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Best of the “Best of” Books 2018

January 04, 2019 Bookmark, Themed Book Lists
Reading Group Choices presents these best of the best books for 2018

It’s that time… At the end of each year, people gather to celebrate that grand tradition: best-of book lists! But with so many amazing titles on so many lists, how is a reader to decide?

Reading Group Choices has made it easier for the overwhelmed book lover. We’ve combed through the lists and compiled our own — a best of the best books list! Here are the titles we’ve recommended in 2018 that showed up on one (or more) favorite lists from trade journals, indie bookstores, and media sites, including:

New York Times,

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Book Group City Tour: Chicago

December 14, 2018 Book Group City Tour, Bookmark
The Reading Group Choices book group city tour travels to Chicago.

Reading Group Choices travels to Chicago for our next Book Group City Tour!

Chicago is known for its architecture, blues and jazz, deep dish pizza, and beautiful lakefront. It’s also fast on the rise as a major literary city, boasting a growing number of author residents and indie bookstores, plus the new American Writers Museum. And it’s a great place for readers to discuss books!

In our continuing Book Group City Tour series, Reading Group Choices strolls the streets of the Windy City in search of the best (and unexpected) places to join a book club.

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Reading Group Choices Interview with Blair Hurley

December 01, 2018 Author Interviews, Bookmark
One of our recommended books is The Devoted by Blair Hurley

Blair Hurley explores Buddhism, Boston, faith and power in her debut novel The Devoted.

In her novel The Devoted, Blair Hurley tells the story of Nicole Hennessy, a student of Zen Buddhism who comes under the influence of her powerful master — and struggles to escape. Blair answered some questions from Reading Group Choices about her book, her Boston and Catholic upbringing, her role as a teacher, and how we come to terms with our pasts.

Reading Group Choices: The main character, Nicole, moves from being a student of Zen under a powerful master to a teacher of others.

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You’ve Got Mail: Books Featuring Letters

November 27, 2018 Bookmark, Themed Book Lists
Reading Group Choices assembles a list of books featuring letters

As the world moves faster, there’s one object that will always hold appeal: the letter. The epistolary novel, one told through letters, has long held its place in literary works. The exchange of mail and messages still carries a mysterious and romantic allure: long-distance mail or notes never sent; friendships and romances built upon correspondence.

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Reading Group Choices Interview with Anne Nesbet

November 21, 2018 Author Interviews, Bookmark
One of our recommended books is Cloud and Wallfish by Anne Nesbet

Anne Nesbet cracks history wide open in her latest novel, Cloud and Wallfish, set behind The Iron Curtain.

Anne Nesbet recently took the time to answer some questions from Reading Group Choices. Her book Cloud and Wallfish is featured in our 2019 Guide.

RGC: Noah and Claudia’s nicknames, Cloud and Wallfish, are unique and feature creative word-play. Did you consider any other nicknames for Noah and Claudia when writing the book? What made you decide on “Cloud” and “Wallfish”?

Anne Nesbet: I just looked back at my first file names for what eventually became Cloud and Wallfish,

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Book Group City Tour: San Francisco

October 30, 2018 Book Group City Tour, Bookmark
Reading Group Choices recommends these places to join a book group in San Francisco

First came Nashville, and now Reading Group Choices travels to San Francisco for our next Book Group City Tour!

Fog, steep hills, the towers of the Golden Gate Bridge: San Francisco is an iconic city. And the same is true when it comes to book culture. The city’s long literary history and diverse mix of cultures means there’s no shortage of places for readers to find a group or club that fits their interests, or to try something new.

We’ve rounded up some options for SF readers to discuss their next great book in good company.

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