Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2026
The Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2026 is a complete list of Reese’s book picks for the year. 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, and last year, I think she took the top prize for best book club in 2025. Sometimes I get confused about which book came out when. To keep it straight, I wanted to divide the full list 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 2026. If you are looking for The Complete Reese Witherspoon Book Club List, I also have that list.
*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.
The Read Carpet Report Podcast
Watch Episode 1: January 2026 Celebrity Book Club Picks on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2026
The First Time I Saw Him
Author: Laura Dave
Release Date: January 6, 2026
Genre: Thriller
More info: January 2026 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick Sequel to New York Times Bestseller The Last Thing He Told Me
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This book picks up from the epilogue of the first book. It’s been five years since Owen disappeared, and Hannah and Bailey created a new life together in Southern California. They also have a strong relationship with Bailey’s grandfather. When Owen shows himself to Hannah briefly, she is on high alert. When they receive devastating news, their lives are in danger again, and they need to disappear before they are killed.
What follows is a battle of wits. Can Hannah and Bailey escape before their past catches up with them. Will they ever be able to stop running, and can they ever be with Owen again?
Why Jackie loves it
I loved this even more than I loved the first book. It was fast-paced from the first page until the end. I loved that we had a follow-up to the first book that made this duology better than the sum of the parts! #gifted from S & S Audio
Find this book in: Domestic Thrillers / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2026
In Her Defense
Author: Philippa Malicka
Release Date: February 3, 2026
Genre: Thriller
More info: February 2026 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range:
Plot
Anna Finbow is a TV star who is gaining attention for her court case. She is publicly accused her daughter Mary’s therapist, Jean, of brainwashing her child for financial gain. Jean believes that Mary has suffered trauma at home and believes that she is the only therapist who can heal her. Jean is suing Anna for libel.
Anna’s employee, Gus, might be the key to the whole trial. But, Anna does not know that Gus knew Mary long before she ever met Anna.
Trigger Warnings
Assault
Why Jackie loves it
This is a courtroom thriller that is also dual timeline. As the story of the trial moves forward, the reader learns about Gus’s relationship with Mary. The pacing of the book is perfect. It kept me on the edge of my seat as I tried to figure out where the story was headed. #gifted
Find this book in: Fictional Books About Influencers / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2026
Lady Tremaine
Author: Rachel Hochhauser
Year: 2026
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: March 2026 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This is one Cinderella retelling you’ve never read before. In this dark reimagining of Cinderella’s story, Lady Tremaine takes center stage in a non-magical version that reminded me of Ever After (the Drew Barrymore movie of my dreams!). It depicted the rise and fall of Lady Tremaine’s fortunes and the reasoning behind many of her decisions.
While this story is devoid of magic, the dark themes explored included what parents will sacrifice for their children, corruption of power, and the darker side of aristocratic life.
Trigger Warnings
Sexual Assault
Why Kirsten loves it
First of all, I love a villain retelling because the story is always so different when told from the bad guy’s perspective, and Lady Tremaine had me firmly on her side the entire time. I adored how dark this version of Cinderella got. It was incredibly thought-provoking to have the story told and examined with the darker plot twists. It was an enjoyable listen, and the audiobook narrator brought the story to life. #Gifted by MacMillan Audio
Find this book in: Fairy Tale Retellings for Adults / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2026
Sunnie Reads Book Club List 2026
The Reese Witherspoon Book Club began in 2017. Beginning in 2020, Reese began choosing some YA picks in addition to her regular monthly pick. This year, in 2026, Reese created a new book club. The Sunnie Reads book club is a bi-monthly book club aimed at Gen-Z readers and young adults. Kirsten and I think that this book club will be just as big as Reese’s original book club, so I want to make sure that I have a list of these books as well.
Beth is Dead
Author: Katie Bernet
Year: 2026
Genre: YA Thriller
More: January 2026 YA Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This is a retelling of Little Women with a modern thriller twist. When Beth March is found dead, the sisters vow to find her killer. But as they search for who could do such a thing, they realize that there is more than one person who would benefit from her death, including each one of the March girls. Beth’s story is told in flashbacks next to Meg, Jo, and Amy.
Why Kirsten loves it
I’ve always loved Little Women and retellings of older classics are some of my favorite books to read. The thriller aspect gave this story such a unique spin, and I did NOT see the ending coming. I was kept on my toes in the best way with this story.
Why Jackie loves it
This modern retelling of Little Women grabbed me from the first page. Like Kirsten, I did not see the ending coming at all. I loved that the characters stayed true to the original story, but with a modern edge.
Find this book in: Classic Retellings / YA Thriller Books / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2026 / Adult Versions of Favorite Childhood Books / Fun Books for Teens
In Time with You
Author: Kristin Dwyer
Release Date: 3/3/2026
Genre: Speculative Romance
More info: March 2026 YA Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Plot
Nieve is devastated after her boyfriend, Carter, dies when he tries to save her from drowning. She blames herself and cannot get over his loss. She goes to stay with her grandmother as a way to get away from everything, but when she wakes up in the morning, it is the first day of college, a year ago. Now, in order to save Carter, she has to make sure that they don’t fall for each other. But in doing this, she starts to get close to his best friend. This is the story of first love and the chance to change everything.
The Read Carpet Report
Watch Episode 6: The Best Reese Witherspoon Book Club Picks on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Expert Tip
Reese has chosen so many great books since starting the book club in 2017 that 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 Reese Witherspoon book club list of 2026?
There have only been two picks for the Reese Witherspoon book club for 2026. The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave is the adult pick, and Beth is Dead by Katie Bernet is the Sunnie Reads (YA) choice.
What is the Sunnie Reads book club?
This year, in 2026, Reese created a new book club. The Sunnie Reads book club is a bi-monthly book club aimed at Gen-Z readers and young adults.
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Epilogue
What is your favorite book from the Reese Witherspoon Book Club of 2026?
