Get Cozy & Start Reading | September Book Club Picks + Giveaway
Happy September 1st, and welcome to the very first book club here on Simply Taralynn! I’m so excited to launch this series and hopefully continue to add more options like zoom discussions, video reviews, and in-person local meet-ups when everything is back to normal again. All suggestions are welcome, and I’ve also been working on putting together a newsletter for the book club that will officially launch in October!
This past summer, I’ve been a book worm. I have fun finding new books and love chatting with you all about some of the stories I’ve been reading. A book club has been a popular request, and I decided to just dive into it. There is no curriculum at all, and anyone can join in at any time. I will share 3 to 4 books that I have chosen to read throughout the month and continue to update everyone on how I’m enjoying them in recaps, on Instagram, and will also be writing a follow-up at the end of the month on this blog post. 
This month, I have chosen four books! Do not feel as if you need to read all of them, but I figured there might be some readers who have already gone through all of my picks, and I wanted to have a few extras available! I usually read about one book a week, and I know this book club will be helping me stay on track with reading. Reading is so important to me because it helps me escape from the television, social media, and allows me to use my imagination and learn a few things that may not pop up on my Instagram feed. When I read more, I feel more relaxed, focused, and creative.
September Book Club Picks Are:
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
The One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London
Eliza Starts a Rumor by Jane L. Rosen
American Dirt: Lydia Quixano Pérez lives in the Mexican city of Acapulco. She runs a bookstore. She has a son, Luca, the love of her life, and a wonderful husband who is a journalist. And while there are cracks beginning to show in Acapulco because of the drug cartels, her life is, by and large, fairly comfortable.
Even though she knows they’ll never sell, Lydia stocks some of her all-time favorite books in her store. And then one day a man enters the shop to browse and comes up to the register with a few books he would like to buy—two of them her favorites. Javier is erudite. He is charming. And, unbeknownst to Lydia, he is the jefe of the newest drug cartel that has gruesomely taken over the city. When Lydia’s husband’s tell-all profile of Javier is published, none of their lives will ever be the same.
Forced to flee, Lydia and eight-year-old Luca soon find themselves miles and worlds away from their comfortable middle-class existence. Instantly transformed into migrants, Lydia and Luca ride la bestia—trains that make their way north toward the United States, which is the only place Javier’s reach doesn’t extend. As they join the countless people trying to reach el norte, Lydia soon sees that everyone is running from something. But what exactly are they running to?
American Dirt will leave readers utterly changed. It is a literary achievement filled with poignancy, drama, and humanity on every page. It is one of the most important books for our times.
Already being hailed as “a Grapes of Wrath for our times” and “a new American classic,” Jeanine Cummins’s American Dirt is a rare exploration into the inner hearts of people willing to sacrifice everything for a glimmer of hope.
It’s crazy how life can change in an instant. I really felt this character’s pain with each page. When I thought things couldn’t get worse for the mother and son duo, it did. My heart was pounding as I read the pages, and I had to hurry up and get through it just to know the ending sooner. So much grief, love, and lightness through the darkest time. This was definitely not my go-to genre, and after the first few pages, I wanted to close the book and quit reading. After feeling the grief from the first few chapters, I started to attach myself to the characters and invest in their search for a safe landing.
Eliza Starts a Rumor: It wasn’t supposed to happen this way. When Eliza Hunt created The Hudson Valley Ladies’ Bulletin Board fifteen years ago she was happily entrenched in her picture-perfect suburban life with her husband and twin preschoolers. Now, with an empty nest and a crippling case of agoraphobia, the once-fun hobby has become her lifeline. So when a rival parenting forum threatens the site’s existence, she doesn’t think twice before fabricating a salacious rumor to spark things up a bit.
It doesn’t take long before that spark becomes a flame.
Across town, new mom and site devotee Olivia York is thrown into a tailspin by what she reads on the Bulletin Board. Allison Le is making cyber friends with a woman who isn’t quite who she says she is. And Amanda Cole, Eliza’s childhood friend, may just hold the key to unearthing why Eliza can’t step out of her front door.
In all this chaos, one thing is for sure…Hudson Valley will never be the same.
Funny, romantic, raw, and hopeful, this is a story about being a woman and of the healing power of sisterhood.
I didn’t expect the ending of this book to put me in tears. It was funny, heartwarming, and adventurous. I loved the bond between these struggling strangers that turned into a sisterhood. There are so many struggles in this book that are easy to connect and relate to. A story of empowerment! 
