10 Best Book Club Books: Must-Reads for Thought-Provoking Discussions

Book clubs have become increasingly popular in recent years, as readers are seeking a community to share their love of literature with. In a book club, members gather to discuss a book they have all read, sharing their thoughts, opinions, and ideas.

Book clubs can be an excellent way to expand your reading horizons and engage in deep discussions about literature.

Top 10 Must-Read Books for Your Next Book Club Meeting

If you're part of a book club or thinking of starting one, you're likely searching for great books to read and discuss. With so many books out there, it can be challenging to know where to start.

That's why we've compiled a list of the 10 best book club books of all time. These books have been chosen based on their ability to spark lively discussions and engage readers on a deeper level.

1. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee

"To Kill a Mockingbird" is a classic novel that has stood the test of time. This Pulitzer Prize-winning book tells the story of a young girl named Scout Finch and her experiences growing up in a small town in Alabama during the 1930s. Through Scout's eyes, readers witness the injustices of racism and prejudice, as well as the courage of those who stand up for what is right.

This book is an excellent choice for a book club because it raises important questions about race, justice, and morality that are still relevant today.

2. "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

"The Great Gatsby" is a timeless novel that captures the spirit of the Jazz Age in America. Set in the 1920s, the book tells the story of Jay Gatsby and his obsession with his former love, Daisy Buchanan.

This book is an excellent choice for a book club because it raises important questions about the American Dream, wealth, and social class.

3. "Pachinko" by Min Jin Lee

"Pachinko" is a sweeping historical novel that follows a Korean family living in Japan over the course of several decades.

The book explores themes of identity, family, and sacrifice, and is an excellent choice for a book club because it raises important questions about immigration, discrimination, and the search for belonging.

4. "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood

"The Handmaid's Tale" is a dystopian novel set in the near future, where a totalitarian regime has taken over the United States. The book tells the story of Offred, a woman who has been forced to become a handmaid, or a surrogate mother, in a society where women's rights have been stripped away.

This book is an excellent choice for a book club because it raises important questions about gender, power, and freedom.

5. "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot

"The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" is a non-fiction book that tells the story of a woman whose cancer cells were taken without her knowledge and used for scientific research. The book explores issues of medical ethics, race, and the intersection of science and society.

This book is an excellent choice for a book club because it raises important questions about the ethics of medical research and the relationship between science and society.

6. "Beloved" by Toni Morrison

"Beloved" is a haunting novel that explores the legacy of slavery in America. The book tells the story of Sethe, a former slave who has escaped to Ohio with her daughter.

Sethe's past comes back to haunt her in the form of a mysterious young woman who may be the ghost of her former slave master's daughter. This book is an excellent choice for a book club because it raises important questions about memory, trauma, and the legacy of slavery.

7. "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini

"The Kite Runner" is a heart-wrenching novel that explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and redemption. The book tells the story of Amir, a young boy from Afghanistan, and his close friend Hassan, the son of his father's servant. The two boys' lives are forever changed by a tragic event, and the novel follows their separate journeys to find forgiveness and redemption.

This book is an excellent choice for a book club because it raises important questions about loyalty, guilt, and the impact of war on individuals and communities.

8. "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan

"The Joy Luck Club" is a novel that tells the story of four Chinese immigrant mothers and their American-born daughters. Through a series of interconnected stories, the book explores themes of identity, family, and the challenges of bridging cultural divides.

This book is an excellent choice for a book club because it raises important questions about the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, the immigrant experience, and the challenges of cultural assimilation.

9. "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

"The Poisonwood Bible" is a novel that follows the lives of a missionary family living in the Congo during the 1960s. The book explores themes of colonialism, cultural clash, and the devastating impact of Western influence on African communities.

This book is an excellent choice for a book club because it raises important questions about the complexities of cross-cultural relationships, the impact of imperialism on developing countries, and the role of religion in shaping our worldview.

10. "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy

"The God of Small Things" is a novel that tells the story of a family living in Kerala, India, and the tragic events that tear them apart. Through a series of flashbacks and nonlinear storytelling, the book explores themes of love, loss, and the constraints of societal expectations.

This book is an excellent choice for a book club because it raises important questions about caste and class divisions in India, the role of tradition in shaping individual identity, and the power dynamics within families.

Conclusion

Book clubs provide a great opportunity for readers to connect with others, share their thoughts on literature, and broaden their reading horizons.

The 10 books listed above are excellent choices for book club discussions because they explore important themes and raise thought-provoking questions about the world around us. Whether you're a longtime member of a book club or looking to start one, these books are sure to spark lively discussions and deepen your appreciation for great literature.