2025 Beyond the Bookends Book Club List
Kirsten and I are so excited for our new book club. This is a book club unlike any other. Not only does the book club follow our yearly reading challenge, but every member of the book club will have an opportunity to talk with the authors of each book! Below you will find the 2025 Beyond the Bookends Book Club list.
Kirsten and I started doing author interviews years ago and absolutely loved that part of our job. There are not many things that bring more joy to book lovers than discussing books, and doing it with the authors is like icing on the cake. When we started the book club, we knew that everyone deserved the opportunity to ask questions and get real answers. To join the Beyond the Bookends Book Club, check out your options.
The Beyond the Bookends Book Club chooses a book that fulfills a prompt from the yearly reading challenge. Kirsten and I provide you with a reading guide to keep track of your thoughts, and then we discuss the book. The author then joins us, and let me tell you, we get some juicy information. From alternate endings to character changes, we really get some seriously good tea.
If you are not interested in becoming a member but want to join in with reading our picks, we love that as well. Below you will find all the picks from the 2025 Beyond the Bookends Book Club/
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
2025 Beyond the Bookends Book Club List
Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win
Author: Jo Piazza
Year: 2018
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Age Range: 18+
More: January 2025 Beyond the Bookends Book Club Pick
Plot
This political fiction book struck the perfect balance between lighthearted and serious. I was fascinated by the titular character’s quest to be the first female senator in PA. It’s a delicious look at what happens when a woman tries to have it all.
Charlotte Walsh is running for office in a race crucial to the Senate in DC. After leaving her high-powered Silicon Valley job, she relocates to the suburbs of PA to kick off her campaign. But she isn’t prepared for how nasty politics can be – or how much she might have to sacrifice to win.
Why Kirsten loves it
The dynamics at play when running for office drew me in, but I stayed for her marriage and her struggles to be everything to everyone. I loved the references to places I was familiar with making this a must-read for any local and a perfect pick for a list of contemporary fiction books and books about women in politics!
Find this book in: Cozy Fall Books / Books about Women in Politics / Contemporary Fiction Novels
The Light We Lost
Author: Jill Santopolo
Year: 2017
Genre: Fiction
More info: February 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick, February 2025 Beyond the Bookends Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: The Light We Lost #1
Plot
In this moving novel, Lucy is struggling with her marriage to Darren while examining what happened during her relationship with Gabe. Flashing between the past and the present, we are privy to Gabe and Lucy’s relationship as they move on in their lives and relationships but stay in touch.
Told over 13 years, this story is an intimate look at love found and lost, as well as the profound way our relationships change our lives.
Trigger Warnings
Death
Why Kirsten loves it
A warm and yet sad story about an intense love that ends. The novel 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 relationship evolves. Be prepared with a box of tissues when you read this one. I was bawling like a baby by the end.
Find this book in: Books That Will Make You Cry / Best Romance Novels of All Time / Second Chance Romance Books / Best Reese Witherspoon Books / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2018
The Snap
Author: Elizabeth Staple
Year: 2024
Genre: Fiction
More info: March 2025 Beyond the Bookends Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The Syracuse Bobcat’s revered head coach has been found murdered in his office at the NFL stadium he’s working in for the past 15 years. As media relations director Poppy is left to break the news, she finds herself reeling over the death of her friend and colleague. Amid her grief, a letter arrives that changes everything.
Told between the present day and 15 years in the past, when Poppy and Red both started with the Bobcats, everything that Poppy has sacrificed for her success is laid bare – even things she’d rather not remember.
Trigger Warnings
Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment
Why Kirsten loves it
I was instantly drawn into the mystery of who murdered Red Guillory, but I ended up loving the introspective look at what women have to sacrifice to get ahead in male-dominated fields. Staple’s writing reminds me of Chandler Baker who is one of my favorite authors for tackling women’s issues head on.
Why Jackie loves it
I love the author’s insight from her years in the sports industry. The story kept me captivated and I felt emotionally invested in Poppy’s struggle to be successful in spite of the hurdles in her way.
Find this book in: Sports Books / Books about Women in the Workplace
The Queens of Animation
Author: Nathalia Holt
Year: 2019
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Range: 18+
Special Info: April 2025 Beyond the Bookends Book Club Pick
Plot
This nonfiction old Hollywood book sheds light on the talent of Disney’s pioneering female animators and the struggles they faced in a male-dominated field. I loved learning about these incredible women – like Mary Blair who created the art for the “It’s a Small World” ride.
