You Will Devour All 62 of Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club Picks
You Will Devour All 62 of Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club Picks
Reese Witherspoon wears many hats. She’s an actress, producer, entrepreneur, and—the reason we’re here—book recommender. It’s easy to look at Reese and only recognize her from her iconic roles (yeah, I’m talking ’bout you, Elle Woods), when in reality she’s an avid reader and founder of Hello Sunshine, a media company that focuses on telling female-driven stories in film, TV, and digital platforms. And she’s not just about making content you can watch—she’s also into curating content you can read.
Reese’s Book Club x Hello Sunshine chooses a new book every month, announcing the selection on Instagram and exclusively highlighting stories written by women. The club doesn’t discriminate against any genre, so there really is something for everyone, from non-fiction books to fantasy selections and even YA novels. IMO, the coolest part of picking up a book from Reese’s book club list is the fact that it has a pretty good chance of eventually being made into a movie or TV series. Little Fires Everywhere became a limited series on Hulu, Daisy Jones & the Six is being developed into an Amazon Prime series, Where the Crawdads Sing is in the works to become a movie, and Firekeeper’s Daughter is becoming a series for Netflix. Her! Power!!
Securing a spot on Reese Witherspoon’s book club list is great for authors and readers alike, so the next time you’re looking for a new read, take a whirl through Reese’s picks first. (And dw, we’ll keep this list up-to-date so you don’t miss any good stuff.)
<i>Sankofa</i>, by Chibundu Onuzo
Catapult
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$24.18
After a 40something single mother loses her own mother, she decides to go on a journey to find out more about the African father she never knew, only to discover that he’s still alive...and that he’s the president of a small nation in West Africa.
From Reese: “Our October pick is a beautiful exploration of the often complex parameters of freedom, prejudice, and individual sense of self.”
<i>L.A. Weather</i>, by María Amparo Escandón
Flatiron Books
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$26.03
This fast-paced novel is set over the course of a year, following the five members of the affluent Alvarado family as the parents struggle to hold their marriage together and the three Alvarado children hide dramas and secrets of their own.
From Reese: “There’s a 100 percent chance you’ll be paging through this book to uncover the secrets and deception that could potentially burn everything down!??”
<i>We Were Never Here</i>, by Andrea Bartz
Ballantine Books
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$25.11
Best friends Emily and Kristen are having a fabulous girls’ getaway in Chile...that is until Emily returns to their hotel room on the last night to find that Kristen has murdered a backpacker, who she claims attacked her. To make things even more complicated, this isn’t the first time this has happened.
From Reese: “A novel with crazy twists and turns that will have you ditching your Friday night plans for more chapters.”
<i>The Downstairs Girl</i>, by Stacey Lee
G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
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$10.22
What happens when a 17-year-old lady’s maid’s anonymous newspaper advice column suddenly becomes wildly popular? People desperately try to figure out the identity of the pseudonymous Miss Sweetie, of course—and Jo must decide whether she’s ready to own up to it.
From Reese: “With its sharp prose and super-timely story of identity and bias, it’s the perfect end-of-summer escape.”
<i>The Paper Palace</i>, by Miranda Cowley Heller
Riverhead Books
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$25.11
Set during a single day in Cape Cod, a 50-year-old happily married mother of three must decide how to handle the events of the night before—when she slept with her oldest friend, Jonas—and determine whether she’s willing to risk everything for her childhood love.
From Reese: “I was totally immersed in the fast-paced narrative that seamlessly wove together past and present.”
<i>Seven Days in June</i>, by Tia Williams
Grand Central Publishing
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$24.84
When a best-selling erotica writer and a reclusive, award-winning novelist cross paths at a New York City literary event, their chemistry is instantaneous...and only partially because the two had a steamy, weeklong affair 15 years earlier. Their reunion? Even hotter.
From Reese: “Two writers plus seven days equals one racy read that’s as hilarious and heart-warming as it is sexy as hell.”
<i>Tokyo Ever After</i>, by Emiko Jean
Flatiron Books
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$17.66
Japanese American teen Izumi always felt out of place in her predominately white northern California town, where she lives with her mom. But things get even more complicated when she learns that her mysterious father is legit royalty.
