The only thing better than getting stuck into a good book is getting to chat about it afterwards
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
In Matt Haig’s beautiful novel, between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. This is a story about the paths not taken in life and the chance to see what would have happened if you had taken that path. It’s about choices, regret and making peace with the life you’re living now.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
If you haven’t read this or watched the recent film adaptation, get yourself a copy of the book and avoid spoilers. It tells the tale of a woman who raises herself in the marshes of the Deep South and becomes a suspect in the murder of a man with whom she was once involved. Deeply gripping and intensely moving, you won’t rest until you have finished it and the ending will stay in your mind for a long time afterwards.
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
Described as a book of “electric honesty and passion”, this book is an account of the year following the death of the author’s husband John Gregory Dunne. It was a year that saw her almost lose her only daughter as well and is an exploration of an intensely unique yet universal experience – mourning, grief and the precarious nature of life and sanity. An emotional read that will no doubt unlock a fascinating discussion among book club members.
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert’s 2006 memoir tells the story of how she left the stress and pain of an unhappy marriage and unfulfilling life behind to eat her way around Italy, discover her spirituality in India and find love in Indonesia over the course of a year. As well as discussing the serious element of wanting to escape the mundanity and pressure of everyday responsibilities, imagine the craic book club members will have chatting about where they would go and what they would eat if they were to do the same!
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Greta Gerwig’s recent movie adaptation of Little Women, with Saoirse Ronan in the starring role of Jo, is a beautiful version of this book. However, it’s well worth going back and reading this book for yourself and discussing its many themes and topics with your book club. For example, which sister you most identify with, who you felt was misunderstood and howthe book portrays sibling relationships.
Rachel’s Holiday by Marian Keyes
Marian Keyes has written dozens of books – and we are eagerly awaiting her next one – but for many, the one they keep returning to is Rachel’s Holiday. Hilarious, heart-breaking and life-affirming, it perfectly captures the woman in the grips of a powerful addiction who believes her enforced stay at rehab will see her hobnobbing with celebrities at a five-star spa retreat. The reality is something very different.
I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron
Perfect for an all-female book club but even more perfect if there are men involved as well, this book is a collection of humorous essays from legendary screenwriter Nora Ephron. Through a series of hilarious observations, she expresses her thought on the aging process, her ups and downs dealing with the tribulations of maintenance, menopause, empty nests, and life itself.
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
This is a tough read that follows the lives of four friends who move to New York after graduating college. The book deals with serious issues like mental health, abuse and childhood trauma but also the importance of love, art and friendship. It has been described as depressing and bleak but also asks probing questions that could be ideal for a book club that doesn’t shy away from these kinds of themes.
Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchy
Few writers have ever got to the crux of Irish relationships, family life and small town dynamics like Maeve Binchy. This novel follows the lives of three women from childhood to adulthood as they experience their first taste of freedom, college life, young love, betrayal and the enduring power of friendship. There is bound to be a lively discussion among club members after this one.
One Day by David Nicholls
Now that you know the ending and have sobbed your eyes dry at Leo Woodall’s final episode arc, we highly recommend reading the book of One Day if you haven’t already done so. If nothing else, it will lead to a lively debate about how it was adapted for Netflix and whether or not the film version starring Anne Hathaway should have been made at all.
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
Claire Keegan has achieved global recognition for her remarkable short stories which all pack an unforgettable emotional punch. Her 2010 book, Foster was turned into the Oscar-nominated film An Cailín Ciúin and the beautiful Small Things Like These has also been adapted into a 2024 film starring Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy, Ciaran Hinds and Emily Watson. The discussion after this one will be sombre but so worthwhile.
Bonus pick:
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
If or when your club chooses a ‘old classic book’ theme, we recommend giving the story of the Bennett sisters a re-read. There is so much more to this masterpiece than Colin Firth’s soaked white shirt emerging from a lake or Matthew McFadyen’s hand flex. In fact, neither of those things were written in the original book. Reading it will also give you an even greater appreciation for the TV and film adaptations, which are both glorious.