Why Kirsten loves it
I was appalled by the disparate treatment female in the animation field received, but I was also impressed by their gumption. The author does a tremendous job of showing their struggles but also how these women shaped animation as we know it. I was heartened to see just how far they have come. The book ends with Frozen and you can see the studio’s growth.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved reading about these women and how they shaped animation! I am a huge Disney fan, so everything about this intrigues me. I was equally upset by the struggles these talented women had to endure strictly because they were women (although I shouldn’t have been shocked).
Find this book in: Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Old Hollywood Books / Books like Lessons in Chemistry / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read
The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen
Author: Isaac Blum
Year: 2022
Genre: YA Fiction
More info: William C. Morris Award Winner, May 2025 Beyond the Bookends Book Club Pick
Age Range: 12+
Plot
Hoodie Rosen and his Orthodox Jewish community have relocated to a new city to set up roots. But they aren’t feeling welcomed in their new home and are facing antisemitic acts both big and small daily.
As he grapples with his place, not just in the new town but within his own community, Hoodie meets and falls for the mayor’s non-Jewish daughter, Anna-Maria. His friendship with her sends shockwaves through his close-knit community and compounded with the antisemitism, it leaves poor Hoodie struggling with what it means to be a Jewish man.
Trigger Warnings
Antisemitism, Gun violence, Hate crime
Why Kirsten loves it
With antisemitism on the rise, this poignant novel is so deeply important. But more than that, Hoodie’s narration had me feeling as if I was inside the head of the 15-year-old boy who, while being an orthodox Jew, is just grappling with the worries and fears of every adolescent boy.
Find this book in: Books by Jewish Writers / Thought-Provoking Books / Coming-of-age Books for Teens / Books set in High School / Fun Books for Teens / Best Books for 12-year-olds
Broken Country
Author: Clare Leslie Hall
Year: 2025
Genre: Historical Mystery Romance
More Info: March 2025 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
June 2025 Beyond the Bookends Bookclub Pick
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Set in 1968 and about a decade prior, this mesmerizing book examines both the loss of a child and the paths not taken. Beth and her husband Frank are still reeling from the unexpected loss of their son, when Beth’s first love, Gabriel Wolfe, comes back to town newly divorced with his own son in tow.
After an accident on the farm, Beth finds herself entwined in Gabriel‘s life once more. Between flashbacks to their former romance and previews of a murder trial, the novel explores the love Beth has for both men.
Trigger Warnings
Death of a Child
Why Kirsten loves it
Hall paints such a vivid picture and explores Beth’s feelings so well that I forgot I was reading fiction. I cried on numerous occasions and was left wanting more.
It reminds me of Where the Crawdads Sing in some ways and The Light We Lost in others. The mystery of who was shot and why was a masterful narrative choice that kept the story moving at a clip. I would give this novel six stars if I could. I truly couldn’t put it down. Gifted by Simon & Schuster
Why Jackie Loves it
This beautifully crafted story depicts lost loves and loss in a way that is still approachable and readable. Kirsten and I cannot wait to discuss this book with our book club in June. Kirsten read the book, and I listened to it. The audio version was powerful and I highly recommend.
Adaptation
Before the book even came out, Reese Witherspoon’s production company Hello Sunshine snapped up the production rights. It will be created with Sony’s 3000 Pictures.
Find this book in: Best Historical Fiction Books / Best British Books / Best Reese Witherspoon Books / Books Set in the 1960s / Best Historical Fiction Books of 2025 / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2025 / Best Books of 2025
The Summer We Ran
Author: Audrey Ingram
Year: 2025
Genre: Fiction
More info: July Bonus Beyond the Bookends Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
In the summer of 1996, Tess Murphy and Grant Alexander fell in love despite coming from different worlds, but a tragedy tore them apart. Now, 20 years later, they are both running for Governor of Virginia, and secrets from their past threaten their chances of winning. As the campaign unfolds, they must confront what really happened that summer and whether their past will define their future.
