27 Book Club Books So Good, Members Will Forget Their Phones Exist

Picking the next book club read can be hard. You want a book everyone will enjoy, but you also want a story that gives you plenty to talk about.
So, I put together books I’ve read and also searched Goodreads for books with great themes for book club discussions.
I looked for books about family, friendship, relationships, difficult choices, historical events, and complicated characters. I also included books that might have everyone sharing different opinions. Here are 27 books I think would make great book club picks. Also check 15 General Book Club Questions For Any Book

Books For Your Book Club

Paper Ghosts by Sarah Addison Allen

If your book club likes family secrets with magical realism, Paper Ghosts is a great one to add to the list. The story follows the women of Wester House, a family that has fascinated their small North Carolina town for generations. In 1976, young Willamena Wester falls for a stranded musician. But one decision changes everything. Years later, her granddaughter Bailey reluctantly returns home and begins reconnecting with the grandmother she once feared. As Bailey learns more about Willamena’s past, she starts to understand the heartbreak, love, and choices that shaped the women in her family. I really loved the story. So, it has complicated family relationships, generational secrets, forgiveness, and whether we ever truly leave the past behind. Plus, the mix of a ghost story, romance, and Southern magical realism makes it a little different from the usual book club pick.

BUY NOW ON AMAZON  | LISTEN FREE ON AUDIBLE

James by Percival Everett

If your book club likes historical fiction that gives you a lot to discuss, James is an excellent pick. It retells Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from Jim’s point of view, giving him his own voice and story. There is so much to talk about here, including slavery, freedom, racism, friendship, identity, and who gets to tell history. You also don’t need to have read Huckleberry Finn before reading this one.

BUY NOW ON AMAZON  | LISTEN FREE ON AUDIBLE

The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett

If your book club wants something funny, a little different, and full of friendship, The Calamity Club is a great pick. It has quirky characters, lots of funny moments, and a story that is easy to get into. I really enjoyed the characters and their friendships. There is also plenty for a book club to talk about, like family, friendship, feeling like you belong, and helping each other when life gets hard. Also read 15 Books Like The Calamity Club

BUY NOW ON AMAZON  | LISTEN FREE ON AUDIBLE

Culpability by Bruce Holsinger

Culpability would be a particularly interesting choice if your book club wants to discuss something very current. A family is in a car accident while using technology that helps drive the car. After the accident, people start asking an important question: Who is responsible, the driver or the technology? The book looks at AI, technology, parenting, responsibility, and what is right or wrong. I can already see your book club members having very different opinions about this one. Also read 19 New Books Coming in September That Look So Good

BUY NOW ON AMAZON  | LISTEN FREE ON AUDIBLE

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

The Correspondent is told through letters and emails written and received by Sybil Van Antwerp, a woman in her seventies who has spent much of her life corresponding with other people. As those letters build, we slowly learn about her. I know some readers are unsure about books written through letters, but I think the unusual format is part of what makes this one so good. There is a lot here to discuss about forgiveness, family, and Sybil herself. Also read 20 Debut Books So Good You’ll Forget They’re First Books

BUY NOW ON AMAZON  | LISTEN FREE ON AUDIBLE

The Measure by Nikki Erlick

Imagine waking up one morning and finding a box outside your door. Inside is a string that supposedly tells you exactly how long you have left to live. Would you look? That question alone could probably keep a book club talking all evening. The Measure follows several people as society tries to decide what these strings mean and how much power they should have over our lives. This feels made for a book club because everyone is going to have an opinion. Also read 31 Discussion Questions For The Measure by Nikki Erlick

BUY NOW ON AMAZON  | LISTEN FREE ON AUDIBLE

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

Set in Appalachia, the novel follows Demon from a difficult childhood through foster care, poverty, addiction, love, and loss. It isn’t an easy read, and it isn’t a short one. But sometimes those are exactly the books that lead to the best conversations, in my opinion. Also read 9 Books Guaranteed to Start Debate in Your Book Club

BUY NOW ON AMAZON  | LISTEN FREE ON AUDIBLE

The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick

With a title like this, how could I not put it on a book club list? Set in the 1960s, the story follows four women whose neighborhood book club becomes much more important than any of them expected. Books bring them together, but their conversations also make them question what they have been told their lives should look like. This seems like a particularly fun choice for a group because you’re essentially reading about another book club. Also read 24 Underrated Book Club Books

