The Best Good Morning America Books

The Frozen River

Author: Ariel Lawhon

Year: 2023

Genre: Mystery

More info: December 2023 Good Morning America Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

I was so excited to read this pick from the 2023 book releases and let me tell you that I was not disappointed!

This historical mystery is inspired by the diary of Martha Ballard, an 18th-century midwife, who never lost a single mother in over 1000 deliveries.

When a man found entombed in ice, also happens to be the same man accused of a horrible attack, Martha tries to seek justice for the women that nobody else wants to protect. This is a time when man’s word was the law.

Trigger Warnings

Rape, sexual assault

Why Jackie loves it

This book is brilliantly written and so well-researched that I could not put it down. The book starts slower as the characters develop, I was fascinated to read about Martha and how she became the educated woman that she was in a time when this was not the norm.

Find this book in: Best Books of 2023 / Best Winter Books / Best Books for Book Clubs / Best Celebrity Book Club Picks

Lessons in Chemistry

Author: Bonnie Garmus

Year: 2022

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: April 2022 GMA Book Club Pick

Age Range: 14+

Plot

I don’t even know where to begin with this unique contemporary fiction story. Elizabeth Zott is a chemist in the 50s when women were expected to know their place in society- the kitchen and the home. I did not know what to expect when the book started and I never could have guessed where the story would take me.

Elizabeth struggles to be taken seriously in her field and as a single mother, in this amazing book. So when an offer to host a cooking show for women is put in her path, she reluctantly takes it.

She uses her no-nonsense attitude and chemistry principles to teach the women in America how to cook and follow their dreams outside of the home.

Zott is a quirky character like Eleanor Oliphant with a charming daughter and a dog whose inner monologue is as quirky as hers. This is also an absolutely wonderful book about motherhood!

Trigger Warnings

Sexism

Why Jackie loves it

Elizabeth Zott is never characterized as neurodivergent. However, the way that she relates to the other characters leads me to believe that she is. I love the character growth and I was cheering for her success throughout the entire book. Can I also tell you how much I LOVE Six-Thirty?

Why Kirsten loves it

I loved seeing a woman before her time being a powerful strong role-model. She thrived and set a great example for her daughter. That is not even to mention the narration of this book! She is so great and so is six-thirty.

Find this book in: Lessons in Chemistry Book Club Guide / 15 Books Like Lessons in Chemistry/ Books About Mothers and Motherhood / Books Like Eleanor Oliphant / Books About Women in the Workplace / Books About Food / Books With Neurodivergent Characters / Books Set in the 1960s

River Sing Me Home

Author: Eleanor Shearer

Year: 2023

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: February 2023 Good Morning America Book Club Pick

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Before reading this story, I had little concept of what the end of slavery meant in the Caribbean. I knew nothing of the apprenticeships and horrible conditions formerly enslaved people were forced to endure.

And I certainly had no idea of what it would take to reunite a family of formerly enslaved individuals who had been ripped apart when they were sold by their owners.

Rachel’s story changes that. She runs away from the plantation in Barbados to reunite with her family. She sets off on a journey to find her 5 children. What she finds out about each encompasses some of the many ways a formerly enslaved person’s life could turn out.

Trigger Warnings

Slavery, Racism

Why Kirsten loves it

I don’t think anyone will be able to read this story without shedding a tear and thinking hard about colonialism and the ripple effects it has had on generations. This is another book that is heavier in our ultimate beach reads 2023 post but you will not want to miss reading this pick.

Find this book in: Beach Reads 2023 / Book About Mothers

Dominicana

Author: Angie Cruz

Year: 2019

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: October 2019 GMA Book Club Pick

Age Range: 16+

Plot

15-year-old Ana dreams of moving to America, envisioning a life of glamour, wealth, and freedom. She accepts the hand of a husband twice her age to fulfill her dreams but is in for quite an awakening when she makes it to the Bronx. Miserable in her life, Ana is forced to choose between duty to her family and her dreams.

