Books with lots to discuss?

[Bobian123]

I recently joined a book group and it's my turn to choose the next read..feeling the pressure! Our last book was "The Little Stranger" by Sarah Waters which was great as there was a lot to discuss.

So, am after some recommendations for similar, interesting books. Nothing too heavy going!

Any thoughts much appreciated! Thanks x

The City and The City by China Mieville. Fascinating idea, but also an easy gripping read.

Thank you Takver! Will take a look

Gillespie and I by Jane Harris. A lot to discuss along the lines of whether you believe the narrator is telling the truth or not. Divides people as to their opinion of main character's motivation.

Ooh sounds great, mcnorton. Will add to my list!

Was just going to recommend Gillespie and I too! The Observations, also by Jane Harris, is an even better read IMO but Gillespie and I would give you loads to discuss because of the unreliable narrator.

My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier led to a good discussion at my book group. I can't believe I didn't discover D du M sooner - her books are really entertaining.

I would also recommend State of Wonder by Ann Patchett, and Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver .. interesting themes in both.

Our best book group discussion was The Day of the Triffids. We even spent time drawing our versions of what the triffids should look like.

I really enjoyed Night Waking, lots to discuss about the family dynamics, sense of place in the novel, 'incomers' vs long term residents, and the historical subplot is also really interesting. It's about a family with two young children, both parents are academics and are spending the summer doing research on a Scottish Island.

all of the above, du Maurier and John Wyndham are good choices, but one of the most lively debates at my old book club was The Metamorphosis. Its only a short book but everyone brought their own completely different interpretation

Ooh thanks for these extra recommendations. We each put forward three books and choose as a group-I've got some lovely choices now!

Was coming on to recommend Gillespie & I and obviously my book club wasn't alone. We ended up discussing it across two book clubs there was so much to talk about - and we're one of the awful ones that usually talks about the book for about 10 minutes (if we're lucky) then gets on with eating cheese.

The last book my group had a stocking good discussion about was the Booker winner: The Narrow Road to the Deep North. Totally divided opinions, with some deeming it a classic, some absolutely ripping it apart. Tons of conversation topics in there too.

The last book we all loved, but that was also good for discussion (and much shorter than the Booker! ) was All The Birds Singing by Evie Wyld.

It's good to see that cheese-eating is high on the agenda at other groups too.

Thanks for these extra recommendations! We do cake at our book club. It's ace.

Under the Skin by Michel Faber - not too long and lots to talk about. Be careful about reading the blurb on the back as one version of the cover gives the plot away.

Everyone in our book group loved it

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent. My favourite book this year so far.

We're doing the year of living danishly. It's a quick read but I think there will be lots to talk about in between the wine guzzling.

We Need To Talk About Kevin

The Book of Human Skin

Kept our book club talking for ages!

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver - fantastic book!