30 Hidden Gem Book Club Books (All Genres!)

You’ve got the book club started, and now you need some ideas for book club books. The world is full of stories, fables, and tales; where does a wee bookworm even know where to begin? You’ve come to the right fellow book lovers; we’ll show you the way to some fabulous hidden gem book club books!

Whether you’ve been running your book club for a while now or just established one, it’s nice to get a refresher on different books out there and take some of the pressure off on finding a new book club book. 

As avid readers with a degree in Library Science, we’re here to help you discover some book club books that are off the main track of novels you may see when searching for book club books ideas; every bookworm needs some variety! 

We’ll be adding links to discussion questions/discussion guides if they are available; be sure to take a look at our 106 refreshing and riveting book club questions list

Life is best when you’re reading a good book, with a bookmark on your lap, and a page-turning story reflecting back at you. So let’s get to the good stuff and discover this spectacular list of book club books ideas!

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Book Club Books for General Fiction

General fiction has many different bookish avenues, and we’re going to take you down a few that would make for good book club books. It’s often said that what makes good book club books is the discussion quality. Are there strong themes and a good mixture of intense elements? Is there controversy? If the answer is yes, then you’re on your way to getting your hands on some top-notch book club books.

The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney

Do you and your fellow book club members love a dysfunctional family story with plot twists, secrets, and a dash of humor? Then this is the book for you! 

Synopsis: “On a wintry afternoon in New York City, Melody, Beatrice and Jack Plumb gather to confront their charismatic and reckless older brother, Leo, who has just been released from rehab. Leo’s bad behavior, culminating in a car crash while under the influence—a nineteen-year-old waitress beside him—has endangered the Plumbs’ joint trust fund, or “the Nest,” as they’ve taken to calling it. The four siblings are at very different places in their lives, but all believe that this money will solve a host of self-inflicted problems and their consequences. And until Leo’s accident, they’d been mere months away from receiving it.” (GoodReads)

Be wary of some risque themes, language, and plot curveballs. 

Check out discussion questions for The Nest here!

The nest by cynthia d'aprix sweeney book club books ideas.

What Happened to Ruthy Ramirez by Claire Jimenez

A loving family comes to the rescue of a kidnapped family member; high emotions, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and plenty of discussions await this intense and loving story.

Synopsis:

“A deeply powerful, raw debut novel of a Puerto Rican family in Staten Island who discovers their long‑missing sister is potentially alive and cast on a reality TV show, and they set out to bring her home.”(GoodReads)

What happened to ruthy ramirez by claire jimenez book club books ideas.

The Maid: A Novel by Nita Prose

Do you have some mystery lovers in your group? Or perhaps you’re looking for something to keep you on your toes and left guessing? Say hello to this clever and wonderful mysterious story!

Synopsis: 

“A Clue-like, locked-room mystery and a heartwarming journey of the spirit, The Maid explores what it means to be the same as everyone else and yet entirely different–and reveals that all mysteries can be solved through connection to the human heart.” (GoodReads)

Dig deep into these interesting discussion questions for The Maid!

The maid: a novel by nita prose book club books ideas.

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Searching for something that’s lighthearted, and comforting, but has a nice sprinkle of mystery and page-turning quality? Not only is this book’s main character a bit quirky and relatable, but she may just become one of your book club’s favorite book club books characters!

Synopsis: 

“Eleanor Oliphant leads a simple life. She wears the same clothes to work every day, eats the same meal deal for lunch every day and buys the same two bottles of vodka to drink everY weekend. Eleanor Oliphant is happy. Nothing is missing from her carefully timetabled existence. Except, sometimes, everything…” (GoodReads)

Dive into these book club questions for Eleanor Oliphant is Completly Fine!

Eleanor oliphant is completely fine by gail honeyman book club books ideas.

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

High stakes with a swirl of humanity, this book has the potential to be quite the gateway for an introspective group discussion. What would you do in a high-pressure situation with a group of strangers?

Synopsis: 

“Viewing an apartment normally doesn’t turn into a life-or-death situation, but this particular open house becomes just that when a failed bank robber bursts in and takes everyone in the apartment hostage. As the pressure mounts, the eight strangers begin slowly opening up to one another and reveal long-hidden truths.” (GoodReads)

Take a closer look at some valuable discussion questions for Anxious people!

