Reese Witherspoon's April Book Club Pick Is an Emotional Memoir About Female Empowerment

• What it's about: The story follows the strict day-to-day routine of an office worker named Eleanor who grapples with severe depression and her painful childhood memories, but everything changes when she meets Raymond.
• What Reese says: It's "beautifully written and incredibly funny — Eleanor Oliphant is about the importance of friendship and human connection."

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman (£7)

• What it's about: The novel focuses on the story of four women, now in their thirties, who are bound together by a grave mistake they made during their time together in boarding school. Seventeen years later, one of their darkest secrets washes up on the beach and everything comes to light.
• What Reese says: "Four friends from high school, bound together by a dark secret, get pulled together with one cryptic text."

The Lying Game by Ruth Ware (£8)

• What it's about: The novel follows the story of two families, one wealthy and one barely scraping by, who come together in Shaker Heights, Ohio, a town that thrives on structure and rules. When one mistake threatens that structure, a domino effect ensues.
• What Reese says: "Celeste Ng writes with stunning accuracy about the power of motherhood, the intensity of teenage love, and the danger of perfection."

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng (£8)

• What it's about: A prequel to Hoffman's Practical Magic series, this coming-of-age tale follows the lives of the grey-eyed Owens children, bloodline witches who use their magical powers to face every obstacle life throws their way.
• What Reese says: "This story is full of magic, love, family, heartbreak and redemption."

The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman (£8)

• What it's about: In a collection of essays about family, friends, dogs, books, and her husband, Patchett paints a picture of her life that feels like reading a story told by an old friend.
• What Reese says: "Reading this book is like talking to one of your best friends."

This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett (£7, originally £10)

• What it's about: Amber Patterson is tired of blending into the background of her own life. When she meets Daphne Parrish, a philanthropist and socialite, Amber sees the opportunity to obtain the life she's always dreamed of, and she does everything she can to ensure that she gets what she wants.
• What Reese says: "A fun and fast-paced psychological thriller about two determined women who play a high stakes game of deception that only one can win."

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine (£9)

• What it's about: Written by Social Scientist Brené Brown, the novel starts a conversation about the importance of experiences of courage, vulnerability, love, belonging, shame, and empathy in becoming who we truly are.
• What Reese says: "Brené Brown speaks of how divided our world is politically, socially, racially, and how we can bridge that divide. I learned so much about communication from this book."

Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone by Brené Brown (£10)

• What it's about: Lucy and Gabe met at Columbia University, but when Gabe's photojournalism career takes him to the Middle East, what follows is a thirteen-year journey of jealousy, betrayal, and love that proves even being on different continents can't keep them out of each other's hearts.
• What Reese says: "This book is all about different kinds of love, spanning decades and continents as two star-crossed lovers try to return to each other."

The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo (£8)

• What it's about: When her father's unexpected death leaves her family in a financial bind, Nikki, a law school dropout, takes on a job as a creative writing instructor in the heart of London's close-knit Punjabi community. When one of the widows finds a book of sexy stories in English, Nikki sees an opportunity to help the outwardly modest women unleash their creativity.
• What Reese says: "This book has something for everyone! It's a mystery, a romance, a family drama . . . and yes, it's spicy!"

Erotic Stories For Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal (£8)

• What it's about: Humourous and heartbreaking, the novel follows the story of Heather and Brian, two complete opposites whose newborn baby Gracie is perilously ill. Together, Brian and Heather must decide what they're willing to sacrifice to ensure Gracie makes it to adulthood.
• What Reese says: "This beautiful memoir will have you up all night, reading to find out what happens next. There's heartbreak, joy, and lots of love. Trust me: have your tissues ready."

Happiness: A Memoir: The Crooked Little Road to Semi-Ever After by Heather Harpham (£7, originally £10)

• What it's about: The novel follows the story of three women who live very different lives: a suburban mom caught in a lie, a high-powered lawyer, and an Ivy League student. In 10 short stories, the novel upends assumptions about class, relationships, and gender roles in a nation that feels irreversibly divided.
• What Reese says: "The characters in these stories are so complex and interesting."

You Think It, I'll Say It: Stories by Curtis Sittenfeld (£7, originally £10)

• What it's about: When newlyweds Erin and Mark take a trip to Bora Bora for their honeymoon, everything is perfect . . . until they go scuba diving and discover a nightmare in the water. Together, they must decide whether to speak out or to protect their dark secret.
• What Reese says: "A psychological thriller that captivated me from page one."

Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman — Reese's Book Club Pick June 2018 (£10)

• What it's about: After the death of of her grandmother Elisa, the former daughter of a sugar baron in Havana, Marisol Ferrera travels from Miami to Cuba to scatter her late grandmother's ashes. When she arrives, Marisol comes face-to-face with the contrast of Cuba's beauty and perilous political climate and must use clues from her grandmother's past to uncover her own sense of courage.
• What Reese says: "A beautiful novel full of passion, secrets, courage and sacrifice."

Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton (£11)

• What it's about: Kim Lord is an eccentric up-and-coming artist with a groundbreaking new exhibition of self-portraits depicting herself as famous, murdered women. When Kim fails to show up to her own gala on opening night, rumours spread and an investigation ensues.
• What Reese says: "The ultimate mystery, full of crazy twists and turns!"

Still Lives by Maria Hummel (£8)

• What it's about: For years, rumours of the "Marsh Girl" have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when a local named Chase Andrews is found dead, the town immediately suspects Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl.
• What Reese says: "Romance, mystery, murder and it all takes place in the breathtaking backdrop of the South."

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (£7)

• What it's about: Claude is five years old and the youngest of five brothers; he loves peanut butter sandwiches and wearing dresses; when he grows up, he wants to be a girl. His parents, Rosie and Penn, want Claude to be whoever he wants to be, but they aren't ready to share that with the rest of the world, so they keep Claude's identity a secret . . . until one day keeping that secret is no longer an option.
• What Reese says: "Every once in a while, I read a book that opens my eyes in a way I never expected."

This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel (£10)

• What it's about: When Pammie's son Adam falls in love with a woman named Emily, they all find out just how far Pammie is willing to go to get what she wants: Emily gone forever.
• What Reese says: "My November book pick has one of the most twisted and entertaining plots!"

The Other Woman by Sandie Jones (£13)

• What it's about: When Laurie spots her dream man on the street just as her bus is driving away, she spends a year trying to find him. Finally, Laurie meets Jack, her missing stranger, at a Christmas party when Laurie's best friend Sarah introduces him as her boyfriend. What follows is 10 years of missed opportunities, roads not taken, friendship, and heartbreak.
• What Reese says: "If you like rom coms, you will love my December book pick. It absolutely charmed me!"

One Day in December by Josie Silver (£17)

• What it's about: The novels follows the mesmerising investigation into a fire that destroyed thousands of books at the Los Angeles Public Library in 1986. Was the library set ablaze on purpose, and if so, by who?
• What Reese says: "This book is like a love letter to libraries, and made me nostalgic for the long hours I used to spend there when I was a kid. It's a captivating story and I can't wait for y'all to read it with me!"

The Library Book by Susan Orlean (£8)

• What it's about: Freelance writer Nikole Paterson isn't expecting it when her boyfriend of five months proposes to her at a Dodgers game in front of 45,000 people — he didn't even spell her name right. Luckily, a fellow crowd goer named Carlos Ibarra comes to her rescue. What follows is a series of hookups that quickly develop into something more.
• What Reese says: "It's not exactly love and baseball for Nikole, and as she's chased out of the stadium by live camera crews, she's saved by a couple . . . of siblings . . . find out what happens next!"

Amazon.com: The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory (£3)

• What it's about: The novel follows the meteoric rise of a rock band in the '70s, as well as the ups and downs of the lead singers, Daisy Jones and Billy Dunne.
• What Reese says: "It's sex, drugs and rock 'n roll, people!! . . . And the very best part?! Hello Sunshine is turning this into a TV show with Amazon Studios… so stay tuned for more updates!"

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins (£7)

• What it's about: Ji Lin works as an apprentice dressmaker and moonlights as a dance hall girl to help pay off her mother's Mahjong debts. When one of her dance partners accidentally leaves behind a grim souvenir, Ji Lin falls head-first into a mirror world of secrets and superstitions.
• What Reese says: "You won't be able to put this down! . . . Set in a tiny Malaysian town in the 1930's, the story is about a mystifying tiger who haunts the villages, followed by a series of mysterious deaths. The two main characters will captivate you as their paths are destined to cross."

The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo (£8)

• What it's about: Saro is in love with an American woman, a black American woman, and his Sicilian parents don't approve. Despite his family's prejudices, Saro and Tembi build a happy life in Los Angeles and even adopt a baby girl. But it's not until Saro is fighting a battle with cancer that his family accepts Tembi and welcomes her into their home.
• What Reese says: "This beautiful memoir takes us on Tembi's personal journey of love, parenthood, and ultimately the loss of her husband, Saro. She learns to heal in the most beautiful way — through the support of three generations of women — and yes, there's Italian food. Lots and lots of Italian food!"

