Books I Have Read for Book Clubs and if I Recommend Them
1. The Break Up Book Club by Wendy Wax – 2 Stars
There was nothing particularly intriguing about this book. It was an easy read, but almost too easy to put down. It wasn’t gripping enough to remind me to pick it back up, and there were days when I forgot I was even reading it. The story felt monotonous.
Would I recommend it for book clubs? No. There isn’t much to discuss, and the plot doesn’t lend itself to deeper conversation.
2. The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters – 3 Stars
I enjoyed the writing style and found the plot interesting. It definitely gave off Downton Abbey vibes, which I loved. However, the book left me with so many unanswered questions, and I’m disappointed I’ll never get closure.
Would I recommend it for book clubs? Yes! There’s a lot to discuss and speculate about. Plus, watching the movie adaptation could make for a fun group activity.
3. Uncultured by Daniella Mestyanek Young – 4 Stars
This is a powerful and well-told memoir about a woman who was born into a cult and fought to create the life she wanted. Young does an excellent job of exploring her experiences, emotions, and how they shaped her.
Would I recommend it for book clubs? Absolutely! It provides fascinating insights and plenty of discussion points about resilience, identity, and freedom.
4. Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune – 4 Stars
A wonderful cozy fantasy. My only critique is that Wallace’s character change felt abrupt at the beginning, but the love story and ending were beautifully executed. It’s a fun, easy read.
Would I recommend it for book clubs? Yes! There are plenty of themes to explore, from life and death to love and grief. Bonus idea: include tea at your book club meeting for an immersive experience!
5. The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff – 3 Stars
I listened to the audiobook and loved the immersive storytelling style. However, Geeta’s repetitive decisions were frustrating, and the ending felt far-fetched and overly comical. Despite my mixed feelings, the found friendships and heartwarming moments were nice.
Would I recommend it for book clubs? Maybe. I didn’t personally enjoy it as much, but it was a favorite in my book club, and there are definitely some interesting themes to discuss.
6. Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid – 4 Stars
I really enjoyed this book. It took a few chapters to get into, but once I was hooked, I couldn’t stop reading. It’s darker than expected and feels like a major crossover episode of the author’s other books. Emotional and compelling.
Would I recommend it for book clubs? No. Although it’s a fantastic read, there aren’t many discussion-worthy themes. It’s more of an emotional journey than a conversation starter.
7. Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid – 4 Stars
I devoured this book! It’s an empowering reimagining of Lady Macbeth’s story, full of magic and intrigue. I couldn’t put it down and highly recommend it.
Would I recommend it for book clubs? Yes! It’s a fantastic retelling with layers to discuss, especially if you’re familiar with the original Shakespeare play.
8. A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham – 3 Stars
A solid, spooky thriller that kept me on my toes. I thought I had it figured out but was pleasantly surprised. It was suspenseful, though a bit predictable, and I was left with a few unanswered questions.
Would I recommend it for book clubs? Maybe. It has some interesting plot twists to discuss, but the conversation might be limited to the story itself without diving into deeper themes.
9. The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard – 4 Stars
A captivating piece of speculative fiction set in a unique and well-developed world. I really enjoyed the story and found it be deeply thought-provoking and interesting.
Would I recommend it for book clubs? Yes! It’s a thought-provoking story that sparks great discussions about world-building, choices, and consequences.
10. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt – 4 Stars
Marcellus the octopus stole the show for me! He was witty, intelligent, and unforgettable. The story itself had ups and downs, but was ultimately heartwarming and beautifully written.
Would I recommend it for book clubs? Yes! It’s a unique and charming story with plenty to discuss, from the narrative style to the exploration of family and identity.
11. House of Frank by Kay Sinclair – 3 Stars
A cozy, whimsical tale about a grieving witch. I enjoyed the audiobook’s relaxing atmosphere, and the story offered comfort and found-family themes. However, I felt it sometimes lacked emotional depth, telling not showing, and the characters were somewhat one-dimensional. However, it worked for the story and I think about this book often.
Would I recommend it for book clubs? Yes. It deals with grief and healing, which can lead to meaningful conversations, and the whimsical elements add a fun twist.