The Complete Reese's Book Club List

No matter what you like to read, Reese has a book pick for you!

reese witherspoon and her book club picks

In June of 2017, Reese Witherspoon launched her official book club with her company, Hello Sunshine. Each month Reese adds another addictive novel, memoir or collection of short stories that she truly loves to her book club list. 

Every one of Reese’s book picks seems to be something she truly loves. Case in point: Reese stars in the Hulu adaptation of Little Fires Everywhere, her book club pick for September 2017. 

There’s something for everyone on Reese’s book club list. In October 2020, she even launched a YA book club. To help you decide where to start, we’ve categorized the entire Reese Witherspoon book club list by genre. Happy reading! 

Related: 25 Thoughtful Book Club Questions for Any Novel 

For fans of contemporary fiction

Redwood Court

Redwood Court

By DéLana R. A. Dameron

Redwood Court by DéLana R. A. Dameron

"This book is filled with a sense of nostalgia as Mika takes us down memory lane, sharing stories of her Southern Black family through a collection of vivid vignettes…[An] exquisite debut." —Reese Witherspoon

Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall is an unforgettable story of love, loss, and the choices that shape our lives…but it’s also a masterfully crafted mystery that will keep you guessing until the very last page. Seriously, that ending?! I did not see it coming.” —Reese Witherspoon

The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan

“This story swept me away with its big dreams, love, and unexpected twists.” —Reese Witherspoon 

City of Nightbirds by Juhea Kim

"This story left me thinking about the ways we overcome setbacks and redefine what truly matters." —Reese Witherspoon 

The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan

“A stunning achievement, and J. Courtney Sullivan’s best book yet. Sullivan weaves a narrative that’s fascinating and thought-provoking. I literally could not put this book down.” —Ann Napolitano, New York Times bestselling author of Hello Beautiful

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

“This story follows Lara Nelson as she tells her three curious daughters about her summer romance with famous actor Peter Duke…This comforting summer read has it all—summer theater, a gorgeous Michigan cherry farm, young love, sibling rivalry, and deep mother-daughter relationships.” —Reese Witherspoon

Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez

"Anita De Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez asks some big questions, like who in art or history is remembered, who is left behind or erased and WHY. I have goosebumps just talking about this story." ―Reese Witherspoon

Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? by Crystal Smith Paul

Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? is an intoxicating and seductive debut, drawing you into an underground Hollywood world that is as glamorous as it is dangerous. Kitty Karr is an iconoclastic, complicated, and fascinating woman, whose legacy is as relevant as ever today. Crystal Smith Paul is a thrilling new voice in fiction and I cannot wait to see what she does next.” —Taylor Jenkins Reid, bestselling author of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo 

The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo

A “rich, complex family saga” (USA Today). “So engrossing…This book truly feels like you’re a fly on the wall watching a real family interact. SO GOOD!” —Reese Witherspoon

Cassandra in Reverse by Holly Smale

"Fascinating...witty...self-deprecating...We meet Cassandra on the worst day of her life. She's getting fired, her boyfriend dumps her, and her roommates hate her. On that same day, she discovers she has the power to go back in time. You'd think you would know how this book is going to end, but it really surprised me. There's a twist at the end that I did not see coming!" —Reese Witherspoon 

Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng 

“Thought-provoking, heart-wrenching . . . It follows the story of a young boy named Bird on the search for his mother Margaret, a poet whose work was deemed unpatriotic. I was so invested in the future of this mother and son, and I can’t wait to hear what you think of this deeply suspenseful story!” —Reese Witherspoon

True Biz by Sarah Nović

“Goodness, I can’t even begin to put into words all the feelings this book provoked! . . . An eye-opening and heartfelt story about human connection and the beauty and adversity woven into the deaf community and culture. It is both an educational and electrifying peek into a family’s life as they fight to forge connections even as the outside world threatens to close the door on them. I loved this story so much, it is not one to miss.”Reese Witherspoon

Honor by Trinity Umrigar

“Honor is an utterly engrossing novel about two very different women whose lives converge after an unspeakable act of violence in India. With insight and compassion, Thrity Umrigar writes masterfully about the complexities of hatred and love, estrangement and belonging, oppression and privilege, about holding on and letting go. A powerful, important, unforgettable book.” Cheryl Strayed, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Wild

The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak

“Through gorgeous prose, we unearth tangled stories from past and present—a young woman’s desire to understand her roots, and the story of two teenagers, a Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot, whose love was forbidden during a time of conflict and unrest in Cyprus.” —Reese Witherspoon