Why Kirsten loves it

I was blown away by Cruz’s latest coming-of-age novel which explores her Dominican roots. Her immigrant story was filled with strength and courage throughout a year-and-a-half, as meek Ana is molded into a strong woman. #gifted by Libro.FM

Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Female BIPOC Authors / Books Set in the 1960s

The Vanishing Half

Author: Brit Bennett

Year: 2020

Genre: Literary Historical Fiction

More info: June 2020 GMA Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

The premise of this book set in the 70s is so unique. Two black sisters are so pale they can pass for white. One embraces her black heritage and her hometown, the other disappears into white suburbia. When they meet up again 20 years later through their own daughters, the result is a stunning portrayal of the ties that tether us to our families.

Trigger Warnings

Racism, Domestic Abuse

Why Kirsten loves it

I adored Bennett’s debut book The Mothers so I was nervous to read her sophomore novel. Sometimes the next novel doesn’t live up to the first, but The Vanishing Half absolutely does with this wonderful and thought-provoking book.

Adaptation Information

Issa Rae is producing the movie adaptation of this book for HBO.

Find this book in: Books Becoming Movies / Thought-Provoking Books / Books Set in the 70s / Books About Sisters / Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Family Drama Books / Beach Reads 2021 / Best Books About Siblings

The Personal Librarian

Author: Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murphy

Year: 2021

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: July 2021 Good Morning America Book Club Pick

Age Range: 16+

Plot

This fictionalized version of Belle de Costa Greene was wonderful! Greene was tycoon J.P. Morgan’s personal librarian and later the librarian for his heir. She was also a black woman passing as white. This biographical fiction story tells the story of her incredible rise to prominence and the sacrifices she had to make along the way.

Trigger Warnings

Racism

Why Kirsten loves it

It’s so upsetting to know that Belle couldn’t ever let anyone know about her real identity. It’s a blight on our country that such a remarkable woman had to keep her roots hidden to hold her job, but I’m glad her real truth is being told now.

Find this book in: Books set in Libraries / Biographical Fiction Novels / Gilded Age Books

We Are Not Like Them

Author: Jo Piazza and Christine Pride

Year: 2021

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

More info: October 2021 Good Morning America Book Club Pick

Age Range: 14+

Plot

A contemporary fiction book set in Philadelphia! This is the story of 2 local girls, who have been best friends since childhood. Riley is a black woman living her dreams of being a reporter, while Jen is a pregnant white woman married to a cop.

Their friendship is put to the test when Jen’s husband kills an innocent black boy while in pursuit of a thief and Riley is the lead reporter covering the case.

Told from the perspective of both women, this gripping story covers systemic racism in the police force while dealing with the nuances of navigating a bi-racial friendship. If you are looking for powerful books about friendship, this is one that will make you think.

Trigger Warnings

Police Brutality

Why Kirsten loves it

This doozy of a book was enthralling and thought-provoking. I knew it was a perfect book for book clubs from the very first chapter.

Why Jackie loves it

This book had me thinking long after I finished the last page. The characters were rich and believable and the plotline was realistic as well which is what make it so compelling to read.

Find this book in: Good Morning America Book Club List / Books About Friendship/ Best Books for Book Clubs / Best Books of 2021

Pineapple Street

Author: Jenny Jackson

Year: 2023

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

More info: March 2023 Good Morning America Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

I loved this family drama book about the blue-blooded Stockton family, told from the perspective of sisters, Darley and Georgiana, and their sister-in-law, Sasha.

Each woman struggles to navigate life in the Stockton family. Sasha, a middle-class artist feels like an unwelcomed outsider. Darley struggles to live up to the Stockton family name after she gives up her identity to embrace motherhood. Georgiana, the youngest, needs to grow up and become a capable adult!

