'Hamnet' by Maggie O'Farrell is also a wonderful pick. It's a beautifully written historical fiction that delves into the life of Shakespeare's family, especially focusing on the relationship with his son Hamnet who died at a young age. The book is rich in detail and emotion.
One great choice is 'The Vanishing Half' by Brit Bennett. It tells the story of twin sisters who take very different paths in life, exploring themes of race, identity, and family.
One great book is 'The Four Winds' by Kristin Hannah. It tells a powerful story of a woman's struggle during the Great Depression. The characters are well - developed and the historical setting is vividly depicted, making it a great choice for book club discussions.
One great fiction book for book clubs in 2018 was 'Educated' by Tara Westover. It's a memoir written as a novel, which makes it very engaging. The story of her journey from a strict and isolated upbringing in a survivalist family to getting an education at Cambridge is truly inspiring.
One of the great book club fiction books in 2019 was 'The Testaments' by Margaret Atwood. It's a powerful follow - up to 'The Handmaid's Tale', exploring more of the dystopian world she created. Another good one was 'Where the Crawdads Sing' by Delia Owens. It combines a coming - of - age story with a murder mystery set in the marshes, which makes for a very engaging read.
Another excellent choice is 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The decadence of the 1920s, the complex love triangle, and the exploration of the American Dream make it a fascinating read for a book club. The symbolism in the book, like the green light, provides a lot to dissect.
One of the great fiction book club books in 2017 was 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead. It offers a unique take on the Underground Railroad as a literal railroad underground. The story is gripping and filled with vivid characters that make for great discussion in a book club.
One of the great book club fiction books in 2016 was 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead. It's a powerful and imaginative take on the Underground Railroad as an actual railroad. The story follows Cora, a slave, on her harrowing journey to freedom. Another is 'Here I Am' by Jonathan Safran Foer. It delves into family, identity, and the state of the world through the story of a modern - day Jewish family in America. And 'Commonwealth' by Ann Patchett also stands out. It tells the story of two families joined by an unexpected event and how it affects their lives over the years.
One great option is 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. It has a beautifully crafted story set during World War II. The characters are well - developed and it offers a lot for discussion, like the themes of survival and the impact of war on individuals. Another is 'The Nightingale' by Kristin Hannah. It tells the story of two sisters in France during the war, exploring family, love, and resistance. 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is also a good choice. It gives a detailed look at the court of Henry VIII, with complex characters and historical intrigue.
One of the best is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It's set in 12th - century England and follows the building of a cathedral. The story is full of rich characters from different social classes, and it vividly depicts the historical period, including the political and religious unrest.
I'd also recommend 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It's about Thomas Cromwell in the court of Henry VIII. The detailed historical setting and Mantel's in - depth exploration of Cromwell's character, as well as the power dynamics at the Tudor court, will surely spark lively conversations in a book club.
Well, 'The Dutch House' is a strong contender. It has complex characters and a story that unfolds in a really engaging way. The house in the story becomes almost like a character itself. As for 'The Water Dancer', it not only gives a vivid picture of the horrors of slavery but also adds an element of the supernatural which makes it stand out. 'The Giver of Stars' is charming as it shows the power of books and female friendship in a historical context.