The Complete Reese Witherspoon Book Club List & Best Books Ranked for 2024 (+PDF)

The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo

April 2024 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Lombardo’s debut is a tremendous contemporary fiction book about the complicated dynamics and hidden secrets of the Sorenson parents and their 4 daughters.

The coming-of-age story is told alternately in the present day when Jonah reunites with the daughter who gave him up 15 years prior, and the past touches on moments in the Sorenson family history that are returning to haunt them.

Each character is deliciously flawed in a way that makes you feel like you’ve known them for years. I love that at the heart of the story, the book is about the many forms of love and how to live well. I cannot believe that Claire Lombardo is not a 50 or 60-year-old woman with children of her own. 

This is one family saga book you must read! It’s perfect for our list of books about sisters!

Anita De Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez

March 2024 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

1985. Anita de Monte, a rising star in the art world, is found dead in New York City; her tragic death is the talk of the town. Until it isn’t. By 1998 Anita’s name has been all but forgotten–certainly by the time Raquel, a third-year art history student is preparing her final thesis. On College Hill, surrounded by privileged students whose futures are already paved out for them, Raquel feels like an outsider. Students of color, like her, are the minority there, and the pressure to work twice as hard for the same opportunities is no secret.

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

August 2023 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Ann Patchett is an amazing storyteller and we love all her books, so it’s no surprise that this story is one of our best books of 2023 picks! I was completely enchanted by this story. In the spring of 2020, Lara’s three daughters return home and beg their mother to tell the story of her romance with a movie star from long ago.

Throughout their Mom’s telling of her summer theatre experience at Tom Lake, the daughters get the long-awaited answers to questions they’ve asked for years. The whole family also re-examines their lives and relationships through the new lens of information. While this is a pandemic story, it’s more of a plot device to get the family together than anything else. So don’t expect to be triggered!

From Scratch by Tembi Locke

May 2019 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

I knew what this book was about before reading it and I was still not prepared for the heartbreak and beauty within the pages. This memoir is truly a love letter to Tembi’s husband who died from cancer. This is an incredibly sad book that had me in tears.

The descriptions of the food, the people, and the love she had for her husband are unlike anything that I have read before. This is a five-star book about grief if you can read through heartache. It’s one of the Netflix book adaptations I’m planning on watching.

The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont

February 2022 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

I adored this mystery novel set during the 11 days of Agatha Christie’s disappearance. It’s told from the perspective of Christie’s husband’s mistress and it is utterly absorbing. This biographical novel is totally fictional because there is no account of what actually happened to Agatha Christie during those 11 days.

There are layers of mystery throughout, with a side of a love story. It’s actually a hotel novel because the majority of the book takes place at a small hotel.

I never felt I would be able to sympathize with a mistress but I was cheering for her by the end. If you love mystery books, historical mystery books in particular, this is a must-read.

The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave

May 2021 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

I raved about this book when I read it earlier this month! Well-chosen, Reese! The story of a stepmother and her daughter as they try to find the girl’s father after his abrupt departure. This is a powerful book about motherhood.

This mystery has so much heart as you see Hannah bond with and try to protect her new stepdaughter, Bailey. I did not see the ending of this book coming, but absolutely adored it. This is one of the mystery books that will keep you turning the page.

This is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel

October 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Wow! There are so many things that I loved about this contemporary fiction book.  Rosie and Penn have five boys.  The youngest, Claude wants to be a girl when he grows up.  As this family navigates life with secrets, there is never a good time to explain that your youngest daughter was born a male. 

These loving and supportive parents try to navigate a world in which not everybody is open-minded.  This family drama book is poignant and all too realistic.  It captures the innocence of youth and the struggles of an entire family. This is one of the best book club books on this list and a powerful book about motherhood. It is one of the feel-good novels you won’t want to put down.

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

March 2019 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

This best book of 2019 pick needs to be listened to, not read. Seriously, I think this might be one of the best audiobooks of all time.

