Who doesn’t love a good celebrity book club pick? Each month, I look forward to my favorite celebrity recommendations: Reese, Jenna, GMA, and, of course, the original, Oprah .These little gems have become go-to reads for so many of us, and for good reason. They spark conversation, explore meaningful themes, and often feature unforgettable characters.
Below are some of my favorite celebrity book club selections-stories that live up to all the hype. These 25+ books are all worth adding to your list. Each one has that mix of excellent writing, strong characters, and unforgettable stories that make book club discussions so good. They’re perfect for your next great read.
Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club Picks
All That Life Can Afford by Emily Everett
My Thoughts: I love books that transport you into another world, and All That Life Can Afford is pure escapism with a twist. It tells the story of Anna, an American girl from a working-class background who lands a tutoring job among London’s ultra-wealthy elite. This story explores the concept of “faking it till you make it”, following Anna as she begins to borrow not just clothes but also a whole lifestyle to maintain her appearance. If you’re interested in themes such as social class, striving to move up the social ladder, and the cost of fitting in, this is definitely worth reading. It’s a fun read – I loved it.
Praise:
“All That Life Can Afford is about love, ambition, and the cost of belonging, and I cannot stop thinking about it.” —Reese Witherspoon
A Harper’s Bazaar Best Book Coming Out This Spring – A Town & Country Must-Read Book of Spring
Isola by Allegra Goodman
My Thoughts: Isola is an intense historical saga based on a true story about 16th-century noblewoman Marguerite, who is betrayed and then abandoned on a brutal, isolated island, where her survival is in question. If you love stories about fierce female characters who defy an unfair world and use sheer will and faith to endure the impossible, this one is for you. One of my favorite reads this year.
Praise:
REESE’S BOOK CLUB PICK • NATIONAL BESTSELLER •
“A new generation of survival story . . . an extraordinary book that reads like a thriller, written with the care of the most delicate psychological and historical fiction.”—Vogue (Best of 2025 Preview)
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
My Thoughts: First Lie Wins is a psychological thriller about Evie Porter, a covert operative living a fake life for her mysterious boss, “Mr. Smith.” While infiltrating charming Ryan Sumner’s life, a woman claiming to be her true self appears, threatening to expose Evie’s secrets. She must act quickly to uncover the truth and protect her identity.
Praise:
“Ingeniously plotted. . . Elston whips up plenty of suspense and delivers a satisfyingly serpentine finale. This promises more good things from Elston to come.”
—Publishers Weekly
“A savvy thriller with intrigue and momentum. . . from the first twist of Lucca’s arrival right up until the final showdowns. Evie is a smart and engaging protagonist, and her time on the run is anything but predictable.”
—Kirkus
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow
My Thoughts: Starling House by Alix E. Harrow is dark, strange, and completely addictive. It’s a mix of Southern gothic and fairy tale, featuring a rundown mansion and a strong heroine. If you enjoy eerie yet heartfelt stories, this book is sure to capture your interest. Another I loved.
Praise:
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
“Starling House will no doubt take its place alongside fiction’s most memorable haunted houses.”―Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Harrow’s mash-up of twisted fairy tales and Southern gothic fiction is a haunting story of longing, lies, and generational curses.” ―Library Journal, starred review
The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson
My Thoughts: The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson follows two young Black women in the 1950s-one chasing her dreams in college, the other trying to build a better life while facing impossible choices. The stories intertwine in both poignant and uplifting ways. They give a compelling view on motherhood, race, and ambition that really sticks with you after you’ve finished reading.
Praise:
A New York Times bestseller – An Apple Best Book of 2023 – A Goodreads Best Book of 2023 – An NPR Best Book of 2023
“The House of Eve is a triumph of historical fiction.…Johnson’s novel is an affecting and arresting exploration of young Black womanhood and motherhood in the mid-20th century…. Johnson’s talents are in full bloom in this layered story with two distinctive and compelling young Black women at the center…. The House of Eve is engrossing, emotionally wrenching and socially astute storytelling.”—Washington Post
Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
My Thoughts: Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister is a thought-provoking mix of mystery and time travel. It follows a mother’s attempt to alter the past to save her son. If you enjoy thrillers with unexpected twists, this book is a great choice.
