Best Book Club Books of 2023: A Guide to the Most Popular Picks for Engaging Discussions
Discover the best book club books of 2023, featuring must-read titles that are perfect for group discussions.
Book clubs have become more popular than ever in 2023, offering readers a chance to connect, explore different genres, and engage in meaningful discussions. Whether you're a part of a local in-person group or an online global community, the best book club books of 2023 offer something for everyone—whether it's a gripping mystery, heartwarming romance, or a thought-provoking piece of non-fiction. With so many great books to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. That's where this guide comes in.
In this comprehensive blog, we’ll cover the top 20 book club books of 2023, recommended by some of the most influential book clubs worldwide, including Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine, Oprah’s Book Club, Jenna Bush Hager’s Read with Jenna, and celebrity-led online book groups like Andrew Luck’s Book Club. These books have been selected not only for their storytelling and themes but also for their ability to foster rich discussions that will keep your book club buzzing for hours.
Table of Contents
- Famous Book Clubs and Their Impact
- Top 20 Book Club Picks of 2023
- Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
- Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
- The Measure by Nikki Erlick
- Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
- Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng
- Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
- The Love of My Life by Rosie Walsh
- Trust by Hernan Diaz
- Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
- I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai
- The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell
- The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
- Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan
- Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson
- The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes
- Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
- Spare by Prince Harry
- Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro
- Horse by Geraldine Brooks
- The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff
- How to Choose the Perfect Book for Your Book Club
- Famous Book Clubs and Their Picks
- Exploring More with Tales.so
- Conclusion
Famous Book Clubs and Their Impact
Book clubs led by public figures like Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, and Jenna Bush Hager have a significant influence on what people read. When one of these book clubs selects a title, it often skyrockets to the top of the bestseller list. These clubs have introduced readers to many hidden gems, diverse voices, and thought-provoking stories.
For example, Oprah’s Book Club, which launched in 1996, has played a massive role in boosting the careers of authors like Colson Whitehead (The Underground Railroad), Jeanine Cummins (American Dirt), and Ta-Nehisi Coates (The Water Dancer). Reese’s Hello Sunshine Book Club has also become known for spotlighting female authors and stories centered on strong, complex women, such as Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng and Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.
These book clubs not only enhance an author’s visibility but also provide readers with a platform to engage with thought-provoking literature. Many of these selections feature complex themes, character development, and moral dilemmas that make them perfect for book club discussions.
Top 20 Book Club Picks of 2023
From heart-wrenching dramas to thrilling mysteries, these are the top 20 book club books of 2023, each of which is guaranteed to spark lively conversation and offer plenty of discussion-worthy material.
1. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Genre: Literary Fiction
Themes: Friendship, Creativity, Gaming
Gabrielle Zevin’s critically acclaimed novel follows the lives of two childhood friends, Sam and Sadie, who reconnect and embark on a journey to create a video game. The book explores themes of friendship, ambition, and creativity, making it a great pick for book clubs.
2. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Genre: Literary Fiction
Themes: Poverty, Family, Coming-of-Age
Inspired by Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield, Barbara Kingsolver’s Demon Copperhead follows a young boy navigating a troubled life in modern-day Appalachia. The novel’s exploration of poverty, addiction, and resilience has made it a powerful book club choice.
3. The Measure by Nikki Erlick
Genre: Speculative Fiction
Themes: Mortality, Fate, Society
In The Measure, people worldwide receive a mysterious box containing the exact number of years they have left to live. Erlick’s thought-provoking narrative prompts readers to discuss morality, fate, and how we define the meaning of life.
4. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Genre: Historical Fiction
Themes: Gender Roles, Science, Empowerment
Set in the 1960s, Lessons in Chemistry tells the story of Elizabeth Zott, a scientist turned reluctant cooking show host. Garmus combines humor with commentary on gender inequality, creating a delightful and intelligent read.
5. Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng
Genre: Dystopian Fiction
Themes: Resistance, Identity, Family
Celeste Ng’s latest novel is set in a dystopian future where children are separated from their parents in a government crackdown on “unpatriotic” behavior. Our Missing Hearts tackles themes of resistance, identity, and the power of storytelling, making it a book club favorite.
6. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Themes: Grief, Friendship, Second Chances
This touching novel centers around Tova, an elderly widow, and her unexpected friendship with an octopus named Marcellus. Their bond provides healing for both, and the story’s warmth and humor make it a fantastic choice for book clubs.
7. The Love of My Life by Rosie Walsh
Genre: Romance, Mystery
Themes: Secrets, Marriage, Identity
Rosie Walsh’s novel is a mix of romance and suspense, as it follows the unraveling of secrets in a seemingly perfect marriage. The book’s combination of mystery and emotional depth ensures plenty of material for discussion.
8. Trust by Hernan Diaz
Genre: Literary Fiction
Themes: Wealth, Power, Truth
Trust is a layered, complex narrative about a reclusive financier and his wife. Diaz’s exploration of power, wealth, and narrative reliability offers book clubs the opportunity to delve into questions about truth and perspective.
9. Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
Genre: Historical Fiction, Family Saga
Themes: Family Secrets, Identity, Diaspora
Black Cake is a sweeping family saga that spans continents and decades. As two siblings come to terms with their late mother’s mysterious past, Wilkerson explores themes of identity, race, and family.
10. I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai
Genre: Mystery, Literary Fiction
Themes: Memory, Justice, Identity
This suspenseful novel follows Bodie Kane, a professor who returns to her old boarding school to teach and becomes embroiled in a decades-old murder case. I Have Some Questions for You is a riveting and thought-provoking choice for book clubs.
