Please help me choose a book for book club

[Anonymous]

I joined a book club over the summer, and I have read some really great books. (which is why I joined in the first place.) My problem is that I have been asked to host the next book club, and I am so nervous that I might pick an awful book. I have little ones at home so I am not up on the latest and greatest adult literature. The ladies have been in this club for a few years, and well...intimidate me a bit. Please help! Tia.

[Anonymous]

More info please .... what kinds of books does the club read? Is it highly literary/intellectual? If you can give us a few titles it will be easier to make some suggestions.

[Anonymous]

Also, are there guidelines like, only books that are out in paperback or available at the library?

[Anonymous]

The new Jeffrey Eugenides book (The Marriage Plot). He wrote Middlesex (remember?) and I think that choice would overcome the intimidation factor. Not to mention it most likely would be a great read.

[Anonymous]

The Little Bride, Anna Solomon

The Language of Flowers

[Anonymous]

The Book Thief by Markus Zuzak

It's marketed as a young adult book, but it is amazing. It's my go to book recommendation, and everyone I've recommended it too has loved it. Hopefully the people in your book club wouldn't have a problem with the YA label.

Or you could opt for a classic if that would go over well. The Grapes of Wrath by Steinbeck is great for example. I find that very often people (myself included) have never read some of the standard "classics" or haven't since high school so book clubs are a good venue for that.

[Anonymous]

A Visit from the Goon Squad

Cutting from Stone

Cleopatra: A Life

[Anonymous]

The Privleges by Jonathan Dee is excellent

[Anonymous]

The Help

[Anonymous]

My book group read "the Shack" a few years ago and "The Five people you meet in heaven" both had really great discussions afterwards

[Anonymous]

The 19th Wife. What a story. A gripping read. Lots to talk about.

[Anonymous]

I have been in many book clubs and do feel that it is best to pick something that is out in paperback so people can buy it if they choose. If you pick something that it too new, it can be hard to get it at the library. Some people don't like to buy every book that they read for a book club.

We just had a great discussion of The Weight of Heaven by Thrity Umrigar.

[Anonymous]

The Kitchen House

[Anonymous]

Freedom by Jonathan Franzen. From last year, but a good read if you haven't covered it yet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
We just had a great discussion of The Weight of Heaven by Thrity Umrigar.

I'll second this. I just finished it and am making my DH read it. Really great book.