Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2020
The Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2020 is a complete list of Reese’s book picks for 2020. I wanted to make this list to see how the book choices change and evolve from year to year. I have been a fan of Reese Witherspoon for a long time, but sometimes I get confused about which book came out when. To keep it straight, I wanted to divide the full list up by year and give reviews for the books that Kirsten and I have read.
Kirsten and I read a lot of books, especially celebrity book club picks. We want to be able to ensure that we are reading the best books so we can give you the best recommendations. Sometimes picking your next book can be hard, and I hope this list helps. Have a look through this list of Reese Witherspoon book club picks for 2020. If you are looking for The Complete Reese Witherspoon Book Club List, I have that list too.
The Best Reese Witherspoon Book Club Books 2020
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
1.
Fable by Adrienne Young
2.
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
3.
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
*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.
Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2020
Such a Fun Age
Author: Kiley Reid
Year: 2020
Genre: Fiction
More info: January 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
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 a Black woman who is a nanny and her employer who is a white social media influencer. There is a strange dynamic in that the employer feels like they are friends, but the friendship is one-sided.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
Kiley is a Philadelphian, and Jackie and I loved discussing this book with her in person. This is a perfect pick for your book club to discuss.
Why Jackie loves it
This book made me think about it long after I finished the book. The characters are so strong and jump off the page.
Find this book in: Best Reese Witherspoon Books / Books About Friendship /Fictional Books About Influencers / Reese Witherspoon 2020
The Scent Keeper
Author: Erica Bauermeister
Year: 2020
Genre: Fiction
More info: February 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick, New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
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.
Why Kirsten likes it
I snagged a copy of The Scent Keeper because Reese Witherspoon told me I should. I did not know that this 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.
Find this book in: Magical Realism Books / Beach Reads 2021 / Reese Witherspoon 2020
The Jetsetters
Author: Amanda Eyre Ward
Genre: Fiction
Year: 2020
More info: March 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick, New York Times Bestseller
Plot
Charlotte wins her dream vacation aboard a cruise ship and hopes that she can use the all-expenses paid trip to reunite with her estranged adult children. Will this trip bring them together or tear them further apart?
Untamed
Author: Glennon Doyle
Genre: Nonfiction
Year: 2020
More info: April 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Plot
Doyle’s memoir examines the moment she found the love of her life, while simultaneously examining the baggage she was carrying and trying to rid herself of the world’s expectations so she could be freely herself.
The Henna Artist
Author: Alka Joshi
Year: 2020
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: May 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick, The Jaipur Trilogy #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
To escape her marriage, Lakshmi travels to Jaipur to find work as a Henna artist. It’s 1950 and her intricated tattoos make her the trusted henna artist and confidant of the wealthiest women in the city, all while keeping her own secrets. Until she is confronted by her husband one day and her carefully built life is threatened.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic Abuse
Why Kirsten likes it
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.
Adaptation Details
Frieda Pinto is slated to produce and star in the Netflix TV series.
Find this book in: Books Becoming TV Series / Novels about Artists / Reese Witherspoon 2020
The Guest List
Author: Lucy Foley
Year: 2020
Genre: Mystery
More info: New York Times Bestseller, June 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I’ve just read THE thriller
Why Kirsten loves 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!
Adaptation Information
This story is soon to be a TV series on Hulu. Liz Tigelaar is set to write and produce the show.
Find this book in: Locked Room Mysteries / Books Like People We Meet on Vacation / Best British Mysteries / Books Becoming Movies in 2024 / Best Beach Reads / British Books /Best Psychological Thriller Books / Popular Thriller Books / Best Reese Witherspoon Books
I’m Still Here
Author: Austin Channing Brown
Genre: Nonfiction
Release Date: 2018
More info: July 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Plot
Austin’s memoir confronts her own self-worth in an America with deeply racist roots. Starting with her name and spanning into the present day, she talks about the constant claims of diversity that come up short, and how the very fabric of daily life in America is woven through with racism.
Everything Inside
Author: Edwidge Danticat
Genre: Short Stories
Year: 2020
More info: August 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Plot
This series of short stories captures vignettes of humanity and captures the essence of Danticat’s birthplace of Haiti
The Last Story of Mina Lee
Author: Nancy Jooyoun Kim
Year: 2020
Genre: Fiction
More info: September 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Margot Lee has gone to check on her mother after not getting an answer to her many phone calls when she finds her mother has died suspiciously. To figure out this mystery, she goes in search of her mother’s past, digging into her life as a Korean War orphan and an undocumented immigrant.
Kirsten’s Thoughts
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.