I expect it to sweep the Audies this year for sure because full cast audiobooks can really take the story to the next level. The book is laid out in chronological order about the making of a band in the 70s, but the story is told in interview style from a dozen sources.

The audio version has a different narrator for each character and the performances the actors give are stupendous. I was overcome with emotion numerous times while I was listening.

This celebrity fiction story about the rise and fall of one of the hottest bands was so utterly fabulous – it’s pure sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll in all the best ways. This is one of the novels about music that isn’t for the faint of heart and is a feel-good book you will not want to miss.

Where the Crawdads Sing Deluxe Edition by Dehlia Owens

September 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

I will admit when I saw the description of this coming-of-age book, I was not sold.  A trusted individual, who has never steered me wrong in the past, gave me an advanced copy so, I took the leap.  And wow, am I glad I did.  I read this book and then recommended it to everyone I knew.  It is one of the best mystery novels I have ever read.

This 70s book has that spark, that special something, that makes it extra. The book begins when a body is found in a North Carolina marsh and is identified as Chase Andrews. The story moves between the past and the present to tell the story of Kya Clark, The Marsh Girl, who is a suspect in the murder.

We have an entire post dedicated to this book and how to host a book club around it which makes it a perfect book for book clubs! If you love this book, check out our list of 13 books like Where the Crawdads Sing.

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

January 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Such a Fun Age is a remarkable debut contemporary fiction from Philadelphia native Kiley Reid. This novel made me think and question the role our environment plays in who we are and who we become. ⁣ I love how the author addresses racism without drilling it in. 

Rather, she shows what it looks like from the overt to the subtle. The book focuses on the relationship between an African -American woman who is a nanny and her employer who is a white woman.

This influencer book about friendship is different than the other books on this list because the friendship is so one-sided. There is so much to discuss which makes it a perfect book for book clubs.

The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

July 2017 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

This historical fiction takes place during the First World War and after the Second World War as the story of two women come together.  One is a female ex-spy another is a pregnant single woman, and they are joined by a shady ex-con as they embark on a quest.

This was such a good book to listen to and although the subject matter was serious, there were moments when I was laughing out loud.  There was just the right amount of humor to make this a very readable book and a perfect book for book clubs to discuss.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

March 2023 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

This is a remarkable story of two sisters who live in France. As historical fiction goes, this one set the standard for me. It is one of my all-time favorite books. It details how they survive the Second World War under Nazi Occupation. The sisters are separated by time and have completely different experiences in the war. 

This book is one of the books that should be read in a lifetime. It is a total tear-jerker and one of those books about WWII and books set in France that are basically essential reading! If you are looking for the best book club books, this is one of them.

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

June 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

I’ve just read THE thriller of Summer 2020 and it’s soooooo good.⁣ A murder at a wedding. On an isolated island. In the middle of a power outage.⁣ Yaaaaaaaaas. ⁣This is an unputdownable psychological thriller book and a vacation I would NOT want to be on.

The murder sets the scene and then we get the story in flashbacks without knowing who is murdered until the end. ⁣

Why I Love it: I’ve become very picky about thrillers recently and this one is hands down my favorite of the year so far.⁣ It also made our Best of 2020 list!

Find this book in Locked Room Mysteries / Books Like People We Meet on Vacation / Best British Mysteries / Books Becoming Movies in 2024 / Hulu Book Adaptations

The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo

February 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

A warm and yet sad story about an intense love that ends. The story goes from good to excellent when we see how the former lovers support each other over the years in their future relationships and how their own relationship evolves.

Be prepared with a box of tissues when you read this one. I was bawling like a baby by the end.

Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley

Fall 2021 YA Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

I have not read many books where the central characters are American Indian. This book takes place on the Michigan side of Sault Ste. Marie where Daunis is going to have a fresh start in college when she witnesses a murder. She suddenly finds herself working as a CI for the FBI as they investigate a lethal form of meth slowly killing her people. Her knowledge of science as well as the Ojibwe traditional medicines makes her the perfect person to help. 