From Reese: “This whirlwind story starts when outspoken, irreverent teenager Izumi Tanaka discovers that her out-of-the-picture father is the Crown Prince of Japan. Meaning she is literally a princess.?”
<i>The Last Thing He Told Me</i>, by Laura Dave
Simon & Schuster
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$25.11
When Hannah’s husband of one year, Owen, mysteriously goes missing, she must figure out exactly who he was and where he went—and why he left a note telling her to protect his 16-year-old daughter, Bailey, who wants nothing to do with her new stepmother.
From Reese: “The Last Thing He Told Me gives new meaning to the phrase ‘you can never judge a book (OR suspicious husband) by its cover’ with her gripping tale of love, deception and disappearance.”
<i>Northern Spy</i>, by Flynn Berry
Viking
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$24.18
Set in Northern Ireland, this tense novel revolves around BBC producer and new mother Tessa, whose sister may be in cahoots with the IRA. Although the two sisters have always opposed violence enacted in the name of uniting Ireland, Tessa is forced to reconsider everything she once knew as the truth about her sister comes to light.
From Reese: “I loved this thrill ride of a book...especially the twist that I did not see coming.”
<i>Firekeeper’s Daughter</i>, by Angeline Boulley
Henry Holt & Company
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$17.66
Although 18-year-old Daunis has dreams of going away to college and leaving her hometown behind, she’s forced to put those plans on hold to look after her ailing mother. Little does she know that staying means falling in love, witnessing a murder, then being forced to go undercover and take part in an FBI investigation of a lethal new drug. Yeah, it’s pretty wild.
From Reese: “A beautifully told story that includes young love, high-stakes mystery, and the rituals of Native American culture. I could not put it down!”
<i>Infinite Country</i>, by Patricia Engel
Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster
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$15.81
From a correctional facility for adolescent girls in the mountains of Colombia to Bogotá to the United States, this novel follows one woman’s journey to reunite with her family, which has become splintered by circumstance and cruel immigration policies.
From Reese: “I was so drawn to these characters and their unique journeys as they navigate their dreams.”
<i>The Sanatorium</i>, by Sarah Pearse
Pamela Dorman Books
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$24.84
A couple plans an engagement party at a five-star hotel in the Swiss Alps, which happens to be a formerly abandoned sanatorium. And if that doesn’t sound creepy enough, just wait until the fiancé goes missing...and then a storm rolls in, trapping all the guests there.
From Reese: “The Sanatorium is an eerie, atmospheric novel that had me completely on the edge of my seat.”
<i>You Have a Match</i>, by Emma Lord
Wednesday Books
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$10.22
When Abby learns that she has a secret sister—beautiful Instagram star Savvy—who’s only a year-and-a-half older than her, she makes a plan to meet up with her at a summer camp...where her best friend and secret crush Leo just so happens to be a counselor. Things get complicated, to say the least.
From Reese: “Talk about a meet-cute! This story is about sisterhood, friendship, and a verrry unique family dynamic that starts with unforeseen test results from a DNA service.”
<i>Outlawed</i>, by Anna North
Bloomsbury Publishing
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$24.18
Set in the late 19th century, Outlawed follows 17-year-old Ada, who decides to join a band of outlaws rather than risk getting hanged as a witch after failing to get pregnant by her husband after a year. It’s a lot more fun than it sounds, promise.
From Reese: “This feminist Western will keep you on the edge of your seat on a high stakes ride through the old West.”
<i>The Light in Hidden Places</i>, by Sharon Cameron
Scholastic Inc.
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$12.08
In 1943, Polish teen Stefania Podgórska made the brave decision to hide her beau’s brother—along with 12 other Jews—in her attic after the German army invaded her hometown of Przemysl, and this novel recounts the incredible true story.
From Reese: “This historical page-turning novel by Sharon Cameron inspired in me such a deep admiration for this young heroine and her remarkable selfless acts of humanity.”
