10 Best Book Club Books to Spark Great Conversations

Published: 2019 | Goodreads Rating: 4.19

Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction; Year of Publication: 2018

Set in the hauntingly beautiful marshlands of North Carolina, Where the Crawdads Sing is a tale of loneliness, survival, and mystery. The story centers on Kya Clark, the “Marsh Girl,” who grows up isolated from society after being abandoned by her family. Her only companions are the birds, the shells, and the marsh itself. That is until she becomes entangled with two local men, one of whom ends up dead. Suspicion falls squarely on Kya, and what unfolds is part courtroom drama, part coming-of-age story, all wrapped up in a love letter to the natural world. You’ll be mesmerized by the evocative descriptions of the marsh—and also probably a little worried about your own ability to survive in the wild without Wi-Fi.

Why it’s a good book club book: This book straddles the line between a literary novel and a gripping whodunit, making it perfect for a mix of readers. Plus, the twisty ending will have everyone playing detective over wine.

Genre: Psychological Thriller, Mystery; Year of Publication: 2019

In The Silent Patient, Alicia Berenson, a famous painter, is accused of murdering her husband—and then stops speaking entirely. Intrigued yet? Enter Theo Faber, a psychotherapist determined to crack the case and figure out why Alicia refuses to talk. As Theo digs deeper into Alicia’s past, he discovers that things aren’t exactly as they seem (and that’s putting it mildly). The tension builds like a pressure cooker, and just when you think you’ve got it all figured out—bam! The twist slaps you in the face. It’s the kind of book where you’ll want to re-read the first chapter immediately after finishing it just to see how you missed all the clues.

Why it’s a good book club book: With its suspenseful plot and jaw-dropping twist, you’ll have everyone in your book club swapping theories and second-guessing every character’s intentions. It’s the ultimate “Did you see that coming?!” moment.

Genre: Historical Fiction, War; Year of Publication: 2015

Set in Nazi-occupied France during World War II, The Nightingale follows two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, as they take drastically different paths through the war. Vianne tries to protect her family and keep her head down while living under German occupation, while the fiery Isabelle joins the French Resistance, risking everything to fight for freedom. Their stories highlight the different roles women played in wartime, blending historical fact with heart-wrenching personal tales of sacrifice and survival. By the end, you’ll want to call your sister and thank her for every time she put up with your nonsense.

Why it’s a good book club book: It’s impossible not to feel deeply moved by the bravery of these characters. There’s plenty to discuss here—loyalty, sacrifice, the moral quandaries of war. You’ll need a box of tissues on hand for sure.

Genre: Biography, Science; Year of Publication: 2010

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is the jaw-dropping true story of a woman whose cells—taken without her knowledge in 1951—changed the world of science forever. Henrietta Lacks was a poor African-American tobacco farmer, and her cells, known as HeLa, became one of the most important tools in modern medicine, used for everything from developing the polio vaccine to cancer research. But while her cells achieved scientific immortality, her family remained in the dark about her contribution for decades. Skloot masterfully intertwines the science, the ethical dilemmas, and the personal story of the Lacks family, delivering a book that’s equal parts medical thriller, historical narrative, and investigation into systemic racism.

Why it’s a good book club book: It’s a gripping read that blends science, history, and ethics, making it perfect for a thoughtful discussion about medical research and its impact on marginalized communities.

Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult; Year of Publication: 2005

Narrated by Death, The Book Thief takes place in Nazi Germany and follows young Liesel Meminger, a girl who finds solace in stealing books as the horrors of World War II unfold around her. After being sent to live with foster parents in a small German town, Liesel forms deep bonds with her new family and friends, including a Jewish man hidden in their basement. Through the power of words, Liesel navigates the trauma and violence of the war, and the novel becomes a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The writing is poetic and the story is unforgettable, weaving together themes of love, loss, and the endurance of hope in the darkest of times.

Why it’s a good book club book: The unique narration by Death, combined with the emotional depth of the story, provides a lot to unpack. Its exploration of humanity, war, and the power of books makes it an unforgettable experience and a great discussion starter.

Genre: Literary Fiction; Year of Publication: 2017

Welcome to Shaker Heights, a picture-perfect suburb where everything runs like clockwork—until it doesn’t. Little Fires Everywhere revolves around two families: the Richardsons, who seem to have everything, and Mia Warren, a single mother and artist with a mysterious past, who rents a house from them. As their lives become increasingly entangled, the novel digs deep into issues of privilege, race, and what happens when you try to control every aspect of your life. There’s also a custody battle over a Chinese-American baby that adds another layer of tension. This book is a firecracker, and not just because of the literal little fires that are set.

