What You're Reading: Spring and Summer Picks

What are book clubs reading right now? In a recent ReadingGroupGuides.com newsletter for registered book clubs, we asked people to share some of their spring and summer discussion picks with us. On groups' lists is an interesting mix of newly published titles, established book club favorites and a few lesser-known reads. Thank you to everyone who responded!


HOW THE WORLD MAKES LOVE: And What It Taught a Jilted Groom
by Franz Wisner
"Our group is so excited to read How the World Makes Love. We just went to a book signing with author Franz Wisner and his brother, Kurt. The once-jilted groom is just delightful to talk to. I do not think this book will disappoint. It sounds absolutely fascinating. And having the opportunity to chat with Franz and Kurt just made us want to read the book more. Franz LOVES book clubs, too. He did a phone interview with us when we read Honeymoon with my Brother, and he did phone interviews with two other book clubs I know (one was my mother's). We are so looking forward to reading his book." ---Kerrie Fraser

THE RIVER OF DOUBT: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey
by Candice Millard
"The Mountain Mamas Book Club just discussed The River of Doubt. We feel it's one of the best books we've ever read AND our discussion was great. The book is about Theodore Roosevelt's last great adventure. He and his varied crew traveled down the unexplored River of Doubt in the Amazon forest. The author does a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life, from Roosevelt to his son Kermit to his co-commander Rondon as well as the Brazilian natives who accompanied them. She also brings to life the jungle with it's varied animals and insects. It was a very dangerous trip and there was 'doubt' they'd make it." ---Linda Bentzen


And More...

Austenland by Shannon Hale
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson
The Girls by Lori Lansens
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
I See You Everywhere by Julia Glass
The Invisible Wall: A Love Story that Broke Barriers by Harry Bernstein
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Last Night at the Lobster by Stewart O'Nan
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
The Mountain by Raymond J. Steiner
Names on a Map by Benjamin Alire Saenz
Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay
The Secret Life of Bees (paired with the movie)
The Sister by Poppy Adams
Still Alice by Lisa Genova
The Ten-Year Nap by Meg Wolitzer
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion