10 Brilliant Book Ideas for Your Book Club (With Discussion Questions)

Choosing the right book can make or break a book club meeting. The best choices balance accessibility, thought-provoking themes, and sheer readability. To help, here are 10 fantastic book ideas for your next gathering—plus 5 simple discussion questions for each to get the conversation flowing.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate (and through other affiliate programs), I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting The Gifted Bookworm and helping keep the tea and book chats flowing!

1. The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

A cosy crime mystery set in a retirement village, packed with humour, heart, and clever twists.

Discussion Questions:

1. Which character did you connect with most, and why?
2. How does Osman balance comedy with crime?
3. Did the mystery keep you guessing until the end?
4. Would you want to join a club like this yourself?
5. How does the book challenge stereotypes about ageing?

2. Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

A short but powerful novel set in 1980s Ireland, exploring moral courage and silence.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the setting contribute to the story’s atmosphere?
2. What do you think motivates Furlong’s decisions?
3. Did the brevity of the book add to its impact?
4. How does it portray the relationship between individuals and institutions?
5. Would you have acted as Furlong did?

3. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

A witty, feminist novel about a chemist-turned-TV chef in the 1960s.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does Elizabeth Zott challenge traditional gender roles?
2. Which parts of the book made you laugh the most?
3. What role does science play in shaping the story?
4. Did the ending satisfy you?
5. Could this story work in today’s society?

4. Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell

A beautifully written historical novel imagining the life and loss of Shakespeare’s son.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does O’Farrell bring 16th-century life to the page?
2. What role does grief play in shaping the characters?
3. How does Agnes stand out as a character?
4. What do you think about the link to Hamlet?
5. Did the book change your view of Shakespeare’s life?

5. Circe by Madeline Miller

A modern retelling of Greek mythology through the eyes of the witch Circe.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does Miller reimagine Circe compared to traditional myths?
2. What themes of power and isolation stood out to you?
3. Which mythological character was most interesting?
4. Did you find Circe relatable as a narrator?
5. How does the story speak to modern readers?

6. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

A moving, funny novel about an unlikely friendship and second chances.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does Ove change throughout the story?
2. Which relationship touched you most?
3. Did the humour balance the heavier themes well?
4. What does the book say about community?
5. Would you describe Ove as a hero?

7. Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo

A Booker Prize-winning novel exploring the lives of twelve interconnected women in Britain.

Discussion Questions:

1. Which character’s story resonated with you most?
2. How did the non-traditional writing style affect your reading?
3. What themes of identity and heritage stood out?
4. How do the characters’ lives intersect meaningfully?
5. Did the book change your perspective on modern Britain?

8. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

A life-affirming story about regrets, choices, and alternate lives.

Discussion Questions:

1. Which alternate life of Nora’s was most interesting to you?
2. Did the book make you reflect on your own choices?
3. How does Haig use the library as a metaphor?
4. Was the ending hopeful, realistic, or both?
5. What’s one regret you’d revisit if given the chance?

9. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

A gripping novel about twin sisters who choose very different paths, exploring race and identity.

Discussion Questions:

1. What did you think about the choices the sisters made?
2. How does the novel handle themes of identity and passing?
3. Which relationship felt the most complex?
4. Did you find yourself sympathising with one twin more?
5. How relevant is this story today?

10. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

A heartwarming tale involving an elderly woman, a grieving man, and an octopus with surprising wisdom.

Discussion Questions:

1. Did you enjoy the chapters from Marcellus the octopus’s perspective?
2. What themes of loss and healing stood out most?
3. How did the small-town setting enhance the story?
4. Did the book feel more heartwarming or bittersweet to you?
5. What’s the biggest lesson this novel offers about connection?

---

Final Thoughts

The right book can spark unforgettable conversations. Whether your group prefers cosy crime, historical fiction, or thought-provoking contemporary novels, these 10 picks with ready-made discussion questions will help keep your meetings lively and enjoyable.