As we dive into the heart of August, it’s the perfect time to cozy up with a good book and let the stories whisk us away. What’s even more exciting is discovering what our favorite celebrity book clubs have been reading and recommending this month.
I’m a huge book lover, and I’m always curious to know what my favorite book clubs are into these days. Their book recommendations really inspire me and give me new ideas for what to read next. I hope you’ll find this list useful, and let me know if I’ve left any book club picks out!
Reese’s Book Club
For Reese’s Book Club Pick in August 2023, Reese Witherspoon has chosen “Tom Lake” by Ann Patchett.
To read my review of this book, click here.
For my book club questions and printable reading guide for this book, click here.
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
Tom Lake follows Lara and her three daughters at their Michigan orchard. As they pick cherries, Lara shares her past love story with a famous actor, Peter Duke, from their time at Tom Lake theater company.
The tale unravels family dynamics, love’s different stages, and how the past shapes their lives. Patchett’s storytelling brilliance shines through in this touching and insightful exploration of relationships and happiness.
Read with Jenna
Jenna Bush Hager has selected “Summer Sisters” by Judy Blume as her August 2023 pick for the Read with Jenna Book Club.
Blume’s exploration of friendship, nostalgia, and the enduring power of connection makes “Summer Sisters” a must-read for this month’s book club selection.
Summer Sisters by Judy Blume
Set in the summer of 1977, this story follows the life-changing friendship between Victoria Leonard and the dazzling, reckless Caitlin Somers. From their enchanting vacations on Martha’s Vineyard to the complexities of adulthood in New York City, their bond transforms over the years.
As Caitlin’s wedding approaches, Vix is drawn back into her friend’s world, driven by a desire to uncover the truths of their past and understand why their once-unbreakable connection still holds the power to affect her deeply.
Blume beautifully explores the dynamics of friendship, nostalgia, and the lingering impact of our closest relationships.
Oprah’s Book Club
Oprah’s book club pick for August 2023 is The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese.
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
“The Covenant of Water” spans generations, following a family haunted by a unique secret: a history of drowning deaths in a land surrounded by water. This poignant tale, set between 1900 and 1977, reveals the joys and struggles of Big Ammachi, a matriarch witnessing India’s transformation while upholding unwavering faith and love.
A timeless portrayal of an evolving nation and the enduring human spirit, this novel stands as a remarkable literary achievement.
GMA Book Club
GMA Book Club Pick for August 2023 is “Family Lore” by Elizabeth Acevedo.
Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo
This is a novel about a Dominican-American family told through the perspectives of its women as they gather for a life-changing event. Flor, who can predict when people will die, decides to host a living wake, leading to secrets and questions among her sisters and the next generation.
Set over three days, the story weaves together their lives in both the Dominican Republic and New York City, offering a vivid portrayal of family bonds, hidden histories, and the journey through their past and future.
Belletrist Book Club
In August 2023, the Belletrist Book Club has selected “My Husband” by Maud Ventura as their featured pick.
My Husband by Maud Ventura
This novel follows a French woman who appears to have it all: a successful career, a beautiful home, and a seemingly perfect husband. However, her intense obsession with him leads her down a dangerous path as she strives to maintain their flawless facade.
As the story unfolds, the novel explores themes of love, obsession, and the complexities of human relationships, offering a suspenseful and darkly humorous exploration of the fine line between devotion and madness.
Noname Book Club
Noname Book Club pick for August 2023 is “Assata Taught Me” by Donna Murch.
Assata Taught Me by Donna Murch
“Assata Taught Me” by Donna Murch is a book that looks at how the ideas of Assata Shakur, a Black Panther activist, continue to inspire today’s movements like Black Lives Matter.
The book explores how protests are challenging problems like violence by the state and mass incarceration. It also talks about the history of these issues and how a new generation is working for change.
Mocha Girls Read
Mocha Girls Read’s book club pick for August 2023 is The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama.
The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama
“The Light We Carry” is a helpful and inspiring book that gives advice on how to stay positive and strong when things are uncertain.
Michelle Obama talks about how to build good relationships, find your inner strength, and overcome times when you feel unsure about yourself. She shares stories from her own life as a mom, wife, friend, and former First Lady, and gives practical tips like being kind, staying positive, and finding support from friends.
The book also talks about important topics like race and gender, and encourages readers to be brave and connect with others, even when life is challenging.
Read with Marie Claire
Marie Claire’s book club pick for August 2023 is Ripe by Sarah Rose Etter.
Ripe by Sarah Rose Etter
“Ripe” is a unique and surreal novel about Cassie, who works at a competitive Silicon Valley start-up. She faces long hours, difficult bosses, and ethical dilemmas in a city of extreme wealth and poverty. Cassie also has a strange companion, a black hole, which grows with her anxiety.
As she navigates her challenging surroundings, including an unexpected pregnancy and illegal demands from her CEO, Cassie must decide if the allure of Silicon Valley is worth sacrificing her well-being.
The book offers a sharp and darkly comic exploration of modern life and the complexities of success.
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble book club pick for August 2023 is Tom Lake by Ann Patchett, just like Reese’s Book Club. I wonder what gave them the inspiration to pick the same book.
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
In case you haven’t already read the description, “Tom Lake” follows Lara and her three daughters at their Michigan orchard. As they pick cherries, Lara shares her past love story with a famous actor, Peter Duke, from their time at Tom Lake theater company.
The tale unravels family dynamics, love’s different stages, and how the past shapes their lives. Patchett’s storytelling brilliance shines through in this touching and insightful exploration of relationships and happiness.
I hope you enjoyed this list of celebrity book club picks for August 2023!
Happy reading!
I love to read and I enjoy exploring a range of genres including contemporary and historical fiction, mysteries, thrillers, nonfiction, and memoirs. If you would like me to review your book, feel free to reach out to me!