Anxious people by fredrik backman book club books ideas.

The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

Set back in 1937, this heartfelt story based on historical events about packhorse librarians is full of passion, friendship, love, and a mission to spread the love of literature. 

Synopsis: 

“These heroic women refuse to be cowed by men or by convention. And though they face all kinds of dangers in a landscape that is at times breathtakingly beautiful, at others brutal, they’re committed to their job: bringing books to people who have never had any, arming them with facts that will change their lives.” (GoodReads)
Take a look at The Giver of Stars discussion questions here!

The giver of stars by jojo moyes book club books ideas.

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

The author of the award-winning novel “The Goldfinch” brings a story of mysterious alternatives to everyday life, high society, and aesthetically pleasing word choices and themes. Is your book club group ready to be whisked away into a world of academia and secrets? 

Synopsis: 

“Under the influence of their charismatic classics professor, a group of clever, eccentric misfits at an elite New England college discover a way of thinking and living that is a world away from the humdrum existence of their contemporaries. But when they go beyond the boundaries of normal morality they slip gradually from obsession to corruption and betrayal, and at last—inexorably—into evil.” 

Check out these discussion questions for The Secret History!

The secret history by donna tartt book club books ideas.

Now Is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson

A story laced with adventure, art, friendship, love, and art with a bow of mystery on top? That’s what this nominee for best fiction in 2022 novel has to offer you and your book club group!

Synopsis: 

“From the New York Times bestselling author of Nothing to See Here comes an exuberant, bighearted novel about two teenage misfits who spectacularly collide one fateful summer, and the art they make that changes their lives forever. A bold coming-of-age story, written with Kevin Wilson’s trademark wit and blazing prose, Now Is Not The Time to Panic is a nuanced exploration of young love, identity, and the power of art. It’s also about the secrets that haunt us—and, ultimately, what the truth will set free.” (GoodReads)

Now is not the time to panic by kevin wilson book club books ideas.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

Cozy yet controversial, this book is a perfect starter for book club books. This story is uplifting, introspective, and suitable for most adult readers. It’s also a great book if you’ve been away from reading for a while and you’re looking to get back in the swing of it. 

Synopsis: 

“Between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. To see how things would be if you had made other choices . . . Would you have done anything different, if you had the chance to undo your regrets? A novel about all the choices that go into a life well lived.” (GoodReads

Take a look at these discussion questions for The Midnight Library!

The midnight library by matt haig book club books ideas.

I’ve Never Danced by B.A. McRae

A heartfelt journey with comedic relief, friendship, loss, and a mysterious quirky fella from a bookstore? This cozy yet heart-cracking story will take you, and your book club members on a journey of the heart, and mind, and have plenty of room for a good ol book club books discussion. 

Synopsis: 

“It’s been a year since high school ended, and hardly any change has been invited into her quiet life. 19 years of the same sidewalks, crowded beaches, and one boundary-blind best friend. After the graduation caps flew, Lucy had every intention of flying away, but those plans were torn up dreams the moment her person was ripped from reality. Lucy never left. She clung onto Virginia Beach, not willing to let go. But after a random encounter with a complete and quirky stranger, Lucy’s life is faced with its first genuine spark of adventure since tragedy.

‘I’ve Never Danced’ is B.A. McRae’s debut novel, the 1st of a 2-part story.

Fans of quirky stories of life beyond high school will be drawn into this world of drama, humor, loss, and mystery. Can a single person revive a damaged soul? Or will giving into the flow of change only bring floods of devastation?” (GoodReads)

I've never danced by b. A. Mcrae book club ideas for readers.

The Red Notebook by Antoine Laurain

A light, somewhat cozy, who is it read? Follow this chain of events and pleasant mystery as a group and discover together who owns the little wondrous red notebook! 

Synopsis: 

“Heroic bookseller Laurent Letellier comes across an abandoned handbag on a Parisian street. There’s nothing in the bag to indicate who it belongs to, although there’s all sorts of other things in it. Laurent feels a strong impulse to find the owner and tries to puzzle together who she might be from the contents of the bag. Especially a red notebook with her jottings, which really makes him want to meet her. Without even a name to go on, and only a few of her possessions to help him, how is he to find one woman in a city of millions?” (GoodReads)

The red notebook by antoine laurain book club books ideas.
Hand-drawn illustration of book club members holding up their book club books.

Book Club Books for Fantasy and Sci-Fi

Who doesn’t love a sense of adventure with a pull of high stakes mixed with some combat and good friends? These book club books ideas for Fantasy and Sci-Fi lovers are your pitstop on your book club books journey!
From Indie books to up-and-coming gems, we’ve got some marvelous and magical book club books for you to check out.

The Hike by Drew Magary

Fantasy intertwines itself into the depths of science fiction and video games alike for this epic adventure of a man who gets insanely lost on an impromptu hike and is desperate to return to his family. This journey of a book has the potential to be a terrific book club books addition for its sheer amount of twists and turns, topics, and adventure.

Synopsis:

“At once bitingly funny and emotionally absorbing, Magary’s novel is a remarkably unique addition to the contemporary fantasy genre, one that draws as easily from the world of classic folk tales as it does from video games. In The Hike, Magary takes readers on a daring odyssey away from our day-to-day grind and transports them into an enthralling world propelled by heart, imagination, and survival.” (GoodReads)

The hike by drew magary book club books ideas for fantasy and sci-fi readers.

A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers

A Robot and a Monk go on a really long walk … All jokes aside, this 2021 nominee for best Science Fiction book is full of humanity, deep questions, and LGBTQ representation. A remarkable book for an awesome group of bookworms to discuss. 

Synopsis: 

“Centuries before, robots of Panga gained self-awareness, laid down their tools, wandered, en masse into the wilderness, never to be seen again. They faded into myth and urban legend.
Now the life of the tea monk who tells this story is upended by the arrival of a robot, there to honor the old promise of checking in. The robot cannot go back until the question of “what do people need?” is answered. But the answer to that question depends on who you ask, and how. They will need to ask it a lot.” (GoodReads)

A psalm for the wild-built by becky chambers book club books ideas for sci-fi readers.

Fortune of Emerald and Salt by Monroe Wildrose

Pirates, a kidnapped Princess, sword fights, and adventures on the big blue ocean? Now that sounds like a fantasy journey big enough for a whole book club crew of scallywags! And the best part, this is a two-installment series. So, if you and your fellow bookworms enjoy this epic journey, there’s another book just around the bend. 

Synopsis: 

“Eighteen-year-old Georgette Baine is a young pirate captain raised with utter disdain toward royalty. But when she and her twin brother, Captain Elias Baine, make a precarious deal with a King to gain access to a long-lost treasure, they find themselves in an untenable position. The King has tasked them with procuring stolen cargo under the watchful eye of his army commander, and Georgette is convinced they’ve been misled.

Mercy Landlight is a nineteen-year-old princess who has been sent to wed a king to secure political peace with his country and hers. A dutiful daughter of the crown she would never question her brother’s decree until on her way to her new home, and husband, her journey is thwarted.

The sparks of an unfamiliar romance cause Mercy to question everything she’s been taught about herself. While Georgette strains to decide if she should continue the life path she was destined for or to entangle herself in a relationship that wouldn’t offer her the same freedoms.
With enemies at every bend, this harrowing journey will alter the course of their lives and change the very foundation of who they are and what they’ve always believed.” (GoodReads)

Fortune of emerald and salt by monroe wildrose book club books ideas for fantasy readers.

Fate of Ruby and Throne by Monroe Wildrose

So, you and your bookworms loved the pirate adventures in book #1, how about some classic enemies to lovers with the weight of kingdom, treasure, and love on your bookish shoulders? Get ready for some fast-paced action with amazing banter and equally amazing love stories.

Synopsis: 

“Georgette dreams of slitting her husband’s lying throat and escaping Hallow manor. It’s not out of the realm of possibility for the pirate captain, but killing the king won’t be without consequence.

By day, the king isn’t a threat, and that’s disconcerting for Georgette. Fighting to break free from his stronghold, she struggles to reconcile her growing attraction and utter disdain for him.

Princess Mercy faces two battles. One is a battle of wills with her brother, the King of Adamas. The other is an internal battle with dueling realities. As she grieves for her friends, she pines for a life on the high seas, aboard The Siren.

Mercy wants to be the princess her people deserve, but with the handsome Captain Elias Baine at her side, she’s decidedly conflicted.

