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If you loved a sweeping story anchored by a strong woman, these are for you. Every one is a wonderful book-club pick — rich characters, real conversation starters, and nothing you’ll need to skim past.
Smart and heartfelt
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. A 1960s chemist forced into hosting a cooking show, on her own terms. Funny and fierce.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. A grieving widow and a very clever octopus. Odd, tender, and wonderful.
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. A mother tells her grown daughters about a long-ago love. Quiet and lovely.
History through her eyes
The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. J.P. Morgan’s librarian, who hid her Black identity to survive. Fascinating true story.
The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis. Two women, two eras, one secret inside the New York Public Library.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. Post-WWII letters, a book club born under occupation. Charming and moving.
For a slower, richer read
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. A count under house arrest in a grand hotel for decades. Wise, warm, endlessly discussable.
The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams. A widower and a lonely teen connect over a mysterious list of books. A love letter to reading.
A last word
Grab a couple and let your group pick. The best discussions start with a woman you can’t stop thinking about.