While this is characterized as YA thriller, it has the depth and soul to appeal to any audience. I can see why this book has already been optioned for a Netflix Series.

Why We Love it: I did not know much about the Ojibwe culture before reading this book; the little bits about traditions and spirituality were fascinating. Each added more depth to the story and I could not put it down. The narration was wonderful and added to the story. #gifted by Macmillan Audio

Cassandra in Reverse by Holly Smale

June 2023 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Cassandra Penelope Dankworth has just had the worst day of her life! She has been dumped, fired, and told to move out of her apartment. This is all very unfortunate for someone who likes things to be predictable.

After the worst day of her life (she was fired, dumped, and kicked out of her apartment) Cassie realizes that she can go back and change the past. She is determined to go back until she can fix everything that went wrong. But in doing so, something remarkable happens. Cassie begins to get a new perspective on people and situations. What if the past she thought she wanted wasn’t actually what she wanted?

Why We Love it: This is such a wonderful and unique time loop book. It is a fast-paced book that is emotional, funny, and made me think.

Find this book in Time Travel

Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? by Crystal Smith Paul

May 2023 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Upon her death, White silver screen star, Kitty Karr, leaves her entire estate to three young Black women. It results in a lot of questions, which Elise St. John, one of the recipients intends to find the answers to.

As Elise digs into Kitty’s past, she uncovers truths that could unravel Kitty’s legacy, Elise’s career, and the entire Sr. John family.

I loved this story about Kitty’s past. It starts with how she had to leave her family behind to pass as white, covers her career, and explores the choices she made to keep her secret. It was both thought-provoking and entertaining, making it a perfect pick for ultimate beach reads and also for book clubs.

Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld

April 2023 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Sally Milz is a sketch writer for a late-night comedy show. She begins to write a sketch called the Danny Horst Rule, which makes fun of average-looking men dating gorgeous women, but the reverse rarely happens. Being set on a comedy show makes this the perfect setting for a funny romance!

When a pop music icon signs on as the musical guest and host for the show for the week, sparks begin to fly, but Sally doesn’t know if it is just in her head. After all, he is a gorgeous star!

We love Curtis Sittenfeld and could not wait to read this book. This is a slow-burn romance that I loved. Part of the book takes place over email correspondence during the COVID lockdown and I could not get enough.

This is one of my favorite summer reads for 2023 and true to its name is one of the best romantic comedy books of all time.

Find this book in Celebrity Romance / Reese’s Book Club / Rom-Com Books

The Club by Ellery Lloyd

March 2022 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

This contemporary fiction book was a WILD ride and I loved every exhilarating twist and turn! The Home Club is clearly based on members-only celebrity clubs like SoHo House but the newest Home Club is opening on a private island and features an opening weekend to die for.

Literally, because it’s a murder mystery. Except we the readers don’t know who is murdered, how, or why at the beginning…but instead we are treated to various narrators telling the points of view of the weekend as it unfolds.

The layered approach to telling the story of the celebrity shenanigans and the murder of a key figure in the Home Group family had me flipping through the pages of this isolation novel. A truly enjoyable beach read!

True Biz by Sara Nović

April 2022 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

True Biz is an eye-opening look at the life of deaf high schoolers in boarding school. The ins and outs of deaf society are fascinating and made me realize I knew so little about the deaf community.

I learned about the ASL vs hearing aids debate. I learned about the politics and drama that go into running a deaf school. I learned that there is a black version of ASL and it’s possible to be racist when signing. t

And of course, I fell for the romantic entanglements and blooming friendships between the students.

This is definitely one of the best coming-of-age books set in high school I have read and this is the perfect book for your next book club!

The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak

November 2021 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

I was so excited to read Reese Witherspoon’s latest book pick because it sounded so different – a fig tree as a narrator? I wasn’t sure it would work, but Elif Shafak pulled it off with aplomb.