The palace halls prove much more dangerous than a ship’s deck for a pirate turned queen, and a princess turned pirate who brave the unknown in search of their destinies.” (GoodReads)

Fate of ruby and throne by monroe wildrose  book club books for fantasy readers.

The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

A heartwarming and magical story about a man, his cat, and his job of looking over children in the orphanage. What strange secrets and wonders will unfold from the dangerous case he gets assigned to?  This nominee for best fantasy book in 2020 can make a wonderful book club books for you & your booklover pals!

Synopsis: 

“A magical island. A dangerous task. A burning secret. An enchanting story, masterfully told, The House in the Cerulean Sea is about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place—and realizing that family is yours.” (GoodReads)
Take a peek at these awesome discussion questions for The House in the Cerulean Sea!

The house in the cerulean sea by t. J. Klune book club books for fantasy readers.

1984 by George Orwell

We had to toss in a classic to this book club books list, and this 1949 novel is still rocking the minds of sci-fi bookworms today. Are you and your book club ready to take on an epic mind journey to a world painted in a bundle of questions that will leave you all ready to discuss? 

Synopsis: 

“Though the story of Nineteen Eighty-Four takes place thirty-five years hence, it is in every sense timely. The scene is London, where there has been no new housing since 1950 and where the city-wide slums are called Victory Mansions. Science has abandoned Man for the State. As every citizen knows only too well, war is peace.

To Winston Smith, a young man who works in the Ministry of Truth (Minitru for short), come two people who transform this life completely. One is Julia, whom he meets after she hands him a slip reading, “I love you.” The other is O’Brien, who tells him, “We shall meet in the place where there is no darkness.” The way in which Winston is betrayed by the one and, against his own desires and instincts, ultimately betrays the other, makes a story of mounting drama and suspense.” (GoodReads)
Here are some riveting discussion questions for 1984!

1984 by george orwell book club books for sci-fi readers.

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

Applauded and raved for being a cozy fantasy adventure, this nominee for best fantasy book in 2022 is a perfect novel to add to the book club books list if you and your book buddies are still looking for a sense of adventure, but need something a little cozier. 

Synopsis: 

“After a lifetime of bounties and bloodshed, Viv is hanging up her sword for the last time.

The battle-weary orc aims to start fresh, opening the first ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. But old and new rivals stand in the way of success—not to mention the fact that no one has the faintest idea what coffee actually is. If Viv wants to put the blade behind her and make her plans a reality, she won’t be able to go it alone. But the true rewards of the uncharted path are the travelers you meet along the way. And whether drawn together by ancient magic, flaky pastry, or a freshly brewed cup, they may become partners, family, and something deeper than she ever could have dreamed.” (GoodReads)

Legends & lattes by travis baldree book club books ideas for fantasy readers.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

Also amongst the nominees for best fantasy for 2022 is a bewitching tale of a sweet romance, breaking free and finding your way. Gather your witches and get your fantasy discussion on with this hopeful read!

Synopsis: 

“A warm and uplifting novel about an isolated witch whose opportunity to embrace a quirky new family–and a new love–changes the course of her life.

As one of the few witches in Britain, Mika Moon knows she has to hide her magic, keep her head down, and stay away from other witches so their powers don’t mingle and draw attention. And as an orphan who lost her parents at a young age and was raised by strangers, she’s used to being alone and she follows the rules…with one exception: an online account, where she posts videos pretending to be a witch. She thinks no one will take it seriously.

But someone does. An unexpected message arrives, begging her to travel to the remote and mysterious Nowhere House to teach three young witches how to control their magic. It breaks all of the rules, but Mika goes anyway, and is immediately tangled up in the lives and secrets of not only her three charges, but also an absent archaeologist, a retired actor, two long-suffering caretakers, and…Jamie. The handsome and prickly librarian of Nowhere House would do anything to protect the children, and as far as he’s concerned, a stranger like Mika is a threat. An irritatingly appealing threat.

As Mika begins to find her place at Nowhere House, the thought of belonging somewhere begins to feel like a real possibility. But magic isn’t the only danger in the world, and when a threat comes knocking at their door, Mika will need to decide whether to risk everything to protect a found family she didn’t know she was looking for….” (GoodReads)
Check out these magical discussion questions for The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches!

The very secret society of irregular witches by sangu mandanna book club books ideas for fantasy readers.

