Must Reads for Book Club
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Go back in time with historical fiction
A favorite group read, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is written in letter style that takes place during and after WWII with a sweet cast of characters that will sweep you into reader heaven.
*Plan a British theme dinner and encourage your group to bring anything from fish & chips to bangers & mash, scones and trifles. Enjoy!
**The movie of this book is now available on Netflix
*Plan a British theme dinner and encourage your group to bring anything from fish & chips to bangers & mash, scones and trifles. Enjoy!
**The movie of this book is now available on Netflix
These is My Words by Nancy E. Turner First in a three part series but this one stands alone, These is My Words begins with the main character, Sarah, and her life in 1880's Arizona Territory. This novel is a page turner and truly one of the best books to read with your group
It is with reading happiness when a book club agrees that, My Name is Resolute, ended up being one of our all time top reads! Not only did it receive a well earned high mark but we made all books written by author, Nancy E. Turner, one of our 'go to' authors for future picks.
My Name is Resolute, is a stunning six hundred page saga (it's a fast read so don't let the number of pages scare you away) of a young girl's journey from her plantation in Jamaica to the eventual shores of America in the 18th century. Survival in the seas and country of Pirates, Native Americans and the start of the American Revolution. This novel was high adventure and even time for love that will not be forgotten
My Name is Resolute, is a stunning six hundred page saga (it's a fast read so don't let the number of pages scare you away) of a young girl's journey from her plantation in Jamaica to the eventual shores of America in the 18th century. Survival in the seas and country of Pirates, Native Americans and the start of the American Revolution. This novel was high adventure and even time for love that will not be forgotten
Drama and Romance
The Shoemaker's Wife is a sweeping romantic saga that begins in the Italian Alps and travels to the shores of America in the early 20th century. An Italian dinner theme is a must with this novel!
A young Austrian Jew escapes the rise of Nazi Germany and flees to England at the start of WWII. There she enters service as a maid and soon becomes involved with the family that inhabits the house. Several in our group loved Downton Abbey and enjoyed a touch of it in The House of Tyneford
Ten year old Velva Jean dreams of becoming a singer in 1930's Appalachia but life takes her on different paths before she can realize her dreams. A book club friend recommends reading the rest of the series with Velva Jean Learns to Fly: A Novel and Becoming Clementine: A Novel
Book lovers are raving about audio books. When you are pressed for time and book club is around the corner Audible on Amazon.com lets you listen while you shop, drive, exercise, whenever and wherever. Get your reading done by Audible and enjoy a 30-day free trial so you won't feel lost come book club time. Audio books are another appreciable tool in helping you get that read finished!
Books with courage and resolve
My Name is Mary Sutter is moving, gritty and courageous. A must read if your book club appreciates historical fiction. Celebrate My Name is Mary Sutter by making Civil War recipes (and I don't mean hard tack!) for your book club dinner. This very informative website totalgettysburg.com has authentic Civil War recipes to get your book club inspired
Narrated by the voice of Death a young girl discovers her passion for books and how to obtain more of them during 1939 war torn Nazi Germany. Targeted for younger readers The Book Thief reaches out to all ages and is a hard page turner with a deep book discussion
A heavy thought provoking read, Molokai proved to be an unique story that will stimulate your best book discussion. Plan a delicious Hawaiian dinner with dishes that are centered around this novels location. The sequel to Molokai is now here on Amazon. Check it out! Daughter of Molokai by Alan Brennert
1960's rural Minnesota, told through the eyes of an eleven year old boy. Peace Like a River begins with a home invasion by two schoolyard bullies that changes his life and his family's forever. If you enjoy books with faith, miracles and family you will love Peace Like a River
With the highly anticipated release of Harper Lee's Go Set a Watchman it only made perfect sense to read To Kill a Mockingbird and then Go set a Watchman. First we read and gathered to discuss, 'To Kill A Mockingbird', and soon after was, 'Go Set a Watchman'. A noteworthy moment in our book clubs history as we immersed ourselves into Harper Lee's world with some of the most memorable characters, lasting quotes and the best writing in literature.
'Go Set a Watchman', although not on the same caliber as 'To Kill a Mockingbird', stood on it's own as a unique and interesting novel filled with visits from some of our favorite characters from 'To Kill a Mockingbird' in an a new and exciting way.
Get inspired by book party ideas and more on To Kill a Mockingbird blog. Book club review of Go Set a Watchman on Book Club Blogger
'Go Set a Watchman', although not on the same caliber as 'To Kill a Mockingbird', stood on it's own as a unique and interesting novel filled with visits from some of our favorite characters from 'To Kill a Mockingbird' in an a new and exciting way.
Get inspired by book party ideas and more on To Kill a Mockingbird blog. Book club review of Go Set a Watchman on Book Club Blogger
Recommended Mysteries
Some of the best novels are the ones with a cast of engaging characters and The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency fits that bill. A lighthearted mystery this book was a delightful read and perfect for a book club discussion. We adored it so much we went on to read book two Tears of a Giraffe
Recommended favorite! Mystery, romance and 1884 Egypt what more could your group want? Author Elizabeth Peters delights her readers with a very spirited heroine that rivals some of the best literature sleuths. Crocodile on the Sandbank (first book in the series and a stand alone) is a guaranteed hit!
