Does your book club rotate discussion leaders each month? Is your turn coming up? Have you entered a slight panic mode, thinking of how you’ll make “your meeting” a success?

• What book should I pick?
• Where can I find discussion prompts which will ignite an engaging conversation?
• What else can I do to ensure a successful meeting?

Not to worry—nearly every book club member faces the same dilemma. Thanks to over 200 book club members who submitted title recommendations for books, which generated great discussions for their group in 2024 and some side bar tips, I’m happy to share this information through a series of upcoming blog posts. I’ll keep them short and sweet to help you formulate a quick and easy plan.

First up, let’s take a look at four titles which I’ve read with one or more of my book clubs and can attest that they belong on the Top 10 list.

Top 10 picks also available on Bookshop.org which supports indie bookstores through online purchases.

Sign-up for my monthly newsletter for more book club picks, tips and ideas. And, since I don’t spam folks’ inboxes, please comment below if you’d like to receive an email whenever a new blog post gets published.

---

The Women by Kristin Hannah

WHY? The #1 choice from 2024, I expect it will be a top choice in 2025 as library wait lists shorten and a paperback version could be released by the end of 2025, making this best-seller blockbuster a sure hit for groups in 2025. The historical aspect exploring the Vietnam War and the unsung work of the Army nurses provides many issues for conversations.

TIE-IN IDEAS. Consider choosing it for November to align with Veteran’s Day. One survey respondent said they invited a Vietnam vet to their meeting, which brought greater relevancy to the topics and issues.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE ACCOMPANIMENTS. Many survey respondents mentioned pairing the book with food and beverage choices. Easy peasy on this one—Vietnamese takeout or pick up a package of Snapdragon Vietnamese Pho Instant Noodle Bowls (9 count package for $23.15).

LEAD SAMPLE QUESTION. “During her Tour of Duty, Frankie evolves from a sheltered young woman into a hardened combat nurse. As wounded flood into the hospital, she begins to question the American government’s involvement in the war. She sees the truth behind the lies that are being told in the media and at home. The Vietnam generation was fueled by dreams and lost on the battlefield. Discuss how the political climate changed the war and how disillusionment with the government changed Americans’ minds.” (Find more questions like these on ReadingGroupGuides.com)

GENERAL QUESTIONS. Which character did you connect with the most, and why? Were there any characters you disliked or found frustrating? Why? (Find more questions like these on The Book Girls’ Guide)

 

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

WHY? The story of Martha Ballard resonated with me given I had read The Midwife’s Tale, the original diary of Martha Ballard, which Ariel Lawhon drew upon in fictionalizing the story. I used it for my research into midwives in rural areas for writing The Path Beneath Her Feet. I included The Frozen River on my #31titleswomeninhistory list in 2024. The setting of late 1700s Maine offers incredible descriptions of early settlements life.

TIE-IN IDEAS. Consider choosing it for May with a Mother’s Day celebration and discussion of Martha’s work as a midwife. Or any cold month (January 2026) in your area. One book club member mentioned she loved the book with its depiction of the love story between Martha and her husband, Ephraim. Their relationship offered a pleasant change up from so many books which feature tangled, mangled relationships and heartache. You could play upon that idea and pick it for February with a Valentine’s Day celebration.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE ACCOMPANIMENTS. While I don’t think anyone wants to try a recipe from the 1700s, you might want to think of a hearty, warm crock pot of beef stew, or frozen citrus pops. Whole Foods has a variety box of (6) for $3.99. Or make your meeting an outing to a café next to a river. Imagine it frozen so solid horse-drawn carts could travel on it.

LEAD SAMPLE QUESTION. “Memory is a wicked thing that warps and twists. But paper and ink receive the truth without emotion, and they read it back without partiality.” (p 39) Martha’s diary is a critical component of the novel, and a key piece of evidence in Rebecca’s trial. Have you ever kept a diary? If not, did reading The Frozen River influence you to start?” (Find more questions like these on BookBrowse.com)

GENERAL QUESTIONS. If you could ask any character a question, what would it be? Who would you cast to play the lead characters in a movie adaptation? – this is always a favorite question with my book club. Although admittedly, I don’t know as many of the younger actors/actresses these days! (Find more questions like these on The Book Girls’ Guide)

 

The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni

WHY? I had never read anything by the prolific Robert Dugoni as he generally writes legal thrillers, not my favorite genre. But, when I read Sam Hell, I fell in love with the character. How many times did everyone in my book club want to wrap Sam up in a hug and mention the unwavering power of a mother’s love? It’s an older title, which means it should be available at most libraries and the paperback has been out for a while. And it’s a Kindle Unlimited title—free if you have a KU membership. (Current offer: a two-month membership deal of $4.99.)

TIE-IN IDEAS. May for a Mother’s Day celebration is an easy tie-in. Another tip provided through my survey is to consider “adopting” a charity tied to a book selection. The Lions Clubs International has a fantastic eyeglasses recycling program to collect used glasses which they donate to people in need.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE ACCOMPANIMENTS. Sam’s mother made typical 1960s era comfort foods. Lasagna. Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, peas. Fried chicken, green beans. He had his friends over for pizza and movie night, too. And, of course, you’ll need a couple of bottles of red wine.

LEAD SAMPLE QUESTION. “David Bateman bullied Sam when he was young at OLM school and later, he reappears in Sam’s life when Sam is an ophthalmologist. How well do you think Sam handled his nemesis? What would have you done in Sam’s place?” (Find more questions like these on Arlenesbookclub.com)

GENERAL QUESTIONS. Did the book have any twists or surprises? If so, did you see them coming? Did any passages or quotes stand out to you? Why?—make sure you have one noted which resonated with you. (Find more questions like these on The Book Girls’ Guide)

 

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

WHY? One reason I think Remarkably Bright Creatures is a top pick with sustaining power to appear on lists for consecutive years, beyond the incredible creativity of Van Pelt to make an octopus a main character, is the inclusion of a more mature main character in Tova. The same can be said for Martha in The Frozen River, and Eliza in my sequel, The Path Beneath Her Feet. It’s a refreshing change from the multitude of coming-of-age stories.

TIE-IN IDEAS. Plan an outing to your local aquarium followed by lunch or an early dinner at a nearby café or restaurant.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE ACCOMPANIMENTS. If you’re hosting at home, consider any seafood favorites: calamari (it’s ok—it’s squid based, not octopus) crab cakes, fish tacos, clam chowder–New England style is the best per moi, the Cape Cod gal. Just please don’t upset Marcellus and serve any octopus-based dishes.

LEAD SAMPLE QUESTION. “What kind of person do you think Marcellus would be if he were human? What qualities do Marcellus and Tova both share that make this remarkable friendship a success?” (Find more questions like these on Today.com Read with Jenna)

GENERAL QUESTIONS. What do you think the author’s message or main point was in the story? What was your initial reaction to the book? Did your opinion change as you read? (Find more questions like these on The Book Girls’ Guide)

---

I hope you found some of this information useful. Drop a note if you did or if you have any other ideas to share related to any of these books.

Here’s to successful book club meetings ahead in 2025.