Praise:
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A REESE’S BOOK CLUB PICK
“It’s perfection, every word, every moment. A masterpiece . . . One of the best books I’ve ever read.” —Lisa Jewell, #1 New York Timesbestselling author
Read With Jenna’s Book Club Picks
My Other Heart by Emma Nanami Strenner
My Thoughts: My Other Heart by Emma Nanami Strenner is a moving debut novel that weaves together the stories of three women searching for identity and belonging. It begins with the heartbreaking disappearance of a toddler at the Philadelphia airport in 1998. Seventeen years later, the story follows two best friends, Kit and Sabrina, both exploring their Asian heritage before college, whose lives are set on a collision course with the mother who is still searching for her lost daughter. If you like character-driven books that make you reflect on the choices we make and the people we hold onto, this one’s worth reading.
Praise:
“A mesmerizing novel filled with different types of love and secrets from the past.” —Jean Kwok, New York Times bestselling author of Searching for Sylvie Lee
“[My Other Heart] captures the intense love between mothers and daughters and highlights the resilience of young women forging their own identities in a world full of expectations. A beautifully written and thought-provoking novel that is a must-read for those interested in contemporary fiction about cultural exploration and personal growth.”
—Library Journal
Happy Wife by Meredith Lavender
My Thoughts: Happy Wife by Meredith Lavender pulls you right into the life of a woman who seems to have it all -until cracks start to show. It’s honest, emotional, and unsettling in the best way. If you like stories that peel back the layers of marriage and identity, don’t miss this one. One of my favorite light reads.
Praise:
NATIONAL BESTSELLER
“This page-turning debut blends suspense with a compelling exploration of the complexities of marriage.”—Library Journal
“In a world of the uber-rich, a web of deceit, envy, and betrayal leads to one woman fighting for the truth—and her life—in this gripping tale of suspense and intrigue. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.”—Liv Constantine, New York Times bestselling author of The Next Mrs. Parrish
Heartwood by Amity Gaige
My Thoughts: Heartwood by Amity Gaige is part mystery, part emotional journey. It centers around the search for a hiker who goes missing on the Appalachian Trail. This story explores themes of family, loss, and the chance to start over. If you enjoy stories that mix suspense with emotional depth and strong characters, you’ll find this one to be captivating and meaningful.
Praise:
“The best thriller of 2025.” —The Boston Globe * “Genius.” —The Washington Post
“A literary thriller of the highest order” (Elin Hilderbrand, New York Times bestselling author of The Perfect Couple)
The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami
My Thoughts: The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami has a remarkably wild and thought-provoking premise-people are sent to prison for crimes they might commit based on their dreams. It’s a clever idea, but also unsettling, making you question fate and free will. If you like stories with unique plots that are thought-provoking, this one will have you thinking.
Praise:
NATIONAL BESTSELLER
Most Anticipated Book of 2025 from Goodreads, People, TIME Magazine, TODAY, The Washington Post, New York Times Book Review Podcast, Esquire, Men’s Health, Marie Claire, The National, New Scientist, Literary Hub, Business Recorder, Deseret News, Kirkus, Screen Rant, The OC Register, Electric Literature, ALTA, The A.V. Club, Language Arts, and The Crimson White
The Wedding People by Allison Espach
My Thoughts: The Wedding People by Allison Espach is a book that draws you in quietly. It takes place at a seaside hotel during a wedding weekend. The lives of the guests, especially the bride and a stranger, start to connect in surprising ways. The story is tender, funny, and a little messy, just like real life. If you enjoy stories about connection, second chances, and how people come together, this book is a real find.
Praise:
The runaway New York Times bestseller
A Today Show #ReadwithJenna Book Club Pick, New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, and a #1 Indie Next Pick
Named a Best Book of the Year by The Guardian, Time, Chicago Tribune Biblioracle, HuffPost, US Magazine, Elle, Real Simple, and Glamour
Buckeye by Patrick Ryan
My Thoughts: Buckeye is a captivating story about two families in a small Ohio town and how one secret moment can impact their lives and future generations. If you enjoy deeply developed characters and getting to know a community, this book is a must-read. It’s very engaging. I couldn’t put it down.
