7 Books That Will Spark Lively Book Club Discussions
Some books are so good you just need to talk about them. These picks from Persistent contributors, some older and some new, will give you a lot to chew on.
We all know the clichés about book clubs just being an excuse for women to gossip and drink wine. And while we highly advocate those activities – it’s all about community, after all! – book clubs can also provide a much needed space for thoughtful discussions, debates, and reflection. You just need the right book.
Which is why we asked The Persistent contributors to recommend titles that are sure to spark a lively conversation. The volumes below explore humanity's biggest issues (climate change, race) and also the surprises that daily life can bring (marital betrayal) with some mysteries and sci-fi thrown in for good measure.
In other words, there’s something for everyone and so much to discuss, with or without your favorite beverage in hand.
"I Who Have Never Known Men" by Jacqueline Harpman fits my two book club requirements: It's relatively trigger free, but still has enough twists and turns to ensure discussion is lively. I’d say more about it but I highly advise going into this one without knowing anything, because the questions that inevitably arise as you read will fuel your reading journey. — Han Goldstein, social media manager
“How Can I Get Through to You” by couples therapist Terrence Real is an eye-opening book that powerfully answers the question that surfaces in every close relationship, “Why are you like this!?” Specifically, it explores all the ways the patriarchy has stunted men's emotional capacity. His counter-intuitive approach to dismantling that conditioning is highly adaptable to people in relationships with men they wish would be less "like that."— Phoebe Gavin, contributing writer
“Wild Dark Shore” by Charlotte McConaghy is a page turner that is actually four books in one: a chilling imagining of the impact of climate change; a deep emotional exploration of family loss and love; a thriller; and a murder mystery. The plot drew me in and the story and characters lingered with me. It's exactly the kind of book I want to delve into with others. —- Kathleen Davis, executive editor
I loved reading – and discussing – Belle Burden's best-selling divorce memoir “Strangers.” Just like the most delectable juicy gossip, Burden, who is the granddaughter of the American socialite Babe Paley, spills on just how horrid her buttoned up, nice-guy husband was when she discovered his affair and he abruptly decided to leave their family. Every other line had me gasping, "OMG, did he really do/say that?" But what elevates this book is the sharp, incisive writing and the author's journey to a different, and dare I say, better place, in such a satisfying and hope-giving way. —- Paula Derrow, features editor
“I Have Some Questions for You” by Rebecca Makkai is a #MeToo story that explores the nature of memory and consent, power and privilege. It's riveting, character-driven and also beautifully written, as is typical of Makkai. In short, there's so much to talk about. — Stacey Colino, contributing writer
I gravitate toward books about the clash of cultures between India and the British, which is why I love Zadie Smith’s "White Teeth" published in 2001 when Smith was only 25. The novel follows two families who live in London and is all about the mixing of cultures and second generations. There’s a lot to dig into. —- Kim Murton, Illustrator
I'm already a huge fan of speculative fiction, and “Sky Full of Elephants” by Cebo Campbell really delivers on the genre. One morning, every white person in America walks into the nearest body of water and drowns. What follows is a journey shadowing a father and his biracial daughter as they reckon with the aftermath of what is either an apocalypse or a utopia, depending on your perspective. The book is also an excellent exploration of what a "post-racial society" actually means. —- Daniella Zalcman, photographer
Let us know which books have sparked a lively discussion in your book club. Send your recommendations to hello@thepersistent.com. We’ll be back with more recommendations next Friday!
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More Poetry–in the form of song lyrics!
Last week we kicked off April by celebrating National Poetry Month, featuring the poetry that Persistent contributors return to time and time again. Since then, one reader and one staffer wrote in to share the poetic song lyrics that most resonate with them.
Han Goldstein, Persistent social media manager said: “Despite going through a major poetry phase as a child, my favorite poems these days are song lyrics. In Rosalía's "CUUUUuuuuuute" (from 2022's "Motomami"), she sings, “Mariposas sueltas por la calle/Para verla' tienes que salir,” which roughly translates to, "Butterflies loose on the street//To see them you have to go out." To me, this is beautiful poetry.”
Reader Rayna Baum Lifson said: “I am always in the throes of song lyrics that speak to me at any given moment. A few new lines that are moving me now are from country singer Travis Tritt: “It’s a great day to be alive. The sun still shines when I close my eyes. It’s a hard time in the neighborhood, but why can’t every day be just as good?”
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