BUY NOW ON AMAZON  | LISTEN FREE ON AUDIBLE

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

If your group wants something warm try Remarkably Bright Creatures. Tova Sullivan works the night shift at an aquarium after the death of her husband. There she forms an unusual connection with Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus who knows much more about Tova’s past than she realizes. There are themes of grief, loneliness, friendship, family, and second chances, but there is also plenty of humor. Also read 26 Remarkably Bright Creatures Book Club Questions and Snack Ideas

BUY NOW ON AMAZON  | LISTEN FREE ON AUDIBLE

Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

Broken Country mixes a love story with mystery, and the consequences of choices made years earlier. Beth has built a quiet life with her husband, Frank. Then someone from her past suddenly returns. This seems like one of those books where a group could spend a long time arguing about the characters’ decisions. Also read The 5 Most Gripping Mystery-Thriller Recommendations from Reese’s Book Club

BUY NOW ON AMAZON  | LISTEN FREE ON AUDIBLE

How to Read a Book by Monica Wood

Violet Powell is released from prison after serving time for a drunk-driving accident. Harriet, a retired teacher who ran Violet’s prison book club, becomes part of her life again. Their paths eventually cross with Frank. It’s a story about guilt, forgiveness, books, and what happens after someone has made a terrible mistake.

BUY NOW ON AMAZON  | LISTEN FREE ON AUDIBLE

The Wedding People by Alison Espach

Phoebe arrives alone at a beautiful hotel in Rhode Island and quickly discovers that nearly everyone else is there for a wedding. She isn’t. Her unexpected friendship with the bride changes the direction of both women’s lives. I think this could be a great lighter book club pick that still has plenty underneath the humor to discuss, especially around marriage, loneliness, and starting over. Also read 51 Discussion-Worthy Questions For The Wedding People by Alison Espach

BUY NOW ON AMAZON  | LISTEN FREE ON AUDIBLE |  READ with Kindle Unlimited

The Names by Florence Knapp

This is one of the more unusual choices on the list, I think. A mother must choose a name for her newborn son, and the novel explores three different versions of his life depending on the name she chooses. That setup immediately raises interesting questions about identity, family, choice, and how one decision can change everything that follows.

BUY NOW ON AMAZON  | LISTEN FREE ON AUDIBLE

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

If your book club members love emotional historical novels, The Great Alone is a must-read. It takes readers to 1970s Alaska.
Thirteen-year-old Leni moves there with her parents after her father, a Vietnam veteran, decides that living off the grid will give their family a fresh start. Instead, the isolation makes an already difficult home life even more dangerous.There is a lot for a group to unpack here, especially around survival and trauma.

BUY NOW ON AMAZON  | LISTEN FREE ON AUDIBLE

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Eleanor lives a very organized but lonely life. She thinks she is happy living this way. But then she makes an unexpected friend, and things begin to change.At first, the story is a little strange and funny. But as you keep reading, it becomes a much deeper story. This should be a good book club book for discussing loneliness, friendship and trauma.

BUY NOW ON AMAZON  | LISTEN FREE ON AUDIBLE

The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young

If your reading group enjoys a little mystery and magical realism, this could be a fun pick. The women in June Farrow’s family have long been affected by a mysterious curse. When June begins experiencing strange things herself, she decides to find out what is really happening. Also read 30 Best Cozy Mysteries for Book Clubs

BUY NOW ON AMAZON  | LISTEN FREE ON AUDIBLE

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson

After their mother’s death, two estranged siblings receive a recording containing a story about her past that neither of them knew. What follows takes you across decades and countries as the siblings discover that their family history is far more complicated than they believed.

BUY NOW ON AMAZON  | LISTEN FREE ON AUDIBLE

The Last Green Valley by Mark Sullivan

Inspired by a true story, The Last Green Valley follows a family trying to escape Stalin’s forces near the end of World War II.
They have to make an almost impossible decision about which direction offers the best chance of survival. If your book club loves historical fiction , get this book. Groups. You can discuss survival, freedom, family, faith, and the choices ordinary people are forced to make during war. Also read 11 Most Popular Book Club Books To Read In 2026

BUY NOW ON AMAZON  | LISTEN FREE ON AUDIBLE |  READ with Kindle Unlimited

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson

Set in Depression-era Kentucky, this historical novel follows Cussy Mary Carter, a traveling librarian. She delivers books to isolated communities as part of the Pack Horse Library Project.Cussy is also one of the last members of Kentucky’s Blue People, which makes her an outsider in her own community. Books, poverty, prejudice, education, and an interesting piece of American history make this a strong book club choice. Also read 24 Must-Read Books For October Book Club

