Conversation-starting book club reads
Whether you’re reading with a group or as a party of one, these books will get you thinking and talking about what’s inside.
A historical novel about the Dust Bowl, a thriller set in the Alps, and Octavia E. Butler’s classic time-travel novel Kindred are among the reads that have been recently picked by well-known book clubs or by the Amazon Books Editors as the books that you should read—and discuss—next.
Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine book club named Pearse’s suspenseful novel set in a remote old hotel in the snowy Swiss Alps as its February pick. Amazon senior editor Vannessa Cronin liked The Sanatorium too, naming it one of the Best Mysteries of the Month. “Pearse assembles a creepy, sinister setting, and throws in murder, complicated family dynamics, and some stylish plot turns to deliver a propulsive page-turner,” said Cronin about the book. Debate with your group about decisions made by the protagonists, and whether it’s a perfect late-night read during a snowy winter.
Jenna Bush Hager at TODAY named two books in February to her book club—Lauren Fox’s Send for Me and Hannah’s The Four Winds (below). Fox’s historical novel plumbs the pre-World War II time period that is still extremely popular with readers. This story of a young Jewish woman who is torn between emigrating to America and staying with her aging parents in Germany “felt really raw and fresh,” according to Hager. Talk amongst yourselves about whether you agree.
The Amazon Books Editors loved Hannah’s latest historical novel set during the crushing times of the Dust Bowl, naming it the No. 1 pick of February. Amazon senior editor Erin Kodicek said, “The Four Winds is a reminder, when we so urgently need it, of the resiliency not only of the human spirit, but of the country as well.” With every book, we’re certain Hannah can’t possibly get any better. But she always proves us wrong—and we couldn’t be happier. Which of Hannah’s books is your favorite?
Kindred has one of the most terrifying openings of any scene: “I lost an arm on my last trip home. My left arm.” The Well-Read Black Girl book club named Butler’s chilling time-travel book as their read for this month. The story of a modern Black woman who is thrust into the past against her will and with very little notice, Kindred is bone-cracking tense—especially as Dana is sent to a plantation in the antebellum south. Dana’s consternation and growing horror, mixed with pre-Civil War details, makes this a gripping read. See which of you finished it the fastest.
If you’re looking for a more lighthearted alternative to World War II, Dust Bowls, and slavery, The Bad Muslim Discount is just the right pick, though it’s not without its own deep thoughts. We named it as one of February’s Best Books of the Month, and this novel tracks the intersection of Anvar and Safwa, two young adults who are new to the U.S. and decide to decline the lives their parents want for them. “Full of one-liners that will make you laugh out loud, The Bad Muslim Discount is as funny as it is a serious commentary on immigration, racism, and just plain growing up,” said Amazon senior editor Al Woodworth. Funny? Serious? See what your fellow readers decide.
We recently reached out to a number of fantastic authors for their recommended reads for Black History Month. One book— Wayward Lives, Beautiful Experiments— showed up on the recommendation lists of both Ibram X. Kendi and Morgan Jerkins, which makes the book a must-read indeed. This nonfiction work explores pivotal years at the turn of the 20th century when some young Black women thrust away society’s confining strictures and explored radical new ways of living, setting the stage for larger social revolutions. Read the book and then talk about how these so-called troublesome women changed our lives today.
The Amazon Editors’ pick for the best debut of the month was also selected by the Good Morning America book club. (A reminder to new readers: The Amazon Editors and the most well-known book clubs decide on their picks months in advance, and we’re pleasantly surprised when those selections intersect.) Affluence and desperation collide in a Barbados resort town when a burglary gone wrong has repercussions no one could imagine. Said Amazon editor Vannessa Cronin in her review of this unforgettable novel, “This allegorical tale of race, class, and patriarchy—with its vibrant, stunning prose—is a can’t-look-away winner.” Discuss with your group the impact of stories told among families.
Looking for more recommendations? Check out the Amazon Editors’ picks for the Best Books of the Month.