Each family member struggles both on their own and within the family dynamic in this wonderful contemporary fiction. Each sibling faces dramatic struggles from sick parents to committing adultery to a lost job.

Why Kirsten loves it

I loved seeing how they each grew throughout this book for book clubs and ultimately how they strengthened their familial bond. While the book had enough meat for me to get invested, it also had glimpses of the whimsy of the monied elite. The matriarch of this family in particular is a hoot!

Find this book in: Best Books of 2023/ Ultimate Beach Reads 2023/ Best Family Drama Books / Books with Food in the Title / Best Books About Siblings

Dava Shastri’s Last Day

Author: Kirthana Ramisetti

Year: 2021

Genre: Fiction

More info: December 2021 Good Morning America Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

I DEVOURED this contemporary fiction story of a billionaire music mogul who releases her death announcement 2 days early so she can read her own end-of-life articles. The best part was that during the snowstorm that trapped her family with her at the ski chalet, she neglected to tell them about her terminal illness and her harebrained scheme. 

Trigger Warnings

Cancer, Death

Why Kirsten loves it

We get to see the impact the decision has on her family as well as get a look at her colorful life before her cancer diagnosis. This family drama was so compelling, I totally understand why it was a book club pick.

Find this book in: Books About Mothers / Family Drama Books / Family Sagas / Contemporary Fiction Novels / Best Celebrity Book Club Picks

The Push

Author: Ashley Audrain

Year: 2021

Genre: Thriller

More info: January 2021 GMA Book Club Pick

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This is a domestic noir that will scare the pants off most mothers. It’s compulsively readable.

Blythe Conner comes from a long line of bad mothers, but she’s determined not to be one. When she has Violet, she struggles to connect with her.

The reader is left wondering if Blythe is a mother who sees the worst in her child or if there is actually something off with Violet; something that even her husband can’t see. There is a reason this domestic thriller was chosen by GMA, it is a crazy good read and will have you on the edge of your seat.

Trigger Warnings

Child death, mental illness

Why Kirsten loves it

This was a crazy domestic thriller that was a compulsive read. I could not put it down. I was never sure if Blythe had become like the bad mothers before her or if Violet was mentally ill. The constant questioning had me turning the pages.

Find this book in: Books About Mothers and Motherhood / Psychological Thriller Books / Domestic Noir Books / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / Best Books of 2021 

Listen for the Lie

Author: Amy Tintera

Year: 2024

Genre: Thriller

More info: March 2024 Good Morning America Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

2024 is the year of the thriller and this one doesn’t disappoint! Lucy is returning to her hometown for the first time since she was accused, but never charged, with murdering her best friend Savvy 5 years ago.

She has no memories of the night Savvy died, but she needs answers for herself. So she decides to team up with true crime podcaster, Ben Owens, to discover the truth – even if she’s implicated in the process.

Ben is real-time podcasting the whole investigation and his interviews are interspersed between chapters, revealing new insights each time.

Trigger Warnings

Domestic Abuse, murder

Why Jackie loves it

This is one mystery/thriller that is even better in audiobook format! The background noises and interviews bring the podcast to life. #gifted by Macmillan Audio

Why Kirsten loves it

I felt like I was in the story investigating it myself. I can’t emphasis enough that this one is best consumed by listening. Like Jackie noted, the audiobook adds elements not available in print. I will say I couldn’t figure out the ending on this one and was completely surprised by who committed the murder!

Find this book in: Best Audiobooks / Best Beach Reads 2024 / New Mystery Books of 2024 /Epistolary Novels / Nonlinear Narrative Novels /Best Books of 2024 / Amnesia Books

The Family Upstairs

Author: Lisa Jewell

Year: 2019

Genre: Thriller

More info: November 2019 GMA Book Club Pick
New York Times Bestselling Author

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This book starts with Libby’s 25th birthday when she inherits a multi-million dollar home. She knows that she was adopted at 10 months old but, she doesn’t know the truth about what happened to her family. She is shocked to find that the story that she was told is not what happened to her family.

