Popular Book Club Picks

Searching for study guides on books selected by some of the nation's top book clubs, curated by Oprah, Reese Witherspoon, the PBS NewsHour, the New York Times, and the American Library Association? Look no further. This collection covers critically-acclaimed classics like Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe and Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez to contemporary, buzzworthy novels like Girl, Woman, Other. We hope this compilation of study guides provides your own book club with lively discussion topics and keen insights.

Year of Wonders

by Geraldine Brooks

Publication year 2001

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Femininity, Fear, Perseverance, Self Discovery, Community, Religion & Spirituality, Trust & Doubt, Friendship

Tags Historical Fiction, Health, British Literature, World History

Year of Wonders (2001) is a historical fiction novel by Geraldine Brooks, tracing the 1666 outbreak of the bubonic plague in the English town of Eyam. When the town’s zealous rector, Michael Mompellion, and the community submit to a voluntary quarantine, young widow Anna Frith serves with the rector and his wife Elinor to minister to the townsfolk as the plague wreaks havoc. Through the eyes of 18-year-old Anna, the novel explores what happens when... Read Year of Wonders Summary

Yellow Wife

by Sadeqa Johnson

Publication year 2021

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Power & Greed

Tags Historical Fiction, American Civil War, Race & Racism, Social Justice, Relationships, Trauma & Abuse, Military & War, World History

... Read Yellow Wife Summary

Zeitoun

by Dave Eggers

Publication year 2009

Genre Book, Nonfiction

Themes Gender Identity

Tags Gender & Feminism, Natural Disaster, 9/11, Creative Nonfiction, Women`s Studies, Modern Classic Fiction, World History, Biography, Politics & Government

Zeitoun is a nonfiction narrative recounting the trials and ordeals of the Zeitoun family during Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. Abdulrahman Zeitoun is a Syrian American who has built a successful business in New Orleans. With his wife, Kathy, an American who converted to Islam as an adult, and their children, Zeitoun feels a strong connection to his adopted city and country. He’s proud to be a builder and to help restore New Orleans in... Read Zeitoun Summary