The One to Watch: Bea Schumacher is a devastatingly stylish plus-size fashion blogger who has amazing friends, a devoted family, legions of Insta followers—and a massively broken heart. Like the rest of America, Bea indulges in her weekly obsession: the hit reality show Main Squeeze. The fantasy dates! The kiss-off rejections! The surprising amount of guys named Chad! But Bea is sick and tired of the lack of body diversity on the show. Since when is being a size zero a prerequisite for getting engaged on television?
Just when Bea has sworn off dating altogether, she gets an intriguing call: Main Squeeze wants her to be its next star, surrounded by men vying for her affections. Bea agrees, on one condition—under no circumstances will she actually fall in love. She’s in this to supercharge her career, subvert harmful beauty standards, inspire women across America, and get a free hot air balloon ride. That’s it.
But when the cameras start rolling, Bea realizes things are more complicated than she anticipated. She’s in a whirlwind of sumptuous couture, Internet culture wars, sexy suitors, and an opportunity (or two, or five) to find messy, real-life love in the midst of a made-for-TV fairy tale. In this joyful, wickedly observant debut, Bea has to decide whether it might just be worth trusting these men—and herself—for a chance to live happily ever after.
OMG – THIS BOOK. I loved it. What a fun and fast-paced book to read. I loved the character Bea so much! Honestly, this book made me want to write to the producers of The Bachelor and tell them to read it. I’d love to see the change in the show just like this book. It was fun reading about a plus-sized fashion blogger who gets on a dating show (like the Bachelor) and the impact she made on the industry. I loved her attitude, realness, and the way she always came out on top! This is a must-read.
The Guest List: On an island off the coast of Ireland, guests gather to celebrate two people joining their lives together as one. The groom: handsome and charming, a rising television star. The bride: smart and ambitious, a magazine publisher. It’s a wedding for a magazine, or for a celebrity: the designer dress, the remote location, the luxe party favors, the boutique whiskey. The cell phone service may be spotty and the waves may be rough, but every detail has been expertly planned and will be expertly executed.
But perfection is for plans, and people are all too human. As the champagne is popped and the festivities begin, resentments and petty jealousies begin to mingle with the reminiscences and well wishes. The groomsmen begin the drinking game from their school days. The bridesmaid not-so-accidentally ruins her dress. The bride’s oldest (male) friend gives an uncomfortably caring toast.
And then someone turns up dead. Who didn’t wish the happy couple well? And perhaps more important, why?
The guest list had me in chills. I wasn’t sure if the killer was going to be paranormal or one of the wedding guests. I loved how each character had their own voice throughout the book, and the way it all tied together at the end was phenomenal.
I want to include a giveaway for the book club as well. I think reading is absolutely perfect paired with coffee, so I want to do a $30 ($75 for the Instagram winner) Starbuck’s giveaway for 3 lucky book club members! Now that the Fall treats are out, you can get cozy and start diving into this week’s books with everything pumpkin spice!
Giveaway
To enter, answer one of the following questions below in the comments! There will also be a winner selected from the Instagram Giveaway, so enter there as well 💜 Winners will be chosen on Wednesday, September 9th! ♥️
Questions for you!
- Which book are you most looking forward to this month?
- Have you read any of the books on the September list?
- What do you want to see / suggestions for my book clubs?
WINNERS: The blog winners have been announced in the comment replies!! The Instagram winner is @marissadperez
Which book are you most looking forward to this month?
My boyfriends book: Sex, Drugs & Books. He just published this year 🙂
That is so awesome! Congrats to him.
American Dirt sounds really good! So that will be the one I read! 🙂
I’m interested in reading The Guest List. My sister just read it and said it was great!
I haven’t read any of the books you have
I think a zoom chat would be so fun. Having one per book so you don’t feel left out if you didn’t get a chance to read all of them!
Im reading the Grownups, totally intriguing so far
I love Eliza Starts A Rumor. All the feels!!
One to watch! I always love a good inspirational book!
I have The One to Watch on my library hold list right now – it sounds so great! I have never read any of those, but they all sound like great reads. Anything by Taylor Jenkins Reid should be on your list, she is an amazing author! I would love to see How Not to Die Alone or Anxious People on future lists, or maybe a good mystery for October (The Woman in the Window is very good)!
I think October certainly needs all the mysteries!
Yes!!!!
The guest list and the one to watch sound good
Ooooo yay!! I’m going to pick up The Guest List. It sounds right up my alley 😍😍 I haven’t read any of these yet!
