Suggestions for great book club books

With hundreds of thousands of new books released every year and an infinite number of classic novels to catch up on, choosing a selection of books for a reading group can be a challenging task. Below are a few book club suggestions to make the search a little simpler.

What makes a good book club book?

If you meet once a month, then hefty tomes are not a good idea. Neither are "holiday reads" which may be entertaining but rarely thought-provoking enough to encourage a healthy discussion. That is essentially what you should be looking for – a book that will promote a lively debate.

A few suggestions

To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
This classic book, set in the southern United States, is a tale of race relations in the 1930s told through the eyes of a young girl. It stirred up controversy when released in the 1960s and it remains a powerful story. The story of a black man accused of raping a white woman, it examines prejudice and how it should be overcome. Out (Natsuo Kirino)
Natsuo Kirino is one of Japan’s best-known mystery writers. Out is her first novel to be published in English. It is a gritty look at working class Japanese life that transcends the thriller/crime genre. The themes of social isolation and economic struggle in one of the world’s richest countries will provoke some good discussions in your reading group. Behind The Scenes at the Museum (Kate Atkinson) This was Atkinson’s first novel and won the Whitbread Prize in 1995. Ruby Lennox tells the story of her family from the end of the nineteenth century. It is an engaging and eccentric family saga. Atkinson’s superb writing and the novel’s span of different generations will generate sparkling conversation in your book club. What Should I Do With My Life? (Po Bronson)
Not your usual self-help book, What Should I Do With My Life is a collection of interviews with people from around the world who have made huge changes in their lives to follow their dreams. It isn’t all success stories and easy solutions. It deals with just how difficult and challenging life can be. Check out Po Bronson’s official website which has a section for reading groups including discussion questions. The Black Dahlia (James Ellroy) This beautifully-written murder mystery is based on the true life murder of Elizabeth Short in the 1940s. This is a real page turner that delves into the very dark side of human nature and will prove a popular choice with your bookworms.