What makes a great book club book? In this episode of Books Around the Block, we break down the key ingredients that spark unforgettable discussions, from moral dilemmas and controversial themes to messy characters and hard issues. Then we share our top 6 favorite book club picks that guarantee lively conversation at your next meeting. If you are looking for thought-provoking book club recommendations, this episode is for you.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin

Miracle Creek by Angie Kim

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

The Mothers by Brit Bennett

Columbine by Dave Cullen

The Measure by Nikki Erlick

Looking for your next great romance read? In this episode of Books Around the Block, we’re sharing our ultimate romance reading guide, complete with six romance categories and six book recommendations. Each host brings two categories and romance novels that perfectly fit them, from second-chance love stories to next-level yearning and everything in between. Whether you’re new to romance, burned out on the same tropes, or searching for a very specific vibe, this episode is packed with thoughtful picks, honest reactions, and plenty of bookish banter.

All Her Fault by Andrea Mara

That's Not How It Happened by Craig Thomas

Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy

Me Before You by JoJo Moyes

Left of Forever by Tarah DeWitt

Out On a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young

The Time Travelers Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan

One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid

In this episode, we recap what we read in January and share our February TBR. We talk about the books we loved, the ones that surprised us, and the ones that left us wanting more. We also preview what is coming up next on our reading lists. Expect honest opinions, bookish tangents, and plenty of great reads to add to your list.

Perfect for listeners looking for a fun, conversational book podcast and monthly reading wrap ups.

A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall

The Shining by Stephen King

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead

Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine

From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough

Funny Story by Emily Henry

The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney

The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey

The Serpent & the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Elston

All the Little Houses by May Cobb

The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin

How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates by Shailee Thompson

When I Kill You by B.A. Paris

Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell

Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy