Best Book Club Books for 2023
What makes a good book club book? A story that calls for discussion. It’s usually a book that can be divisive and inspire discourse, but it’s also a book that provides a look into things we normally keep quiet. I love books that dive into mental health, feminism, motherhood, societal expectations, and the effects of colonialism. I think it’s great to look forward to new releases in order to support authors but it’s also great to choose backlist titles to support local libraries!
I’m often asked for book club suggestions and while I read a lot of Romance (which does make for FANTASTIC discussion, I’ll mind you!!!!!!!!) I do dip my toe into the more popular choice for book clubs, literary fiction, every now and then.
What’s interesting about choosing a book for book club is that it all comes down to taste. I haven’t really followed the celebrity book clubs because I’m not wild about Reese or Jenna’s choices. And that’s okay! I don’t think I’ll ever have a book club (I tried in December and it failed lol) but I do hope that this list is helpful and indicative of my taste.
2023 New Releases for Book Clubs
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang—Available May 16, 2023
I think this book would inspire such riveting conversation and deep introspection as well. “What's the harm in a pseudonym? Bestselling sensation Juniper Song is not who she says she is, she didn't write the book she claims she wrote, and she is most certainly not Asian American--in this chilling and hilariously cutting novel” —the Publisher
The Sweet Spot by Amy Poeppel—Available January 31, 2023
This book is quirky and heartwarming! It has an NYC setting and has the delicious found family trope! Three women in the West Village form an “unlikely sorority” when a baby belonging to none of them shows up on their doorstep.
Maame by Jessica George—Available January 31, 2023
I think this will be one of the most talked about books of the year! It’s set in London and Ghana, following the themes of familial duties, racism, complexity of relationships, friendship and female pleasure.
Off the Map by Trish Doller—Available March 7, 2023
I love how charming and warm Trish Doller’s books are. I really enjoyed Float Plan and The Suite Spot but in Off the Map, Doller takes us Dublin when Carla, who constantly travels, connects with a burly Irish driver when she travels to the country for a wedding. Lots of twists and turns, detours and delays lead them somewhere they weren’t expecting.
The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell—Available March 7, 2023
This is described as a mash up of Clue and The Great British Bake Off and honestly…I’m sold.
Happy Place by Emily Henry—Available April 25, 2023
I think Emily Henry’s books are always one you count on to create big feelings and fun discussions. I’ve heard this book it’s more akin to fiction with romantic undertones than a true romance, as it follows a group of friends on their annual vacation to Maine. Fake Dating, marriage in crisis, all that good stuff we love.
Backlist Choices for Book Clubs
Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan
The way that i LOVE this book and think it would be the PERFECT book club choice. It’s a romance but it reads more like literary fiction in my opinion. The writing is incredible and the story, addressing life and marriage after child loss and grief, is truly one of the best I’ve read in a long time.
The Guncle by Steven Rowley
Another book that deals with grief, but also sparkles with joy. When his sister dies, Patrick takes his niece and nephew back Palm Springs with him for the Summer. They grieve loudly and quietly together and you will laugh and cry along with them. It’s SO wonderful.
Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber
I think one of the best parts of a bookclub book is one that has distinctive flavors wound within the pages. There are SO many recipes in this warm small town story that you could theme the whole night around it!
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
This is a generational story that will tug at the heartstrings of many and one of the most talked about books of 2022!
Legendborn by Tracey Deonn
I know people are wary of fantasy, but I really think urban fantasy is a great book club choice. Books like Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo for example! But I love this book set in North Carolina that is a mature YA and a King Arthur retelling. There’s a little romance and a lot of puzzle pieces to put together!
Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
Mysteries are also a great option for book clubs and this is one of my FAVORITES that I’ve read. It explores an Indigenous community that’s been plagued with addiction, disappearances, and murders. I truly couldn’t put it down and read the 500 page book in a day.
I hope this is helpful to any book clubs looking for suggestions this year!