From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home by Tembi Locke (£9)

• What it's about: Susan Green has no room for disorder in her life, but when her mother dies and she finds out she's going to be a mother herself, she's forced to accept an unfortunate truth: she's losing control.
• What Reese says: "]I found myself laughing out loud at Susan's prickly character as she finds herself in a love triangle, navigating family ties and dealing with 9 months of pregnancy at the age of 45. Hope y'all love Susan as much as I do!"

The Cactus by Sarah Haywood (£14)

• What it's about: The novel looks in on the lives of four women who take a stand when they find out their boss, Ames, is making inappropriate advances towards a female colleague. Their decision to speak up about Ames's behaviour sets in motion a catastrophic series of events in the office where secrets are uncovered and not everyone can survive.
• What Reese says: "It's honest, timely and completely thrilling — I was so surprised to find out who the murderer was!"

Whisper Network by Chandler Baker (£6, originally £8)

• What it's about: When young Sadie Loman visits the wealthy seaside town of Littleport, ME, she develops a fierce friendship with a local girl named Avery Greer. For ten years, they're inseparable — until one Summer when Sadie is found dead. The police rule Sadie's death a suicide, but there are whispers that Avery knows more than she lets on. In an effort to clear her name, Avery sets out to find answers.
• What Reese says: "Secrets that have been hidden for years will be uncovered in this thrilling story."

The House Guest by Megan Miranda (£8)

• What it's about: The Secrets We Kept takes place at the height of the Cold War and follows the mission of Sally Forrester, a seasoned spy, and Irina, a complete novice. Assigned to the task by the CIA, two women must smuggle the controversial film Doctor Zhivago out of the USSR. A literary love story, the book also tells the story of a decades-long affair between Pasternak and his mistress Olga Ivinskaya. Together, their stories create a narrative filled with extraordinary intrigue and risk
• What Reese says: "You'll get to know Sally and Irina, two spies who risk it all for love and adventure."

The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott (£6)

• What it's about: Alice Wright is sick of her husband dedicating more time to his work than his wife. Restless and stifled, Alice makes a spur-of-the-moment decision to marry a wealthy American named Bennett Van Cleve, leaving her home and family behind. The change of pace is not the adventure she'd hoped for — until she meets Margery O'Hare, the daughter of a notorious felon.
• What Reese says: "It's such a great narrative about personal strength and really captures how books bring communities together, especially for these women who are completely bonded by their love of literature."

The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes (£8)

• What it's about: Anna McDonald's life gets flipped upside down after her husband springs a huge announcement on her. In order to escape her own reality, Anna becomes deeply invested in true crime podcasts, but one story hits too close to home and she's suddenly reminded of a previous life she's tried desperately to leave behind.
• What Reese says: "In this thrilling story, you'll meet Anna McDonald, whose life takes a dramatic turn after she starts listening to a true-crime podcast that hits too close to home . . ."

Conviction by Denise Mina (£7)

• What it's about: Alix Chamberlain is a successful and confident businesswoman who is shocked after learning that her 25-year-old babysitter Emira Tucker was confronted in the grocery store while watching Alix's two year old, Briar. Upon seeing Emira, a young Black woman, out with a white child, a security guard accuses her of kidnapping, and Alix sets out to make things right.
• What Reese says: "This story is a beautiful conversation starter about race, privilege, work dynamics . . . I can't wait to hear your thoughts!"

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid (£13)

• What it's about: Emmeline is a young woman who grew up on a remote island with her father, who keeps drawers full of vials containing mysterious scents. As she grows older, her curiosity gets the best of her and Emmeline finds herself face to face with the real world, forcing her to embark on a quest to uncover her true identity.
• What Reese says: "This magical story is about a young woman, Emmaline, confronting the modern world for the very first time. As she embarks on a journey of digging up her past, she is confronted with truth about love, family and who she really is."

  The Scent Keeper by Erica Bauermeister (£11)

• What it's about: Four disconnected family members find themselves on the same cruise ship and are forced to reconcile their lifelong differences, digging up childhood memories and old wounds that are harder to overcome than they realised.
• What Reese says: "I love the sense of adventure in this story . . . If you're packing for Spring Break, be sure to include a copy of this fun read."

  The Jetsetters by Amanda Eyre Ward (£21)

• What it's about: The emotional memoir tells the story of a woman who experiences longing, discontent, and motherhood and learns to be free with herself emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
• What Reese says: "This memoir is so packed with incredible insight about what it means to be a woman today, what did we learn as young girls about how to behave or believe, and why we need to free ourselves from a lot of these ideas that don't work anymore. (Hot tip: Being 'selfless' is not the highest goal a woman can achieve!!)"

  Untamed by Glennon Doyle (£13)