After the recent death of her mother, Ada’s aunt shows up for the winter holiday and Ada begins to learn the story of how her parents fell in love in Cyprus in this book set in the 70s. Since one was a Turk and one a Greek, their love had a forbidden element that reminded me of Romeo and Juliet….and the Fig tree, now growing in Ada’s backyard, witnessed it all.

Tokyo Every After by Emiko Jean

YA Summer 2021 Reese’s Book Club Pick

What a fun quick book by Emiko Jean. I feel like this book was one part Princess Diaries and one part Crazy Rich Asians.

Izumi Tanaka does not feel like she fits in as a Japanese American in her mostly white California town. When she finds out that her unknown father is actually the crown prince of Japan, she is determined to meet him.

This book about royalty was an entertaining and light summer read that will satisfy your desire to escape into a royal getaway.

A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow by Laura Taylor Namey

November 2020 YA Reese’s Book Club pick

This is an adorable YA romance that had my tea-loving heart at the title but, the story was sweet and had me turning the pages. But fair warning, you will be hungry while reading this book about tea.

Lila is leaving Miami to spend the summer in England with her mom’s best friend as a way to help Lila’s mental health. With the unexpected break-up with her boyfriend, her best friend leaving after graduation and the death of her beloved Abuela, Lila’s life is not where she thought it would be.

Slowly, with new friends and a new city, Lila starts to see a different side of life, and maybe change is ok. This is a sweet pick from our list of bakery romance novels.

Fable (Fable #1) by Adrienne Young

October 2020 YA Reese’s Book Club Pick

If you are interested in young adult pirate books, you must add this to your list. This story of a bad-ass female pirate was incredible. Normally, I only like fantasies if they have a strong romantic element. But in Fable, I found myself drawn in by our namesake character and the vivid world description.

Well done, Reese with this sailing novel…I need to go update our list of the best Reese Book Club picks now, because this one is top-notch. This is a must-read in this list of fantasy books for teens.

Whisper Network by Chandler Baker

July 2019 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Sloane, Ardie, Grace, and Rosalita have worked at Truviv, Inc. for years. The sudden death of Truviv’s CEO means their boss, Ames, will likely take over the entire company. Each of the women has a different relationship with Ames, who has always been surrounded by whispers about how he treats women. Those whispers have been ignored, swept under the rug, and hidden away by those in charge.

But the world has changed, and women are watching this promotion differently. This time, when they find out Ames is making an inappropriate move on a colleague, they aren’t willing to let it go. This time, they’ve decided enough is enough.

This contemporary fiction pick is perfect for our list of books similar to Lessons in Chemistry and is also on our list of best books for book clubs.

Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton

July 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

I picked up Next Year in Havana after Reese Witherspoon recommended it in July – I wasn’t disappointed! This historical fiction tale about a young Cuban American woman who visits Cuba for the first time to spread her grandmother’s ashes is one of my favorite books of the year. What Marisol thought would be a simple quest turns her world upside down as she uncovers secrets from her grandmother’s past. Cuba becomes a character in this novel and it’s truly spectacular.

Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal

March 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Looking for a laugh-out-loud contemporary fiction book? This novel is about an Indian woman trying to marry her modern English identity with her parents’ conservative Indian values.

She takes up teaching a writing course for widows in her community and she learns so much about herself and them in the process. Between each chapter are hysterical and sometimes raunchy tales written by the widows in her class. I dare you not to smile while reading this book about books.

The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

November 2019 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

I’m not usually a Jojo Moyes reader, but this story about a mobile library was one that caught my eye. I’m so glad I ended up reading it because it was wonderful!

I had no idea that women used to travel by horseback to deliver books in the Appalachian mountains. These librarians were utterly badass as they thumbed their noses at societal norms for the betterment of their community.

Each woman’s story was woven together in a tapestry of love, friendship, and sisterhood. I couldn’t put down this book about books!