Perfect! ♥️
First time on your blog. I saw the post on youtube and figure a book club sounded like fun.
Which book are you most looking forward to this month? I’m looking forward to the guest list I tend to like books with that vibe.
Have you read any of the books on the September list?fortunately no I’ll be looking forward to reading these
What do you want to see / suggestions for my book clubs? I’ve been in a rut with choosing what to read next, anything is good with me. Honestly not having to choose myself is like a weight lifted off my shoulders. Constant research on what to read next is hard work.
I haven’t read any from this list, but to me the Guests list sounds very interesting ! Thanks for sharing Taralynn!!
1. I want to read all of them! But mostly Eliza Starts a Rumor and The Guest List!
2. Haven’t read these yet! Excited to add to my never ending book list!
3. Would love themes months! October should obviously be psychological thrillers! 👻
Ohhhh you know October will be extra spooky!
I’ve read The Guest List and it was so entertaining! I couldn’t put it down.
Can’t wait for that one!
I have a copy of One to Watch! Definitely gonna read it this month! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Perfect choice!
I’m so excited to read The Guest List! I read American Dirt this summer and loved it, reading has been the best escape lately. 💗
Hi, Carly!
I’ve heard amazing things about American Dirt! I’m excited to read the Guest List too!
Hi! Excited for the book club! I’ve read The Guest List and One to Watch (loved both!) looking forward to readying Eliza Starts a Rumor. 🙂
Glad to hear those were good!
I’ve read The Guest List and it’s so good!!! I really want to read Eliza Starts a Rumor!
I’ve only heard good things about The Guest List! Excited to read it!
I am excited to read American Dirt, I have had that on my list for a while!!
I’ve heard so many great things. I think I’m starting with that one!
1. I am most looking forward to The Guest List – I love a good murder mystery
2. I have not ready any of them! But look forward to reading them!
3. I like the idea of zoom meetups to discuss the books – maybe plan a time for people to log on with their coffees to chat about them!
Love the new blog design by the way!
SAME!
If I do the zoom meetings, it has to be with coffee in hand lol!
& thank you!
Guest List!!! Just went on Amazon to buy it… I was having a hard time trying to find it in the stores!
YAY!! I just finished American Dirt this morning! (at 3am, because I could. not. stop.) I’m so glad it’s on your list 😀 I’m most excited for Eliza Starts a Rumor! I’ve read Nine Women, One Dress by Jane Rosen before and it was really good!
Wow!! love hearing that!!!
Hi Taralynn,
I just finished reading American Dirt. I could not put it down and finished it in a few days. I am so grateful to you for starting this book club. You have inspired me to get back to my love of reading.
All of these have been high on my “to read” list except I hadn’t heard of “Eliza Starts a Rumor”! Friends keep recommending One to Watch and The Guest List over and over again! Excited to hear what others think and get reading ❤️
American Dirt sounds so good! That’s on my list so it’ll be the next one I read!
What book are you most excited to read?
I’ve heard such great things about The Guest List and I am really excited to read this one!!
I’m most looking forward to reading American Dirt, it’s been on my to read list for so long!
I’m super excited about reading The Guest. It sounds exactly like the type of book I would like. Thanks for suggesting it! 🙂
Super excited about your book club & your book picks all sound great!! I am really excited to read “The Guest List,” by Lucy Foley! 📚☕️📖
Wow Taralynn! What a great idea and I’m super excited! I’m most excited to read “The One to Watch!”
Hi Taralynn! Can’t wait to follow your book club series!
I am most looking forward to reading The Guest List. I have heard great things and love a mystery/thriller!
My book club read American Dirt a couple of months ago and we all loved it!
2.) I read The Guest List over the summer and it was SOOO GOOD! I think you’ll love it as much as I did!😊
Also, super pumped about this book club!! I too have been reading a ton lately especially to decompress since I now work remote and am on my screen literally alllll day. I usually go for the mystery/thriller genre! I love a good twist to the endings.
I have not read any of these books! I am most looking forward to reading The Guest List!
How wonderful! Thanks for doing something to bring others closer during a stressful time!!
All of your choices sound great – though I think i’ll try to dive in to The Guest List first.
The Guest List sounds like it is exactly the type of book I love reading during a beach day. I definitely hope to check it out.
I am excited about american dirt and I can’t wait for the newsletter and zoom book club.
I’m most excited to read The Guest List!
I just finished American Dirt– sooo good!!
This is the perfect reason to get me reading! I started One to Watch but haven’t read it lately, so I’ll pick back up! Perfect reason with the bachelorette coming up! Looking forward to this!
