If you can’t decide what to read next or can’t join a real book club, celebrity book clubs might be just what you’re looking for. And their popularity is growing. Once dominated by Oprah (the queen of celebrity book clubs), more and more celebrities are interested in telling us what to read.
Some celebrities have official book clubs that you can join on Goodreads or Facebook, while others simply post what they’re reading on Instagram. In any case, celebrity book clubs are a great place to get ideas for what to read next. I’ve compiled a list of some of the best actual celebrity book clubs as well as bookish celebrities to follow on social media.
Oprah Winfrey
The first celebrity book club! Oprah’s Book Club began as a segment on her talk show in which she would choose a book and discuss it with her audience. Oprah’s seal of approval helped many of these books become bestsellers. After a few controversies (the infamous James Frey incident, Jonathan Franzen being annoyed that Oprah was getting women to read his books), Oprah shifted her focus to classic novels. I suppose dead authors can’t be bothered.
Reese Witherspoon
The stated goal of Reese’s Book Club x Hello Sunshine is to elevate female voices. Each month, Witherspoon announces a new pick, and you can join the discussion on Facebook and Instagram or simply read along at home. Her most recent selection is The Outliers by Kimberly McCreight.
Emma Watson
Our Shared Shelf, Emma Watson’s feminist book club, is active on Goodreads. Participants can discuss their reading with one another and participate in a variety of book-related discussions. Their recommendation includes books like Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay.
Emma Roberts
Emma Roberts and Karah Preiss run Belletrist, a book club that also promotes independent bookstores. Roberts got her start in the book-influencing game by posting her latest reads on Instagram before launching the club. They are currently reading How to be Eaten by Maria Adelmann.