Trigger Warnings
Abortion Discussion
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved this look at young love and the way it can forever impact our lives. It also has a healthy discussion around abortion and examines both political sides of the argument in a way that feels authentic and real. This will be great for book club discussions! #gifted by Zibby Publishing
Find this book in: Best Beach Reads 2025 / Books with Summer in the Title
Sandwich
Author: Catherine Newman
Year: 2024
Genre: Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Special Info: July 2025 Beyond the Bookends Book Club pick
Plot
Rocky and her family have gone to a rental in Cape Cod for 20 years. This year, the vacation feels different. Rocky’s kids are almost fully grown, but not quite, her parents are getting older faster than she would like and she is experiencing all the joys of menopause.
As they spend the week together, Rocky sees things differently than she has in the past. She has secrets that she no longer wants to keep.
Trigger Warnings
Abortion
Why Jackie loves it
This 236-page book is an absolute must-read. I related to Rocky’s mood swings and inner monologue so much I was screaming with laughter. The way she simultaneously loved her husband and felt the urge to slap him was all too familiar (sorry honey). I also loved the relationship that she had with her kids. This book is perfect for any woman who is in the sandwich generation and trying to find her place as a mother and daughter.
Why Kirsten loves it
I savored this book and it ended too soon for me. Newman’s portrayal of being a mother, a wife, and a daughter were spot on. I laughed out loud and even cried a little too with this 5-star book.
Find this book in: Books with Food in the Title / Best Family Drama Books / New June 2024 Book Releases / Best New Fiction Books of 2024 / The Best Books of 2024
The Correspondent
Author: Virginia Evans
Year: 2025
Genre: Fiction
More info: August 2025 Beyond the Bookends Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Sybil Van Antwerp writes letters as a way of interacting with the world. She writes to her best friend, her brother, various authors, and the president of the university who will not allow her to audit classes, among many others. These letters are a record of her life and take place over nine years. Through these letters, we have an intimate look into Sybil’s life as she navigates through painful memories and declining eyesight.
Throughout this is a character-driven novel, Sybil writes a letter she has been writing for years to an unknown recipient. The beauty of these letters will make you feel like you are spying on Sybil.
Trigger Warnings
Death of a child, death from cancer
Why Jackie loves it
From the first page, I was absolutely drawn to this book! What an astonishing debut novel. The storytelling is wonderful and the pacing is perfect. Each of the characters had such a unique voice that I had no trouble differentiating them. I listened to and read this book, and I loved both versions in equal measure. The audio version is a full cast. The letters were written so beautifully, it made me want to start writing letters as correspondence. Gifted by PRH Audio
Why Kirsten loves it
Like Jackie, I adored reading this story. The audiobook narrators brought Sybil and her correspondents to life. The last 20 minutes I had tears streaming down my face. I can’t wait to discuss this with my book club!
Find this book in: Epistolary Novels / Best Fiction Books of 2025 / Giftable Books / Books About Mothers and Motherhood / Best Books of 2025 / Best Full Cast Audiobooks / Books to Get Out of a Reading Slump
I See You’ve Called in Dead
Author: John Kenney
Year: 2025
Genre: Literary Fiction
More info: Instant National Bestseller, Thurber Prize Winning Author
USA Today April Pick, October 2025 Beyond the Bookends Book Club Pick
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Bud is an obituary writer who has not gotten over the fact that his wife had an affair and left him. His life since has not been going well, he’s in a writing rut, and then he gets drunk and accidentally publishes his own obituary.
He cannot work but he also cannot be fired since you cannot fire a dead man. Now, he must learn to live the life that he has been given. He takes his best friend, Tim with him to see if he can learn the meaning of life by attending the funerals of strangers.
Trigger Warnings
Death
Why Jackie loves it
This is such a well-written book with dry humor that had me laughing out loud. Bud reminds me of any man who is going through a rough time. His story is beautiful and poignant.
Find this book in: Fiction With a Funeral / Best Fiction Books of 2025 / Giftable Books
The Gifted School
Author: Bruce Holsinger
Year: 2019
Genre: Literary Fiction
More info: September 2025 Beyond the Bookends Book Club Pick
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This contemporary fiction story revolves around four families as they work to get their children into the new public charter school for gifted children in their wealthy Colorado neighborhood. There are lots of family secrets to unravel and drama galore, but there is a message at the heart of this book.
How much of our wishes and lives are we pushing on our children? Is being the very best what they should be striving for?