<i>The Chicken Sisters</i>, by KJ Dell'Antonia
G.P. Putnam's Sons
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$14.72
Set in a small town in Kansas, this funny novel revolves around two feuding fried chicken establishments that end up on a reality TV restaurant competition. Unsurprisingly, things get even more heated than they already were. Warning: This book will make you crave some fried chicken.
From Reese: “The Chicken Sisters is a charming, hilarious, feel-good story about the kind of bonds and rivalries only sisters can share.”
<i>A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow</i>, by Laura Taylor Namey
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
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$12.08
What happens when a Miami teen is shipped off to rainy England for the summer following a series of unfortunate events? She finds herself totally out of her element...that is, until she meets a charming young teashop clerk with issues of his own.
From Reese: “Set in Winchester, England, this charming story about a Cuban American girl who goes to visit family far from her Miami home will warm your heart and leave you hungry for authentic Cuban cuisine and an adventure!”
<i>Group: How One Therapist and a Circle of Strangers Saved My Life</i>, by Christie Tate
Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster
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$25.11
A young lawyer from Chicago struggling with disordered eating and suicidal thoughts joins a psychotherapy group after a therapist assures her that doing so will change her life. Spoiler alert: It most definitely does.
From Reese: “This book is a testament to the power of human connection.”
<i>Fable</i>, by Adrienne Young
Wednesday Books
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$10.22
The first book in a duology, this thrilling fantasy follows the titular Fable as she attempts to escape from the Narrows—the island where she was abandoned four years earlier by her father—and claim her rightful place as part of her father’s crew.
From Reese: “Prepare yourself for a wonderful adventure of a young courageous woman named Fable who is tougher than any pirate you have ever met.”
<i>His Only Wife</i>, by Peace Adzo Medie
Algonquin Books
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$15.76
When a young seamstress from Ghana agrees to marry a wealthy man she doesn’t know in order to support her mother, she has no clue what she’s getting into. Once she does know, however, she’s no longer sure she wants to go through with the plan.
From Reese: “Culture, heroism and the search for independence are just a few of the wonderful themes in this vibrant book.”
<i>Furia</i>, by Yamile Saied Méndez
Algonquin Young Readers
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$16.69
This novel follows Camila, a talented young soccer star living in Rosario, Argentina, who hides her passion (and skills) for fútbol from her super-strict parents. Female empowerment and some light adolescent romance against the backdrop of a fascinating place—you’ll speed through this one, promise.
From Reese: “It’s a passionate story about a young girl in Argentina who puts everything on the line to follow her dreams. This one will leave you feeling so inspired.”
<i>The Last Story of Mina Lee</i>, by Nancy Jooyoun Kim
Park Row
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$15.80
After Margot Lee’s mother, Mina, stops returning her phone calls, she sets out to figure out what’s up—only to discover that her mom has died under suspicious circumstances. Margot then embarks on a journey to uncover who her mother really was. Flipping between the past and present, this story is a twisty tale about the complicated dynamics between mothers and daughters.
From Reese: “Identity, family secrets, and the search for belonging are just a few of the themes in our September book club pick.”
<i>You Should See Me in a Crown</i>, by Leah Johnson
Scholastic Press
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$10.22
Liz Lighty feels like the ultimate outsider. Being Black, poor, and awkward doesn’t exactly help her fit into her small, rich, Midwestern town. The only way out is to get a scholarship for college, which is exactly why she’s determined to nab her school’s scholarship for prom queen and king. Get ready for this one to tug at your heartstrings.
From Reese: “[It’s a] super funny, joyful story that’ll have you reliving your high school prom days!”
<i>Everything Inside: Stories</i>, by Edwidge Danticat
Vintage
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$14.88
Why read one story when you can read eight extremely inspiring stories, ya know? This collection follows Haitian women’s experiences with love and loss.
From Reese: “I was so moved by the resilience and strength that these women exemplified. It’s such an empowering read that taught me a lot about Haitian culture.”
<i>I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness</i>, by Austin Channing Brown
Convergent Books
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$23.25
The next time someone asks you to explain racism to them, just direct them to Austin Channing Brown’s memoir about her experience growing up as a Black woman in America. Systemic racism can feel both complicated and impersonal, but after reading Austin’s words, it’ll be impossible to ignore the racial hostility that consumes institutions like schools, churches, universities, and businesses in this country.