Sankofa by Chibundu Onuzo

“A beautiful exploration of the often complex parameters of freedom, prejudice, and individual sense of self. Chibundu Onuzo has written a captivating story about a mixed-race British woman who goes in search of the West African father she never knew . . . [A] beautiful book about a woman brave enough to discover her true identity.” —Reese Witherspoon

L.A. Weather by María Amparo Escandón

"A phenomenal story about the Mexican-American experience in L.A: fun, quirky, heart-wrenching, very human and full of soul. Read it and realize how much we all share (beyond the weather). María Amparo Escandón is a superb and unique observer."―Jorge Ramos, award-winning journalist and author of No Borders

The Jetsetters by Amanda Eyre Ward

Dysfunctional family goes away together on a Mediterranean cruise: What’s not to love?”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

“I fell in love with Eleanor, an eccentric and regimented loner whose life beautifully unfolds after a chance encounter with a stranger; I think you will fall in love, too!” —Reese Witherspoon

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

A gripping novel about the whirlwind rise of an iconic 1970s rock group and their beautiful lead singer, revealing the mystery behind their infamous breakup. This book is also featured in our book club picks for Spring 2020

You Think It, I’ll Say It by Curtis Sittenfeld

According to Reese Witherspoon, this short story collection is full of wonderful characters—“They’re so complex and interesting, and in every story, you’ll find them going through these pivotal moments in their lives.”

Infinite Country by Patricia Engel

“An exceptionally powerful and illuminating story about a Colombian family torn apart by war and migration.” —Reese Witherspoon

Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton

After the death of her beloved grandmother, a Cuban-American woman travels to Havana, where she discovers the roots of her identity—and unearths a family secret hidden since the revolution…

This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel

Rosie and Penn want their son Claude to be whoever Claude wants to be. They’re just not sure they’re ready to share that with the world. Soon the entire family is keeping Claude’s secret. Until one day it explodes.

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Where the Crawdads Sing is at once an exquisite ode to the natural world, a heartbreaking coming-of-age story, and a surprising tale of possible murder. Check out more books like Where the Crawdads Sing.

Erotic Stories For Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal

A lively, sexy, and thought-provoking East-meets-West story about community, friendship, and women’s lives at all ages—a spicy and alluring mix of Together Tea and Calendar Girls.

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

Such a Fun Age is a page-turning and big-hearted story about race and privilege, set around a young black babysitter, her well-intentioned employer, and a surprising connection that threatens to undo them both.

The Scent Keeper by Erica Bauermeister

A moving and evocative coming-of-age novel about childhood stories, families lost and found, and how a fragrance conjures memories capable of shaping the course of our lives.

The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman

In the prequel to Practical Magic, Alice Hoffman delivers “fairy-tale promise with real-life struggle” (The New York Times Book Review) in a story about how the only remedy for being human is to be true to yourself.

Everything Inside by Edwidge Danticat

Haitian-American author Edwidge Danticat brings us eight short stories containing "unexpected romance, personal tragedy, and family complications ... Danticat’s compassionate sensitivity to the ties that bind us shines through” (Esquire).

The Last Story of Mina Lee by Nancy Jooyoun Kim 

Mina Lee has died under mysterious circumstances, leading her daughter Margot to uncover secrets from her past as an undocumented immigrant.

His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie

Think Crazy Rich Asians set in West Africa, with an extra dose of feminism for good measure. "I love this book so much I turned the pages so fast... It's all about the search for independence and being true to yourself and who you really are." (Reese Witherspoon)

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The Chicken Sisters

By KJ Dell’Antonia

The Chicken Sisters by KJ Dell’Antonia

"A charming, hilarious, feel-good story about the kind of bonds & rivalries only sisters can share. Also, a great present for your sister for the holidays!!" (Reese Witherspoon)

For fans of historical fiction books

Throwback

Throwback

By Maurene Goo

Throwback by Maurene Goo

“[Throwback] is a blend of heart and humor in this beautiful telling of mother-daughter relationships…In this blast to the past, Samantha Kang is thrown back to the 90’s, where she’s forced to help the teenage version of her mother win Homecoming Queen, or else she’ll be trapped there…FOREVER.” —Reese Witherspoon

Isola by Allegra Goodman

“A new generation of survival story…an extraordinary book that reads like a thriller, written with the care of the most delicate psychological and historical fiction.” —Vogue

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah 

"In this epic novel, set in France in World War II, two sisters who live in a small village find themselves estranged when they disagree about the imminent threat of occupation. Separated by principles and temperament, each must find her own way forward as she faces moral questions and life-or-death choices. Haunting, action-packed, and compelling.”—Christina Baker Kline, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Orphan Train

