book club list: a year of excellent reading

I am always looking for book recommendations. I enjoy reading, and it’s such a great avenue for learning. My aunt has shared her new book club list with me, and it’s always full of good recommendations. I am happy to pass them on to you!

Read on for brief descriptions of each book in my book club list. There are twelve books, so you can read one each month for a year of excellent reading. There’s something for everyone!

The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman

The third book in the Thursday Murder Club series finds the quirky group of retirees in another thrilling adventure. This time, they dig into a cold case involving a local journalist, uncovering unexpected twists and making dangerous enemies, all while maintaining their charm and wit.

North Woods by Daniel Mason

This one is my aunt’s pick, and she’s never steered me wrong! This novel weaves together stories of individuals tied to a single house in the forests of New England over centuries. Through interconnected narratives, the book explores themes of love, loss, and resilience, capturing the beauty and mystery of human life intertwined with nature.

The Pickup by Nadine Gordimer

Set against the backdrop of immigration and cultural contrasts, this novel tells the story of a South African woman and an undocumented immigrant from the Middle East. Their relationship challenges societal expectations and explores themes of love, identity, and belonging in a globalized world.

The Chancellor by Kati Marton

A biography of Angela Merkel, this book delves into her unexpected rise to power, her leadership during pivotal moments in world history, and her legacy as one of the most influential leaders of the 21st century. It paints a picture of Merkel as a determined and pragmatic leader with a deep sense of responsibility.

An Unfinished Love Story by Doris Kearns Goodwin

This novel offers a personal history of the 1960s. It is based on hundreds of boxes of letters, diaries, and documents collected by Dick and Doris Goodwin. The narrative examines their joint love affair with American history as they look back on all of their memorabilia with fresh perspective.

The Last Year of the War by Susan Meissner

A poignant historical fiction novel following Elise Sontag, a German American teen sent to an internment camp during World War II. She forms a deep friendship with Mariko, a Japanese American girl, as they face prejudice and the challenges of rebuilding their lives. The story is one of friendship, identity, and how war shapes personal narratives.

The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters

This powerful novel weaves the story of a missing child in the 1960s and its ripple effects on two families—one Mi’kmaq and one white. It examines identity, loss, and reconciliation through dual perspectives, offering a nuanced portrayal of family bonds and cultural connection.

Here by Wislawa Szymborska

This collection of poetry showcases Szymborska’s signature wit, insight, and philosophical exploration of everyday life. The poems ponder human existence, memory, and nature, blending humor and profundity to create a richly layered reading experience.

The Bookbinder by Pip Williams

This novel follows two young women, twins, working in a bookbindery in England during World War I. As they bind others’ stories, they have very different views of the limitations society has set for them. Their stories intertwine with that of Belgian refugees who join their community. It’s a tale of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of books.

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

In this heartfelt and humorous memoir, comedian Trevor Noah recounts his childhood in apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa. His sharp wit and keen observations reveal the challenges of growing up as the child of a mixed-race couple in a society where their union was illegal. I can’t wait to read this one. I love Trevor Noah and am interested in hearing more of his story.

Facing the Mountain by Daniel James Brown

This inspiring work of nonfiction tells the story of Japanese American soldiers during World War II who fought heroically in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. It also explores the injustices faced by Japanese Americans in internment camps, blending historical events with deeply personal stories. This is the lesser-known side of World War II.

A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers

This tender, thought-provoking novella imagines a world where robots have gained sentience and retreated to the wilderness. When a tea monk and a robot cross paths, they embark on a journey of discovery, exploring questions of purpose, connection, and what it means to be human—or robot.

Does anything on this book club list pique your interest? So many of them intrigue me! Let me know if you try any.

Other posts you may like:

• praying for your community: a prayer “walk” around town
• homemade spiced cocoa mix
• homemade chai: spicy indulgence
• Hail Marry by Martha Keyes: grumpy-sunshine perfection!
• An American Marriage by Tayari Jones: book club discussion
• women in the Bible: lessons on faith and courage
• books Oprah loves (and you will too!)

Fondly,

Crysti