From Reese: “I still have so much to learn and I want you to join me in having meaningful conversations, no matter how uncomfortable they may feel—it’s part of it.”
<i>The Guest List</i>, by Lucy Foley
William Morrow & Company
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$15.62
There’s nothing better than cuddling up in bed with a murder mystery, but you might wanna flick all the lights on before diving into Lucy Foley’s novel. What starts as a picture-perfect wedding turns into a murder investigation when one of the guests ends up dead.
From Reese: “Get ready for so many twists and turns as you try to figure out the who, what, and when of this mystery. It reminds me of some of my favorite mysteries from Agatha Christie.”
<i>The Henna Artist</i>, by Alka Joshi
Mira Books
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$16.73
This novel follows 17-year-old Lakshmi after she manages to escape an abusive marriage and travel to the vibrant pink city of Jaipur. Then, in spite of her troubled past, she sets up shop as a henna artist to wealthy upper-class women and soon becomes privy to their secrets. Juicy!!
From Reese: “This vivid story is so rich and complex. Reading about Lakshmi’s journey...captivated me from the first chapter to the final page.”
<i>Untamed</i>, by Glennon Doyle
Dial Press
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$25.76
There are a lot of expectations placed on women. Society tells us how to look, how to act, what we should and shouldn’t do with our bodies…honestly, the list goes on. Glennon Doyle’s memoir is all about breaking out of those boxes and freeing herself from what she thinks she *should* be.
From Reese: “This memoir is so packed with incredible insight about what it means to be a woman today.”
<i>The Jetsetters</i>, by Amanda Eyre Ward
Ballantine Books
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$15.81
Since not all of us have the money or time to travel across the world, treat yourself to a copy of Amanda Eyre Ward’s page-turner. You’ll fall in love with the disconnected family who reunites while on a cruise through Europe. After 70-year-old Charlotte Perkins wins a contest, she takes her estranged children on an adventure on the high seas. What could go wrong?
From Reese: “I love the sense of adventure in this story....If you’re packing for spring break, be sure to include a copy of this fun read.”
<i>The Scent Keeper</i>, by Erica Bauermeister
St. Martin's Griffin
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$15.80
Emmeline lives on a remote island with her father who teaches her about the natural world through her five senses. But what remains a mystery are the scents stored in glass bottles in the walls of their cabin—oh, and the time machine that created the bottles. Before long, she’s forced back into the real world and has to figure out her real identity.
From Reese: “This magical story is about a young woman, Emmaline, confronting the modern world for the very first time.”
<i>Such a Fun Age</i>, by Kiley Reid
G.P. Putnam's Sons
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$15.81
Kiley Reid’s debut novel tackles race, privilege, and work dynamics through the lens of Emira, a struggling 20something babysitter, and her boss, Alix. After Emira is falsely accused of kidnapping Alix’s daughter, she’s launched into a complicated journey about adulthood and the dynamics involved in being paid to take care of someone else’s child.
From Reese: “This story is a beautiful conversation starter about race, privilege, [and] work dynamics.”
<i>Conviction</i>, by Denise Mina
Mulholland Books
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$15.80
They say that your entire life can change in an instant, which is exactly what happens to Anna McDonald after her husband announces that he’s leaving her. And if that’s not bad enough, then Anna realizes that the true-crime podcast she’s been binge-listening to....well, she actually knows one of the murder victims. So naturally, she decides to try to solve the case herself.
From Reese: “This story combines suspense, international intrigue, and the murder of an entire family aboard a ship…following the one woman who may just have all the answers.”
<i>The Giver of Stars</i>, by Jojo Moyes
Penguin Books
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$15.81
Everyone knows that the best stories are inspired by true events. Alice Walker is suffering from culture shock after moving from England to small-town Kentucky. It’s the 1930s and her only form of refuge is joining a small group of women known as the Horseback Librarians of Kentucky to deliver books as part of Eleanor Roosevelt’s new traveling library.
