They call her the Queen of the Book Club. A woman whose book picks have transformed the publishing world. This is Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon – a famous American actress and producer. In 2017, her book club became a global cultural phenomenon, as it was exponentially gaining popularity.
"Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng
Little Fires Everywhere takes readers on a compelling journey through the intertwined lives of two families in the suburban town of Shaker Heights, Ohio. It is a novel about class, race, and motherhood. The story revolves around two families: the wealthy, seemingly perfect Richardson family and the mysterious, unconventional Warren family. Mia Warren, a single mother, moves to Shaker Heights, Ohio, with her teenage daughter, Pearl. They become neighbors of the Richardson family, whose lives seem ideal from the outside. However, as Mia and Pearl become more involved in the lives of the Richardsons, they uncover hidden secrets and skeletons in the wardrobe.
"Daisy Jones & The Six" by Taylor Jenkins Reid
What happens when a rock band's biggest mystery becomes a national obsession? Daisy Jones & The Six is a fictional history of a band’s rise and fall. The band’s lead – Daisy Jones is somewhat extra. Not a shy and quiet flower she was named after. The novel is an electrifying tale of fame, creativity, and the complicated ties that bind them. Through a series of interviews conducted years later, Reid reveals the band's inner problems, creative genius, and ultimately, their demise. The novel captures the essence of love, fame, and the crazy world of rock and roll, making it a favorite among readers who appreciate both nostalgia and emotional depth.
"The Giver of Stars" by Jojo Moyes
The Giver of Stars is set in Kentucky during the Great Depression. It follows Alice Wright, a young woman who leaves her comfortable life in England to marry a coal miner in America. When she arrives, she finds a small mining town isolated from the rest of the world. Alice becomes the librarian at the newly established Bookmobile Project, a traveling library that brings books to the people of the Appalachian Mountains. The woman becomes increasingly involved in the lives of the locals, helping them to find hope and resilience during such difficult times. It’s a story about strong women, the transformative power of literature, and the courage to stand up for what’s right.
"The Library Book" by Susan Orlean
On April 29, 1986, the Los Angeles Central Library was on fire. It began in the fiction stacks, spread rapidly, and reached temperatures of 1370°C. Although everyone escaped unharmed, the books were not as fortunate: half a million volumes were lost, and another half a million were severely damaged. Susan Orlean has a natural talent for finding fascinating stories in unexpected places. She carefully picked the story of the LA library fire and turned it into a powerful true-crime story masterfully connected with a love letter to libraries. It is not a typical thriller, as no one died, and the man suspected of arson was never charged. Instead, Orlean uses the fire as a lens to explore the role of public libraries and what they represent to communities.
"This Is How It Always Is" by Laurie Frankel
In the heart of a small New England town, the Taylor family lives a life that is both ordinary and extraordinary. Their five sons, from the eldest, Jason, to the youngest, Leo, are all transgender. This is not a secret, nor is it a cause for shame. It's simply a part of who they are. Just as it is. The story unfolds through the eyes of Leo, the youngest son. As he grows up, he experiences the love and support of his family, but also the challenges of living in a world that often doesn't understand or accept transgender individuals.
"The Last House Guest" by Megan Miranda
In The Last House Guest, Megan Miranda narrates a suspenseful tale set in a small coastal town. The story revolves around the mysterious death of a young woman Avery during the summer tourist season. This death, however, uncovers a lot of secrets that lie beneath the surface. Sadie, the main character, finds herself drawn into a web of lies, deceit, and hidden secrets as she tries to uncover the truth about Avery's death. As she looks deeper into the past, she uncovers long-buried secrets that threaten to tear apart the seemingly peaceful town.
"The Last Thing He Told Me" by Laura Dave
In the heart of Connecticut, Anna Walker lives a perfect life with her husband Owen. But one day, everything changes. Owen mysteriously disappears. Left with only a cryptic note and a growing sense of dread, Anna must discover the secrets of her husband's past to find him. She discovers a hidden life filled with lies, deceit, and a dangerous conspiracy that threatens to destroy everything she knows. With the help of her teenage daughter Bailey and an unexpected ally, Anna races against time to uncover the truth and bring her husband home.
"The Guest List" by Lucy Foley
The Guest List is another psychological thriller on the Reese’s book picks. Lucy Foley tells the story of a wedding celebration on a remote Irish island. But beneath the surface of the glamorous event lies something terrifying. As the guests gather, a storm brews, not just outside but within the group. Old friendships are tested, hidden rivalries surface, and a shocking murder culminates the event. The novel unfolds through the perspectives of multiple characters, each with their secrets and motives. And you are to guess who is whom in this story!
