Planning ahead a little for your book club? I know most book clubs don’t necessarily pick their books well in advance, but if you’re looking for your next book club suggestion, this list will be here when you need it. That’s my master plan, at least. I’ve not read all of these books, but that’s the fun of a book club list, right? Jump into these 10 book club books and discover their stories with your favorite reading group.

What Makes a Good Book Club Book?

First of all, there’s no real difference between your average old book and a book club book. Technically, any book can be used for your book club, but there are a few that make your discussion experience a little more interesting.

Some things to look for in a book club book:

Unique topic. Find a book that talks about a lesser known time period, a hidden figure in history, or a place that very few people have been. It’s hard these days with social media and lots of travel opportunities, but there are still books about people and places that have fallen into obscurity. If you can find a book about something a little niche, your world is expanded and the book club conversations stay interesting.
Short books. Here’s the thing, not everyone wants to read 700+ pages. The pressure to read is on with book clubs, and you want everyone to have a good time. For that reason, I am advocating for shorter books. Not necessarily 100 pages, but I would recommend to stay in the 400 or fewer pages range.
Books everyone will enjoy. This may seem obvious but also hard; after all, not all books are for everyone. However, I’m thinking more along the lines of spice levels and certain types of content. Horror books, books covering traumatic topics like kidnapping, abuse, murder, and other violence, complicated mysteries, and even things like high fantasy are not everyone’s cup of tea and turn your book club experience sour.

Every book club is different, but I hope these guidelines help you find the perfect book for everyone to enjoy and discuss.

10 Book Club Books

Browse these book club options and take notes, these might just be your favorite read in 2026!

The Ardent Swarm

The Ardent Swarm takes us to a distant land, but not a distant time. Taking place in Tunisia, the story follows beekeeper Sidi and his quest to rid his beloved hives of the threat of wasps. These foreigners have appeared out of nowhere and attack without mercy. Comparing the plight of the hives with the changing and turbulent political landscape of Tunisia, this book is gripping without being action packed.

Galileo’s Daughter

Did you know Galileo had children? Well, he did, and he loved them so much! But more than that, he had an incredibly special and endearing relationship with his oldest daughter that influenced his life, acted as emotional and spiritual support during his most stressful years, and was a constant source of peace, love, and loyalty between them. Galileo’s Daughter is a moving story during a unique period in history and about a very influential figure who lived and worked in the shadows.

Sent to be raised and taught in a monastery Suor Maria Celeste found her home and calling among the nuns and took her place among them as an apothecary, mender, confidante, and gardener. She built a beautiful life there and leant her expertise to her father as he made his iconic discoveries and battled with the powers that be.

The Lost Bookshop

History, mystery, love, Ireland, and more are all wrapped up in this beautiful story of discovering strength, starting over, and finding home. The Lost Bookshop features intertwining stories that span decades and involve unlocking the secrets of an extraordinary bookshop. I loved the historical aspect of this book and the slight fantasy vibes that weren’t heavy handed.

State of Wonder

On the hunt to find her mentor, Dr. Marina Singh ventures into the Amazon where she is forced to confront her own past and losses, all while discovering a “lush but forbidding world.” I read State of Wonder a while ago and how much I loved it still sticks with me. It’s unique and compelling and offers a great opportunity to talk about difficult choices, discovery, and love.

Under the Surface

A mystery and the Paris catacombs meant Under the Surface was immediately added to my TBR. Teens go on an adventure during a class trip, only to get trapped underground with long-dead Parisians and something chasing them. Against the clock to find their way out, the group is forced to learn more about each other and the very catacombs they’re stuck in. I can’t wait to read this one and think it would be a fun book club book for mystery lovers.

Endurance

I will never shut up about this book. It was amazing! So interesting and a bit of a nailbiter at times, this snapshot of history follows explorer Ernest Shackleton and his crew as they attempt to cross Antarctica only to have to reroute, rethink, and survive against the odds. Endurance is definitely my top recommendation from all the books I read in 2025.

The Forest of Vanishing Stars

The Forest of Vanishing Stars grabs a common historical era, World War II, and adds a twist. A girl is kidnapped in Germany only to be released by the death of her kidnapper into the fray of World War II. Coming upon Jews fleeing the Nazi regime, she is thrown into modern events, becomes a lifeline, and is forced to face her own past.

The Picture of Dorian Gray

If you’re looking for a classic, The Picture of Dorian Gray is perfect. Covering topics like vanity, greed, and the consequences of indulging in your darker side, this disturbing but compelling story has become iconic. A bonus is that because of its age and classic status, there are plenty of reading and discussion guides to really dig deeply into this one.

Shady Characters

Okay, I know it’s an unusual book club book, but I love it so I’m going to talk about it. Shady Characters fulfills the unique topic requirement perfectly. Dive into the history of punctuation with the wit and charm of a novel. Whether you’re a language nerd or not, you’ll love the fascinating history of the bits and bobs we use every day without even thinking about it.

The Summer War by Naomi Novik

As of writing this post The Summer War is not yet available which means if you add this to your 2026 book club list, you’ll be right on trend! Celia accidentally curses her brother, determining his fate and discovering her own powers. A coming of age story, The Summer War follows Celia as she tries to undo her curse all while growing up in a war-torn world and stumbling upon a universe of immortal beings and magic.

Your 2026 Book Club

No matter what your 2026 book club goals and reading list look like, I hope you found some inspiration and interesting reads on this list.

For more book recommendations check out my 2024 reading list, and book reviews.

Happy reading!

10 Book Club Books for 2026