Update Consent

Reese Witherspoon's Book Club Picks

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

As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.

Can't decide what to read this month? Reese Witherspoon's book club Hello Sunshine is my personal go-to for book recommendations, and the list includes everything from murder mysteries to heartbreaking memoirs and beautifully cheesy romance novels.

Reese's pick for April is Untamed by Glennon Doyle. 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. "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," Reese said in an Instagram post. "(Hot tip: Being 'selfless' is not the highest goal a woman can achieve!!) This book spoke to me so loudly and clearly . . . I swear I highlighted something in EVERY chapter." So, if you've got a case of reader's block and don't know where to begin, take a look at all of the star's past book club picks ahead. After all, you just might stumble across a new favourite.

June 2017 — Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
£7
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

July 2017 — The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

  • What it's about: The novel, set in 1947, follows a female spy recruited to the real-life Alice Network in France during World War I. When she meets an unconventional American socialite searching for her cousin, the pair find courage and redemption.
  • What Reese says: "This exciting and fast-paced story is an amazing tale of courage and redemption."

The Alice Network by Kate Quinn (£8)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
£8
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

Aug. 2017 — The Lying Game by Ruth Ware

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
The Lying Game by Ruth Ware
£8
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

Sept. 2017 — Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
£8
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

Watch This!

Pop Quiz

Watch the Cast of Fear Street Play a Creepy Game of Horror Movie "Would You Rather"

Oct. 2017 — The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman
£8
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

Nov. 2017 — This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett
£7
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

Dec. 2017 — The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine
£9
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

Jan. 2018 — Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone by Brené Brown

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand
£10
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

Feb. 2018 — The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo
£8
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

March 2018 — Erotic Stories For Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
Erotic Stories For Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal
£8
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

April 2018 — Happiness: A Memoir: The Crooked Little Road to Semi-Ever After by Heather Harpham

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
Happiness: A Memoir: The Crooked Little Road to Semi-Ever After by Heather
£7
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

May 2018 — You Think It, I'll Say It: Stories by Curtis Sittenfeld

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
You Think It, I'll Say It: Stories by Curtis Sittenfeld
£7
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

June 2018 — Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman — Reese's Book Club Pick June
£10
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

July 2018 — Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton
£11
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

Aug. 2018 — Still Lives by Maria Hummel

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
Still Lives by Maria Hummel
£8
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

Sept. 2018 — Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
£7
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

Oct. 2018 — This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel
£10
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

Nov. 2018 — The Other Woman by Sandie Jones

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
The Other Woman by Sandie Jones
£13
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

Dec. 2018 — One Day in December by Josie Silver

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
One Day in December by Josie Silver
£17
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

Jan. 2019 — The Library Book by Susan Orlean

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
The Library Book by Susan Orlean
£8
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

Feb. 2019 — The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
Amazon.com: The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory
£3
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

March 2019 — Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins
£7
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

April 2019 — The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo
£8
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

May 2019 — From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home by Tembi Locke

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home by Tembi Locke
£9
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

June 2019 — The Cactus by Sarah Haywood

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
The Cactus by Sarah Haywood
£14
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

July 2019 — Whisper Network by Chandler Baker

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
Whisper Network by Chandler Baker
£6
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

Aug. 2019 — The House Guest by Megan Miranda

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
The House Guest by Megan Miranda
£8
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

Sept. 2019 — The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott
£6
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

Oct. 2019 — Fair Play by Eve Rodsky

  • What it's about: This book is Rodsky's anxiety-saving system to help spouses split up domestic responsibilities, which shines some light on all the invisible work that goes into being the matriarch of the family. Complete with 100 household tasks, a figurative card game, and easy-to-follow rules, this book is meant to help you rebalance your home life and realign your relationship with your significant other.
  • What Reese says: "Fair Play explores your relationship, your time and your purpose to help you find balance. Because it's all about balance, right? It's definitely a conversation starter! I hope y'all love reading this book.. and enjoy finding your UNICORN SPACE!"

Fair Play by Eve Rodsky (£10)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
Fair Play by Eve Rodsky
£10
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

Nov. 2019 — The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
£8
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

Dec. 2019 — Conviction by Denise Mina

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
Conviction by Denise Mina
£7
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

Jan. 2020 — Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
£13
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

Feb. 2020 — The Scent Keeper by Erica Bauermeister

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
The Scent Keeper by Erica Bauermeister
£11
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

March 2020 — The Jetsetters by Amanda Eyre Ward

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
The Jetsetters by Amanda Eyre Ward
£21
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

April 2020 — Untamed by Glennon Doyle

  • 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)

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
£13
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

Want More?

POPSUGAR Would Like To Send You Push Notifications.