Full Good Morning America Book Club List +PDF (October 2024)

The legend of Xishi, a renowned beauty from ancient China inspires A Song to Drown Rivers. Xishi’s striking appearance is perceived as a blessing by her village, where marrying well is the ultimate goal. However, when she captures the attention of the military strategist Fanli, she is offered a chance to use her beauty as a weapon against the rival kingdom of Wu. Tasked with infiltrating the enemy palace, seducing the ruthless king, and seeking vengeance for her sister’s murder, Xishi undergoes rigorous training under Fanli’s guidance.

As she navigates the court of Wu, Xishi struggles to balance her role as a spy with her growing feelings for Fanli. Danger lurks at every turn, and the stakes rise as her loyalty is tested. Her deception could lead to the downfall of both kingdoms.

Good Morning America’s September 2024 YA Pick

In Heir, three intertwined characters face a tumultuous fantasy world.

Aiz, an orphan from the slums, seeks vengeance driven by past tragedies and love for her people, but a reckless mistake lands her in prison. Sirsha, a banished tracker with magical skills, reluctantly takes on a dangerous job to catch a child murderer, only to find unexpected love. Meanwhile, Quil, the reluctant crown prince, grapples with his legacy and the weight of threats to the Empire.

Together, they navigate power, betrayal, and romance. Their choices may lead to devastating consequences.

Top Picks From Good Morning America’s Book Club

Several books have seen massive success through Good Morning America’s book club. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus sold more than six million copies and was successfully adapted to TV. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig sold more than two million copies, and The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett was a #1 New York Times bestseller that won several awards.

So, if you’re wondering where to start or what to read next from Good Morning America’s book club list, below are the best picks.

They make great book club picks for your book clubs too!

Lessons in Chemistry – (My Rating: ★★★★★) Popular with readers worldwide, with over one million copies sold. It’s a quirky, feminist story. It’s about a 1960s female scientist and single mother. She unexpectedly becomes the unlikely star of a beloved TV cooking show.

Long Bright River – (My Rating: ★★★★★ and also recommended by Barack Obama) A book I still think about many years later. I call it “a thriller with a conscience.” It explores the opioid epidemic through the lens of one Philadelphia family. One sister is a cop, and the other is a missing addict.

The Maid – (My Rating: ★★★★☆) This mystery remains popular for its quirky, heartwarming protagonist. She’s a socially-challenged, lovable maid who becomes entangled in the investigation of the mysterious death of a wealthy guest.

The Midnight Library – (My Rating: ★★★★☆) One of the most popular books of the last several years. A woman finds herself faced with a library of books that contain different paths her life may have taken. She must decide what makes her life fulfilling and worthwhile. It’s a thoughtful tale with a greater purpose.

Pineapple Street – (My Rating: ★★★★★) This family comedy-drama tackles generational wealth. It does so through the eyes of members of a Brooklyn Heights family. It focuses on two sisters, their middle-class sister-in-law, and the well-to-do matriarch who rules their roost. It’s been a hit with readers based on how sharp and observant it is in telling their story.

The Push – (My Rating: ★★★★★) One of the most thoughtful literary thrillers I’ve ever read. On the surface, it’s about whether one mother’s daughter is “good” or “bad.” But, beneath, it’s a complex rumination on motherhood and generational trauma.

The Vanishing Half – (My Rating: ★★★★★ and also recommended by Barack Obama) My favorite book of 2020. Two light-skinned Black twins grow up, each choosing to identify as a different race. The result is one fascinating family drama, with characters that feel like they can jump off the page.