3 Reese’s Book Club Picks I Wish I Could Experience Anew

I’ve noticed a fun trend on TikTok in which creators share the books they wish they could read again for the first time. You know, those books that were so compelling and impactful that you feel jealous of those experiencing them for the first time. Narrowing it down was quite the task, but I thought I’d highlight three standout titles from Reese’s Book Club that I’d love to reread with fresh eyes. From a delightful rom-com to a gripping dystopian novel, these books left an indelible mark on me.

Imagine growing up knowing nothing about your father except his name. Maybe he’s a doctor, a banker, or even a prolific artist. Now, picture discovering he’s a dictator in a faraway country. This is the intriguing premise of “Sankofa,” Reese’s October 2021 pick, by Chibundu Onuzo (“Welcome to Lagos”). The novel follows Anna, a 48-year-old mixed-race British woman who feels utterly alone after her mother’s death and her husband’s infidelity. In a quest to uncover her father’s identity, she delves into his past and discovers a man who moved from West Africa to London in the ’70s to study. He became radicalized among political revolutionaries, eventually returning to Africa and founding a liberation group turned terrorist organization.

The novel spans continents and dwells on issues of power, corruption, racism, colorism, and colonialism. Yet, what stands out most is Anna’s struggle with her mixed-race identity—seen as Black in England and white in Africa. With echoes of Tayari Jones’s “An American Marriage” and Brit Bennett’s “The Vanishing Half,” “Sankofa” is a rich exploration of finding one’s place in the world while grappling with the complex legacy of our parents.

In April 2023, Witherspoon’s book club took a turn towards the lighter side with a modern, compulsively readable rom-com. The story centers on Sally, a 30-something writer for a sketch comedy show akin to “Saturday Night Live.” While working on a sketch, she muses about a colleague—an average-looking guy who’s engaged to a stunning actress. Sally argues that the reverse scenario would never happen. Enter Noah, a wildly popular and handsome musician who’s both host and musical guest on the show. He’s intelligent, sensitive, and seems unusually interested in Sally. For fans of Nora Ephron and “30 Rock,” “Romantic Comedy” is utterly charming and brilliantly witty.

Set against a dystopian backdrop, Celeste Ng’s October 2022 novel takes readers on a riveting journey. In “Our Missing Hearts,” 12-year-old Bird lives with his father, a former college linguistics professor. His mother, a Chinese American poet, disappeared three years ago when her works were deemed controversial amidst the passing of a law against foreign cultural influences. One day, Bird receives a mysterious letter from his mother, prompting him to embark on a quest to find her. Despite the dangers, Bird’s resolve remains unshaken.

Traveling to New York City, where the letter was postmarked, Bird connects with an underground network of librarians committed to preserving proscribed literature. Though a departure from Ng’s previous novels, her storytelling prowess remains evident. The narrative shines through Bird’s innocent yet wise perspective. He holds no resentment towards his mother for leaving and harbors hopes for their reunion as a regular family.

These novels from Reese’s Book Club are more than just engaging reads. They offer unique perspectives, deep emotional journeys, and unforgettable characters. Each one leaves you reflecting long after you’ve turned the last page. So, if you get the chance to experience them, consider yourself lucky—you’re in for a remarkable ride.

Source: PureWow, Reese’s Book Club