One Day in December by Josie Silver

December 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

This is another holiday book I absolutely adored. This second chance love story takes place over 10 years and you’ll be rooting for this couple the entire time. 

The perfect winter romance – this one is a bit steamy – that will have you smiling from ear to ear. I listened to this one from my local library, but it would be just as good in print. We love this pick from books about New Year’s.

Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman

June 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

This thriller was a slow build with an explosive finish. When two newlyweds find something in the water on their honeymoon, it alters the course of their lives and marriage.

Why I Liked it: I loved how the heroine changes throughout the book. It felt very realistic based on the circumstances. The story itself was fast-paced from beginning to end and I couldn’t put it down.

Find this book in Popular Thriller Books / Books set at the Beach

Before We Were Innocent by Ella Berman

December 2023 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Bess, Joni, and Evangeline were best friends until the summer before college, they traveled to Greece and Evangeline died. Ten years later, Joni is now implicated in a similar crime and Bess is her alibi.

Reminiscent of the Amanda Knox trial, we see flashbacks of what happened all those years ago and follow Bess as she tries to discover if Joni is innocent. I enjoyed this story on my recent vacation.

Maybe Next Time by Cesca Major

November 2023 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

When Reese selected this story for her book club, she announced she’d be making a movie adaption of it as well.

It’s all about Emma, a working mother of two who is reliving the day her husband dies on a Groundhog Day-like loop. She tries in vain to right her life and focus again on what is most important to her.

I liked this time loop book, but it wasn’t my favorite Reese book club pick. I’m curious to see how this turns out when it gets adapted.

Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams

May 2022 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

I have to say that I never had any idea how the dictionary was made and how “abridged” my version actually is (think 20 volumes and 4ft of shelf space).

This historical fiction was brilliantly researched and detailed. The heart of this book is the importance of words and women finding their power in small ways in a male-centered world.

At times I thought the book moved a little slowly but it is well-written and enjoyable.

Anatomy: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz

Winter 2022 YA Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

This gothic YA historical fiction is centered around Hazel, a 16-year-old woman who lives in Edinburgh Scotland with her mother and younger brother. She has always had an obsession with anatomy and wants to be a surgeon despite the fact that no women are allowed to study to become doctors.

In order to study and pass her exam, she must have dead bodies to look at. Enter Jack, who earns extra money by taking bodies from their graves at night.

This was such a quick read with amazing details to keep the story moving. Some surprise details really added to the story. The ending, however, felt very rushed to me- especially when compared to the rest of the book. This is such an original thriller horror book.

Within These Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood

This debut novel is billed as an Ethiopian-inspired fantasy retelling of Jane Eyre but I think the Jane Eyre part is the least exciting part of this fantastical tale. (Which is saying something!)

I’ve never read any YA Fantasy book like this one. The world-building is so unique. Andromeda is an exorcist who cleanses households of the evil eye. Magnus Rochester is desperate to have the evil eye removed from his household but no other exorcist will take the job. 

The chemistry between these two is intense and instant, the scenes of terror throughout the book are ideal for the haunting season, and the subtle Jane Eyre references bring the whole thing up a notice. This YA fantasy is one of the best novels about Africa.

L.A. Weather by María Amparo Escandón

September 2021 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

This family drama covers a year in the life of the Alvarado family, consisting of Oscar, Keila, and their grown daughters.

So much happens in this book including, infidelity, divorce, fertility issues, kleptomania, a brain tumor, hidden secrets, job losses, and climate change issues. It’s like a full-on telenovela.

The best part for me was the Jewish-Mexican representation. I honestly think this might have been the first Jewish Mexican-American family I have ever read about and I loved it.

Seven Days in June by Tia Williams

June 2021 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

The latest Reese’s Book Club pick was quite a unique read. It was billed as a romance but that doesn’t do this novel justice.

Yes, there are some steamy scenes, but it also deals with childhood trauma, drug addiction, racial issues, and single motherhood.

It was much heavier than I expected especially with a second chance romance novel. If you are looking for something that will make you think, this is the right pick for you from our list of books about books.

