Thank you to all of the great readers who filled out our 2024 Favorite Books survey!
Every year, Reading Group Choices surveys book groups and readers to compile our annual list of Favorite Books. And every year we randomly choose winners who receive a gift certificate to their local independent bookstore, copies of our 2024-2025 annual guide, and a literary tote!
Meet our 2024 favorite books survey winners below (and sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss the chance to take our 2024 survey!).
Dianne Hall of Words, Women & Wine
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Words, Women & Wine started more than twenty years ago. I loved discussing books with other book friends and traveled at least 40 miles to do this. One day I thought, this is something that I could do in Murfreesboro. Long story short… Words, Women & Wine was conceived on a pontoon boat in a local lake, a girl’s getaway weekend! Now, if you travel with me, I find a book that has to do with the location and those going know to read the book… we will have a book discussion! I even check out the local bookstores and see what events/book discussions that have on their calendars!
Words, Women & Wine started with six friends, reading and meeting once per month; now we are on the verge 200 members on our facebook page. Average gathering is about 15-20. For a while, life got in the way and it floundered. Strange enough, it was brought back during Covid! We met via ZOOM as did many other bookclubs. At that time, we did decide to read every other month and have continued with that. Our most recent book was James by Percival Everett. What an amazing, rich and deep conversation!
The women who are in this group are varied in age and beliefs. Most of us are retired who lead active lives with family, travel and books! Several are teachers (from elementary to college), professionals, board members, those who work with non-profits Personally, I would love to see a more diverse group. I am working on that! I believe that a book’s life is not complete until it is discussed. Gathering to share what a the story means, how it impacts others’ lives is part of the circle of the book’s life. But it does not end, for me, until I come to my home and reflect on the growth that transforms my heart and soul. Books are my life blood and become a part of who I am, and every little comment from others enriches my reading life!
We do have fun! This group of ladies has taken field trips to hear authors speak, we have created water color bookmarks (inspired by Marcellus!), we attempted book-folding craft, and always have a smorgasbord of delectable dishes to enjoy. Probably the most favorite book discussion was held at a winery. The book was The Secret Book of Flora Lea. For those of you who read it, you will remember the woods, right? I arrived early to reserve the perfect spot a the edge of the woods. We gathered in a circle just like fairies… it was a magical afternoon. When we host in homes or meet up in a local eateries – there is WINE! Recently, we are meeting in a library meeting room, alas, no wine!
Reading Group Choice Editions guide me in keeping up with books that will speak to our group! Most of the time, we have questions to use as spring board in to our discussion, but once the conversation begins flowing, it takes a life of its own. I use the RGC for my personal reading choices and offering suggestions for others, too! It is a tremendously valuable resource!
Personally, I am crocheting a book blanket this year. My best friend taught me to crochet at the end of last year. The beauty of this is that my granny squares are not perfect, which reflects me, perfectly! I love selecting yarns that match the colors in the books I read! Now, I am obsessed with reading and Granny Squares! Could be worse, right?
Advice for Book Lovers: I think most of us would believe this; read widely and deeply. Reading is an exercise in empathy allowing us readers to truly walk in another’s shoes and feel!
Recent Favorites: Queen of Dirt Island by Donal Ryan, The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer, The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams and The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan
Words, Women & Wine reads for 2025: Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy and James by Percival Everett
Independent Bookseller: Parnassus Books in Nashville, TN
Molly from Madison, WI
How I love everything books!! I am a part of several different kinds of bookclubs. I found I had different kinds of needs for myself (personally) and in order to get fulfilled, I needed to create things, make them happen! So I am a part of an online only bookclub in which I pick the book for the month and we discuss online (Book Marks, on FB), a dinner book club where we all read different books and talk about them over dinner, and then most recently the Silent Book Club of Madison, WI (part of an international movement of Silent Book Clubs.) I started the Madison, WI of the Silent Book Club and in just a year we have over 2,000 members and it’s going strong.
Advice for Book Lovers: Advice? Read, read, and read some more!? I think my only advice is to read whatever you want and don’t be shamed by anyone about your choices. And if you read 1 book a year? You are still a reader!!
Recent Favorites: The Mystery Guest by Gregoire Bouillier; All Fours by Miranda July; Cher: The Memoir, Part 1 by Cher
Independent Bookseller: Room of One’s Own in Madison, WI
Did you know? We also feature a Spotlight Book Group every month. Read about our past groups, and apply to become our next!