THE JOY OF BOOK CLUBS
(And 6 titles to get you started)

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett, for a feel-good readIf you want to read a book that’s comforting and cosy with a satisfying ending, read Tom Lake. This beautiful novel is about three daughters who return to their parent's cherry farm as adults during the pandemic (the pandemic is hardly mentioned at all which I was thankful for). With nothing to do all day except pick cherries, the women ask their mother to tell them a tale from her past. A story within a story, the writing is perfect, moving seamlessly between past and present. It’s a beautiful exploration of what it means to be happy and what it means to love, as well as an impactful illustration of the lives all mothers live before having children. 

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke, for something differentThis book might be my favourite of all time. It’s like nothing else I’ve read before, and that’s what makes it so special. The story follows Piranesi, a man living alone in a vast, seemingly infinite house, where reality is questionable. I can’t say any more, as it’s best to go into it not knowing much of the plot at all, but just know, it is a tale you will remember forever. It’s about isolation, memory, and the nature of truth and perception – a mesmerising novel that transports you into a labyrinthine world of endless, surreal halls. One of the most magically haunting books I’ve ever read, Clarke’s prose is just wonderful.

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, for a bestsellerDemon Copperhead is not for the faint-hearted, but it is an important story about real issues that will open your heart. A modern adaptation of David Copperfield by Charles Dickens, the novel is set in Virginia during the opioid crisis. It's deep and emotional, and the writing is some of the most beautiful I've read, particularly when contrasted with a backdrop of dark storylines and eye-opening plot points – Kingsolver finds a way to add light to every page. It's rare to come across a book where you know the characters stay with you forever, so I will really treasure this one.

The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, for a classicThe Hound of the Baskervilles was our October book club pick. I was eager to choose something mysterious and suspenseful (but also cosy) in the build up to Halloween and this was perfect. It’s part of the Sherlock Holmes series, but you needn’t have read any others in the series to enjoy it. The story centres on the eerie curse of a phantom hound that has haunted the Baskerville family for generations. The mystery deepens with a suspicious death in the family. Sherlock and Watson investigate and uncover a dark web of family secrets. While this novel delivers all the thrills of a classic detective story, it also encourages deeper philosophical reflection. I loved every second!

In Memoriam by Alice Winn, for an emotional journeyI ADORED this book. In Memoriam is a story about two boys at a public school in England. We follow as they enlist in the army during WWI, and look on as they navigate a complicated love story. It’s heart-breaking, brutal, full of suspense and charming all at once – I’d say it’s even made its way onto my list of all-time favourite books. Winn writes about the horrors of war sensitively and in such a compelling way, I felt as though I was learning so much. I really enjoyed the poetry that weaves its way through the story, adding to the beauty of a book that could have otherwise been extremely harrowing. I honestly don’t know how else to describe how special this book is, please, just read it.

In Ascension by Martin MacInnes, for a new perspectiveThis was our April book club pick and the conversations we had about it were so insightful, one of our members has a boyfriend who is a scientist and she shed some really interesting light on the story. In Ascension is set in the future and follows a microbiologist, Leigh, as she goes from taking an interest in life in all its forms in childhood, to travelling to space and actually growing life in a spaceship. This book is truly one of a kind and left a lasting impression on me. MacInnes writes in such a compelling, imaginative and unpretentious way while dealing with the bigger themes. In particular, Leigh’s fascination with life and the fragility of it really inspired a sense of wonder in me. I think this book is an important reminder of scale and perspective – it felt like a deep dive into the meaning of life. I can’t recommend it enough!