Lonely Castle in the Mirror by Mizuki Tsujimura

Do you and your clang like a good thrill, yet stimulating and hopeful plot? This fantastic story will bring you through a rollercoaster of emotions while diving into a riveting and mysterious plot.

Synopsis: 

“Seven students are avoiding going to school, hiding in their darkened bedrooms, unable to face their family and friends, until the moment they discover a portal into another world that offers temporary escape from their stressful lives. Passing through a glowing mirror, they gather in a magnificent castle which becomes their playground and refuge during school hours. The students are tasked with locating a key, hidden somewhere in the castle, that will allow whoever finds it to be granted one wish. At this moment, the castle will vanish, along with all memories they may have of their adventure. If they fail to leave the castle by 5 pm every afternoon, they will be eaten by the keeper of the castle, an easily provoked and shrill creature named the Wolf Queen. Delving into their emotional lives with sympathy and a generous warmth, Lonely Castle in the Mirror shows the unexpected rewards of reaching out to others. Exploring vivid human stories with a twisty and puzzle-like plot, this heart-warming novel is full of joy and hope for anyone touched by sadness and vulnerability.” (GoodReads)

Lonely castle in the mirror by mizuki tsujimura book club books for fantasy readers.
Illustration of hand-drawn books in a pile.

Book Club Books for Romance

Ah yes, we all love a bit of romance in our lives. And the romantic hoops and loops are just the perfect dose for a romance-loving book club. We’ve got some hidden gems, indie books, LGBTQ representation, diversity, and a classic romance tucked away in this set of lovey-dovey book club books list!

Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert

Humor and romance? Sign us up! This book may take place in High School, but that doesn’t mean you and your group can tack this lovely story about setting your differences aside and taking on a challenge to your list of book club books. 

Synopsis: 

“Bradley Graeme is pretty much perfect. He’s a star football player, manages his OCD well (enough), and comes out on top in all his classes . . . except the ones he shares with his ex-best friend, Celine.

Celine Bangura is conspiracy-theory-obsessed. Social media followers eat up her takes on everything from UFOs to holiday overconsumption–yet, she’s still not cool enough for the popular kids’ table. Which is why Brad abandoned her for the in-crowd years ago. (At least, that’s how Celine sees it.)

These days, there’s nothing between them other than petty insults and academic rivalry. So when Celine signs up for a survival course in the woods, she’s surprised to find Brad right beside her.

Forced to work as a team for the chance to win a grand prize, these two teens must trudge through not just mud and dirt but their messy past. And as this adventure brings them closer together, they begin to remember the good bits of their history. But has too much time passed . . . or just enough to spark a whole new kind of relationship?” (GoodReads)

Highly suspicious and unfairly cute by talia hibbert book club books ideas for romance readers.

Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn

The one that got away, am I right? What if it was an entire life of dreams you had wanted to chase as a teenager, but in your adult years, you forgot due to a high-stress job and that annoying thing called adulting? This book is a terrific combo of a romantic story, finding yourself, and reigniting the passion within you. 

Synopsis: 

“Longtime personal assistant Georgie Mulcahy has made a career out of putting others before herself. When an unexpected upheaval sends her away from her hectic job in L.A. and back to her hometown, Georgie must confront an uncomfortable truth: her own wants and needs have always been a disconcertingly blank page.

But then Georgie comes across a forgotten artifact—a “friendfic” diary she wrote as a teenager, filled with possibilities she once imagined. To an overwhelmed Georgie, the diary’s simple, small-scale ideas are a lifeline—a guidebook for getting started on a new path.

Georgie’s plans hit a snag when she comes face to face with an unexpected roommate—Levi Fanning, onetime town troublemaker and current town hermit. But this quiet, grouchy man is more than just his reputation, and he offers to help Georgie with her quest. As the two make their way through her wishlist, Georgie begins to realize that what she truly wants might not be in the pages of her diary after all, but right by her side—if only they can both find a way to let go of the pasts that hold them back.

Honest and deeply emotional, Georgie, All Along is a smart, tender must-read for everyone who’s ever wondered about the life that got away . . .” (GoodReads)

Take a look at these wonderful discussion questions for Georgie, All Along!

Georgie, all along by kate clayborn book club books ideas for romance readers.