You Have a Match by Emma Lord

Winter 2021 YA Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

When Abby signs up for a DNA service, she does it to support her best friend and secret crush, Leo. She doesn’t expect to find an older sister she never knew she had. ⁣To find uncover the entire story and get to know her green juice-loving, Instagram queen sister, Abby heads off to camp where her sister works.

It also happens to be the same camp where Leo works as a staff chef. ⁣This Reese book club YA winter pick is a perfect YA romance with a little more depth and emotion. It’s one of our favorite books about sisters!

The Proposal (The Wedding Date #2) by Jasmine Guillory

February 2019 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

I read this book on one plane flight.  It was light, funny, and completely predictable.  When Nikole’s “boyfriend” proposes to her at a baseball game and cannot even spell her name correctly, it is a recipe for disaster. 

Luckily, Carlos and his sister are at the game to help Nik escape the onslaught of paparazzi waiting.  You can guess the rest.  This is a great light read and the perfect pick from a list of romance books to read in the summer.

The Other Woman: A Novel by Sandie Jones

November 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

I wasn’t sure I was ready to listen to yet another thriller this year, but when my audiobook came up on hold from the library, I had to give it a try. What a doozy! I totally get the hype around this one and I think it would make a great movie. This one really turns the thriller category on its head with a girlfriend vs future-mother-in-law rift.

The Cactus by Sarah Haywood

June 2019 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

A pick for Reese’s Sunshine Bookclub, I enjoyed this story about Susan Green’s unlikely quest for love.  When her mother dies and leaves her home to Susan’s brother, Susan decides to hire a lawyer and get what she thinks is owed to her. 

Susan also finds out that she is pregnant and she starts to lose control of her meticulously controlled life.  Meet Rob, her brother’s best friend, and the opposite of everything she has ever thought she liked before.  This quirky story is perfect for fans of Eleanor Oliphant.

The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman 

October 2017 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

I love Alice Hoffman and I have read every book in this series. This one did not disappoint. I love that this book takes place one generation before Practical Magic.

We get to see Jet and Granny as kids growing up trying to escape the family curse- never fall in love. This Reese Pick was a sure-fire win from the beginning. I read the Practical Magic books in order and I loved this second book.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

I wasn’t sure how I felt about this contemporary fiction book initially.  Eleanor bugged me in a way that I could not identify.  She is not supposed to be likable initially which is why I persevered and I ended up loving the book and Eleanor. 

As we get to know Eleanor and understand her profound loneliness, it made me think about what initial judgments I make in other areas. Eleanor is able to find herself and understand herself in this wonderful, feel-good book. If you are looking for books similar to lessons in chemistry, this book is a 5-star pick.

Eleanor has difficulty with social skills and is used to being alone until one day, she saves an elderly man who has fallen with the help of Raymond from her work. The three develop a friendship that is able to help heal Eleanor.

If you loved this book, check out our list of Books Like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine or Books Like A Man Called Ove. We are also so happy to include this on our list of books about Scotland.

The Last Guest House by Megan Miranda

August 2019 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

A year after her best friend died at an end-of-summer house party, Avery is back and ready to figure out what happened to Sadie. The police ruled her death a suicide, but Avery isn’t buying it. She’s also not buying that quite a few townspeople think Avery is to blame.

I liked the way the story was told in a dual timeline, I liked the many red herrings thrown in, and I was committed to making sure the main character came out unharmed. As with any thriller, the trick to success is not being able to predict the twists.

Why I Like it: I was, unfortunately, able to come up with most of the plot points before the main character. The very, very ending took me a bit by surprise in how the climax played out, but overall, I saw the premise coming from a mile away. That doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the book, I just never got to the point of heightened anxiety that I expect in an unpredictable thriller.

Find this book in Books set at the Beach

The Scent Keeper by Erica Bauermeister

February 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

I snagged a copy of The Scent Keeper because Reese Witherspoon told me I should. I did not know that this celebrity book club pick would be a magical realism book.