Love, love reading. I have been on a Mary Kay Andrew’s kick with her summer reads with a lot of southern hospitality in all of them. Jusy picked up The Last Flight by Julie Clark on a recommendation. The Guest List was on my radar. The other ones sound great too!!
What an awesome list. I’m going to start with Eliza Starts A Rumor – I’ve read Jane Rosen’s Nine Women, One Dress and loved it!
I think it would be cool to try a themed book each month (October = mystery, November = family, etc.) – so many possibilities!
I am absolutely a murder mystery fan – no doubt mystery/thriller is my favorite genre! However, the last few years I have been trying to branch out and read a few variances to that genre! I have LOVED so many that surprised me a couple that stand out are:
Pumpkin Flowers by Matti Friedman
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
Anyway, I am so looking forward to reading all of these books because several are in that not-a-thriller-genre that I am trying to read more!
That being said, I am definitely looking forward to The Guest List the most because it seems right up my alley!
I just finished Eliza Starts a Rumor! I think I will most look forward to The Guest List, as I love thrillers.
I would like to continue to see a monthly variety, as well as tips/suggestions from readers. A really good thriller that I always recommend is “Mine” by J.L. Butler. I also like nearly anything by Colleen Hoover, who writes some real tear-jerkers — her novels vary and can be suspenseful, dramatic, heart-wrenching, etc. I mean, I can go on and on, but I’ll leave it brief for now!
I also think there should definitely be a spooky one or two for October 😉
I can’t wait to read American Dirt! It sounds like it will definitely keep me on the edge of my seat!
American Dirt, so glad you picked that one because I’ve purchased it and it’s next on my list. I will be picking up The Guest List, so that will be second. Love that you started a book club!
Which book are you most looking forward to this month?
Eliza Starts a Rumor sounds so funny! The synopsis kind of reminds me of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.
Have you read any of the books on the September list?
I haven’t- I hope to read all of them this month, but I’m already in the middle of a different book + grad school starts back this week.
What do you want to see / suggestions for my book clubs?
How about some good non-fiction books?
I’m not good at picking out new books so thank you so much for doing the legwork! I need to read the one to watch because I love terrible reality tv! 🤣 thank you! 📖🌈✨
I am looking forward to reading The Guest List! Mystery/thriller/who-done-it books are at the top of my reading list often!
I also just read One to Watch and loved it! Hopefully you find it just as enjoyable!
Really looking forward to this book club! 🙂
I have not read any of these, but they all sound good! A few were already in my library holds. I think I am looking forward to American Dirt most!
I am most excited to read the Guest List!!! I just finished Broadchurch (tv series) about a murder based off the coast of England. It was so good so i feel like this book will also be a good murder mystery like that!! I want to get more into reading this fall 🙂
I just picked up “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle. Hoping it lights a fire!
I’ve been wanting to read The Guest list! Great choice!
Most looking forward to The Guest List!
Which book are you most looking forward to this month?
I’m on hold for 3 of them, not sure I’ll get them in time but want to read them either way! Great selection!!! Thanks for doing this book club 🙂
Have you read any of the books on the September list?
I haven’t yet but I have had the Guest List on hold for what seems like forever 🙂 So I really hope that one comes in soon!
What do you want to see / suggestions for my book clubs?
Maybe for October we could do some Spooktober reads, and Dec. something sweet and cozy??
Hi Taralynn,
Thanks so much for the book club! I haven’t read any of the ones on this list, and they all look like so much fun! I had downloaded The Guest List on Audible, so I’m looking forward to listening to it during my commute as I go back to work this week. I’d like to try to read two books this month, since I know I’ll be swamped at work. Thanks again for the reading inspiration, and for engaging with your readers in a new way!
Stay safe & read on!
I can’t wait to read American Dirt!! I just picked it up from the library!
I can’t wait to read them! I hi I I want to start with the guest list and then American Dirt. They all sound good but these two sound the best.
I’ve never been apart of a book club so this is very exciting to me
I’m most excited to read American Dirt! This one is new to me and it sounds so good!
I was interested in American Dirt after reading the descriptions and now after reading through comments I cannot wait to read it! I haven’t read any of these books, so will definitely try to get through more than one! I think a newsletter is so fun and maybe adding some type of journaling prompt would be really cool!
Can’t wait to read The Guest List. I’ve heard lots of great things about it this summer from almost every blogger I read.