From Reese: “It’s such a great narrative about personal strength and really captures how books bring communities together.”
<i>Fair Play: A Game-Changing Solution for When You Have Too Much to Do (and More Life to Live)</i>, by Eve Rodsky
G.P. Putnam's Sons
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$16.74
Ever make your boyfriend dinner, only for him to leave you cleaning the dishes? Or wash your wife’s clothes, only for her to not put them away for days? If so, then you’ll love this read about a foolproof system that gives couples a new way to split up chores and household responsibilities.
From Reese: “The book gives tools on how partners can learn to divvy up life’s workload more fairly, so we can step into the world more fully.”
<i>The Secrets We Kept</i>, by Lara Prescott
Vintage
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$16.69
Set during the Cold War era, two CIA secretaries are given the mission of smuggling Doctor Zhivago out of the USSR. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a spy, you’re about to find out.
From Reese: “You’ll get to know Sally and Irina, two spies who risk it all for love and adventure.”
<i>The Last House Guest</i>, by Megan Miranda
Simon & Schuster
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$15.81
There’s something about a rainy New England town that just oozes murder-mystery vibes. I guess we can thank Stephen King for that, huh? Sadie visits a quaint Maine town where Avery lives year-round and they become best friends. All is good until Sadie turns up dead, and Avery might take the fall for it...unless she can prove who really did it.
From Reese: “Secrets that have been hidden for years will be uncovered in this thrilling story.”
<i>Whisper Network</i>, by Chandler Baker
Flatiron Books
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$15.63
Murder mystery meets the #MeToo movement in Chandler Baker’s read about three female colleagues who team up to take down their highly inappropriate new boss. Wait, how’d he get the job, you ask? Oh, the CEO suddenly died. Yeah. It’s good.
From Reese: “It’s honest, timely, and completely thrilling—I was so surprised to find out who the murderer was!”
<i>The Cactus</i>, by Sarah Haywood
Park Row
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$14.87
Susan is 45 and mourning the loss of her mother when she finds out that she’s pregnant. Surprise! This book is about how motherhood requires even the most type-A among us to relinquish a bit of control.
From Reese: “I found myself laughing out loud at Susan’s prickly character as she finds herself in a love triangle, navigating family ties, and dealing with nine months of pregnancy at the age of 45.”
<i>From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home</i>, by Tembi Locke
Simon & Schuster
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$15.81
In this poignant memoir, you follow Tembi’s journey of love and heartbreaking loss after her husband, Saro, passes away, and she has to rely on the support of three generations of women. Her story is a reminder that you can overcome every curveball life throws at you.
From Reese: “She learns to heal in the most beautiful way—through the support of three generations of women—and yes, there’s Italian food. Lots and lots of Italian food!”
<i>The Night Tiger</i>, by Yangsze Choo
Flatiron Books
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$16.73
Tigers are scary enough in their mortal form, let alone in any kind of mystical form! The two main characters here have to work together after the wild animal begins to hunt, or rather, haunt their Malaysian village.
From Reese: “The two main characters will captivate you as their paths are destined to cross.”
<i>Daisy Jones & the Six</i>, by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Ballantine Books
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$15.81
Daisy Jones, an incredibly talented singer, spends her time sneaking into clubs and sleeping with rock stars (hey, it’s the ’70s!). So she teams up with up-and-coming band The Six, kicking off a legendary adventure. Daisy’s story has fully convinced me that being a groupie would be kinda cool.
From Reese: “It’s sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll, people!”
<i>The Proposal</i>, by Jasmine Guillory
Berkley Books
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$14.88
There are a few things you can rely on when go to a baseball game, like hot dogs, beer, and maybe seeing a home run. And if you’re Nikole, your boyfriend of five months will pop the question in front of a stadium of 45,000 people. Thankfully, Nikole gets rescued after turning down her beau (er, ex beau) by a hunky stranger...who soon becomes an even hotter rebound.
From Reese: “It starts with a proposal in front of 45,000 people a Dodger Stadium. But it’s not exactly love and baseball for Nikole.”