"From Scratch" by Tembi Locke
From Scratch is a memoir that beautifully blends love, food, and the journey of grief. In the vibrant city of Sicily, Amina meets the charming Italian chef, Saro. Their love story develops amidst the sun-drenched streets and the mouthwatering aromas of Italian cuisine. Their interracial, intercultural relationship causes tension, with his parents boycotting the wedding. After Saro is diagnosed with cancer and dies early on, Amina faces paralyzing grief while raising their daughter, Zoela, in Los Angeles. She spends summers in Sicily with Saro's family. The book celebrates the power of love, resilience, and the enduring bonds of family. It is a story that will stay with you long after reading.
"Untamed" by Glennon Doyle
Untamed is Glennon Doyle's story of how she became caged and managed to break free. Doyle explores themes of self-discovery and empowerment through her own transformative journey. In the book, she recounts her sudden love for soccer star Abby Wambach, leading her to leave her marriage and challenge traditional Christian values and family life. Doyle advocates for women to trust their instincts, even if it means breaking societal norms. You can get acquainted with this empowering story in our Untamed summary.
"The Sanatorium" by Sarah Pearse
Elin Warner, a detective on a break from work, is invited to a hotel high in the Swiss Alps to celebrate her brother Isaac's engagement. Even though she doesn’t want to go, she feels she has no choice. The hotel, Le Sommet, was once an old sanatorium and has been turned into a luxury resort. From the start, Elin feels uneasy—the hotel is isolated, and a storm is brewing outside. Things get worse when Isaac’s fiancée, Laure, suddenly goes missing. The heavy snow cuts off all access to and from the hotel, leaving everyone trapped inside. As Elin tries to find out what happened, the guests start to panic. Then, Elin learns that another woman has disappeared, and she might have been the only person who could warn them about the real danger. The Sanatorium is a mix of a classic mystery and a psychological thriller. You will be captivated while uncovering the secrets of the book.
"The Paper Palace" by Miranda Cowley Heller
The Paper Palace tells the story of a woman who must confront her choices while spending a summer at her family’s vacation home. Witherspoon’s choice of this poignant novel highlights its themes of love, loss, and the complexity of human relationships. Heller’s lyrical prose and exploration of the ties that bind us resonate deeply with readers, making it a memorable read that lingers long after the last page.
"Tiny Beautiful Things" by Cheryl Strayed
Tiny Beautiful Things is a collection of advice columns written by the so-called "Sugar" for The Rumpus. Before you dismiss it as just another advice column, this one is different. It’s not filled with cheesy life advice or clichés. Instead, readers from all walks of life ask Sugar deep, fundamental questions about love, life, money, relationships, and more. Later revealed as the well-known author Cheryl Strayed, Sugar offers thoughtful and heartfelt responses. If you’ve read her Wild, you’ll find that Tiny Beautiful Things has an even stronger writing style.
"Anatomy: A Love Story" by Dana Schwartz
Anatomy: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz is a historical fiction novel set in early 1800s Scotland. The story follows 17-year-old Hazel Sinnett, an upper-class girl with a passion for science and a dream of becoming a surgeon—despite society's expectations that she’ll marry Bernard, the future Viscount Almont. To pursue her ambitions, Hazel begins working with Jack, a charming grave robber, to obtain bodies for her studies. Meanwhile, the Roman fever, a deadly disease, is spreading, and the town’s poor are mysteriously disappearing.
"Romantic Comedy" by Curtis Sittenfeld
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld is a satirical novel that follows the lives of two struggling writers, Ethan and Sally. Both are aspiring novelists, but their careers are far from successful. Sittenfeld offers a witty and insightful look at love and relationships in the modern world. It is an amazing story of two lovers who must address the challenges of pursuing a creative career and finding love in the modern age.
So, as you see, each book on the list is unique. The books selected by Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club share common threads of strong character development, emotional depth, and themes that resonate with readers. Each title, whether a gripping thriller, a heartfelt memoir, or an exploration of identity, reflects the diversity and richness of storytelling. Witherspoon’s book picks not only entertain but also provoke thought and inspire readers to engage with the world around them. We hope our book summaries were helpful for you to choose the best pick!
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