If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission.
Over the past few years, Reese Witherspoon has become far more than just an actress. After all, while Witherspoon continues to wow us in performances like The Morning Show, she’s also become a powerhouse producer and one of our favorite book recommenders.
Witherspoon launched her book club in 2017 and has given us a book of the month (almost) every month since. In addition to recommending a new read to her massive following, the star also highlights authors new and old, hosts Instagram live streams to break down the books, and has even brought some of her picks to screen with incredible adaptations like Little Fires Everywhere and Where the Crawdads Sing.
This year, Witherspoon has officially recommended twelve different books in her world-famous Book Club that have all joined our TBR list and/or shopping carts. From First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston Witherspoon said she “couldn’t put it down” to her most recent pick,City of Night Birds by Juhea Kim, Witherspoon’s picks are a treasure-trove of page-turning and exhilarating books month after month.
So, in honor of the end of the year, check out all of Witherspoon’s picks of 2024 below!
Every Reese’s Book Club pick of 2024:
January: ‘First Lie Wins’ by Ashley Elston
When announcing her first pick of the year, First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston, Witherspoon passionately described the plot.
“This book tells the story of Evie Porter, who seems to have everything a girl could want in life. She has a perfect, doting boyfriend, she has a house with a picket fence and a fancy group of friends,” the actress said.
But, despite appearances, Evie is living a “total double life.” “She uses an alias and her job is to infiltrate people’s lives and execute takedowns whenever her boss, the mysterious Mr. Smith, says to,” Witherspoon explained. “She has to stay one step ahead of her past to make sure she will have a future in front of her.”
“It’s such a fun read, there’s so many twists and turns and I just couldn’t put it down,” Witherspoon then gushed.
February: ‘Anita de Monte Laughs Last’ by Xochitl Gonzalez
Witherspoon was so excited with her February book club pick, Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez, that she even resumed her love for painting.
“It’s about the mysterious world of art and which artists get celebrated and which don’t – and I’m gonna give you a little spoiler here – women do not get celebrated as much as male artists,” the actress said in her statement.
In the official description of the novel, we learn more about the main characters, Raquel and Anita. “Anita de Monte, a rising star in the art world, is found dead in New York City; her tragic death is the talk of the town. Until it isn’t,” the description says of the artist.
13 years later, Raquel, a student at College Hill, becomes fascinated by Anita’s work. “When Raquel becomes romantically involved with a well-connected older art student, she finds herself unexpectedly rising up the social ranks,” the description details. “As she attempts to straddle both worlds, she stumbles upon Anita’s story, raising questions about the dynamics of her own relationship, which eerily mirrors that of the forgotten artist.”
March: ‘Redwood Court’ by DéLana R. A. Dameron
“I’m so excited to reveal it to you,” Witherspoon said when she announced Redwood Court by DéLana R. A. Dameron as her March pick. “It’s set in the 1990s and it’s a collection of vignettes, all centered around this southern Black family, told from the youngest daughter’s point of view, her name is Mika. It’s all about home and a sense of belonging. I can’t wait for you to read it.”
All told through the eyes of Mika Tabor, the book explores the lives and experiences of her all-Black working class cul-de-sac. “From her grandparents, who were children in the Jim Crow era, to her sister, who would rather listen to Alanis Morissette than Motown, Mika’s stories beautifully convey the importance of joy and being seen,” the description reads.
April: ‘The Most Fun We Ever Had’ by Claire Lombardo
When Witherspoon announced her April book club pickThe Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo, she summarized the 2019 novel in 5(ish) words. “Emotional, Sisters, Messy (in the best way), COMPLICATED relationships, character-driven.”
In the official description, we learn that the novel follows the Sorenson family during a complicated time.
“With the unexpected arrival of young Jonah Bendt—a child placed for adoption by one of the daughters fifteen years before—the Sorensons will be forced to reckon with the rich and varied tapestry of their past,” the description reads. “As they grapple with years marred by adolescent angst, infidelity, and resentment, they also find the transcendent moments of joy that make everything else worthwhile.”
May: ‘How to End a Love Story’ by Yulin Kuang
How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang, Witherspoon’s May book club pick, is about two writers, Grant and Helen, who haven’t seen each other since a tragic accident 13 years ago.