His Only Wife
Author: Peace Adzo Medie
Year: 2020
Genre: Fiction
More info: October 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Afi is a seamstress in Ghana who has agreed to let her mother setup her marriage to Elikem, a wealthy businessman who is a stranger to Afi. Elikem’s family has chosen Afi to help get him out of a relationship they don’t approve of, but when Afi is moved by her new husband to Accra, his ties to his former relationship continue and threatens their marriage all while Afi is adjusting to life in the metropolis.
Why Kirsten likes it
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 Chicken Sisters
Author: K.J. Dell’ Antonia
Year: 2020
Genre: Fiction
More info: December 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
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.
Why Kirsten likes it
I liked the family drama and the silly antics in this book. The relationship between the sisters was a fun read as well.
Find this book in: Books with Food in the Title / Books About Sister and Sisterhood / Ultimate Beach Reads 2021 / Books About Food / Reality TV Novels / Reese Witherspoon 2020
YA Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2020
You Should See Me in a Crown
Author: Leah Johnson
Genre: YA Fiction
Release Date: 2020
More info: August 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Plot
Liz is struggling through high school, where she feels othered by the children in her high school. She’s desperate to go to her dream college and become a doctor, but when her scholarship falls through she’s out to win prom queen and get the scholarship money that comes with it!
Furia
Author: Yamile Saied Méndez
Genre: YA Romance
Year: 2020
More info: September 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Plot
Camilla, lives in a home surrounded by tension, in the shadow of her brother, never living up to her mother’s standards, and avoiding her abusive father. While playing soccer, she is La Furia, filled with a skill that gets her a scholarship to college. But her parents don’t know about her talent or her scholarship…. how can she have the life she wants?
Fable
Author: Adrienne Young
Year: 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: October 2020 YA Reese’s Book Club Pick
World of the Narrows Book 1 of 3
Age Range: 12+
Plot
The day after her mother died, Fable’s father abandoned her on an island filled with little food and an abundance of thieves. Since then, she has been searching for a way off the island. Fable has unique skills that she must keep hidden and enlists the help of West to get her away from the Island and to her father to demand her rightful place in his fleet. Fable must use every skill in her arsenal to battle storms and make it to her father alive. But West is not who he seems to be.
Why Kirsten loves it
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.
Why Jackie loves it
Unlike Kirsten, I am usually not a huge pirate fan, however, I loved this YA fantasy about a female pirate. This is such a unique book with a premise unlike any other books I have read.
Find this book in: Boat Books and Sailing Novels / Fantasy Books for Teens / Pirate Books for Adults / Best Reese Witherspoon Books / Reese Witherspoon 2020
A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow
Author: Laura Taylor Namey
Year: 2020
Genre: YA Romance
More info: November 2020 YA Reese’s Book Club pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
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.
Why Jackie loves it
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.
Find this book in: Books About Tea / Best Romance Books for Teens / Reese Witherspoon 2020
The Light in Hidden Places
Author: Sharon Cameron
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Year: 2020
More info: December 2020 YA Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Plot
In 1943, Stefania, a young Catholic girl, is out of a job when the Jewish family she works for is sent to the ghetto. Trying to take care of her young sister, she is surprised to see the son of her former employer show up on her doorstep asking to be hidden. Soon, Stefania is risking her life to hide a dozen Jews in her home.
Expert Tip
Reese has chosen so many great books since she started the book club in 2017, it can be hard to choose your next book. Here are some helpful hints:
- Are you a “Kirsten” or a “Jackie”? Have a look at our reviews of the books to help you choose
- This list includes books that may not be on other lists because we did not love all the books. Have a look at the thoughts section.
- If the description says “why I love it”, it’s a 4 or 5-star book.
- If it says “why I like it”, it’s a 3-star book.
- If it says “thoughts”, it was not a winner for Kirsten or me.
- If you love a certain genre, pick a book from that genre as your next read.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best book from the 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club List?
Kirsten and I both agree that Fable by Adrienne Young was the best book from the Reese Witherspoon book club list in 2020. It was one of her first YA picks and we think it was a great one!
Was there a YA pick for the Reese Witherspoon book club in 2020?
Yes. 2020 was the year the Hello Sunshine Book Club began making YA picks. There were four picks this year.
1. You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Hohnson (August)
2. Furia by Yamile Saied Mendez (September)
3. Fable by Adreinne Young (October)
4. A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow by Laura Taylor Namey (November)
Related Content
- The Complete Reese Witherspoon Book Club List (+PDF)
- Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2019
- Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2021
Epilogue
What is your favorite book from the Reese Witherspoon Book Club of 2020?
Reese’s Book Club Reading List
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