Such a fun idea! I’m looking forward to reading “American Dirt”. 😊
I’m excited to read American Dirt. I’ve heard really good reviews on it. I’m so excited that you are doing this!! Your blog as always been one of my favorites. I started reading it when you first started out. I also like that you are originally from the midwest area. I’m from Nebraska!
I am for sure most excited for “The Guest List”. I remember reading about it on Goodreads before it came out and it sounded so intriguing.
I love all of your picks and I am excited to join in on the book club. I am most excited for American Dirt. I plan on starting that when I finish up the book I am reading now. Also excited for The Guest List. I have seen so many good reviews for it as well!
I’m most excited for Eliza Starts a Rumor. I have no clue what to expect, but I am here for the drama! I became a stay at home foster mom last year. I’m sure the SAHM/ housewife rumor mill is wild. I have not read any of the books before. I used to love reading, but I fell off. I’ve thought about joining a book club, but thought it might be intimidating. This sounds fun and the social aspect of Zoom sounds great during these distancing times. Thanks for putting this together! =)
I’m looking forward to the Guest List ! I love a good murder mystery! Yay! Can’t wait to discuss!
The one to watch sounds interesting. I am thankful to see our world/society/norms begin to shift away from subscribing to a narrow definition of beauty and health to a broader, dynamic and seemingly more inclusive definition. <3 <3 Although there is still much work and learning to be done. I am interested to see if this novel addresses this at all or in depth!
As for suggestions, I more so have a question about your picks being all fiction. Do you think this will be the case for all months? I am not opposed (fiction is usuaaally more fun/escapism) but am curious to know how you are selecting titles.
Hi, Esther!
I always lean towards fiction because I feel as if I can stick to them without my attention span checking out. However, I’m always open to suggestions!
I’m looking forward to reading the one to watch! As an avid bachelor watcher lol this sounds like a fun “behind the scenes” read!
I’m most interested in the Guest List. Nothing like a good whodunit to cozy up to with a cup of coffee!
I’m most excited about reading Eliza Starts a Rumor. I was born and raised in the Hudson Valley
The Guest List! My friend just got engaged so this goes with the theme of the month…minus someone dying 😬
I really want to read The Guest List. I read the author’s other book and was very entertained!
I’m most looking forward to The Guest List! It’s been on my list for awhile and this is the perfect reason to start! Also very excited about the possibility of a real life book club meet up. I’m new to the area and would love to meet some ladies with similar interests. It’s hard making friends as adults!
I’m so excited you’re starting a book club! I’m always looking for good suggestions.
I’ve read American Dirt (LOVED it, stayed up super late to finish it) and The Guest List (I had a hard time getting in to this one). I’m actually currently reading The One to Watch, just started it last night. I haven’t heard of Eliza Starts a Rumor but I’ll definitely check it out!
Yesssss I’ve been waiting for this! So excited! I just ordered The Guest List 🙂 I haven’t read any of these, but they all sound so good. I think doing a Zoom check-in would be an amazing idea in the short term. I’ve never been in a book club before so I’m not quite sure how the dynamic works, but I’m looking forward to being a part of it! 🙂 xo Kelsey
I haven’t read ANY of these, and I am ridiculously excited for this book club!!! I know I couldn’t get four done this month, so I am going to pick the two that drew me in the most… One to Watch and The Guest List. Thanks for doing this!!!! SO.MUCH.FUN! Especially right now with all things COVID going on.
…unless The Guest List is a thriller. I can’t handle those, in which case I will go with Eliza Starts a Rumor. 🙂
So excited you’re doing this! I’m a 3rd grade teacher gearing up for school, and reading has been an awesome get away/stress reliever for me recently.
Which book are you most looking forward to this month?
American Dirt! I have heard so many good things about this book. I also heard that it pulls at your heart strings…so not sure if I’m ready, ha!
Have you read any of the books on the September list?
Yes, I have read The Guest List & I thought it was really good! An intense thriller that I couldn’t put down.
What do you want to see / suggestions for my book clubs?
I just love seeing a variety of genres in your book club selections, so I’d recommend continuing that. I also think ‘spooky/thriller’ type books for October would be perfect.
All of these are actually on my “Want to Read” list on Goodreads, but most excited about The One to Watch and American Dirt!
1. The One to Watch
2. I haven’t read any of them but have had my eye on a few of them.
3. I recently read 2 BA Paris books from your recommendations and want to read some more, they were really good. So any of those.
I’m looking forward to the book club!!
I LOVE this idea!
