10 Best Thanksgiving Book Club Books

Looking for the perfect reads for your Thanksgiving Book Club? Here are 10 great picks for a Thanksgiving-themed reading club. I’ve included books with themes of romance, family, and personal growth. An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving by Louisa May Alcott is my favorite because I’m a huge fan of classic novels with feel-good vibes. But the rest of the books on the list are equally perfect for cozy discussions around the Thanksgiving table. Whether you’re after family dramas, historical fiction, or lighthearted books, these picks will make your Thanksgiving book club discussion-worthy. I’ve also included a few book club questions to kick-start the conversation. You can also check out my post on 15 General Book Club Questions.

Also check out: 14 Books For Your November Book Club

Discussion-Worthy Thanksgiving Book Club Books

The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler

The Accidental Tourist follows the travel writer Macon Leary who hates the chaos of travel. He’s lonely after his son’s death and separated from his wife. But when he meets Muriel, a dog trainer with a loud personality everything changes. What started as an awkwardly relationship soon turns into something more. This is a beautiful book grief, healing, and the surprising paths of life.

Questions for discussion:

1. How does Macon’s dislike for travel reflect his internal struggles?

2. Why do you think Muriel is the one to break through Macon’s rigid world?

3. What does Macon’s relationship with his family say about him as a person?

4. Discuss Macon and Muriel’s relationship

5. How does the novel handle the topics of comfort versus adventure?

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The Simplicity of Cider by Amy E. Reichert

The Simplicity of Cider is about Sanna Lund, who enjoys a quiet life on her family’s apple orchard in Wisconsin. However, Financial problems and her father’s health affect Sanna’s quiet life. Isaac Banks, a single dad, comes with his son. They bring new life to the orchard and to Sanna. As time passes, their lives connect. This heartwarming love story with a touch of magic, is a great pick for book clubs to discuss themes of family, love, and second chances.

Questions for discussion:

1. How does Sanna’s love for the orchard reflect her personality?

2. What role does Isaac play in helping Sanna open up to change?

3. Discuss how the orchard serve as a metaphor for Sanna’s personal growth?

4. What do you think of Sanna’s relationship with her father and brother?

5. How does the theme of healing run through the story, for both Sanna and Isaac?

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Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovich

Thanksgiving tells the story of Megan Murphy, a historical reenactor with bad luck in love. She meets pediatrician Pat Hunter around Thanksgiving. Quirky families, a huge turkey, and a mischievous rabbit make this a funny, heartwarming story of finding love amidst holiday chaos. A light, romantic read perfect for a Thanksgiving-themed book club.

Questions for discussion:

1. Discuss the Thanksgiving setting of the story?

2. What do you think of Megan and Pat’s relationship?

3. Discuss the elements of humor in the book.

4. Do you think families play a huge role in shaping Megan and Pat’s relationship?

5. What do you think the rabbit symbolizes in the story?

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The Lay of the Land by Richard Ford

The Lay of the Land follows Frank Bascombe, now older and more reflective, working as a realtor on the Jersey Shore. As the Presidential election looms and Thanksgiving nears, Frank faces personal and professional crises.

Questions for discussion:

1. Discuss Frank’s job as a realtor and its influence in internal state of mind?

2. What do the upcoming holidays, like Thanksgiving, symbolize for Frank?

3. How does Frank’s perspective on family change throughout the novel?

4. What role does the political backdrop (the 2000 election) play in the story?

5. Do you think Frank has truly come to terms with his life, or is he still searching?

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A Patchwork Planet by Anne Tyler

A Patchwork Planet centers on Barnaby Gaitlin, the black sheep of his wealthy family. After a troubled youth, he now works odd jobs for Rent-a-Back, helping those in need. Yet, Barnaby still battles family expectations, his ex-wife, and building connections. This is a thought-provoking book club book that explores second chances, personal growth, and judgment.

Questions for discussion:

1. Discuss the influence of Barnaby’s in his present-day choices?

2. What do you think of Barnaby’s relationship with his family?

3. How does Barnaby’s job at Rent-a-Back reflect his own life?

4. Do you think Barnaby can fully move beyond his past, or is he stuck?

5. How does the author explore the theme of forgiveness in the novel?

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The Harrowing by Alexandra Sokoloff

The Harrowing follows five college students who stay at their eerie dorm during Thanksgiving break. They soon realize they’re not alone as strange events unfold. What begins as a quiet holiday turns into a supernatural nightmare. This is a clever blend of psychological suspense and horror.

Questions for discussion:

1. What do you think about the setting of isolated college?

2. What do you think motivates each student to stay behind during the holiday break?

3. Discuss the change in the group dynamics they face the supernatural events?

4. Do you think the author did a great job of blending psychological and supernatural elements?

5. How does the Thanksgiving timeframe influence the story?

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An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving by Louisa May Alcott

Next we have a classic Thanksgiving book pick from Louise May Alcott. An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving follows The Bassett children who are left in charge of Thanksgiving dinner while their parents are away. But without any adults to guide them, they are forced to figure out preparing the holiday feast. This is heartwarming classic explores the spirit of family, teamwork, and tradition. So a great book club choice for Thanksgiving.

Questions for discussion:

1. How does the absence of parents influence the children’s decisions during Thanksgiving?

2. What does the story say about family roles and responsibilities?

3. Discuss the children’s personalities.

4. What timeless lessons does the novel give you about working together?

5. How does Alcott write the importance of tradition in family life?

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Lease on Love by Falon Ballard

Lease on Love is the story of Sadie Green who is down on her luck after missing a promotion. After a few too many drinks, she mistakenly uses a roommate app instead of a dating app. Later, ends up living with Jack, a quiet guy grieving his parents. This charming rom-com has emotional depth and is a perfect feel-good book club book. If you love more room-mate romances for your book club, check out: 29 Best Roommate Romance Books You Will Love

Questions for discussion:

1. How does the accidental roommate situation create the foundation for Sadie and Jack’s relationship?

2. How do you think Sadie and Jack help each other grow emotionally?

3. What do you think about Jack and his decisions?

4. Discuss the importance of humor in balancing the heavier topics of the novel.

5. Do you think Sadie’s journey toward self-discovery feels authentic?

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Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

In Such a Fun Age young Black babysitter Emira is accused of kidnapping the white child. Although, her wealthy employer tries to make things right, but soon tensions rise as their personal lives clash. This is a heartwarming thanksgiving book club read that explores the issues of race, privilege, and transactional relationships.

Questions for discussion:

1. How does the supermarket incident set the stage for the novel’s main theme?

2. What do you think of Alix’s attempts to “help” Emira?

3. How does Emira’s relationship with Briar contrast with her relationship with Alix?

4. Discuss the power dynamics in Emira and Alix’s interactions?

5. What does the story say about the impact of social media and viral moments in real life?

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A Lakeside Thanksgiving by Leeanna Morgan

A Lakeside Thanksgiving is about Barbara Terry who is determined to save her family’s inn. However, she needs to boost reservations to make ends meet. So she decides to teams up with journalist Theo Montgomery. And so begins their romance. If you love to discuss a book filled with warmth, family themes, and a strong Thanksgiving backdrop in your book club, choose this book.

Questions for discussion:

1. Discuss the setting of Thanksgiving setting in the plot.

2. What do you think of Barbara’s determination to save the family inn?

3. Compare Theo & Barbara’s personalities.

4. How does the small-town setting influence the story’s themes of community and family?

5. What do you think of second chance romance in the story?

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