'Leave the World Behind' by Rumaan Alam was also well - regarded. It's a thought - provoking story about two families from different backgrounds who find themselves in an unexpected and somewhat menacing situation together. It explores themes of class, race, and paranoia.
A great one was 'The Nightingale' by Kristin Hannah. It's set during World War II and follows two sisters in France. Another is 'Where the Crawdads Sing' which has elements of historical fiction as it's set in the 1950s and 60s in the South. Also, 'The Alice Network' is a good pick as it weaves together two different time periods in a very engaging way.
The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry was a good one. It has a great historical setting and a strong female lead. The mystery and the relationships between the characters are really engaging, which is perfect for a book club to dissect.
One that stands out is 'Washington Black'. It has a historical setting and a great story of a young boy's journey. It was well - received in book clubs in 2019. 'The Nickel Boys' is also a powerful historical fiction that delved into the dark history of a boys' reform school. And 'The Library Book' which has historical elements about the Los Angeles Public Library fire.
'Homegoing' by Yaa Gyasi is also worth mentioning. It traces the descendants of two half - sisters from Ghana over different historical times and places. The way it jumps between different generations and locations makes it a very interesting and educational read for a book club interested in historical fiction.
Well, 'The Mirror & the Light' by Hilary Mantel was quite popular. It's the final part of her Cromwell trilogy and is full of historical detail about Tudor England. It's a hefty read but very rewarding for those interested in that period.
Well, 'Station Eleven' was a great 2014 fiction book. It had a unique take on a post - apocalyptic world. Also, 'The Miniaturist' was quite good. The setting in Amsterdam and the mystery around the miniaturist made it a really interesting read. 'The Rosie Project' was also popular for its light - hearted and humorous take on love and relationships.
In 2018, 'An American Marriage' by Tayari Jones was highly regarded. It was a powerful story about a young African - American couple dealing with the husband's wrongful imprisonment. The book really showed the impact on their relationship and on their individual lives.
I think 'The Sense of an Ending' by Julian Barnes was a top pick in 2011 fiction. It's a short but profound novel that delves into the nature of memory and how our past actions can come back to haunt us. The main character is forced to re - evaluate his memories and the events of his youth, and Barnes writes in a very thought - provoking way.
The best 2019 fiction book for book clubs, in my opinion, is 'The Testaments'. It gives more depth to the world of 'The Handmaid's Tale' and has a lot of topics for discussion like female empowerment, the nature of power, and resistance. It's a real page - turner too.
Well, 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' by Hunter S. Thompson is a classic. It's a wild ride through the drug - fueled adventures of the main characters in Las Vegas. Thompson's gonzo journalism style makes it a very unique and engaging read, as you experience their drug - induced hallucinations and escapades.