Novel Kicks Book Club: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
Happy New Year and Hello January.
I hope everyone enjoyed welcoming in 2025. Was it me or did 2024 go really quickly?
Like many people, I always feel a little sad at this time of year. I don’t like saying goodbye to the Christmas tree, lights and brightness. Everything always feels a little plain. Of course, the weather doesn’t help this feeling of melancholy.
So, for January’s book club choice, I wanted to pick a book that sends us into a magical, colourful world – the wonderful world of OZ.
I wanted to join in with the buzz of Wicked but I feel that the novel that inspired this story needs a little love too. That is why I’ve chosen The Wonderful Wizard of OZ by L. Frank Baum.
I was shocked to realise that, although I know the 1939 movie, I’ve never read the novel. So, here we are. I think it’s the perfect story to kick off 2025.
How to join our book club –
by 
Novel Kicks Book Club: Blind Spot by Paula Hawkins
Hello September.
The first of the ‘ber’ months. It’s the back to school month. I confess, I’ve always loved this month especially when I was younger. It gave me an excuse to get new stationery although my husband will tell you I have enough notebooks.
The nights are getting a little shorter. It’s the perfect month to settle in with a good book and I hope you’ll find this month’s pick a good companion.
This month’s pick is Blind Spot by Paula Hawkins.
I am a fan of Paula’s novels and this novella sounded interesting. At only approx 128 pages, it’s a quick read.
Anyone can take part in our book club whether you’re reading along with me or have already read it. People who have seen the TV series are also welcome. The best part, you don’t have to leave your house to take part. I’ve posted a question below to kick off discussion and I look forward to chatting with you there.
About Blind Spot:
by Novel Kicks Book Club: In A Thousand Different Ways by Cecelia Ahern
August is here. Whoop Whoop.
Even though the weather can’t quite make up its mind, it’s still the month of Summer and holidays and lovely afternoons reading.
This month, I’ve picked a book from one of my favourite authors.
This month’s book pick is In A Thousand Different Ways by Cecilia Ahern.
There’s a bit about the book below. As usual, anyone can take part in our book club, whether you’ve already read this or will be reading along with me. The best part… you can do this from the comfort of your own armchair, the beach, garden, balcony.
I have put a question in the comments below to kick off the discussion. See you in the comments.
About In A Thousand Different Ways:
She knows your secrets. Now discover hers…
You’ve never met anyone like Alice. She sees the best in people. And the worst. She always seems to know exactly what everyone around her is feeling: a thousand different emotions. Every. Single. Day.
by Novel Kicks Book Club: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Hello July. Welcome. It’s lovely to see you.
Dare I say it but the weather might have finally got the memo about it being summer. Oh no, have I gone and jinxed it now?
With July stretching out in front of us there’s the promise of long, lovely summer evenings in places like the garden or sat in your favourite comfortable chair with the sunshine streaming through the window. Maybe relaxing on the beach is more your thing, or you’re counting down the days to that long awaited summer holiday.
I have to admit, when deciding what book to pick this month, I considered doing Christmas in July and a festive story. However, I didn’t want to wish the warm weather away when it has only just arrived.
What a better companion to have than a good book. This month’s novel has been recommended to me by many people and I can’t wait to read it.
This month’s pick is Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus.
Details about taking part in our book club are below but first, here’s a little about the book:
Our ability to change everything – including yourself – starts here
Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, she would be the first to point out that there is no such thing.
But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute take a very unscientific view of equality.
Forced to leave her job at the institute, she soon finds herself the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show, Supper at Six.
But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn’t just teaching women to cook.
She’s daring them to change the status quo. One molecule at a time.
How our book club works:
by Novel Kicks Book Club: Bridgerton: Daphne’s Story – The Duke & I by Julia Quinn
Hello June.
The May bank holidays are gone and we are properly heading into Summer now. OK, I know the weather can’t make up its mind but I am hoping that this month’s book club choice will help you feel summery.
In honour of the new series that’s just come onto a popular streaming service, I’ve chosen the first novel in the Bridgerton book series – The Duke & I.
I have a confession to make… I have never read this series and have only just started watching the TV show. It didn’t take me long to morph into binge watching status. I am looking forward to reading the novel.
As usual, anyone can take part in our book club and can do so at any point in the month. Whether you’ve read this book before or, like me, will be reading it for the first time, you’re all welcome.
I’ve added a question to kick start the discusssion. I look forward to talking about this book and series in the comments.