Praise:
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
“A glorious sweep of a novel.”—Ann Patchett
“Captivating.”—The New York Times Book Review
Good Morning America Book Club Picks
The Compound by Aisling Rawle
My Thoughts: The Compound by Aisling Rawle is a clever and unsettling story. It’s set in a remote desert compound, and it’s a reality show where contestants compete-but not everything is what it seems. If you enjoy dark, twisty reads that delve into human behavior under pressure, this one will keep you hooked.
Praise:
“Every bit as addictive as your favorite guilty pleasure binge-watch, but with all the substance of a literary classic.”—Oprah Daily
“It’s fun to watch hot people do psychotic things in this novel. . . . Smart and provocative [and] so damn addictive.”—The New York Times Book Review
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
My Thoughts: I loved” Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid. It’s about a space project, which was fascinating enough, but what really pulled me in was the love story at its center. It’s emotional and one that will make you tear up at times.
Praise:
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
The stunning hardcover of Atmosphere features beautiful endpapers and a premium dust jacket!
“Thrilling . . . heartbreaking . . . uplifting . . . the fast-paced, emotionally charged story of one ambitious young woman, finding both her voice and her passion.”—Kristin Hannah
The Sirens by Emilia Hart
My Thoughts: The Sirens by Emilia Hart tells the story of two sisters, Lucy and Jess, who have a complicated relationship and a past that haunts them. When Lucy returns to their seaside hometown, old memories and secrets come to light. The book explores themes of sisterhood, survival, and the struggle between power and forgiveness, making it an excellent read for fans of Weyward and stories about women using their voices.
Praise:
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER – #1 LibraryReads Pick – Indie Next Pick
“Entertaining. Hart (Weyward) delivers a high-voltage tale of family secrets, fantastical occurrences, and Australian history.” ―Publishers Weekly
The Original Daughter by Jemimah Wei
My Thoughts: The Original Daughter by Jemimah Wei is a heartfelt story about family, identity, and the weight of expectations. It’s beautifully written, with complex characters and emotions that feel so real. If you enjoy stories that explore mother-daughter relationships and the tension between duty and self-discovery, you’ll enjoy this one.
Praise:
“Precise, layered and moving, The Original Daughter is a book not to miss.” –NYTBR
“Wei treats Gen and Arin’s complex bond with humor and pathos. A remarkably nuanced exploration of sisterhood and its limits.”
—Publisher’s Weekly
Count My Lies by Sophie Stava
My Thoughts: Count My Lies by Sophie Stava is an engaging and emotionally charged read that explores what happens when the truth begins to unravel. With plenty of tension and secrets, the main characters keep you on your toes, making it hard to know whether to trust them. If you enjoy twisty drama in relationships that keep you guessing until the very last page, you’ll definitely want to check this one out!
Praise:
SOON TO BE A HULU TELEVISION SERIES STARRING LINDSAY LOHAN
“The very definition of a page-turner! This smart, original, twisty story had me gripped from the first to the last page.” —Liane Moriarty, New York Times bestselling author of Big Little Lies
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
My Thoughts: The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon is a captivating blend of mystery and strong female characters. The author does an excellent job of bringing 18th century Maine to life. The story follows the journey of Martha, a midwife and mother who is generally quiet but also has a strong sense of justice and who is not afraid to use her voice when needed. The book completely pulls you in and shines a light on the incredible courage of ordinary women.
Praise:
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
“Fans of Outlander’s Claire Fraser will enjoy Lawhon’s Martha, who is brave and outspoken when it comes to protecting the innocent. . . impressive.”—The Washington Post
“Once again, Lawhon works storytelling magic with a real-life heroine.” —People Magazine
Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan
My Thoughts: Mad Honey is definitely one that will get you thinking. It’s a mix of family drama and courtroom mystery, but what really resonated with me was the emotional pull and surprises, making it one of those books you’ll want to recommend to friends. I also loved seeing the power of a mother’s love and how far she will go to protect her child.