Why Kirsten loves it
I found myself contemplating my children and how I’m raising them. Isn’t that the best part of a good book? When the story hits so close to home it leaves you contemplating your life, your children, and your purpose in the world. I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s highly entertaining and, quite frankly, a must-read for the parents.
Find this book in: Books About Mothers / Books Set in High School / Contemporary Fiction Novels / Best Books of 2019
Happiness Falls
Author: Angie Kim
Year: 2023
Genre: Mystery
More info: September 2023 Good Morning America Book Club Pick
November 2025 Beyond the Bookends Book Club pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 15+
Plot
Happiness Falls is a captivating and heartwrenching tale about a Korean-American family in Virginia. When her dad mysteriously vanishes, Mia is convinced there’s a logical explanation. But as the search unfolds, family secrets unravel, and Mia’s younger brother, who is non-speaking Autistic, becomes the only witness.
Packed with shocking twists and thought-provoking questions, this book explores love, language, disabilities, and the lengths a family will go to understand one another. It was more than just a mystery. It was an exploration of the bonds of family.
Trigger Warnings
Death of a parent
Why Kirsten loves it
I love the portrayal of this family. Not only is this book filled with twists, it delves into the complexity of family and expressions of love.
Why Jackie loves it
As a speech-language pathologist I was captivated by this book from the first page. I love Kim’s emphasis on the importance of communication and the brilliant writing. The mystery is so good, and the characters are complex and unique.
Find this book in: Best Family Drama Books / GMA Book Club List 2023 / Best Books for Book Clubs / Best Books of 2023 / Books With Neurodivergent Characters / Books to Get Out of a Reading Slump
A Most Puzzling Murder
Author: Bianca Marais
Year: 2025
Genre: Not so Cozy Mystery
More info: Author of Hum if You Don’t Know the Words, one of Jackie’s Top 10 All-Time Favorite Books
December 2025 Beyond the Bookends Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Destiny Whip, an enigmatologist who has not left her house in a year, receives a mysterious job offer to be the Scruffmore family historian, a job she did not apply for. Try as she might, she can find no information about the family, but the invitation is a hidden message that promises to reveal family secrets. The best part? You, as the reader, get to partake in solving the clues.
Destiny is enticed by the idea of learning more about herself and follows the clues to Eerie Island. When she arrives, she discovers why the Island has the name “Eerie” and finds hidden messages, a looming murder, and a magical royal family. As her visions reveal a death that hasn’t happened, she must race to solve the mystery before it’s too late.
Why Jackie loves it
I love a great puzzle, and this book not only has that, but it also allows you to interact with Destiny via email if you need help solving the clues. I did this for the fun of the interaction! There is also some choose-your-own-adventure in the story. This is the most fun I have had reading a book in ages. I added sticky notes in the pages because, even though Marais encourages you to mark within the pages, I could not bring myself to do it. If you are reading digitally, there is a printable to help you work out the puzzles!
Find this book in: Cozy Mystery Books / Best Beach Reads 2025 / Puzzle Books / Best Mystery Books of 2025
Expert Tip
Are you interested in joining a book club but are not sure if you will like it? I have some great tips
- Have a look at the books the book club has read. Do they fit with your vibe?
- Sometimes book club may push you outside of your comfort zone- that is ok. When not everyone feels the same way about a book, that makes for great conversation, as long as everyone is respectful
- Love the idea of a book club but do not want to speak? That is ok too. The Beyond the Bookends book club provides a safe place to talk, text, or listen. The choice is yours with no pressure!
Frequently Asked Questions
What books are on the 2025 Beyond the Bookends book club list?
There are 13 books on the Beyond the Bookends Book Club list. There is one book for each month, plus a bonus book in July. The list includes a fantastic debut, celebrity book club authors, and more. Come check out the entire list!
When will you announce the 2025 Beyond the Bookends Book Club list?
Soon! The 2026 lineup will be announced shortly after the 2026 Reading Challenge is announced. We are already picking the books and finalizing the lineup!
Can anyone join the Beyond the Bookends Book Club?
Yes. Anyone can join the book club at any time! We love our members and our great community!
Related Content
Join the Beyond the Bookends Book Club!
Looking to engage with like-minded readers and the authors of your favorite books? Join our book club!
Epilogue
What do you think of the 2025 Beyond the Bookends Book Club list? I love the books we read this year and cannot wait to hear your thoughts. Which book was your favorite?