25+ years ago Henry, his sister, and his parents are living a very privileged life. When he is 12 years old, things change when David moves into the house with his wife and kids with no plans to leave. He is charismatic and alluring to everyone except Henry. The story moves between past and present until the two stories come together and you finally understand what happened in the house all those years ago. I love listening to full cast audiobooks and this popular thriller book was no exception.

Trigger Warnings

Child Abuse, Confinement

Why Jackie loves it

I love Lisa Jewell. As I read her books I find each one creepier than the last. I listened to this one and loved that it was a full cast audiobook. It brought the story to life.

Find this book in: The Best Lisa Jewell Books / Books About Cults / The Best Domestic Thriller Books / Good Morning America Book Club List / Popular Thriller Books

Long Bright River

Author: Liz Moore

Year: 2020

Genre: Fiction

More info: February 2020 GMA Book Club Pick

Age Range: 18+

Plot

The contemporary fiction story revolves around 2 sisters. One is a cop, one is an opioid addict – both are being impacted by a string of murders in the Kensington area of Philadelphia.⁣ This book dealt with many issues around drug addiction and it handles them without judging.

Trigger Warnings

Drug Addiction

Why Kirsten loves it

Long Bright River is phenomenal and I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN.⁣ The story takes place in Philly’s Kensington neighborhood which is known for having a huge opioid problem. You can’t live in my area and not know about the epidemic spreading through our city. It’s devastating and scary and this book deals with it head-on.⁣

Adaptation Information

This TV series starring Amanda Seyfried is coming to Peacock in 2025.

Find this book in: Books Becoming TV Series / Best Contemporary Fiction Novels / Books About Mental Illness / Books About Addiction / Best Books of 2020

The Maid

Author: Nita Prose

Year: 2022

Genre: Mystery

More info: January 2022 Good Morning America Pick
#1 New York Times Bestseller, EDGAR AWARD Finalist, Anthony Award Winner

Age Range: 14+

Plot

Molly Gray works as a maid in a grand hotel and gets joy from leaving things orderly and pristine. Molly struggles with reading social cues and has had even more trouble since her gran can no longer help.

When Molly finds the body of Mr. Black in a room at the hotel, she becomes a prime suspect and will need all her friends to help her. She calls her friend Mr. Preston, the doorman at the hotel, for help. His daughter is a lawyer. Soon it becomes clear that Molly, in her naivete, is involved in a drug scandal as well.

Why Jackie loves it

I loved the description of this book and I hoped it would live up to my expectations. It did that and more. I adored every minute of this story and closed the last page smiling. Molly is such a wonderful character who has more depth than is apparent initially.

Find this book in: The Maid Book Club Questions / Books like Lessons in Chemistry / Best Mystery Books / Feel-Good Books / Books for Book Clubs / Best Cozy Mystery Books / Books With Neurodivergent Characters

Happiness Falls

Author: Angie Kim

Year: 2023

Genre: Mystery

More info: September 2023 Good Morning America Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range:

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.

Find this book in: Best Family Drama Books / Good Morning America Book Club List / Best Books for Book Clubs / Best Books of 2023 / Books With Neurodivergent Characters

Violin Conspiracy

Author: Brendan Slocumb

Year: 2022

Genre: Mystery

More info: February 2022 GMA Book Club Pick

Age Range: 16+

Plot

WHAT A MYSTERY! The Violin Conspiracy opens with a man’s 14 million-dollar Stradivarius violin being stolen and the drama doesn’t let up.

Ray McMillian is a young black musical prodigy who just so happens to have inherited his grandpa’s busted-up fiddle – which turns out to be a rare violin built by one of the greats. But when the origins of the violin come into question along with Ray’s claim to the instrument, the plot keeps thickening.

