2012 is definitely a time for turning over a brand new leaf, but it is also a great time for book lovers to find new page-turners for his or her book clubs. At a time where information and concepts fly around the world in the blink of the eye, it may be difficult to determine which titles will be the perfect for a magazine club, particularly in light of the a large number of potential choices you will find for any given genre. Here is a list of suggested reads for 2015 that will assist as great catalysts for engaging book club discussions.
1. The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd – Early nineteenth century life is particularly stifling for Hetty “Handful” Grimke, a slave employed by the rich Grimke family in Charleston. The novel gets set in motion when 11-year-old Sarah, the Grimke’s oldest daughter, encounters 10-year-old Handful for the first time. The storyline then follows Sarah and Handful on the thirty-five year journey that marks how their lives intertwine and influence one another through the years.
2. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green – Now a major motion picture, The Fault within our Stars explores the brilliant, thrilling but heartbreaking story of Hazel, a woman who was identified as having a terminal disease. Her lifetime takes surprise and amazing turn when she encounters the unique Augustus Waters at one of her Cancer Kids Organizations.
3. Dominion by C.J. Sansom – This harrowing tale falls underneath the group of “speculative history”, for the reason that it depicts a world in which Great Britain has fallen under ruthless Nazi rule. David Fitzgerald, a spy working for Churchill’s Resistance but pretending to be a civil servant, has been given the task of infiltrating a mental hospital and rescuing the brilliant but eccentric scientist Frank Muncaster, who just could contain the key to a discovery that may alter the balance of worldwide power forever.
4. Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline – Fans of Christina Baker Kline will more than likely regard this novel as her most ambitious work yet. Orphan Train explores an unexpected and unlikely relationship between Vivian Daly, a 91-year-old recluse who lives a basic life around the coast of Maine, and Molly Ayer, a troubled 17-year-old who is going to be “aged out” of the foster care system. As part of an offer to assist her avoid juvenile hall, Molly takes on a job of helping Vivian clean out her home. In the middle of uncovering trunks of old papers, photos and memories, Molly discovers that Vivian was also an orphan, and that their life is strikingly similar.
Any of the books listed above will be sure to provide an excellent starting point for your book club.