But after over a decade of building their lives far away from each other, Grant joined the writers’ room for a TV adaptation, which just happened to be based on Helen’s novel. “Working together is messy, and electrifying, and Helen’s parents, who have never forgiven Grant, have no idea he’s in the picture at all,” the description reads.
June: ‘The Unwedding’ by Ally Condie
In the first week of June, Witherspoon announced that her June book club pick was The Unwedding by Ally Condie.
“#TheUnwedding by @AllyCondieBooks opens with a wedding at a gorgeous resort in Big Sur… but everything begins to fall apart when the main character Ellery discovers a dead body the morning of the ceremony. 😱” the actress detailed in her announcement.
According to the full description, however, the death is only the beginning of the problem. “Before the police can reach Broken Point, a mudslide takes out the road to the resort, leaving the guests trapped. When another guest dies, it’s clear something horrible is brewing,” the description reads.
July: ‘The Cliffs’ by J. Courtney Sullivan
Starting July off with a bang, Witherspoon announced her July pick: The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan.
“This book is really good,” she said in a short video on Instagram. “There are so many mysteries inside that house.”
In the official synopsis, we find out that the book’s protagonist, Jane Flanagan, is called in to investigate a mysterious house from her hometown decades after she left. “The story Jane uncovers—of lovers lost at sea, romantic longing, shattering loss, artistic awakening, historical artifacts stolen and sold, and the long shadow of colonialism—is even older than Maine itself,” the description reads.
August: ‘Slow Dance’ by Rainbow Rowell
Witherspoon couldn’t wait to announce her August book club pick and announced it a week early instead! Her exciting new pick was Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell.
“I just finished the best book,” Witherspoon said in her announcement on Instagram “It’s all about this couple – ugh, it makes me so nostalgic for high school – they were best friends, but they didn’t know they were in love with each other.”
Years later, when they’re both 33, they reunite at a friend’s wedding. She’s divorced, he’s in the Navy, and their connection is still undeniable.
September: ‘The Comfort of Crows’ by Margaret Renkl
Witherspoon’s September book club pick also marked her 100th pick to date, so of course the selection had to be special.
On Sept. 3, Witherspoon announced her pick: The Comfort of Crows by Margaret Renkl. As Witherspoon revealed in the Instagram announcement, Renkl used to be her very own English teacher.
“Our 100th @reesesbookclub pick, #TheComfortOfCrows by @margaret.renkl is a beautiful love letter to nature and the world around us,” Witherspoon wrote in the caption alongside pictures of them smiling and hugging. “Divided into fifty-two chapters, it follows the creatures and plants in Margaret’s backyard over the course of a year, capturing both the joy of nature’s ongoing pleasures and the grief of fleeting moments. 🍃🐝🌷🦋.”
“As my high school English teacher (!!), Margaret had a profound impact on my life, making it incredibly special to have her as our 100th author 🥹,” Witherspoon wrote. How sweet!
October: ‘Society of Lies’ by Lauren Ling Brown
On Oct. 9, Witherspoon announced that her October selection was Society of Lies by Lauren Ling Brown.
“This gripping thriller follows Maya as she returns to Princeton for her sister’s graduation, only to be thrust into a chilling mystery surrounding her sister’s death and a secret society she knows all too well,” Witherspoon described. “If you’re looking for a page-turner that keeps you on the edge of your seat this spooky season, this one is a must-read!”
November: ‘We Will Be Jaguars’ by Nemonte Nenquimo & Mitch Anderson
Witherspoon’s November pick, We Will Be Jaguars by Nemonte Nenquimo and Mitch Anderson, is a “really beautiful” tribute to National Native American Month.
“We Will Be Jaguars follows the life of internationally acclaimed activist @nemonte.nenquimo and her journey to protect her people and indigenous lands, alongside her husband and writing partner @mitchandersonaf,” Witherspoon explained of the plot. “I was so moved by this story.”
December: ‘City of Night Birds’ by Juhea Kim
Witherspoon’s last pick of the year was City of Night Birds by Juhea Kim.
“In this powerful story, Natasha faces a choice: return to the demanding world of Russian dance that nearly broke her or walk away for good,” Witherspoon described in her announcement. “This story left me thinking about the ways we overcome setbacks and redefine what truly matters.”
Set in St. Petersburg, Russia, the novel follows Natasha as she struggles to re-enter the cutthroat world of ballet, and juggle her relationships with dancers Alexander, who’s “the love of her life,” and Dmitri, the “dark and treacherous genius.”
Leave a Comment