BUY NOW ON AMAZON  | LISTEN FREE ON AUDIBLE

Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Inspired by real events, Take My Hand follows a young Black nurse in 1970s Alabama who begins questioning the treatment being given to two young girls under her care. Years later, she is still living with what happened. This would be a heavier selection, but there is a great deal to discuss about medical ethics, race, poverty, responsibility, and injustice. Also read Hosting Book Club? These 33 Snacks Are Always a Hit

BUY NOW ON AMAZON  | LISTEN FREE ON AUDIBLE

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

Roy and Celestial are newly married when Roy is convicted of a crime Celestial knows he didn’t commit. As the years pass, their relationship changes in ways neither expected. Rather than simply asking what happened to this marriage, the book raises much harder questions about loyalty, obligation, injustice, love, and how long someone should be expected to wait. Also read 6 Underrated Books I Beg You to Read Before 2026 Ends

BUY NOW ON AMAZON  | LISTEN FREE ON AUDIBLE |  READ with Kindle Unlimited

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

Set in Maine in 1789, The Frozen River follows midwife Martha Ballard after a man’s body is discovered frozen in the river. Martha knows more about the community than many people realize, and her records become important as questions about the man’s death begin to grow.

BUY NOW ON AMAZON  | LISTEN FREE ON AUDIBLE

The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali

This historical novel follows the friendship between Ellie and Homa as they grow up in Iran and take very different paths through life. Their relationship unfolds against decades of political and social change. Friendship is the main theme of the book. But there is also plenty to discuss about class, women’s lives, political change, and the choices .

BUY NOW ON AMAZON  | LISTEN FREE ON AUDIBLE

West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge

Inspired by a real event, West With Giraffes follows a young man helping transport two giraffes across Depression-era America after they survive a hurricane. It is part historical saga and part coming-of-age love story. You can discuss how animals can change our lives, the kindness we sometimes receive from strangers, growing older, and the stories we carry with us for years. Also read 8 Historical Fiction Books Book Clubs Are Calling 10/10

BUY NOW ON AMAZON  | LISTEN FREE ON AUDIBLE |  READ with Kindle Unlimited

The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb

The River Is Waiting, I would save for a group comfortable with a difficult emotional pick. The novel centers on a man whose life changes after a devastating tragedy and follows his experience with guilt, addiction, incarceration, and the possibility of redemption. There are no easy answers, which makes this a great book for discussion. Also read 9 Books So Heartbreaking, Readers Can’t Stop Still Thinking About Them

BUY NOW ON AMAZON  | LISTEN FREE ON AUDIBLE

The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni

Sam Hill is born with ocular albinism, giving him red eyes that make him stand out from childhood.The novel follows him across decades as he looks back at the people, experiences, friendships, and painful moments that shaped his life. It’s a quick read with lots to talk about, including bullying, faith, friendship, family, acceptance, and how childhood experiences can stay with us. Also read 29 Incredible Short Books For Book Club Discussion

BUY NOW ON AMAZON  | LISTEN FREE ON AUDIBLE |  READ with Kindle Unlimited

The Women by Kristin Hannah

Frankie McGrath joins the Army Nurse Corps during the Vietnam War and discovers that the reality of war is nothing like the life she knew at home.The story doesn’t end when she returns to America either. Coming home brings another set of challenges. It could lead to a good conversation about war, service, friendship, trauma, and whose stories get remembered. Also read 47 Book Club Questions For The Women by Kristin Hannah

BUY NOW ON AMAZON  | LISTEN FREE ON AUDIBLE

Which One Would I Pick Next?

If I were narrowing these 27 down for my own book club, The Correspondent, The Measure, The Calamity Club, Culpability, and The Frozen River would be near the top of my list.
But The Measure might be the easiest one to build an entire meeting around. You can discuss questions like, Would you want to know how long you had left to live? Would you open the box? Should an employer be allowed to know? What about your spouse?

And if your group has just finished something particularly heavy, Remarkably Bright Creatures or The Wedding People could be a nice picks.

40 Insanely Good Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club Picks

17 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Picks That Are Totally Worth Your Time

Top Books Published in the Past Five Years

29 Top-Rated Books From 2024 That Will Make You Want to Reread Them Forever

Most Trending Books From 2025 that Everyone Talking About

Top 9 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Reads for Your 2026 TBR

7 Most Popular Historical Fiction Books Of 2025