into the characters in different ways. Is it sarcastic commentary on “today’s age”? On the different characters’ ages?
The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian
Now a television series featuring Kaley Cuoco, this book was… trippy. The main character is a barely functioning alcoholic and flight attendant (hence the title). After an adventurous and drunken night with a flyer, she wakes up next to his dead body… dun dun dun!
It is an interesting look into the mind of someone unwell who tries to protect herself while simultaneously endangering herself. I always enjoy reading the book before I watch the show or movie, if the show seems interesting, check out the recommended book club reads first.
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
This was a great thriller! This book is a bit like And Then There Were None in premise: a remote island where all the players are summoned to right old wrongs. Like Christie’s novel, the ending and ultimate culprit is a shock!
Engaging, well written, and the characters, although not all are likable, are vivid and real. Read this book if you like mysteries! There’s a reason it’s on all the recommended book reads lists!
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
So… I’m going to go against the common grain here. I was disappointed with this book. Called a “feel good read,” this book starts with a suicide… I’m sorry, that is not a “feel good” read. I don’t care that the rest of the book is about her, the person who tried to commit suicide, figuring out that life is worth living.
I also felt in spots that depression was considered a “choice,” because the book centers around making different choices and living a different life. It could be taken that “if you just made a different choice, you wouldn’t be depressed.” Not everyone in my book club saw it this way, but a few of us did.
Don’t get me wrong, I read it quickly; Haig writes beautifully, and it ends hopeful. I’ve talked with another friend who loved this book, and she said the audiobook was magical, so perhaps that’s the key. Or, maybe don’t expect it to be a “feel good book,” and then you’ll love it. In short, this is on my recommended book club reads list, just know what you’re signing up for.
Conjure Women by Afia Atakora
Like other books on this list, the cover of this book is amazing. And, it becomes more amazing after you read the book and look more closely. This story was a bit hard for me to “get into,” but only for the first few chapters. After that, I was hooked! Set in the South and trying together stories before and after the Civil War, this book follows Rue as she takes up the mantle of healer on the plantation after her mother’s death.
Although readers know there is more than meets the eye in this book, the magic and weaving of myth and reality keeps the reader guessing — is this place haunted? Is this woman magic?
Despite the darkness, namely the occurrence of every possible horror a master could do to his slaves, I could not stop reading. The characters are real and alive, their experiences and pain are moving. And, the ending is satisfying, so I love that. Put this on your recommended book club reads possibility list.
Three Stars
The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater
Another difficult read, but a unique one! A nonfiction read about an incident between two teenagers that would change their lives forever. Did I love it? No… it was interesting but I wasn’t a huge fan. Also a YA book I put it in my classroom after reading. If you want to see other books I have, or plan to have in my classroom library, check out this post. If you like true crime, then this book is for you!
When We Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O’Neil
This book had so much promise! A sister who died years ago appears in news footage, in Australia. This leads the living sister on a hunt to find this woman who is a dead ringer for her sister, who she knows is her sister. They both confront difficult parts of their history, and readers see similar events through two perspectives which is intriguing.
But it ended… weird. Like, unnecessary circle of intervention weird. I read this on Kindle Unlimited, and I was glad I hadn’t spent money on it (outside of the monthly subscription, of course).
The Fact of a Body: A Murder and Memoir by Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich
Perhaps the most difficult of the books I did read, The Fact of a Body delves into the darkest parts of humanity: perversion and denial. Through these two evils, revealed through real life molestations and the subsequent hiding of these crimes, Marzano-Lesnevich reveals “the fact of the body” to illuminate the truths that cannot be hidden.
I listened to this on audiobook and admired the quality of the narration. I enjoyed that aspect, but the content was definitely difficult and at points nauseating in its depravity. As the title implies, part memoir, part murder investigation, this book is gripping but deeply affecting and dark. It haunts.
Did Not Finish
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
Alright. Time for some honesty. I DNF this book. It was depressing. From the first third of the book, I knew it was going downhill for the rest of the book. I couldn’t do it. A husband and wife fight, the husband goes to get ice and cool off, he helps a women, later he is accused of rape… And that’s just the beginning.
If you’ve read this and loved it, power to you. I could not deal with the emotions.
Fruit of the Drunken Tree by Ingrid Rojas Contreras
So, maybe this time of year was difficult for me, as it was the same timeline as the above book. But I DNF this one either. Again, depressing. I read bits and pieces rather than the whole book.
The writing is beautiful, but almost too good, because reading about how difficult the lives of the characters were… especially when a central character is gang raped…
Well, these are all the books, I think… To be honest, this is my first attempt to compile a complete list! If you’ve read any of these, what did you think? If your opinions differ, that’s awesome! Share your thinking (kindly, my friends).
Right now, we are diving into The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab—who is an amazing author. I’m so excited to read it!
I hope you found a book or two on this this recommended book club reads list that excites you. Happy reading 🙂
The Ultimate Young Adult, Book Wish List
15 Professional (and Personal) Development Books for Teachers
“Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver: A Dive into My Favorite Poem