Why it’s a good book club book: This one’s got it all—race, privilege, motherhood, and morality. Everyone will have strong opinions about who’s right and who’s wrong, which makes for a passionate discussion.

Genre: Memoir; Year of Publication: 2018

Tara Westover’s Educated is a powerful memoir about growing up in a strict and isolated family in rural Idaho, without any access to formal education. Raised by parents who distrusted the government and modern institutions, Tara’s childhood was far from conventional. Despite these barriers, she yearned for knowledge and eventually found a way to attend school, paving a path that would lead her to some of the world’s most prestigious universities. Educated is a raw, captivating tale of resilience, transformation, and the difficult choices we must make when family and personal growth collide. It is a testament to the power of education and the courage it takes to chart your own course.

Why it’s a good book club book: Tara’s journey raises important questions about family, independence, and the role of education in shaping who we become. It’s sure to spark rich discussions on identity, belief systems, and the courage to redefine yourself.

Genre: Contemporary Fiction; Year of Publication: 2022

In Remarkably Bright Creatures, we meet Tova Sullivan, a widow who works the night shift at an aquarium to cope with the grief of losing her son. One night, she befriends Marcellus, a curmudgeonly giant Pacific octopus who can (surprisingly!) understand humans and their strange behavior. Told through alternating perspectives—yes, one of them is the octopus—the novel explores themes of grief, loneliness, and unexpected friendships. As Tova and Marcellus form a unique bond, the octopus helps her uncover the mystery of her son’s disappearance in ways she could never imagine. Their relationship is both heartwarming and wildly inventive, adding a magical touch to this poignant story about loss and healing.

Why it’s a good book club book: This quirky yet deeply moving tale offers plenty to talk about—grief, connection, and how help can come from the most unexpected places. Plus, how often do you get to discuss an octopus as a central character?

Genre: Romance, Contemporary Fiction; Year of Publication: 2015

If you’ve ever wondered “What if?” about a past love, Before We Were Strangers is for you. The story revolves around Matt and Grace, college sweethearts who drifted apart, only to reconnect years later after a chance encounter on a subway platform in New York City. As Matt reflects on their past relationship, he reaches out to Grace, hoping for a second chance. But time has changed them both, and rekindling their romance isn’t as simple as it sounds. This novel is part nostalgic love story, part meditation on the passage of time.

Why it’s a good book club book: It’s a romance, but with enough heartache and depth to spark real conversations about timing, missed opportunities, and how life sometimes gets in the way of love.

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance; Year of Publication: 2017

Step into the glamorous, scandalous world of Hollywood with The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. The story follows Monique, a relatively unknown journalist chosen by aging movie icon Evelyn Hugo to pen her life story. And what a story it is. Evelyn, a bombshell star of the Golden Age, has lived through seven marriages (some of them barely worthy of the word) and countless scandals. But it’s her biggest secret—a love that defies Hollywood norms—that she reveals to Monique, changing both their lives forever. Think of this as the ultimate guilty pleasure, but with a surprising depth that tackles identity, fame, and love.

Why it’s a good book club book: The juicy Hollywood gossip will reel everyone in, and the unexpected emotional depth will keep them talking. Trust me, you’ll be arguing over which husband was the worst long after the meeting ends.

Genre: Historical Fiction; Year of Publication: 2016

Ok, so here’s the thing. I had already wrapped up this article, feeling pretty satisfied with the list, when I finished A Gentleman in Moscow. And let me tell you, I couldn’t not include it here. This book is a marvel! It tells the story of Count Alexander Rostov, a Russian aristocrat who, after the Revolution, is sentenced to house arrest in a grand hotel. Confined to the hotel, you’d think his life would be dull. Spoiler: it’s anything but. Over the decades, the hotel becomes a vibrant little universe in itself. Rostov forms deep friendships with the staff and guests, navigating political upheavals with grace, humor, and a touch of defiance. It’s a celebration of resilience, wit, and human connection, all told in beautifully elegant prose.

Why it’s a good book club book: It’s a slow burn, but full of elegance, wit, and wisdom. Perfect for thoughtful discussions on history, freedom, and how one person can impact the world even from inside four walls.