Celebrity Book Club Picks for November 2023: Complete List

As we step into November, it’s the perfect moment to snuggle up with a good book and let the stories carry us away.

I absolutely love books, and I’m always curious about the latest celebrity book club picks and most popular books they are being read right now. The book choices of these clubs really inspire me and help me decide what to read next.

I hope you find this list helpful!

Read with Jenna

Jenna Bush Hager has selected The Sun Sets in Singapore by Kehinde Fadipe as her November 2023 pick for the Read with Jenna Book Club.

The story follows the lives of three strong and ambitious women—Dara, Amaka, and Lillian—living in the bustling city-state of Singapore.

The Sun Sets in Singapore by Kehinde Fadipe

Dara, a dedicated lawyer, sees Singapore as a land of opportunity, relentlessly working to achieve her goal of becoming a partner in her firm. Amaka, a banker from Nigeria, indulges in the extravagances of Singapore, finding solace in luxury brands and high-end shopping. Lillian, a former pianist from the U.S., embraces her new life as a trailing spouse, enjoying the glittering cityscape from her stunning apartment.

However, their seemingly perfect lives start to unravel when a mysterious stranger enters their tight-knit expat community. This enigmatic newcomer exposes hidden insecurities and challenges, forcing the women to confront their own ambitions and desires. Dara’s work-centric life jeopardizes her personal relationships and professional dreams, Amaka struggles with a shopping addiction that threatens her self-identity, and Lillian finds herself consumed by a dangerous obsession.

As the story unfolds, the women navigate the complexities of friendship, female ambition, and reinvention in the face of unexpected challenges. The novel explores the clash between the facade of glamour and the harsh realities that lie beneath, reminding the readers that no matter how far you run, your past can catch up with you, shaping your present and future in unexpected ways.

Oprah’s Book Club

Oprah’s book club pick for November 2023 is Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward. For all books by Jesmyn Ward in order, click here!

Let Us Descend, is a powerful and haunting reimagining of American slavery set in the years before the Civil War.

Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward

The story follows Annis, an enslaved girl who has been sold south by the white man who fathered her. Annis becomes the reader’s guide through a brutal landscape, from the rice fields of the Carolinas to the slave markets of New Orleans and the heart of a Louisiana sugar plantation.

Amidst the harrowing journey, Annis seeks solace in memories of her mother and tales of her African warrior grandmother. Throughout the narrative, Annis opens herself to a world beyond the physical realm, connecting with spirits of earth, water, myth, and history.

This novel is a profound exploration of Black American grief and joy, a tale of rebirth and reclamation, making it a masterful and deeply moving addition to Ward’s literary legacy.

For my review and summary of the book, click here!
For my book club discussion questions for this book, click here!

Reese’s Book Club

For November 2023, Reese’s Book Club Pick has selected Maybe Next Time by Cesca Major.

Maybe Next Time is a heartwarming and emotionally poignant novel that combines elements of One Day and Groundhog Day.

Maybe Next Time by Cesca Major

The story follows Emma, a busy London literary agent, who must relive the same day over and over. In her quest to change the course of fate, Emma attempts different actions each day to prevent a tragic event from happening to her husband, Dan.

As she navigates the challenges of balancing work, family, and personal growth, the story explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery.

This moving tale captures the struggles and pressures faced by modern women, emphasizing the importance of slowing down and appreciating life.

GMA Book Club

GMA Book Club Pick for November 2023 is The List by Yomi Adegoke.

This is a gripping novel by Yomi Adegoke about Ola Olajide, a successful journalist engaged to the love of her life, Michael.

The List by Yomi Adegoke

Their perfect life is shattered when Michael’s name appears on a viral social media post called “The List,” which posts allegations anonymously. While Ola usually supports such lists, this time, it’s her fiancé who’s accused.

The novel explores the real-world impact of online life, delving into themes of secrets, lies, and the complexities of our internet culture.

It’s a compelling story that reflects modern times, making readers question the blurred line between virtual and offline relationships.

For my book club questions for this book, click here!

Noname Book Club

Noname Book Club pick for November 2023 is Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley

This is a mystery novel by Walter Mosley, set in 1948 Los Angeles.

Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley

The story follows Easy Rawlins, a black war veteran who loses his job and is struggling to make ends meet. He’s hired by a white man to find a missing woman named Daphne Money. As Easy delves into the search, he discovers secrets and danger, changing his life forever.

The book explores racial tensions and societal divides in post-war America, making it more than just a detective story. It’s a compelling tale of intrigue and social commentary.

Mocha Girls Read

Mocha Girls Read’s book club pick for November 2023 is The Cat That Played Chess by Catarrina Cummings.

This is also a mystery novel, by Catarrina Cummings. And I believe it’s Catarrina’s first book, as a debut author!

The Cat That Played Chess by Catarrina Cummings

The story revolves around Zapporah Leverne, who faces eviction and needs money urgently. She believes her extraordinary cat, Rookie, who can move chess pieces, can help her financially.

Zapporah lands Rookie a part in a commercial, but the cat is stolen from her apartment. With few clues, she and her roommate Sloth suspect their landlady and a talent agent named Gloria. When Zapporah discovers Gloria’s murder, she becomes a prime suspect.

The story follows Zapporah’s efforts, using her intuition and tech skills, to find Rookie and uncover the cunning murderer behind the scenes.

Belletrist Book Club

The Belletrist Book Club has selected Death Valley by Melissa Broder, as their featured November 2023 book club pick.

This novel by Melissa Broder is about a woman seeking solace from her grief at a Best Western motel in the California high desert.

Death Valley by Melissa Broder

Struggling with her father’s illness and her husband’s worsening condition, she embarks on a hike recommended by the motel receptionist. During the hike, she discovers a mysterious, out-of-place cactus with an inviting opening. Entering it, she embarks on a surreal journey that is both desolate and rich, funny and poignant.

The novel explores themes of grief, survival, and the human experience, offering a unique and imaginative perspective on coping with loss.

Read with Marie Claire

Read with Marie Claire has also selected The List by Yomi Adegoke as their November 2023 book club pick.

This is a gripping novel by Yomi Adegoke about Ola Olajide, a successful journalist engaged to the love of her life, Michael.

The List by Yomi Adegoke

The novel explores the real-world impact of online life, delving into themes of secrets, lies, and the complexities of our internet culture.

It’s a compelling story that reflects modern times, making readers question the blurred line between virtual and offline relationships.

For my book club questions for this book, click here!

Barnes & Noble

Barnes & Noble book club pick for November 2023 is Absolution by Alice McDermott.

This is a powerful novel that explores the lives of American women on the fringes of the Vietnam War.

Absolution by Alice McDermott

Set in Saigon in 1963, the story revolves around Tricia, a shy newlywed married to a navy intelligence officer, and Charlene, an experienced corporate spouse and mother of three. Despite their different backgrounds, they form a cautious alliance, navigating the societal expectations of being supportive wives while grappling with their own desires to make a positive impact in Vietnam.

Fast forward sixty years, Charlene’s daughter reconnects with Tricia, prompting them to reflect on their time in Saigon. Together, they revisit the events of that pivotal year, examining Charlene’s well-intentioned yet complex actions.

The novel delves into the challenges faced by these women as they find themselves on the periphery of politics, history, and their husbands’ convictions. It explores themes of folly, grace, obligation, sacrifice, and the quest for absolution in a world marked by unintended consequences and America’s tragic involvement in Southeast Asia.

Happy reading! ❤️

Luka

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!