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Death on The Nile was another group success and recommended summer read. Agatha Christie is a master mystery storyteller and as always had most of us guessing until the deadly end. Mysteries make fun book clubs - see our book party pictures of Death on The Nile. Easy ideas for you to do! |
Favorite biographies and true-life fiction
Must read! The Color of Water is based on the true story of a black son and his Jewish mother. The struggles and prejudices the family endures and despite the obstacles, succeed and achieve the American dream. One of our best book discussions
You know you have an extraordinary novel when your reading group could not stop talking about the story way before book club. Louis Zamperini led an incredible life before he enters WWII and continues his amazing story through endurance, hardship and heroism in Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption. This biography is not to be missed and if you want to share this powerful story with your kids read along with them with the young adult adaptation version
The Boys in the Boat was an inspirational winner! A true story based on nine working-class boys from the Pacific Northwest prove they got what it takes to compete in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Amazing lives and stories of the students and coaches that pushed themselves to the ultimate limit to get to the top. Discussion time went on longer than usual which makes this a top read!
Most of us had no clue about the world of horse races, trainers and jockeys but Lauren Hillenbrand's true story of the racehorse legend, Seabiscuit, put that to rest. The novel is filled with descriptive pages on the training of Seabiscuit and the people that race him. Seabiscuit comes highly praised by our group as well our past read by Hillenbrand, Unbroken. Her books will always be on our must read list and we look forward to her next biography. The story of Seabiscuit is 400 pages of packed filled detail so give your group plenty of time to finish. Seabiscuit side dish idea!
Half Broke Horses tells the incredible story of Lily Casey Smith the authors grandmother who was a no-nonsense tough as nails woman during the early 1900's American Southwest. Described as a Laura Ingalls Wilder book for adults Smith's gritty and courageous story will inspire you. Our book club agreed The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls is another worthy read although an emotional read at that.
Switch up your genres! Read a contemporary book then historical fiction, classic or biography
Return to the classics
Character driven classic, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is a coming of age story of Francie Nolan in turn of the century Brooklyn, New York. A fast pace read, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, is a highly recommended treasure
The unabridged version is very lengthy so for times sake our book club read the abridged version of Victor Hugo's 'Les Miserables'. Les Miserables is a beautiful novel that is described by many as 'rich and gorgeous'. A classic that caught our attention and was superb to read
Before your book club jumps into 'The Count of Monte Cristo' make sure you all agree on which version you are going to read - abridged or unabridged. Abridged comes in at over 500 pages while the unabridged is twice that. Again, for the sake of time the abridged version might be your groups best choice but there will be some details of this novel that will be left out. Swashbuckling adventure, revenge, romance, The Count of Monte Cristo is a not to be missed classic
Written by a baroness The Scarlet Pimpernel is a timeless swashbuckling classic filled with intrigue, romance and a witty sense of humor. Highly recommended if your group is looking for a classic novel The Scarlet Pimpernel is the perfect pick and another group favorite
Classic Lit and a book club favorite
More than a Gothic romance and more than a high school reading requirement
Jane Eyre gets a five book mark rating from Go Beyond Book Club. We loved the gorgeous detail, rich in character and of course Jane's journey from the hardship of her youth to the twist and turns of adulthood. This novel has it all with romance, suspense, and of course the mysterious, brooding Mr. Rochester
Jane Eyre gets a five book mark rating from Go Beyond Book Club. We loved the gorgeous detail, rich in character and of course Jane's journey from the hardship of her youth to the twist and turns of adulthood. This novel has it all with romance, suspense, and of course the mysterious, brooding Mr. Rochester
To be continued...
Recommended sequels when you are ready to revisit that beloved character and story line again
Amelia Peabody is at it again and this time it's with Emerson Radcliffe by her side in The Curse of the Pharaohs. Please read Crocodile on the Sandbank first before you read book two. You will be hooked!
Tears of a Giraffe is book two of the The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency series. We found the first novel to be an enjoyable quick pace mystery with memorable characters so continuing the series was a must
In another swashbuckling sequel to The Scarlet Pimpernel the adventures of Sir Percy and his wife Lady Marguerite Blakeney continues in The Elusive Pimpernel
A repeat performance - Yes, there are millions of stories out there to explore but every now and then your group loved a novel so much you weren't ready to say goodbye and move on. When a new member joins the group maybe it's time to revisit a book you've read and experience the magic all over again.
*Best repeat books: To Kill a Mockingbird, Jane Eyre and Little Women
**Little Women is a highly recommended holiday book club read
*Best repeat books: To Kill a Mockingbird, Jane Eyre and Little Women
**Little Women is a highly recommended holiday book club read
Didn't find the right read? We have more novels to choose from read by a real book club on the
Mini Book Reviews page!
Mini Book Reviews page!