Last Updated on January 2, 2024 by Taylor
Need some book club recommendations for what to read next? Here are some fabulous, discussion-worthy book club books for 2023! My book club likes to try and read a wide variety of genres, so I’ve included lots of options – from historical fiction to general fiction, fantasy, mystery, and more.
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2023 Book Club Book Ideas
I absolutely love being part of a book club. It’s so much fun to get together with fellow readers and discuss books!
Everyone brings a different perspective to the table, and there’s always fresh insight or a funny detail I didn’t notice that someone else brings up. (Plus, the tasty book club snacks don’t hurt, either!). 😉
When it comes to choosing our next book club book, we like to switch up the genres each month. A wider variety of genres appeals to more people, and it also gives members a chance to try reading something they may not normally pick up.
With that in mind, I put together a list of some books (mostly new 2023 releases) that I think would make wonderful book club books – all perfect for group discussion!
I’ve included a mix of genres, from historical fiction to literary fiction, mystery, and even fantasy. They all feature varying themes that generate discussion and make you think.
Looking for more book club inspiration? Check out my list of the best 2024 book club books, these heartwarming and funny book club books, and this list of book club questions to help spark discussion (for any book)!
Not in a book club yet? Here are my best tips for how to start a book club you’ll love!
Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult
Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Mystery
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Synopsis: When young love ends in tragedy, one mother – a beekeeper living in a small town – questions if her son is involved, especially given his father’s history. Is her son hiding something from her? Should she protect him, despite her doubt?
There’s more to this story than meets the eye, and you’ll also learn some interesting facts about beekeeping. We read this one in my book club, and it made for a fascinating discussion!
Release date: October 4th, 2022
Maame by Jessica George
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
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Synopsis: When Maddie’s mother returns from Ghana to take over the role of primary caretaker for Maddie’s father, Maddie decides it’s time to move out and start experiencing more of life – including dating.
This poignant novel covers themes spanning from racism, family, culture love, and beyond.
Release date: January 31st, 2023
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
Genre: Contemporary/Literary Fiction
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Synopsis: This beautiful and heart-wrenching novel follows a man with a tragic childhood and the woman he falls in love with. She and her three younger sisters – all very different – welcome the man into their lives.
But something happens to shatter the sisters’ closeness and loyalty to each other. Will they ever find it again? (From the author of Dear Edward.)
Release date: March 14th, 2023
The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry
Genre: Historical Fiction/Mystery/Fantasy
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Synopsis: This historical fiction novel set during World War II follows two young sisters who evacuate to the English countryside to escape the war. But soon, the younger sister goes missing.
Twenty years later, the older sister – wracked with guilt – finally thinks she’s found a clue as to her sister’s disappearance, hidden in a book.
Release date: May 2nd, 2023
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
Genre: Contemporary/Literary Fiction
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Synopsis: This page-turning, satirical novel is about a struggling writer who decides to steal a manuscript and pass it off as her own. It brings up themes of cultural appropriation, plagiarism, and the inner-workings of the publishing industry.
Release date: May 16th, 2023
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Genre: Fantasy/Romance/New Adult
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Synopsis: This breakout bestselling fantasy novel is about a bookish young woman who is forced to join a war college for dragon riders, where cadets are subjected to deadly trials designed to train them for war. (It’s like a cross between The Hunger Games, ACOTAR, and Eragon!)
Here are more details about Fourth Wing & the rest of The Empyrean series.
Release date: May 30th, 2023
The Celebrants by Steven Rowley
Genre: Contemporary/Literary Fiction
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Synopsis: A group of college friends makes a pact after graduation to reunite whenever any of them needs help dealing with the hard times of adulthood, and they stick to that pact.
But now, when they’re in their 50s, one of the friends is ready to gather them together again and reveal a secret he’s been keeping.
Release date: May 30th, 2023
The Whispers by Ashley Audrain
Genre: Contemporary Thriller/Domestic Suspense
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Synopsis: After a boy falls from his bedroom window in the middle of the night, his mother refuses to leave his hospital bedside.
Meanwhile, three other families in the neighborhood grapple with secrets that may have played a role in the incident. From the author of The Push (which was a 5-star read for me!).
Release date: June 6th, 2023 (U.S.)
All The Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby
Genre: Mystery/Thriller/Crime
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Synopsis: Titus Crowne – a Black sherrif in a southern town – is involved in a fatal school shooting incident. But when he digs further into what happened, he finds out the victim and the perpetrator knew each other – and that there’s much more going on than anyone knows.
Release date: June 6th, 2023
Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See
Genre: Historical Fiction
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Synopsis: Inspired by a female doctor who lived in China during the 15th century, this story follows a woman who is trained as a physician for women’s illnesses during the time of the Ming Dynasty – when female doctors were rare – while dealing with societal pressures and an arranged marriage.
Release date: June 6th, 2023
The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue
Genre: Contemporary/Literary Fiction
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Synopsis: This humorous story about friendship and love follows the messy relationships that grow – over the course of a year – between a young woman, her male roommate, her married English professor, and the professor’s wife – and a secret that could change everything.
Release date: June 27th, 2023
Just Another Missing Person by Gillian McAllister
Genre: Mystery/Thriller/Crime
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Synopsis: If your book club is looking for a twisty thriller that will also spark discussion about themes of family, motherhood, and morality, this suspense novel about a missing young woman and a detective with a devastating secret is a great choice!
Release date: August 1st, 2023
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
Genre: Literary Fiction/Romance
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Synopsis: At their family orchard in Michigan (during the year 2020), a mother tells her three daughters about her past romance with a famous actor – revealing truths that make them question everything they thought they knew about their mother and themselves.
Release date: August 1st, 2023
Shark Heart by Emily Habeck
Genre: Literary Fiction/Magical Realism
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Synopsis: A few weeks after getting married, a man is diagnosed with a rare condition: while he will keep his mind, his body will slowly change into that of a great white shark. He and his new wife must grapple with this news – and figure out what it means for their future.
This unique, genre-bending novel delves into the heart of marriage, and what happens when one person goes through a life-altering change.
Release date: August 8th, 2023
Happiness Falls by Angie Kim
Genre: Contemporary Mystery/Domestic Suspense
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Synopsis: From the author of Miracle Creek comes a novel about a Korean-American family in a desperate search for their missing patriarch – and the truths they will uncover along the way.
Release date: August 29th, 2023
I hope this list helps you choose which book club book to pick next! Here’s to a fun book club meeting with lively discussion. 🙂 Enjoy!
More 2023 book releases to check out: