Must Read Books and the Evolution of Book Clubs

When was the last time you read a book? Now that audiobooks and electronic platforms make it easier for us to read or learn on the go, it can still be difficult to prioritize this popular hobby that can take you to another world.

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.”

– George R.R. Martin, “Game of Thrones”

If you wish you could spend more time reading, you are not alone. 81% of Americans feel they don’t spend as much time reading as they would like. The busyness of life can definitely get in the way or you may find it difficult to find books you would actually enjoy. We have probably all experienced the disappointment a time or too when a book recommendation couldn’t keep your attention or the beautiful cover of the book did not live up to its initial appeal.

Did you know book clubs date back to the 1600s with women’s Bible studies? With the increasing use of technology, book clubs have evolved since Anne Hutchison organized a female group to examine sermons on a ship headed to Massachusetts Bay Colony. Today men and women still participate in bible studies as a way to connect and enjoy fellowship with one another, whether it’s through a church or local community group.

The rise of the internet and television has made it easier for people to join book clubs, often organized by celebrities. Now someone can follow along, no matter where they live. Starting in 1996, Oprah Winfrey launched her influential book club on a day time talk show. Without taking any money from book sales, she shared her love for books with the world, helping authors sell millions of copies. Reese Witherspoon’s book club has quickly grown since 2017 – thanks to her online platform that allows you to read along with Reese and 2 million others. The popularity of her reading community can be credited to Instagram, Facebook, her mobile app, and other digital communication tools.

Whether you enjoy reading novels with your favorite celebrity or you prefer educational non-fiction, the NorthEnd team has compiled our most favorite recent reads for you. You'll also find links to each book where you can learn more about them to help you decide if you want to start reading or listening.

Joel Gray's Book Recommendations 

Joel recommends enjoys a mix of genres. His first book suggestion is Ocean Prey, a thriller by John Sanford. His second pick is Radical by David Platt, which you might see again if you keep reading. 

Ashley Thomason's Book Recommendations 

As you might notice when reading the descriptions, Ashley is a fan of thriller and suspense novels. Her top picks are Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica and The Wives by Tarryn Fisher.

Scott Thompson's Book Recommendations 

The NorthEnd team obviously likes to read thrillers. Scott recommends another thriller: A Time for Mercy by John Grisham.

Jake Cluverius's Book Recommendations 

Jake couldn't suggest one book by Vince Flynn, he's a fan of both Lethal Agent and Total Power by the American thriller author of the Mitch Rapp Saga.

Josh Brown's Book Recommendation

As you saw in Joel's book choices, Radical by David Platt is also Josh's top pick. According to GoodReads, Platt's book delivers a powerful picture of the church in America today.

Jeannie Fowlers's Book Recommendation

Jeannie's favorite book will make you want to hop on a plane to England. It's one of Rick Steves's many travel guide books.

What is your favorite book you've read recently?

We hope these book recommendations can help you meet your readings goals or take time to relax and travel to another world. We'd love to hear what your favorite books are! Click the button below to send us a message with your must read suggestions.