I usually love her picks and this was no exception. I’ve seen many mixed reviews on this one, but for me, it was a reflective read about what is means to be loved, and the memories that scents hold. And with a touch of magic, this book hit the mark.

The premise of a little girl, Emmeline, growing up on an isolated island learning about scents had me picking up the book, but the hard-life lessons she learned along the way kept me flipping the pages.

Mother-Daughter Murder Club by Nina Simon

September 2023 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

While recovering from her recent cancer treatment, Lana is living in a sleepy town with her daughter, Beth, and granddaughter, Jack. But the town isn’t as sleepy as it seems, especially when Jack finds a body at her after-school job.

Soon all three generations of women are investigating the murder for different reasons. With its quirky cast of characters and wild high jinks, this mystery book was a total riot.

We Were Never Here by Andrea Bartz

August 2021 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

A thriller that had me on the edge of my seat! Two best friends, Emily and Kristen, commit an accidental murder on vacation in Cambodia when they try to stop Emily from being sexually assaulted.

But the following year in Chile, it happens again. As Emily begins to suspect something is off with her best friend, she starts trying to distance herself from Kristen. But Kristen wants to keep Emily close.

With a narrator that is unreliable, because she can’t seem to trust her own instincts or memory, the twists and turns keep coming with this thriller. If vacation books are your thing, this thriller from books like People We Meet on Vacation is such a great pick. And, it is perfect for books with unreliable narrators.

The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse

February 2021 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Oh boy, was this a creepy haunted house book! I wish I had chosen to read it during the wintertime instead of the summer because seeing snow while reading it would have made it that much creepier.

With dead bodies piling up, and a blizzard keeping the guests of the fancy sanatorium-turned-hotel stuck inside, will Elin be able to solve the mystery before she becomes a victim herself? This is such a great blizzard book for mystery book lovers and is perfect for anyone who loves locked room mysteries or isolation novels.

Infinite Country by Patrica Engel

March 2021 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

This story of an immigrant family split apart by US policy and ICE had such potential, but I had trouble keeping the timeline and the characters all straight in my head.

It’s told from the mother, father, and one daughter’s point of view. The struggles of a husband and wife separated for almost a decade were heartbreaking, but the way it was laid out had me confused and frustrated.

His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie

October 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

I generally love Reese’s book club picks. This particular one was billed as a Ghanan version of Crazy Rich Asians, a book I adored. I think I was expecting that level of over-the-top gossip and glamour and this book didn’t quite deliver. Sadly, I wish that comparison hadn’t been made. I did like the story of Afi’s struggles in her arranged marriage, though I got frustrated by her choices at certain points in the story.

The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi 

May 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

I really enjoyed this historical fiction set in 1950s India. I know little about the artistry and meaning behind henna prior to reading and I learned a great deal about henna, herbal remedies, and Indian culture while reading this book.⁣ Henna is an incredible art form and we were so excited to include this fantastic novel about art on our list.

Because of the descriptive writing, I could picture everything so vividly. The plot, and the class structure in India in particular, would make an excellent book club discussion.⁣

The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott

September 2019 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

This was an interesting look at the subversive tactics the CIA took during the Cold War. I had no idea that they engaged in cultural espionage.
As always, it’s fascinating to see the role that females play within a spy network. It’s crazy to me that after WWII many former female spies were sent to the typing pool while their male counterparts got to remain active in the spy community.⁣

The book dragged a little towards the middle, but I’d still recommend it to lovers of historical fiction. You can see this and other female spy books here.

The Chicken Sisters by K.J. Dell’ Antonia

December 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

This is another winner picked by Reese Witherspoon! This was an enjoyable family drama based around two sisters competing in a fictional reality tv food competition.

As the competition turns to tricks and sabotage, the sisters’ war with each other turns ugly. Family secrets just keep getting exposed and the hijinx gets better and better. This was the perfect light read to end 2020 and a perfect pick for a list of books about sisters. If you are looking for books about food, this should be on your must-read list.

