Are you looking for some good books to read and discuss with your book club? Look no further! Here are 10 must-read books for your next book club meeting, complete with summaries and recommendations. As a bookworm myself, I can assure you that these books will spark engaging conversation and provide plenty of food for thought.

1. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks 🧬

This non-fiction book tells the story of the woman whose cancer cells were used without her permission to create the first immortal human cell line. The author, Rebecca Skloot, seamlessly weaves together science and ethics to explore issues of race, healthcare, and scientific progress.

A black-and-white microscope image of HeLa cells

2. The Nightingale 🕊

Kristin Hannah’s historical fiction novel follows two sisters in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. The Nightingale is a beautifully written, emotional tale of resistance and resilience that has captivated readers worldwide.

A sepia-toned image of a countryside road during WWII

3. Little Fires Everywhere 🔥

Celeste Ng’s novel is a contemporary family drama set in Shaker Heights, Ohio. The story explores themes of motherhood, race, and identity through the intertwined lives of two families. Little Fires Everywhere will keep you hooked until the very end.

A matchbox with a single match lit on fire

4. Just Mercy 👨🏾‍⚖️

Bryan Stevenson’s memoir chronicles his experience as a lawyer advocating for marginalized clients, particularly those on death row. This book humanizes the criminal justice system and sheds light on the inequalities that persist within it.

A black-and-white image of a gavel and scales of justice

5. A Gentleman in Moscow 🇷🇺

Amor Towles’ novel takes place in 1922 Moscow, where the protagonist, Count Alexander Rostov, is sentenced to house arrest in the luxurious Hotel Metropol. Though trapped within the hotel’s walls, the Count’s life is far from dull in this charming, witty, and heartwarming story.

A vintage postcard of the Hotel Metropol in Moscow

6. Educated 📚

Tara Westover’s memoir recounts her journey from growing up in a survivalist family in rural Idaho to pursuing a PhD at Cambridge. The book explores themes of family, education, and self-discovery, with a narrative that is both harrowing and inspiring.

An image of an open book with a graduation cap on top

7. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo 💄

Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novel follows the glamorous and enigmatic Hollywood icon, Evelyn Hugo, as she recounts her tumultuous life to an unknown journalist. This page-turner explores themes of love, loyalty, and identity, with a twist that is sure to leave your book club talking.

A vintage portrait of a Hollywood actress with a red lipstick mark

8. The Overstory 🌳

Richard Powers’ novel is an epic story about humanity’s relationship with nature. The Overstory weaves together different characters and narratives to create a compelling and thought-provoking commentary on environmentalism, the power of storytelling, and our place in the world.

An image of a dense forest with trees all around

9. One Hundred Years of Solitude ☀️

Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s classic novel tells the story of the Buendía family over the course of several generations in the fictional town of Macondo. The book is a masterpiece of magical realism, with its lush and vivid descriptions, unforgettable characters, and themes of fate, family, and the cyclical nature of time.

A vintage color photo of a family gathering in a garden

10. Born a Crime 🇿🇦

Trevor Noah’s memoir explores his early life growing up biracial in South Africa during apartheid. The book is a poignant and hilarious coming-of-age story that also sheds light on the history and cultural complexities of South Africa.

A black-and-white photograph of a young biracial boy

I hope you find these book recommendations helpful and that they lead to engaging and thought-provoking discussions at your next book club meeting! Happy reading!

A stack of books with colorful spines and a coffee mug on top