“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2017)
Summary:
A struggling writer is given a detailed account of the spectacular life and seven marriages of aging Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo, who shares secrets that cast doubt on conventional notions of identity, love, and celebrity.
A captivating fusion of Old Hollywood glitz, intricate relationships, and themes of self-discovery and sincerity are to be expected.
“Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Ng (2017)
Summary:
The story, which takes place in the well-planned neighborhood of Shaker Heights, Ohio, delves into the complicated lives of the Richardson family and the mysterious artist Mia Warren. Mia Warren’s entrance causes a disturbance in the well-arranged order of the village.
Anticipate: A compelling story that delves into the intricacies of human nature, intricate character development, and nuanced examinations of privilege and motherhood.
“All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr (2014)
Summary:
The two characters of this Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Marie-Laure, a blind French girl, and Werner, a German orphan with a knack for radio technology, cross paths in occupied France during World War II, amid the chaos and devastation of battle.
Anticipate: Masterful writing, complex narrative, and an affecting depiction of bravery, perseverance, and the persistent influence of optimism.
“Educated” by Tara Westover (2018)
Summary:
Tara Westover, who overcame abuse, ignorance, and isolation on her route to receiving a PhD from Cambridge University, describes her incredible journey from a survivalist family in rural Idaho in her memoir.
Anticipate: A captivating story about self-realization, perseverance, and defying all obstacles to further one’s education.
“The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides (2019)
Summary:
Renowned painter Alicia Berenson shoots her husband in the face and then shuts up. Years later, Alicia’s silence is revealed shockingly when a psychologist becomes fixated on learning the truth.
A gripping psychological thriller including surprising turns, untrustworthy narrators, and a look at trauma and redemption is what to anticipate.
“The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett (2020)
Summary:
At sixteen, identical twin sisters Stella and Desiree Vignes flee their small Southern village, but they choose opposite routes—one escapes by passing for white, and the other lives as a black woman. Decades later, the contrasting lives they led and the legacies they left behind collide.
An insightful investigation on race, identity, and the nuanced aspects of belonging and family.
Any book club will enjoy the variety of genres, themes, and storytelling styles that these works offer. They will also guarantee spirited debates.
“Normal People” by Sally Rooney (2018)
Summary:
Recap: Growing up in a small Irish village and then attending university together, Connell and Marianne navigate friendship, love, and class dynamics. As their complicated relationship develops over time, the difficulties with intimacy and communication become more apparent.
Anticipate: A profound examination of love, vulnerability, and societal dynamics, coupled with intimate prose and genuine characters.
“The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah (2015)
Summary:
The story of Vianne and Isabelle, two sisters who oppose the German rule in different ways—one by hiding Jewish children, the other by joining the French Resistance—takes place in Nazi-occupied France.
Anticipate: An engrossing tale of bravery and selflessness in the face of hardship, rich with historical background.
“A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles (2016)
Summary:
Over several decades, as Count Alexander Rostov navigates the shifting political environment, he discovers unexpected meaning and connections. Count Alexander Rostov is an aristocrat who was condemned to house detention at a beautiful hotel in Moscow during the Russian Revolution.
Sophisticated writing, endearing characters, and a beautiful examination of friendship, resiliency, and the value of discovering beauty in the ordinary.
“Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty (2014)
Summary:
The novel revolves around the lives of three ladies, Madeline, Celeste, and Jane, who become involved in the aftermath of a sad incident at a school trivia night. The setting is a gorgeous seaside town in Australia.
Anticipate: A captivating narrative, incisive humor, and insightful perspectives on friendship, motherhood, and intimate partner abuse.
“The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins (2015)
Summary:
While watching a seemingly ideal pair from the train, Rachel, an alcoholic and divorcee, develops an obsession with them. After the woman vanishes, Rachel gets involved in the inquiry and learns some sinister information.
A compelling psychological thriller with erratic narrators, convoluted plotlines, and a tense environment is what to anticipate.
“The Power” by Naomi Alderman (2016)
Summary:
In a society where teenage girls learn to produce electricity, women begin to physically dominate men. This causes a shift in gender dynamics. The effects of this tremendous power on people and society are examined in the book.
A provocative look at gender, power, and violence with elements of science fiction and social commentary is what to expect.
“Circe” by Madeline Miller (2018)
Summary:
The Greek tale is narrated via Circe, the daughter of Helios, as she negotiates power, love, and immortality on the island of Aiaia. Deported by the deities, Circe comes to terms with her might and her role as a witch.
“The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas (2017)
Summary:
Black adolescent Starr Carter sees her friend Khalil, who was unarmed, shot and killed by a policeman. Grieving and furious, Starr takes up activism and speaks out against racial injustice and police violence.