Trigger Warnings

Racism

Why Kirsten loves it

Truly the story was a gripping page-turner I could not put down. Slocumb’s ability to weave a multi-faceted tale was astounding. When it comes to novels about music, this is a must-read mystery book!

Find this book in: Best Audiobooks of 2022 / Novels About Music / Mystery Books

A Song to Drown Rivers

Author: Ann Liang

Year: October 1, 2024

Genre: Mythology

More info: October 2024 GMA Book Club Pick
Instant New York Times Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Xishi lives in the village of Yue with her parents still mourning the loss of her beloved younger sister at the hands of the Wu warriors. Fanli is a military advisor to the king who recognizes that Xishi’s beauty can be used as a weapon to help infiltrate the enemy palace of Wu. She agrees so she can help the kingdom and avenge her sister’s murder.

He trains her in everything from dancing and etiquette to the art of seduction and sends her to the king. Her goal is to infiltrate the court and make the king fall in love with her. Once inside the palace, the king is drawn to her, and she rises through the court. But one mistake can bring the whole kingdom crashing down. She must strategize and navigate enemy territory without drawing any suspicion, or her punishment will be torture and then death.

This book is Inspired by the legend of Xishi, one of the famous Four Beauties of Ancient China which is why it is included in the fantasy category. Those looking for magic and world-building will not find it in this book, but it remains a 5-star read and one of the best new fantasy books of the year.

Trigger Warnings

War, Death

Why Jackie loves it

I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down. The story is beautifully written. The plot pulled me in from the first page and was non-stop throughout the book. My heart felt the pain of Xishi’s loss and the anxiety of living a second life “undercover”. This story is heartwrenching and beautiful at the same time #gifted

Find this book in: Good Morning America Book Club List/ Most Anticipated October 2024 Book Releases / October 2024 Celebrity Book Club Spoilers / Mythology Books / Best New Fantasy Books and Sci-Fi Books of 2024 / Best Books of 2024

Oona Out of Order

Author: Margarita Montimore

Year: 2020

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

More info: April 2020 GMA Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range:16+

Plot

I absolutely loved this story about Oona who at the stroke of midnight on her 19th birthday, finds herself in her 51-year-old body. She is greeted by a stranger who is waiting for her in her home and tells her that every year, she will jump to another point in her life- she will live her life out of order. ⁣

This is an emotional, well-written story that will not only keep you quickly turning pages but also make you think about the small things in life that we take for granted. ⁣

Why Jackie loves it

This is such a unique book that left me wanting more with every turn of the page. Because this book is a nonlinear narrative, you never know what is going to happen or what age Oona will be.

Find this book in: New Year’s Eve Books / Best Time Travel Books / Nonlinear Narrative Novels / Feel-Good Books / Books Set in the 80s

Klara and the Sun

Author: Kazuo Ishiguro

Year: 2021

Genre: Sci-fi

More info: March 2021 Good Morning America Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range:

Plot

I’m not usually a sci-fi girl, but this book was just so special. It’s told from the perspective of Klara, an artificial friend who starts the story waiting to be purchased.

We see Klara’s life in the store as she waits for a friend, and then what her life is like when she’s chosen to be a companion for a young girl with a mysterious illness.

Klara draws her power from the sun, and so she believes she can use the sun’s healing rays to save her friend too.

Why Kirsten loves it

This moving story had me caring for a robot in a way I knew would have thought possible. It is definitely on my list of best sci-fi books of all time.

Find this book in: Best Sci-Fi Novels/ Popular Dystopian Novels / Good Morning America Book Club

The Change by Kirsten Miller

Author: Kirsten Miller

Year: 2022

Genre: Magical Realism

More info: May 2022 Good Morning America Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Kirsten Miller delivers a killer magical realism novel about a trio of women who receive powers after going through menopause. The point of their powers is to bring to justice men who rape and kill women. I was thoroughly entertained by this beach town mystery that pits the women against billionaire men around them.