Soulmates: A Metaphysical Love Story by Sarah Faeth Sanders

One of the most romantic words in the romance dictionary: soulmates. What if a love story spanned over multiple lives, hardships, and beautiful moments? Dive into all sorts of deep and meaningful topics with this touching and romantic novel!

Synopsis: 
“Audrey Anderson had her life figured out—until Zachary Peters showed up and turned everything upside down. Now, her picture perfect life is about to unravel, but the life she creates for herself from the ruins will be more beautiful than she ever imagined. Soulmates follows the story of Audrey and Zachary through more lives than one as they search for each other throughout time and space. Through snapshots of many lives and realities, this epic romance places Audrey and Zachary’s love on a cosmic stage. Follow Audrey’s journey as she breaks free from the pressures of family and religion to pursue her dreams, and witness as the unearthly tether that binds her to her true love pulls them together again and again—in our time, in the past, and on strange and distant worlds.” (GoodReads)

Soulmates: a metaphysical love story by sarah faeth sanders book club books ideas for romance readers.

The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman

A nominee for best fiction in 2019, this quirky and cozy romance laced with found family is a lovely choice for a feel-good book club books choice. 

Synopsis: 

“The only child of a single mother, Nina has her life just as she wants it: a job in a bookstore, a kick-butt trivia team, a world-class planner and a cat named Phil. If she sometimes suspects there might be more to life than reading, she just shrugs and picks up a new book.

When the father Nina never knew existed suddenly dies, leaving behind innumerable sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews, Nina is horrified. They all live close by! They’re all—or mostly all—excited to meet her! She’ll have to Speak. To. Strangers. It’s a disaster! And as if that wasn’t enough, Tom, her trivia nemesis, has turned out to be cute, funny, and deeply interested in getting to know her. Doesn’t he realize what a terrible idea that is?” (GoodReads)

Here are some pondering discussion questions for The Bookish Life of Nina Hill!

The bookish life of nina hill by abbi waxman book club books ideas for romance readers.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

Could you imagine living your entire life and everyone you met never remembered you? What if you were immortal? Take a trip on this wild, historical, fantasy-turned-to-romance adventure with your fellow bookworms! 

Synopsis: 

“France, 1714: in a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets.

Thus begins the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue, and a dazzling adventure that will play out across centuries and continents, across history and art, as a young woman learns how far she will go to leave her mark on the world.

But everything changes when, after nearly 300 years, Addie stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore and he remembers her name.” (GoodReads)
Read about these thought-provoking discussion questions for The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue!

The invisible life of addie larue by v. E. Schwab book club books for romance readers.

I Thought You Said This Would Work by Ann Wertz Garvin

What’s sweeter than rekindling a deep friendship? Doing it via road trip with shenanigans on the way! This story is full of excitement, deep talks, secrets, surprise love, and laughs to endure. 

Synopsis: 

“Widowed Samantha Arias hasn’t spoken to Holly Dunfee in forever. It’s for the best. Samantha prefers to avoid conflict. The blisteringly honest Holly craves it. What they still have in common puts them both back on speed dial: a mutual love for Katie, their best friend of twenty-five years, now hospitalized with cancer and needing one little errand from her old college roomies.

It’s simple: travel cross-country together, steal her loathsome ex-husband’s VW camper, find Katie’s diabetic Great Pyrenees at a Utah rescue, and drive him back home to Wisconsin. If it’ll make Katie happy, no favor is too big (one hundred pounds), too daunting (two thousand miles), or too illegal (ish), even when a boho D-list celebrity hitches a ride and drives the road trip in fresh directions.Samantha and Holly are following every new turn—toward second chances, unexpected romance, and self-discovery—and finally blowing the dust off the secret that broke their friendship. On the open road, they’ll try to put it back together—for themselves, and especially for the love of Katie.” (GoodReads)

I thought you said this would work by ann wertz garvin book club books for romance readers.

The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers by Adam Sass

An adorable and original story about falling for a stranger and setting out to find them? We think YES! Take on this cutesy and lovely love story with your book club members and discuss the adorableness afterward!

Synopsis: 
“Micah Summers runs a popular Instagram full of drawings of his numerous imaginary boyfriends (ninety-nine so far)—though he’s never had a real boyfriend before. But when a meet-cute with Boy 100 goes wrong, Micah embarks on a Prince Charming-like quest throughout Chicago to find true love—for real this time.” (GoodReads)

The 99 boyfriends of micah summers by adam sass book club books for romance readers.