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

September 2017 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

I have mixed feelings about this family drama book about motherhood.  There was nothing I didn’t like.  It is a great story and written really well.  I think because of all the hype I was expecting to be completely blown away. 

Nobody in Shaker Heights was prepared when Mia, a single mother and artist, rents a house from the Richardsons. When friends of the Richardsons attempt to adopt a Chinese-American baby, the town becomes divided.

Ng has depth to her characters and looks at highly emotional issues. I ended up really liking the book once I got past the beginning and knew we needed to include it in novels about artists.

The Library Book by Susan Orleans

January 2019 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

I really enjoyed this non-fiction book about the LA library fire, but I could have used less of the general library stats. It focused too little on the library fire and too much on the library itself.

I think it could have been cut down by about 50 pages because towards the end I had an “alright, I get it, enough already” moment. Still, it was interesting to learn about the struggles the library faced after the fire with clean-up, the investigation, and the lasting security measures that came about because of what happened.

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine

December 2017 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

I read this popular thriller book because it was a Reese Witherspoon pick AND because I heard wonderful things about it. Unfortunately, I read The Wife Between Us back in January so I completely predicted what was going to happen in this book.

As with all thrillers, especially domestic thrillers, when the element of surprise is missing, it’s not as good a read. Still, I found this stalker book to be enjoyable if only because of the plotting of Amber Patterson. I adored being in the head of the villain. If you are looking for a very readable psychological thriller book, this is a great pick.

You Think It, I’ll Say It by Curtis Sittenfeld

May 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

This collection of short stories was a lovely little break in my reading. I’ve long been a fan of Sittenfeld’s work, so I was eager to get to this collection. It was nice to be able to read a story in one sitting for a chance. I think I’ll have to read more short stories in the future, particularly if Sittenfeld is at the helm.

Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen

June 2022 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

When Ava learns about college friend Winnie’s counterfeit bag scheme, she does not intend to get mixed up in it. But as she struggles to get the treatment her child needs and time to herself, her she gets involved after all.

But soon she’s been caught and needs to explain what happened to the police. Is she going to be the one left to take the blame? I struggled to find compassion for Ava because she came off as self-serving. Ultimately, I didn’t care if she got caught or not.

Lucky by Marissa Stapley

December 2021 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

This was one of my least favorite Reese book club picks ever. It’s a story about a con artist named Lucky who is running from the law while trying to cash in the 300 million dollar lottery ticket she bought.

Flashing between her current scenario and her childhood, I’m clearly supposed to care for her. Except I never did. Instead, I found this book to be dull. I easily could have skipped it and almost didn’t finish it.

The Last Story of Mina Lee by Nancy Jooyoun Kim

September 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

I wanted to like this book, and I did like parts of it, but overall it just didn’t connect with me. It’s part mystery, part fiction, but the writing wasn’t great and I was never truly drawn into the world. I almost stopped reading it on numerous occasions. I wanted to learn more about the Korean immigrant experience, but sadly, this book was not cutting it.

Still Lives by Maria Hummel

August 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

While I had high hopes, this book just didn’t live up to my expectations.  A famous artist goes missing on the eve of her new exhibit.  Is she really missing or is it a publicity stunt?  Her new art features paintings of the most famous female murder victims from L.A.  Has art come to life? 

I found this novel about art did not live up to my expectations. I wanted to love and I ended up liking it. Still, Reese’s pick’s always offer something to think about with this unique book.

The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee

Late Summer 2021 YA Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Some YA historical fiction books are incredibly appealing to adult readers, and other YA stories fall flat.

Unfortunately, the latest Reese’s Book Club pick falls into the latter category for me. I was never able to fully get into the story of a lady’s maid turned advice columnist because the writing never drew me in.

I cared about what happened to Jo but I found myself bored throughout this Gilded Age book for teens.