<i>The Library Book</i>, by Susan Orlean
Simon & Schuster
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$15.63
If you love libraries and their cozy, escapist vibes, then you’ll get sucked right into this retelling of the April 1986 Los Angeles Public Library fire. By the time the fire was contained, it had already destroyed 400,000 books and damaged 700,000 more—but the most important question of this decades-old mystery remains unanswered: Did someone intentionally try to burn down the library?
From Reese: “This book is like a love letter to libraries and made me nostalgic for the long hours I used to spend there when I was a kid.”
<i>One Day in December</i>, by Josie Silver
Ballantine Books
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$15.81
A love story set in the winter is just the kind of romance my quarantine bod needs right now. Laurie doesn’t believe in love at first sight, well, until she locks eyes with this guy outside her bus window. Eventually they cross paths again but not under particularly ideal circumstances. If you’re a sucker for missed connections and tempting fate, crack open this book ASAP.
From Reese: “If you like rom-coms, you will love my December book pick. It absolutely charmed me!”
<i>The Other Woman</i>, by Sandie Jones
Minotaur Books
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$15.80
Adam fell in love with Emily, but Adam’s mother, Pammie, really wished that he hadn’t. So much so, in fact, that she’s willing to do whatever it takes to get rid of Emily...forever. Drama alert!!
From Reese: “My November book pick has one of the most twisted and entertaining plots!”
<i>This Is How It Always Is</i>, by Laurie Frankel
Flatiron Books
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$15.80
Every family has their secrets. Some secrets are small and others have the potential to change everything if they’re exposed. Claude’s family is hiding the fact that when he grows up, he wants to be a girl—but it’s a secret that won’t stay hidden for long.
From Reese: “Every once in a while, I read a book that opens my eyes in a way I never expected.”
<i>Where the Crawdads Sing</i>, by Delia Owens
G.P. Putnam's Sons
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$16.56
You’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but even if you tried to guess what Delia Owens’ novel is about just by looking at it, you’d 100 percent get it wrong. The best-selling story combines love, mystery, and murder told through two intersecting timelines.
From Reese: “Romance, mystery, murder and it all takes place in the breathtaking backdrop of the South.”
<i>Still Lives</i>, by Maria Hummel
Counterpoint LLC
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$15.59
Avant-garde feminist icon Kim Lord goes missing on the opening night of her groundbreaking exhibition, and what follows is a mysterious tale that will keep you up all night turning every page until you learn what happened.
From Reese: “The ultimate mystery full of crazy twists and turns!”
<i>Next Year in Havana</i>, by Chanel Cleeton
Berkley Books
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$13.95
Taking an international trip to scatter ashes isn’t exactly the kind of vacay people dream about. But when Marisol gets to Havana to honor her late grandmother, she discover secrets dating back to the Cuban revolution.
From Reese: “A beautiful novel full of passion, secrets, courage, and sacrifice.”
<i>Something in the Water</i>, by Catherine Steadman
Ballantine Books
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$15.81
Honeymooning in Bora Bora is the perfect escape...until newlyweds Erin and Mark go scuba diving and find something shocking in the water. This psychological thriller will keep your attention until the very last page.
From Reese: “A psychological thriller that captivated me from page one.”
<i>You Think It, I’ll Say It: Stories</i>, by Curtis Sittenfeld
Random House Trade
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$15.81
Another collection of short stories makes Reese’s list thanks to Curtis Sittenfeld’s complex characters and astonishing insight. In 10 stories, Sittenfeld tackles class, relationships, and gender roles in ways both deeply analytical and delightful.
From Reese: “The characters in these stories are so complex and interesting.”
<i>Happiness: A Memoir</i>, by Heather Harpham
Picador USA
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$16.74
Don’t be fooled by the title—Heather Harphan’s memoir contains its fair share of darkness. It starts with her breakup after finding out she’s pregnant. Then her doctor delivers gut-wrenching news about the baby. Your heart will surely break, but you’ll also find joys in her words.
From Reese: “This beautiful memoir will have you up all night, reading to find out what happens next. There’s heartbreak, joy, and lots of love. Trust me: Have your tissues ready.”