The Princess Bride by William Goldman

We told you we’d slip in a classic, and this romance is one of the top romantic stories EVER! Sure, some of your fellow members may have seen the movie, but have they read the epic love story? Read this classic together, have a great discussion, and reward yourselves with a movie night!

Synopsis: 

“What happens when the most beautiful girl in the world marries the handsomest prince of all time and he turns out to be…well…a lot less than the man of her dreams?

As a boy, William Goldman claims, he loved to hear his father read the S. Morgenstern classic, The Princess Bride. But as a grown-up he discovered that the boring parts were left out of good old Dad’s recitation, and only the “good parts” reached his ears.

Now Goldman does Dad one better. He’s reconstructed the “Good Parts Version” to delight wise kids and wide-eyed grownups everywhere.

What’s it about? Fencing. Fighting. True Love. Strong Hate. Harsh Revenge. A Few Giants. Lots of Bad Men. Lots of Good Men. Five or Six Beautiful Women. Beasties Monstrous and Gentle. Some Swell Escapes and Captures. Death, Lies, Truth, Miracles, and a Little Sex.” (GoodReads)
Bring on the discussion with these awesome questions for The Princess Bride!

The princess bride by william goldman book club books for readers.

Breathers: A Zombie’s Lament by S.G. Browne

Into a little dark comedy? How about Zombies that find love again? How oddly specific, and terrific because this is the book for you! If you and your book club don’t mind some dark elements and messy zombie tendencies, then this will be a wonderful add-on to your book club books list. And a one-of-a-kind book club books addition at that!

Synopsis: 

“Meet Andy Warner, a recently deceased everyman and newly minted zombie. Resented by his parents, abandoned by his friends, and reviled by a society that no longer considers him human, Andy is having a bit of trouble adjusting to his new existence. But all that changes when he goes to an Undead Anonymous meeting and finds kindred souls in Rita, an impossibly sexy recent suicide with a taste for the formaldehyde in cosmetic products, and Jerry, a twenty-one-year-old car-crash victim with an exposed brain and a penchant for Renaissance pornography. When the group meets a rogue zombie who teaches them the joys of human flesh, things start to get messy, and Andy embarks on a journey of self-discovery that will take him from his casket to the SPCA to a media-driven class-action lawsuit on behalf of the rights of zombies everywhere.

Darkly funny, surprisingly touching, and gory enough to satisfy even the most discerning reader, Breathers is a romantic zombie comedy (rom-zom-com, for short) that will leave you laughing, squirming, and clamoring for more.” (GoodReads)

Breathers: a zombie's lament by s. G. Browne book club books list for readers.

Loveless by Alice Oseman

A sweetheart who loves the idea of love, but has never experienced it searches for a reason why. Open your avenues of empathy, understanding, and first love through the eyes of a fresh perspective. 

Synopsis: 

“Georgia has never been in love, never kissed anyone, never even had a crush – but as a fanfic-obsessed romantic she’s sure she’ll find her person one day.

As she starts university with her best friends, Pip and Jason, in a whole new town far from home, Georgia’s ready to find romance, and with her outgoing roommate on her side and a place in the Shakespeare Society, her ‘teenage dream’ is in sight.

But when her romance plan wreaks havoc amongst her friends, Georgia ends up in her own comedy of errors, and she starts to question why love seems so easy for other people but not for her. With new terms thrown at her – asexual, aromantic – Georgia is more uncertain about her feelings than ever. Is she destined to remain loveless? Or has she been looking for the wrong thing all along?” (GoodReads)

Loveless by alice oseman book club books for romance readers.

How many book club books can a bookworm read if a bookworm reads many book club books? It really isn’t about the number of books you read in a year or a lifetime; it’s about the enjoyment, book club discussions, and potential heartfelt lessons you get from the stories you digest.

We hope you’ve found a few book club books that fit you and your book club well, and that you have some fantastic reading adventures in front of you. Remember the key to finding a great set of book club books on your own: what makes riveting book club books is the element of diversity, controversy, and it doesn’t hurt if it’s a bit funny or romancey.

Take a look at our 114 book club names and slogan ideas to amp up your book club experience!

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