Trigger Warnings

Sexual Assault, Rape

Why Kirsten loves it

As usual, GMA delivers with its latest pick. This contemporary fiction book will not disappoint.

Find this book in: Friendship Books / Contemporary Fiction Novels

The Love of My Afterlife

Author: Kirsty Greenwood

Year: 2024

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: July 2024 GMA Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Delphie has just died and is in her pj’s in the afterlife when she meets the man of her dreams. Her hilarious afterlife therapist, Merit, is obsessed with all things romance so she gives her the chance to return to her life with the caveat that she has ten days to find this mysterious man and get him to kiss her.

That would be easy except for the fact that she does not know his last name and cannot seem to find him anywhere. Even worse, her therapist seems to be hindering her progress rather than helping. Delphie reluctantly asks her grumpy downstairs neighbor to help her. Soon, Delphie is making friends, loving life, and regretting shutting everyone out her whole life.

Why Jackie loves it

Delphie reminds me of a more loveable Eleanor Oliphant. Thanks to the love-obsessed afterlife therapist, this book is one part love triangle mixed with a little bit of forced proximity, and a whole lot of laugh-out-loud rom-com!

Find this book in: Books Like Eleanor Oliphant / Romantic Comedy Books / Best Romance Books of 2024 / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / Giftable Books / The Best Books of 2024

Just for the Summer

Author: Abby Jimenez

Year: 2024

Genre: Romance

More info: April 2024 GMA Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

The premise of this story is rather straightforward and sweet – Justin and Emma discover they both have a “curse” where people immediately find their soul mate AFTER dating them. To find their own happily ever afters, they decide to date each other and then break up.

Sounds fun and light, right? But it’s so much more! Each of them is going through some very serious family drama which adds intimacy and drama immediately to their relationship. Their relationships with the secondary characters also made my heart soar. The representations of friendship, family bonds, and found family really tugged at my heart.

Trigger Warnings

Depression

Why Kirsten loves it

The romance!! Omg the butterflies this story gave me. Justin and Emma’s relationship may be my favorite romance ever. The way they supported each other, cared for one another, and loved each other was perfection.

Find this book in: Beach Reads 2024 / Lake Books / New Romance Books 2024 / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / The Best Books of 2024 / Books with Summer in the Title

The Dead Romantics

Author: Ashley Poston

Year: 2022

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: GMA Book Club Pick July 2022

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Florence Day is a ghostwriter for one of the most successful and well-known romance authors in the industry. The name is apt seeing as how she can also see ghosts. But, after a terrible break-up, she no longer believes in love.

When her new editor will not give her an extension on her deadline, she is in a panic and is on the verge of losing her career. Now, the unthinkable has happened. Her beloved father has died and she must return home to bury him. When she sees the ghost of her editor outside the funeral parlor, she cannot understand why he is there with her, and her life is turned upside down.

Why Jackie loves it

This book was a complete delight to read from the very first page. If you are looking for a book for fall, I love this adorable adult fantasy romance book that is totally unique. It reminds me a little of the 2005 movie starring Reese Witherspoon.

Find this book in: Ghost Books / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / GMA Book Club Picks / Romance Books About Books

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle

Author: Rebecca Serle

Year: 2020

Genre: Fiction

More info: March 2020 GMA Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Dannie is an ambitious lawyer with a plan.  She has her life planned out until she falls asleep and spends one hour in the future. Nothing is familiar- not her house, the ring on her finger, or the man by her side.  When she wakes, she cannot get the images out of her head. 

Trigger Warnings

Cancer, Grief

Why Jackie loves it

What a refreshing contemporary fiction book about the power of love and friendship.  I sat down and read this book in one sitting easily.  It is captivating from the first sentence and had me until the last page. I loved this time travel book, it was unexpected, unconventional, and a delight to read. It would also be a great one for book clubs! There is lots to discuss in this one.

Find this book in: Friendship Books / Contemporary Fiction Novels / Time Travel Books