Book Club Season One: My Ratings, Recaps & Reactions

This year, my friends and I kicked off a book club- each month, someone picks a new read, and we get together to dissect, discuss, and devour the story (and snacks). Here’s a breakdown of our first full rotation, featuring thrillers, speculative fiction, heartstrings-pullers, and truly unforgettable twists.

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

Genre: Psychological Thriller

Synopsis:

A young woman desperate for a fresh start becomes a live-in housemaid for a wealthy family… but not everything is as it seems behind their perfectly polished doors. Secrets unravel quickly, and danger lurks closer than you’d ever expect.

My Thoughts:

What. A. Page. Turner. I was genuinely shocked for most of this book- just when I thought I had it figured out, something else would hit me. It was gripping from start to finish, and I flew through it. If you’re looking for something that keeps you guessing and gasping, this is the one.

Rating: 5/5

Severance by Ling Ma

Genre: Literary Dystopian Fiction

Synopsis:

In a post-apocalyptic New York, a millennial office worker navigates the collapse of society following a mysterious fever that renders people stuck in robotic routines. It’s a story about identity, consumerism, and memory.

My Thoughts:

This was a difficult read for me. The pacing was slow, and it felt heavy at times. That said, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to my own experiences during the early months of COVID-19 - those eerie, quiet routines and strange new normals. So while I didn’t enjoy the reading experience, I did take something meaningful from it.

Rating: 1/5

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

Genre: Contemporary Fantasy

Synopsis:

Between life and death lies a library filled with infinite books- each representing a different version of your life. One woman finds herself in this in-between space and begins exploring the lives she could have lived.

My Thoughts:

This was an easy read with a nice message about regret, choices, and perspective. I just wish it had gone deeper. It felt like we were skimming the surface of a really profound concept, and I was left wanting more development, especially around the main character’s backstory. Still, a pleasant read that didn’t overstay its welcome.

Rating: 2/5

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

Genre: Domestic Thriller

Synopsis: A woman living under a fake indentity finds herself in a game of lies, deception, and danger when her past and present begin to collide. With secrets piling up and stakes getting higher, the truth is always just one step away.

My Thoughts: This book felt like a Netflix series I couldn’t stop binging. I was locked in from the first chapter, and by the last 40% I was on edge- jaw dropped, totally invested. The twists were smart and fun, and that ending?! I needed a minute (or five) to process it. Highly recommend for anyone who loves fast-paced thrillers.

Rating: 4/5

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

Genre: Psychological Thriller

Synopsis:

A famous painter shoots her husband and then stops speaking entirely. A psychotherapist becomes obsessed with uncovering why- and what he finds challenges everything.

My Thoughts:

An absolutely fantastic read. Every time I thought I had the plot figured out, something would throw me off balance and make me rethink everything. I love books that make you feel smart and then totally outsmart you. This one did exactly that. I couldn’t put it down.

Rating: 5/5

The Measure by Nikki Erick

Genre: Speculative Fiction

Synopsis:

One morning, every adult receives a small box with a string inside. The length of your string supposedly determines how long you’ll live. What would you do with this knowledge- and how would it change society?

My Thoughts:

This book really made me think. It prompts a lot of introspection and discussion, which is great for a book club pick. Still, something felt missing. The premise was incredible, but the execution didn’t fully land for me. I enjoyed it- but I didn’t love it.

Rating: 3/5

Final Thoughts

Our first round of book club was packed with variety. From heart-racing thrillers to quiet, reflective reads, each book sparked a different kind of conversation. Even the books I didn’t love gave me something to think about- and I think that’s the beauty of reading with a group. Here’s to even more twists, tears, and TBR chaos in the next rotation!