I’m most excited about The Guest List! Sounds like a thriller which is my go-to genre. Plus I just saw it for sale at Costco, bonus!
I want to read them all!! But I think I’ll start out with “The Guest List”! It sounds great !! Thanks for the fun book club ! Happy September !
I’ve heard about American Dirt, but after reading the description, it definitely sounds like it should be on my list! I haven’t read any of the books on this list for this month and you are right, books and coffee are the perfect match!
I’m really excited to read American Dirt! I’m a big fan of anything recommended by the Reese Witherspoon Book Club. My dad just read it, and it only took him 2 days haha!! He said he couldn’t put it down 😀
1. The One to Watch
2. I haven’t read any of them but have had my eye on a few of them.
3. I recently read 2 BA Paris books based on your recommendations and want to read some more, they were really good. So any of those.
I’m really looking forward to the book club!
They all sound so good! Last year my goal was to read one book a month & I quickly smashed that goal with reading 48 books. I lean towards the thriller & mystery but I am all over the place with what I read. A fun light read is The Tradd St series by Karen White, they take place in Charleston.
I think the first one from these will be The Guest List.
I started the Guest List but I couldn’t get into it. American Dirt sounds really interesting and I think I’ll try that next. Thanks for the book club recommendations!
The Guest List has been on my reading list for awhile!
Which book are you most looking forward to this month?
– One To watch and The Guest List!
Have you read any of the books on the September list?
– NOO, I just started to read, first book in my entire life at 30 years old but I needed to start some day….
What do you want to see / suggestions for my book clubs?
– Im romantic, love beautiful stories like Nicholas Sparks or Hallmark Movies hahaha so honestly I cant suggest I will follow your suggestions!!!
Thank you soo much ❤️ Best regards from Guatemala
American Dirt! It’s been on my list for so long, nows the time to read it!
Can’t wait to read the guest list! Just requested it at my library!
I haven’t read any of these so I’m excited to dive in! The Guest List has been on my to read list all summer so I may start with that one first! Thank you for the recommendations!
I think The Guest List is the one I’m looking most forward to!! I love mysteries! I haven’t read any of the other books either, so if I’m able to finish that one I’m glad I have other options! I can generally read 1 book every month! No suggestions here for the book club, but if you don’t have good reads (an app), it’s a must have for any bookworm!
Hi Taralynn! I’m a long-time follower and love this idea! I’m most excited to read The Guest List and American Dirt — I almost picked them for a book club I have with some friends. Looking forward to reading them AND your thoughts!
Oooh… The Guest List is right up my alley! Definitely gonna check this one out!
All of these books sound amazing, I haven’t read any of them yet though I think I will read American dirt, it sounds really good, hopefully it gets here before the month is out. I am currently reading “Wife after Wife” by Olivia Hayfield its got me hooked and I can hardly put it down, though before that one I read “the lost summers of driftwood” I finished it in two days that how good it was. Have a great week and happy reading
Im putting American Dirt on my list ASAP! Thanks
Which book are you most looking forward to this month?
My friend has been trying to get me to read The Guest List so this must be a sign!! I’ll be buying it today!!!
I am looking forward to reading “The Guest List”. It sounds like something that will keep me always wanting to turn to the next page!
I just finished “Where the Crawdads Sing” and it was such a great book!!
I just finished american dirt and it was excellent! It was hard to read though. I had to take breaks from it.
The other books this month all look intriguing though.
I’m super excited for The Guest List
You should definitely read Whiskey Beach by Nora Robert’s for the book club!
There are so many I am looking forward to reading! – Heart Bones by Colleen Hoover, Fable by Adrienne Young, A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer Armentrout!
I haven’t read any on the September list but really wanted to read American Dirt!
♥♥♥♥♥
2. I haven’t read any of these books but 1. Now the One to Watch is on my list. Thank you for starting this!! 🙂
I am looking forward to reading American Dirt this September! It’s been on my reading list for months now and I am excited to finally getting around to reading it!
I want to read them all, but Eliza Starts a Rumor sounds so good!!
Hi Taralynn, AMERICAN DIRT is very controversial in the book community right now and many authors of color have chosen to not support it. I hope you will include discussion as to why the book is so problematic in a future post. With all of the issues of representation and a much overdue emphasis on amplifying voices of color right now, it is important to call out when white voices may be overpowering or lending an inauthentic voice or contributing to the disenfranchisement of bipoc and other underrepresented authors.
I thought I was most looking forward to The Guest List but now I must get my hands on American Dirt!