<i>Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows</i>, by Balli Kaur Jaswal
William Morrow & Company
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$15.80
Spice it up with a little erotic storytelling. Nikki is a West London bartender-turned-teacher whose students are Sikh widows. Their subject? The art of erotic storytelling.
From Reese: “This book has something for everyone! It’s a mystery, a romance, a family drama…and yes, it’s spicy!”
<i>The Light We Lost</i>, by Jill Santopolo
G.P. Putnam's Sons
bookshop.org
$14.88
Love is a lot of things, but simple isn’t one of them. After meeting in college, Lucy and Gabe’s romance spans 13 years. If you physically have to watch When Harry Met Sally whenever it’s on, then you’ll be intoxicated by their story.
From Reese: “This book is all about different kinds of love, spanning decades and continents as two star-crossed lovers try to return to each other.”
<i>Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone</i>, by Brené Brown
Random House Trade
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$16.74
If you ever feel a little lost, pick up a Brené Brown book. An icon in the self-help sphere, here she teaches her audience how to bridge society’s political, social, and racial divides. That’s no easy task, Brené.
From Reese: “I learned so much about communication from this book.”
<i>The Last Mrs. Parrish</i>, by Liv Constantine
Harper Paperbacks
bookshop.org
$15.80
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer—a nice sentiment, unless your friend is secretly a maniac. Amber Patterson befriends socialite Daphne Parrish, but her real goal is far from innocent. She wants to take over Daphne’s life. Yikes.
From Reese: “A fun and fast-paced psychological thriller about two determined women who play a high stakes game of deception that only one can win.”
<i>This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage</i>, by Ann Patchett
Harper Perennial
bookshop.org
$16.73
Combining literature and memoir, legendary author Ann Patchett gives readers a peak into her real life, and all the moments—from childhood through adulthood—that have shaped her as a woman and a wife.
From Reese: “Reading this book is like talking to one of your best friends.”
<i>The Rules of Magic</i>, by Alice Hoffman
Simon & Schuster
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$16.99
Didn’t your parents ever teach you to follow the rules? Even magic has its limits—or does it? In the Practical Magic prequel, Susanna Owens tries to keep her kids from whatever awaits them in her Massachusetts hometown.
From Reese: “This story is full of magic, love, family, heartbreak, and redemption.”
<i>Little Fires Everywhere</i>, by Celeste Ng
Penguin Books
bookshop.org
$15.81
Celeste Ng tackles it all—race, class, and privilege—in her novel about what happens when worlds collide in a seemingly perfect Cleveland suburban town. After you finish the book, promise me you’ll watch the TV adaptation, okay?
From Reese: “Celeste Ng writes with stunning accuracy about the power of motherhood, the intensity of teenage love, and the danger of perfection.”
<i>The Lying Game</i>, by Ruth Ware
Gallery/Scout Press
bookshop.org
$15.80
A must-read and I’m not just saying that because it’s currently sitting on my bookshelf. Ruth Ware is the master of writing thrillers that surprise you at every turn. When friends from high school reunite after one of them sends an ominous text, you quickly realize that what bonds them is way more than friendship.
From Reese: “Four friends from high school, bound together by a dark secret, get pulled together with one cryptic text.”
<i>The Alice Network</i>, by Kate Quinn
William Morrow & Company
bookshop.org
$15.62
Historical fiction fans, this one’s for you. A World War I–era female spy and a socialite in search of her cousin are at the center of this incredible story, which revolves around the real-life Alice Network in France.
From Reese: “This exciting and fast-paced story is an amazing tale of courage and redemption.”
<i>Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine</i>, by Gail Honeyman
Penguin Books
bookshop.org
$14.72
If you’re in need of a laugh, dive into the story of Eleanor, a loner who connects with a man from her office and then, oh yeah, the elderly man they save from falling on the sidewalk. Sure, the plot sounds a bit weird, but don’t you trust Reese’s recs by now?
From Reese: “Beautifully written and incredibly funny, Eleanor Oliphant is about the importance of friendship and human connection.”
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Here are all the super popular books on Reese Witherspoon's book club list, which are all written by female authors.