Praise:
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
“Alternatingly heart-pounding and heartbreaking. This collaboration between two best-selling authors seamlessly weaves together Olivia and Lily’s journeys, creating a provocative exploration of the strength that love and acceptance require.”—The Washington Post
The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
My Thoughts: I didn’t really know what to expect when I picked up this book, but I was pleasantly surprised. It’s funny and heartfelt, and I loved the magical element. It’s an engaging story of grief, love, and second chances. If you like your stories a little bit whimsical with big emotions, this one is a must-read, one of my favorite light reads.
Praise:
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER – A NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK OF 2022
“I LOVED this book! . . . Funny, breathtaking, hopeful, and dreamy.”—Ali Hazelwood, New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis
Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
My Thoughts: Since this was a bestseller and adapted into a TV movie, you are likely to have read or watched it. But if not, consider reading it now. Elizabeth is a scientist in the 1960s who refused to play by the rules. Her story is funny, innovative, and inspiring. If you like books with a strong dose of wit and charm and strong wommen- this is a must-read.
Praise:
#1 GLOBAL BESTSELLER WITH MORE THAN 8 MILLION COPIES SOLD
STREAM ON APPLE TV+
A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, Oprah Daily, Entertainment Weekly, Newsweek
Oprah’s Book Club Picks
Culpability by Bruce Holsinger
My Thoughts: This one pulled me right in. Culpability is a tense, thought-provoking story about secrets and the gray area between guilt and innocence. It’s a family drama that centers on a family after their self-driving minivan is involved in a fatal accident. The book examines the ethical and moral implications of the crash, particularly in relation to the rise of artificial intelligence, as the car was driving itself. It’s the kind of book that makes you question what you’d do in the same situation.
Praise:
OPRAH’S BOOK CLUB PICK • NATIONAL BESTSELLER • NEW YORKERBEST BOOKS OF 2025 • REAL SIMPLE BEST BOOKS OF 2025
“If you want an engaging novel sure to spark great discussion about that thorny [AI] future, this is it.”—Ron Charles, The Washington Post
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
My Thoughts: Hello Beautiful is a moving family saga, inspired by Little Women, that follows the tight-knit Padavano sisters whose world is upended when one sister marries a troubled young man. A tragic rift tears the family apart, forcing them to confront decades of secrets and the enduring but complicated power of sisterhood. The writing is beautiful, and the characters feel so real you’ll miss them when it’s over.
Praise:
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • OPRAH’S BOOK CLUB PICK • MORE THAN ONE MILLION COPIES SOLD!
ONE OF THE CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY’S TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR
A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New York Times Book Review, NPR, The Washington Post, Time, Vogue, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, New York Post, She Reads, Bookreporter
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
My Thoughts: An American Marriage by Tayari Jones tells the moving story of newlyweds Celestial and Roy, whose lives are shattered when Roy is wrongfully incarcerated for a crime he didn’t commit. Over the five years he spends in prison, their marriage is strained to the breaking point, and Celestial finds herself leaning on their childhood friend, Andre. The novel explores how mass incarceration and racial injustice impact a couple’s love, forcing them to reckon with who they have become-both together and apart-when Roy is finally released.
Praise:
A NEW YORK TIMES AND WASHINGTON POST NOTABLE BOOK – 2018 BEST OF THE YEAR SELECTION OF NP“
A moving portrayal of the effects of a wrongful conviction on a young African-American couple.” —Barack Obama
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
My Thoughts: Middlesex is a great novel that won the Pulitzer Prize. It tells the story of the Greek-American Stephanides family over three generations. At the heart of the narrative is Cal Stephanides, an intersex narrator whose journey is both surprising and heartfelt. The book takes us from a small village in Turkey to the streets of Detroit, uncovering family secrets along the way, including a genetic mutation that shaped Cal’s identity. Growing up, Cal mistakenly believes he is a girl, which adds an interesting layer to the exploration of gender and identity. There are many insightful themes, including the immigrant experience and the pursuit of the American Dream, making it a captivating read for anyone interested in these topics!
Praise:
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
A dazzling triumph from the bestselling author of The Virgin Suicides
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Happy Reading,
Linda