Which book are you most looking forward to this month?
I’m looking forward to reading Heart Bones by Colleen Hoover. I’m a huge fan and she just released the book about a week or so ago and just downloaded it. I’m excited to start!
The Guest List for sure! It sounds SO good! Next would have to be One to Watch.
I haven’t read any but I want to!!
I’m disappointed to see American Dirt on your list. It’s important to read stories of immigrants and other cultures through writers that are actually part of that culture, instead of continually centering white voices. Please consider swapping it for a book by a Latinx writer –
https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/books/2020/01/30/latin-american-books-read-instead-american-dirt/2858935001/
I started The Guest List last week so I am glad to see its one of your picks! I hadn’t heard of Eliza starts a Rumor, but that also sounds like to to-read.
I love that you started this book club!
Ooooh, yay! I love this. I couldn’t think of a better babe to run a book club! I’d love to do zoom & wine sessions and chat about the books!
I read The Guest List as soon as it came out because I’m all about reading a murder mystery while curled up with my dog and sipping on some ginger tea. Even in the summer!
I’m looking forward to Eliza Starts a Rumor and The One to Watch. I know I’ll love American Dirt, but it’s one of those ones I’d probably have to force myself to start.
Thanks so much for including four books! I try to read 100 books a year so having a wide selection to choose from is super helpful!
A FB group or some kind of chatroom would be super fun so we could talk to each other about what we’re reading. A hashtag to follow along on IG posts would be rad too!
1. I think the American Dirt sounds very interesting. My ex-father-in-law was an immigrant from Mexico and to hear him tell some of the stories from his journey makes me sad to hear. But some migrants are so brave and it’s amazing to get a better understanding of what really happens in other countries.
Hi Taralynn,
I am really excited to read the guest list. I haven’t read or even heard about these titles since they are so outside the genres I normally read. I saw someone else comment on reading some thriller/spooky books for October which sounds like so much fun! Thank you for starting this – especially now!
Hi Tara,
I love to read so this is really exciting for me.
Which book are you most looking forward to this month?
The “Guest List” has been on my own list for awhile so that one instantly stands out to me, but the others also sound great.
Have you read any of the books on the September list?
I am currently reading “American Dirt.” Wow, it is wonderful, but heartbreaking at the same time. I have enjoyed it so much and i am a little over halfway through.
What do you want to see / suggestions for my book clubs?
As others have said a theme is always fun and I do love some good thrillers and mysteries. I also think some non-fiction or biographies would be nice. They can be so inspiring, especially in these times we are facing.
American Dirt sound interesting! This book club is perfect timing because I just finished a book and was looking for a new one!
I’m a dental assistant, and due to covid I can no longer have lunch with my coworkers. I bring a camping chair and sit in the parking lot at work and read during lunch now ☺️
Thanks for posting the book recommendations, I need to start reading.
I’ve just purchased the guest list and can’t wait to get started.
I’m looking forward to reading American Dirt. I’ve heard a lot of good things about it and have been wanting to read it for a while!
Since I absolutely loved the movie After, I ordered the first 2 books of the series off Amazon to begin reading! 🖤
I’ve never read any of those books but they all sound really good! I think The Guest List is the one I’d be most excited to read!
I looove that you’re doing this! Thank you! I have already read The Guest list and it is soo good. I’m excited to read the others because it was my goal this year to read at least 10 books and so far I have only read 5. I need to get on it. Excited to see what you have to say about the books!
I’ve really been wanting to read The Guest List by Lucy Foley. I read the Hunting Party by her and it was really good, I highly recommend it for a winter read. After reading this post I’m also really interested in reading American Dirt!
I read One to Watch recently and I loved it!!
Which book are you most looking forward to this month?
I am really looking forward to the one to watch!! If I finish that early, then I’ll be looking forward to the guest list.
Thank you for doing this! I tried to start a book club with some of my friends earlier in the year and it hasn’t gone as planned so when I saw on IG that you were doing this I was eager to look at this blog post to see all the details 🙂 Looking forward to how much this is going to grow
I’ve not read any of these but they all sound wonderful! I’ve been reading a lot more lately too so I love this!
I’m looking forward to The Guest List. I just finished reading the author’s other book, The Hunting Party and loved it!
I haven’t read any of those yet and am currently reading an older book, celebrating (I think ) it’s 20th anniversary. It’s new-to-me and is a special edition.
I am looking forward to reading One to Watch.
I absolutely love reading and it definitely helps right now with everything going on in the world.