11. The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell
Genre: Historical Fiction
Themes: Power, Art, Survival
Set in Renaissance Italy, Maggie O’Farrell’s The Marriage Portrait follows the life of a young duchess who faces political intrigue, betrayal, and survival. Rich in historical detail and psychological insight, it’s a great book for readers who love art and history.
12. The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Themes: Secrets, Suspense, Family
Lucy Foley’s suspenseful thriller The Paris Apartment centers around Jess, a woman who discovers her brother missing in his Paris apartment. The story’s twists and character revelations make it a perfect page-turner for book club discussions.
13. Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Themes: Identity, Love, Secrets
Mad Honey is a collaborative novel that tackles themes of love, identity, and family secrets. Picoult and Boylan weave together a narrative that delves into important social issues, providing rich material for book club conversations.
14. Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson
Genre: Historical Fiction
Themes: Crime, Society, Power
Set in the vibrant underworld of 1920s London, Kate Atkinson’s novel offers a look at crime, power, and ambition. Shrines of Gaiety is a dynamic, character-driven novel that will captivate book club members who enjoy historical fiction.
15. The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Themes: Memory, Mystery, Suspense
In The House in the Pines, Ana Reyes weaves a gripping story about a woman trying to unravel the truth behind her friend’s mysterious death. With its psychological depth and plot twists, this novel is a must-read for thriller lovers.
Further Reading:
Charvi Agarwal
16. Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
Genre: Literary Fiction
Themes: Family, Loss, Love
Hello Beautiful is a heartfelt story about four sisters and their intertwined lives, filled with love, heartache, and forgiveness. Napolitano’s exploration of family dynamics makes this a powerful choice for book clubs.
17. Spare by Prince Harry
Genre: Memoir
Themes: Family, Trauma, Royalty
Spare is Prince Harry’s candid memoir about his life in the royal family, his struggles with the media, and his journey toward healing. For book clubs, this memoir offers the opportunity to discuss public and private life, mental health, and identity.
18. Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro
Genre: Literary Fiction
Themes: Family, Secrets, Time
Dani Shapiro’s Signal Fires is a haunting novel about the impact of a long-buried family secret. The novel’s themes of guilt, memory, and forgiveness make it an excellent choice for book clubs seeking to explore complex emotional landscapes.
19. Horse by Geraldine Brooks
Genre: Historical Fiction
Themes: Race, History, Art
Horse by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks is a historical novel that follows the true story of a record-setting thoroughbred racehorse and his connections to both the American South and modern-day New York City. The novel explores race, history, and art in ways that invite in-depth discussion.
20. The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Themes: Gender, Power, Humor
In The Bandit Queens, Parini Shroff presents a darkly humorous story about Geeta, a woman who gains a reputation for being a “self-made widow.” The novel tackles serious issues such as domestic violence and female empowerment with wit and insight.
Further Reading:
Charvi Agarwal
How to Choose the Perfect Book for Your Book Club
Choosing the perfect book for your book club depends on your group’s preferences and goals. Here are a few tips to help guide your selection:
- Consider the Group's Interests: Some clubs prefer literary fiction, while others may enjoy thrillers, romance, or non-fiction. Choose books that align with your group’s tastes or push members outside their comfort zones with new genres.
- Discussion Potential: Books that provoke questions about morality, social issues, or personal experiences tend to foster the most lively discussions. Choose a book that will spark debate or inspire deeper conversations.
- Length and Accessibility: Consider the length of the book and how accessible it is to all members. Some book clubs enjoy tackling longer works, while others may prefer shorter, more approachable reads.
- Current and Timely Themes: Books that touch on contemporary issues such as race, gender, politics, or mental health can offer fresh perspectives and meaningful discussions.
Further Reading:
Charvi Agarwal
Famous Book Clubs and Their Picks
Oprah’s Book Club
Recent Picks:
- Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
- Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
Oprah’s picks often focus on powerful, emotional narratives that touch on identity, family, and social justice.
Reese’s Hello Sunshine Book Club
Recent Picks:
- The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes
- The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Reese Witherspoon’s club highlights strong female protagonists and stories of empowerment.
Jenna Bush Hager’s Read with Jenna
Recent Picks:
- The Love of My Life by Rosie Walsh
- Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
Jenna’s picks often focus on family dynamics, love, and identity, making her selections heartfelt and relatable.
Andrew Luck’s Book Club
Recent Picks:
- Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
- The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Andrew Luck’s book club delves into both fiction and non-fiction, focusing on books that broaden readers’ perspectives.
Exploring More with BookSummary.io
Choosing the perfect book can be difficult, especially when you're balancing multiple options for your book club. Tales.so provides summaries and key takeaways from many popular book club books, allowing you to explore a wide range of titles in less time.
- Concise Summaries: Get the key points of a book quickly, helping you decide whether it's the right pick for your group.
- Insightful Analysis: Gain insights into themes, characters, and major discussion points.
- Save Time: If you're juggling multiple books, use BookSummary.io to help you understand the core of each one without committing to a full read.
Further Reading:
Charvi Agarwal
Conclusion
Whether your book club is passionate about literary fiction, thrilled by mysteries, or drawn to memoirs, 2023 offers a wealth of fantastic options that are sure to inspire deep, meaningful discussions. From Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow to The Measure and Spare, the year’s top picks encompass a wide range of genres, themes, and storytelling styles.
For those looking to streamline their book club process or explore new titles, Tales.so is an invaluable resource that can help you find the perfect read without investing too much time. With these top 20 book club books of 2023, you're guaranteed to find something that will spark lively conversation and enrich your reading experience.