The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson

"A triumph of historical fiction set in 1950s Philadelphia and Washington, DC, that explores what it means to be a woman and a mother, and how much one is willing to sacrifice to achieve her greatest goal." —The Washington Post

The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell

"O’Farrell pulls out little threads of historical detail to weave this story of a precocious girl sensitive to the contradictions of her station ... You may know the history, and you may think you know what’s coming, but don’t be so sure."The Washington Post

On the Rooftop  by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton

“What happens when a mother’s well-intentioned aspirations for her offspring conflict with her daughter’s ever-changing vision of herself? In Margaret Wilkerson Sexton’s showstopper of a third novel, On the Rooftop, this theme is explored with compassion, clear-eyed perception and been-around-the-block delivery. And when placed within the context of racial segregation and prejudice in midcentury America, the results are soul-shaking…. A powerhouse novel.” — San Francisco Chronicle

The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams

“A beautiful exploration of history and the power of language. For anybody who loves words and celebrates them, this subversive story weaves together love, loss and literature in a perfectly lyrical way.”Reese Witherspoon

The Christie Affair by Nina De Gramont

“An unexpected mix of historical fiction and romance, heartbreak and revenge” — Reese Witherspoon

The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi 

Perfect for fans of Manju Kapur, “This vivid story is so rich and complex… reading about Lakshmi’s journey from escaping an abusive marriage to becoming one of the most sought-after henna artists in Jaipur captivated me from the first chapter to the final page.” —Reese Witherspoon

The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

Set in Depression-era America, a breathtaking story of five extraordinary women and their remarkable journey through the mountains of Kentucky and beyond.

The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

Two women—a female spy recruited to the real-life Alice Network in France during World War I and an unconventional American socialite searching for her cousin in 1947—are brought together in a mesmerizing story of courage and redemption.

The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo

An utterly transporting novel set in 1930s colonial Malaysia, perfect for fans of Isabel Allende and Min Jin Lee.

The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott

A thrilling tale of secretaries turned spies, of love and duty, and of sacrifice--inspired by the true story of the CIA plot to infiltrate the hearts and minds of Soviet Russia, not with propaganda, but with the greatest love story of the twentieth century: Doctor Zhivago.

outlawed_cover-image

Outlawed

By Anna North

Outlawed by Anna North

The classic Western gets a feminist twist in this New York Times bestseller. Seventeen-year-old Ada is happily married and following in the footsteps of her midwife mother. But when she's still not pregnant after a year of marriage, she decides to leave town instead of risk being hanged as a witch.

For people who love edgy thrillers

Before We Were Innocent: Reese's Book Club

Before We Were Innocent: Reese's Book Club

By Ella Berman

Before We Were Innocent by Ella Berman

“Three high school friends on a summer vacation in a gorgeous villa in Greece. What could possibly go wrong…? This compulsive thriller reads like true crime and had me guessing until the very end.” —Reese Witherspoon

Heiress Takes All by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka

"An elaborate heist at an ostentatious wedding, led by a seventeen-year-old? We're sold." —Reese Witherspoon

Society of Lies by Lauren Ling Brown 

"If you’re looking for a page-turner that keeps you on the edge of your seat this spooky season, this one is a must-read!" —Reese Witherspoon

Looking for Smoke by K. A. Cobell

"A stunning debut, as beautiful as it is bold. Cobell has woven an aching examination of grief in an Indigenous community with a thriller brimming with so many secrets and twists, it’ll leave you breathless." —Diana Urban, award-winning author of All Your Twisted Secrets

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

“This fast-paced read has everything you could want in a thriller: secret identities, a mysterious boss and a cat & mouse game that kept me guessing the whole way through.” —Reese Witherspoon

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

“Clear your schedule because the moment you start reading [Yellowface] you won’t be able to put it down. This story circles themes like the dark side of book publishing, social media culture and so much more.” —Reese Witherspoon 

The Unwedding by Ally Condie

The White Lotus meets Agatha Christie in this audacious novel from a #1 New York Times–bestselling author—"a clever, witty, and fast-paced whodunit" (Harlan Corben).

Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon

Think: Gilmore Girls, but with murder. “I just loved how intriguing the mystery is but also the dynamics between a grandmother, a mother, and a teenage daughter." —Reese Witherspoon

Starling House by Alix E. Harrow

“This book has everything you could possibly want this fall...a cursed town, a haunted house, a vivid & eerie setting—plus, characters willing to risk everything.” —Reese Witherspoon

The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes

"This is an absolute, can’t-put-it-down thriller...It’s truly a wild ride that had me flying through chapter after chapter—which I think is the perfect way to kick off your year of reading." —Reese Witherspoon

Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian Mcallister

"A brilliantly genre-bending, mind-twisting answer to the question How far would you go to save your child?" —Ruth Ware, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Counterfeit by Kirsten Chen

"A con artist story, a pop-feminist caper, a fashionable romp . . . Counterfeit is an entertaining, luxurious read—but beneath its glitz and flash, it is also a shrewd deconstruction of the American dream and the myth of the model minority. . . . Chen is up to something innovative and subversive here." — Camille Perri, New York Times Book Review

The Club by Ellery Lloyd

"Are you ready for the roller coaster ride that is The Club? . . . A beautifully written, densely plotted murder mystery that takes place at a private club off the coast of England. Read about a luxurious, celeb-only island during a weekend of partying and ultimately murder." —Reese Witherspoon

Lucky by Marissa Stapley

"A wild and deeply satisfying rollercoaster ride . . . the most fun I've had reading a book in quite a while" — Taylor Jenkins Reid

Conviction by Denise Mina

A true crime podcast sets a trophy wife's present life on a collision course with her secret past in this "blazingly intense" Reese Witherspoon book club pick and New York Times Best Crime Novel of the Year (A. J. Finn).

The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse

This "eerie, atmospheric novel" follows Elin, a detective who goes on vacation to a secluded hotel with her brother Isaac and his fiancée, Laure (Reese Witherspoon). But when Laure goes missing and a storm keeps anyone from leaving or entering the hotel, panic ensues.

The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave

Reese says this addictive beach read about a woman who is left figuring out where her husband disappeared to—and how to handle a stepdaughter she struggles to connect with—is "the ultimate page turner." 

Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman

If you could make one simple choice that would change your life forever, would you? “A psychological thriller that captivated me from page one. What unfolds makes for a wild, page-turning ride! It’s the perfect beach read!”—Reese Witherspoon

The Last House Guest by Megan Miranda

“No one can be trusted in the latest chilling thriller from master of suspense, Megan Miranda. The Last House Guest is a lightning-fast mystery, full of menace and unexpected twists and turns that will have readers on the edge of their seats.” —Mary Kubica, New York Times bestselling author of The Good Girl

Northern Spy by Flynn Berry

“If you love a mystery, then you’ll devour [Northern Spy] . . . I loved this thrill ride of a book.”—Reese Witherspoon

Still Lives by Maria Hummel

Kim Lord's new exhibition, Still Lives, features portraits in which she depicts herself as famous murdered women. When Lord never shows up to her own gala, editor Maggie Richter gets drawn into her own investigation of Lord's disappearance, fearful that the artist might have met the same fate as the women in her paintings.

Whisper Network by Chandler Baker

“Part page-turning thriller, part smart examination of the #MeToo movement, part feminist rallying cry…Whisper Network is the satisfying “beach read” we’ve earned.”

—The Daily Beast

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

“To say I love this book is an understatement. It’s a deep psychological mystery about the power of motherhood, the intensity of teenage love, and the danger of perfection. It moved me to tears.” —Reese Witherspoon. Check out more books like Little Fires Everywhere.

The Other Woman by Sandie Jones

The Other Woman will have you questioning her on every page, in Sandie Jones' chilling psychological suspense about a man, his new girlfriend, and the mother who will not let him go.

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine

"Filled with envy, deception, and power, it’s a great reading escape. And there is a thrilling twist at the end!!" —Reese Witherspoon

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

"Evok[es] the great Agatha Christie classics…Pay close attention to seemingly throwaway details about the characters’ pasts. They are all clues.” —New York Times Book Review

the lying game ruth ware books for rans of cj tudor

The Lying Game

By Ruth Ware

The Lying Game by Ruth Ware

“Missing Big Little Lies? Dig into this psychological thriller about whether you can really trust your nearest and dearest.” —Cosmopolitan

For fans of unexpected romance

How to End a Love Story

How to End a Love Story

By Yulin Kuang

How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

“A pitch-perfect combination of so many things we love: steamy romance, a growth journey, and characters clever enough to make us giggle out loud.” —Reese Witherspoon

Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell

“[Rainbow Rowell] invites you into the bittersweet world of Shiloh and Cary, where childhood promises are tested by time, and love finds its way back through unexpected twists.” —Reese Witherspoon