I have not read any of the books on the September list but I am definitely most looking forward to reading American Dirt and The Guest List.
Looking forward to this! 🙂
#2 – I just finished The One To Watch two weeks ago! It’s great, especially if you are a fan of The Bachelor franchise.
I just picked up American Dirt, and am excited to start reading!
These all look so good! I love mysteries so I just added the Guest List to pick up at my library. I’m looking forward to reading that. I’ve been reading your blog for a while and I love this idea for a book club! I haven’t had the chance to join a book club before so I’d love to take part. 🙂
Hi CHARLOTTE!!!
YOU WON THE GIVEAWAY!!!
Please email me taralynnmcnitt@gmail.com to claim!!! title “BOOK CLUB GIVEAWAY”
ACCEPTED
I haven’t read any of the September books yet, by American Dirt is on my TBR list.
Highly recommend “The Keeper of Lost Things”. A lovely read. I’ve heard great things about “American Dirt” and looking forward to reading that.
The Guest List
You may want to do some additional reading regarding controversies surrounding American Dirt and the author so that may also be discussed.
A starting place that links to many of these on goodreads is https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3087296266
1.Which book are you most looking forward to this month? The Guest list
2.Have you read any of the books on the September list? no but the sound great
3.What do you want to see / suggestions for my book clubs? pysco thrillers are my fav
I can’t wait to read that one next!
The guest list!
I hope I’m not too late to enter but either way I still wanted to share! My local bookclub is reading American Dirt for our December pick so I am really excited about that one. I might have to read it this month and just be ahead! I am also excited about “the one to watch” My guilty pleasure is all the reality tv dating shows so it sounds right up my alley!
First of all, I LOVE this idea. I’m a big reader and always looking for recommendations!
I’m interested in reading American Dirt and The Guest List.
I love that you have started a book club! We definitely have the same reading taste. Looking forward to the Guest List so that’s the one I started with. I loved it! My favorite books are thrillers but I love historical fiction as well.
Such a good idea!! I am most excited about The Guest List. That type of book is always sooo good. Always looking for another to read!
I really want to read The Guest List! I’ve heard such great things about it. Now that it’s almost fall and October- I’m ready to read a thriller!
I can’t wait to read the Guest List! It gives me similar vibes to In a dark, dark wood which I absolutely loved!
Oh total coin toss on whether I’m
More excited to read American Dirt or the Guest List
I haven’t read any of them, but would love to read them! I’ve been wanting to read The Guest List!
I just finished my dark Vanessa and 28 summers! I’m on the wait list for the ones you listed and cannot wait to read them. I hear the new Emily griffin book was awesome too. This is a great idea!
Definitely adding The Guest List to my stack 😍
Probably too late for the giveaway, but I saw you mention it in your stories today! 🙂
I loveee a good book club! Personally, I’ve never been a part of one in person, just online. I have been reading books from a fantasy series I’ve been collecting for some time from Terry Brooks (if you like lord of the rings his shannara series is SO good!)
I’m also wanting to pick up a copy of Michelle Obama’s memoir, or download it on audible. Can’t decide yet! Personally I am so bad at picking out great novels that don’t fall into my favorite category, fantasy, which is why I like being a part of book clubs to expand my reading.
THE GUEST LIST!!! I have heard amazing things about this book and have been dying to get my hands on it!!!
I am totally looking forward to The Guest List! It has been on my reading list for a while and the book club I joined last month did it the prior month. I can’t wait to read it! I did read One to Watch as my other book clubs August read and it was so enjoyable. Definitely gave me my bachelor fix while it isn’t on tv.
Since it is fall time I would LOVE to see some classic fall books or just some cozy reads. I am so excited to be apart of this book club!
Hi!!!
YOU WON THE GIVEAWAY!!!
Please email me taralynnmcnitt@gmail.com to claim!!! title “BOOK CLUB GIVEAWAY”
I’m SO looking forward to The Guest List. I’ve already requested it on hold from our library but I’m about 80th in line 😂
My book club just finished reading The Guest List! So good!
I think of these books, Eliza Starts a Rumor sounds so great! Can’t wait to read it!
I got the one to watch from target! I can’t wait to read it!
The guest list looks so good!
I haven’t read any of these books yet but I’m waiting for The Guest List to be available at my library! I just finished reading The Last Mrs. Parrish which was SO good- I definitely recommend that one!
I have not read any of these. The Guest List looks like one I would enjoy.
Looking forward to Eliza Starts a Rumor! x
Just finished this morning! SO GOOD