The New Year is surely a time for generating a new leaf, but it’s also a great time for book lovers to locate new page-turners for their book clubs. At a time where information and concepts fly round the world within the blink of an eye, it might be difficult to determine which titles would be the best for a magazine club, especially in light of the thousands of potential choices you will find for just about any given genre. Below is a listing of suggested reads for 2015 that will assist as great catalysts for engaging book club discussions.
1. The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd – Early nineteenth century every day life is particularly stifling for Hetty “Handful” Grimke, a slave working for the rich Grimke family in Charleston. The novel gets set in motion when 11-year-old Sarah, the Grimke’s oldest daughter, encounters 10-year-old Handful for the first time. The storyline then follows Sarah and Handful on the thirty-five year journey that marks how their lives intertwine and influence each other throughout the years.
2. The Fault within our Stars by John Green – Now a major movie, The Fault within our Stars explores the brilliant, thrilling but heartbreaking story of Hazel, a woman who has been diagnosed with a terminal disease. Her life takes surprise and amazing turn when she encounters the unique Augustus Waters at certainly one of her Cancer Kids Support Groups.
3. Dominion by C.J. Sansom – This harrowing tale falls under the group of “speculative history”, in that it depicts a world in which Great Britain has fallen under ruthless Nazi rule. David Fitzgerald, a spy working for Churchill’s Resistance but posing as a civil servant, continues to be given the task of infiltrating a mental hospital and rescuing the brilliant but eccentric scientist Frank Muncaster, who just may hold the answer to a discovery that may alter the balance of global power forever.
4. Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline – Fans of Christina Baker Kline will probably regard this novel as her most ambitious work yet. Orphan Train explores an unexpected and unlikely relationship between Vivian Daly, a 91-year-old recluse who lives a quiet life on the coast of Maine, and Molly Ayer, a troubled 17-year-old who’s going to be “aged out” of the foster care system. As part of an offer to assist her stay out of juvenile hall, Molly assumes the assignment of helping Vivian clean out her home. In the midst of uncovering trunks of old papers, photos and memories, Molly discovers that Vivian was also an orphan, which their lives are strikingly similar.
Any of the books in the above list is going to be certain to offer an excellent starting point for the book club.