Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club Picks for 2024

January: “First Lie Wins” by Ashley Elston

When announcing their first election of the year The first lie wins by Ashley Elston, Witherspoon described the plot passionately.

“This book tells the story of Evie Porter, who seems to have everything a girl could want in life. She has a perfect, loving boyfriend, a house with a picket fence and a great circle of friends,” said the actress.

But despite all of this, Evie leads a “total double life.” “She uses a pseudonym and her job is to invade people’s lives and take them out whenever her boss, the mysterious Mr. Smith, orders it,” Witherspoon explained. “She has to stay one step ahead of her past to make sure she has a future ahead of her.”

“It’s such an entertaining read, there are so many twists and turns and I just couldn’t put it down,” Witherspoon raved at the time.

February: “Anita de Monte Laughs Last” by Xochitl Gonzalez

Witherspoon was so excited about her book club selection for February, Anita de Monte has the last laugh by Xochitl Gonzalez that she even continued her love of painting.

“It’s about the mysterious world of art and which artists are celebrated and which are not – and here I’ll give something away in advance: women are not celebrated as much as male artists,” the actress said in her statement.

In the official description of the novel, we learn more about the main characters Raquel and Anita. “Anita de Monte, a rising star in the art world, is found dead in New York City; her tragic death is on everyone’s lips. Until it isn’t,” the description of the artist says.

Thirteen years later, Raquel, a student at College Hill, is fascinated by Anita’s work. “When Raquel enters into a romantic relationship with a well-connected older art student, she unexpectedly rises through the social ranks,” the description reads. “As she tries to connect both worlds, she stumbles upon Anita’s story, which raises questions about the dynamics of her own relationship, which eerily mirrors those of the forgotten artist.”

March: “Redwood Court” by DéLana RA Dameron

“I’m so excited to tell you,” Witherspoon said when she announced Redwood Building by DéLana RA Dameron as her March pick. “Set in the 1990s, it’s a collection of vignettes all centered around this black Southern family, told from the point of view of the youngest daughter, her name is Mika. It’s all about home and a sense of belonging. I can’t wait for you to read it.”

Told from Mika Tabor’s perspective, the book explores the lives and experiences of her all-black working-class community. From her grandparents, who were children in the Jim Crow era, to her sister, who preferred Alanis Morissette to Motown, Mika’s stories beautifully convey the importance of joy and being seen.

April: “The Most Fun We Ever Had” by Claire Lombardo

When Witherspoon announced her book club selection for April The most fun we ever had by Claire Lombardo, she summed up the 2019 novel in 5 (roughly) words. “Emotional, sisters, messy (in the best way), COMPLICATED relationships, character driven.”

In the official description we learn that the novel follows the Sorenson family during a complicated time.

“With the unexpected arrival of young Jonah Bendt – a child given up for adoption by one of the daughters 15 years ago – the Sorensons will be forced to confront the rich and varied tapestry of their past,” the description reads. “As they grapple with years marred by teen angst, infidelity and resentment, they also find the transcendent moments of joy that make everything else worthwhile.”

May: “How to End a Love Story” by Yulin Kuang

How to end a love story by Yulin Kuang, Witherspoon’s book club pick for May, is about two writers, Grant and Helen, who have not seen each other since a tragic accident 13 years ago.

But after living far apart for over a decade, Grant joins the writing team for a TV adaptation that happens to be based on Helen’s novel. “The collaboration is chaotic and electrifying, and Helen’s parents, who have never forgiven Grant, have no idea he’s even involved,” the description reads.

June: “The Unwedding” by Ally Condie

In the first week of June, Witherspoon announced that her book club favorite for June The Unwedding by Ally Condie.

“#TheUnwedding by @AllyCondieBooks begins with a wedding at a beautiful resort in Big Sur… but everything starts to fall apart when main character Ellery discovers a dead body on the morning of the ceremony. 😱,” the actress explained in her announcement.

However, according to the full description, the death is just the beginning of the problem. “Before police can reach Broken Point, the road to the resort is blocked by a landslide, leaving guests trapped. When another guest dies, it’s clear something terrible is afoot,” the description reads.

“The Cliffs” by J. Courtney Sullivan

July started with a bang when Witherspoon announced her pick for the month: The cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan.

“This book is really good,” she said in a short video on Instagram. “There are so many secrets in this house.”

In the official synopsis, we learn that decades after leaving her hometown, the book’s protagonist, Jane Flanagan, is called to investigate a mysterious house. “The story Jane uncovers – of lovers lost at sea, romantic longing, devastating loss, artistic awakening, historical artifacts stolen and sold, and the long shadow of colonialism – is even older than Maine itself,” the description reads.