Twelfth Knight by Alexene Farol Follmuth

"A love letter to fandom and gaming culture. Twelfth Knight is a charming read which doesn't shy away from examining the fraught relationship between fandom, gaming, and misogyny. Vi and Jack encapsulate the perfect enemies-to-lovers romance; opposites in every way but sizzling with chemistry." ―Adiba Jaigirdar, award-winning author of The Henna Wars

Maybe Next Time by Cesca Major

“This fascinating story follows overworked & overwhelmed London literary agent, Emma, who finds herself trapped in a time loop... No matter what Emma does, she keeps living the same day over and over—all while trying to stop something terrible from happening to her family.” —Reese Witherspoon

Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfield

A comedy writer thinks she’s sworn off love, until a dreamy pop star flips the script on all her assumptions—a “smart, sophisticated, and fun” novel (Oprah Daily).

Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola

Presenting the captivating first novel by acclaimed author Bolu Babalola, an international bestseller, brimming with heart, humor, and passion. The story revolves around a young Black British woman, who initially has no inclination towards love but finds herself entangled in a fake relationship with the very man she had warned her friends about.

The Cactus by Sarah Haywood

In this charming and poignant debut, one woman’s unconventional journey to finding love means learning to embrace the unexpected.

The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo

He was the first person to inspire her, to move her, to truly understand her. Was he meant to be the last? “It's the epic love story of 2017.” —Redbook

The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory

The New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Date serves up a novel about what happens when a public proposal doesn't turn into a happy ending, thanks to a woman who knows exactly how to make one on her own…

One Day in December by Josie Silver

Two people. Ten chances. One unforgettable love story. “Get ready to be swept up in a whirlwind romance. It absolutely charmed me.” —Reese Witherspoon

For people who think real life is more compelling than fiction

We Will Be Jaguars

We Will Be Jaguars

By Nemonte Nenquimo

We Will Be Jaguars by Nemonte Nenquimo

“An unforgettable memoir about fighting for your home and your heart.” —Reese Witherspoon

The Comfort of Crows by Margaret Renkl

"A beautiful love letter to nature and the world around us. Divided into fifty-two chapters, it follows the creatures and plants in Margaret’s backyard over the course of a year, capturing both the joy of nature’s ongoing pleasures and the grief of fleeting moments." —Reese Witherspoon

Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed 

“A fascinating blend of memoir and self-help. Strayed is an eloquent storyteller, and her clear-eyed prose offers a bracing empathy absent from most self-help blather.” —Nora Krug, The Washington Post

I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown

Recently, books about race have been crucial in helping us understand what's happening in America—and how our history made it inevitable. Brown's memoir is an eye-opening account of growing up Black, Christian, and female that exposes how white America’s love affair with “diversity” so often falls short of its ideals.

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

“This memoir is so packed with incredible insight about what it means to be a woman today , what did we learn as young girls about how to behave or believe, and why we need to free ourselves from a lot of these ideas that don’t work anymore.” —Reese Witherspoon

Fair Play by Eve Rodsky

Tired, stressed, and in need of more help from your partner? Imagine running your household (and life!) in a new way…

The Library Book by Susan Orlean

In The Library Book, Orlean chronicles the LAPL fire and its aftermath to showcase the role that libraries play in our lives, and reexamines the case of Harry Peak, the blond-haired actor long suspected of setting fire to the LAPL more than thirty years ago.

This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett

This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage takes us into the very real world of Ann Patchett’s life. Stretching from her childhood to the present day, from a disastrous early marriage to a later happy one, it covers a multitude of topics, including relationships with family and friends, and charts the hard work and joy of writing, and the unexpected thrill of opening a bookstore.

Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown

A timely and important book that challenges everything we think we know about cultivating true belonging in our communities, organizations, and culture.

Happiness by Heather Harpham

A shirt-grabbing, page-turning love story that follows a one-of-a-kind family through twists of fate that require nearly unimaginable choices.

From Scratch by Tembi Locke

This memoir is “a captivating story of love lost and found” (Kirkus Reviews) set in the lush Sicilian countryside, where one woman discovers the healing powers of food, family, and unexpected grace in her darkest hours.

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Group

By Christie Tate

Group by Christie Tate

A memoir that Reese says she wishes she had read when she was 25, Group explores Tate's struggle with overcoming an eating disorder and sorting out her associated feelings of loneliness and insecurity in group therapy.

Want more celebrity book club picks? Check out the complete Oprah’s Book Club list.

Related: Good Book Club Books to Read During Quarantine 

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