*****
About Bridgerton: Daphne’s story – The Duke & I:
by Novel Kicks Book Club: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
April Showers bring May Flowers and I’m so happy to be saying hello to May and this month’s book.
I’ve been hearing so much about the A Court of Thorns and Roses series and well, it’s about time I read it. I’ll be reading book one in the series but if you’ve read any of the other novels in the series, I’d love to hear your thoughts.*
As usual, our book club is open to all whether you’ll be reading along with me or have already read the novel and want to discuss it. The best part is that you can join the conversation from the comfort of your sofa. You don’t even have to change out of your pyjamas if you don’t want to.
I’ve put a question in the comments section to kick off discussion and I am looking forward to seeing you there.
About A Court of Thorns and Roses –
by Novel Kicks Book Club: The Star and the Strange Moon by Constance Sayers
Hello April.
So, Easter is almost done, the clocks have gone forward (yay to the lighter evenings,) and the sun is doing its absolute best to shine over Novel Kicks HQ.
I am very excited about the book I’ve chosen this month – The Star and the Strange Moon by Constance Sayers.
It was released here in the UK on 28th March 2024 and the premise sounds very intriguing. I’m hoping you’ll join me in reading and discussing this book.
As usual, anyone can take part in our book club and can discuss the book of the month via the discussion box below and you can join in at any point in the month.
I’ve posted a question below to kick off discussion. Really hope to see you there.
About The Star and the Strange Moon –
A vanished star. A haunted film. A mystery only love can unravel . . .
1968
Gemma Turner once dreamed of stardom, now she’s on the cusp of obscurity. When a radical new horror film offers her the leading role, her luck looks set to change. Until one dark night, Gemma disappears on set and is never seen again. But this is only the beginning… Gemma has been pulled into the film itself, where the script – and the horrors within it – are more real than she ever imagined, and she must play her role perfectly if she hopes to survive.
2007
by Novel Kicks Book Club: The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
Hello March.
Well, we’ve said goodbye to Valentine’s Day, Pancake Day and the Leap Day and welcome the month of the first signs of spring (I say hopefully as I look out the window at the rain,) St Patricks Day and a very early Good Friday.
This month, I wanted to pick a book that has been catching my eye a lot but one I’ve not actually read. There was something about it that pulled me in just by reading the blurb. Plus, the tag line is amazing and the cover is beautiful.
That book is The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods. The title sounds very whimsical and the idea of finding a Lost Bookshop just seems so wonderful.
How to take part –
Anyone can take part in our book club whether you’ve already read the novel or will, like me, be picking it up for the first time. I post a question in the comments below to start the discussion and the best part is that you can take part from the comfort of home. I am really looking forward to discussing this book with you.
About The Lost Bookshop –
‘The thing about books,’ she said ‘is that they help you to imagine a life bigger and better than you could ever dream of.’
On a quiet street in Dublin, a lost bookshop is waiting to be found…
For too long, Opaline, Martha and Henry have been the side characters in their own lives.
by Novel Kicks Book Club: The Last Days of You and Me by Debbie Howells
Welcome February.
At last, we can say goodbye to January, widely agreed to be the longest month of the year and say hello to the shortest, despite this year being a leap year.
The book I’ve picked for this month is, in my opinion, a wonderful tale of love and taking a leap of faith – The Last Days of You and Me by Debbie Howells.
Anyone can take part in our book club, whether you’ve already read the book or plan to read through the month. The best part, you can do it from the warmth and comfort of home. I’ve posted a question in the comments below to start discussion.
I am really looking forward to discussing this book with you.
About The Last Days of You and Me –
by Novel Kicks Book Club: Fool Me Once by Harlan Coben
Hello 2024.
Happy New Year everyone.
I’m looking forward to another twelve months of wonderful books and discussions.
For January, I thought I’d pick a book that is causing a stir thanks to the new Netflix adaptation – Fool Me Once by Harlan Coben.
I’m really excited about reading this book. As usual, our book club is open to all so, if you’ve already read it or will be reading along with me, you’re all welcome.
I’ve put a question in the comments below to start off the discussion. Looking forward to talking about this book with you.
About Fool Me Once –
You think you know the truth. The truth is you know nothing.
If your husband was murdered.
by Novel Kicks Book Club: Hogfather by Terry Pratchett
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
December is my favourite month. I get to put up the Christmas tree, decorate the house and put on my Christmas playlist on repeat.
It also means Christmas themed novels.
For this month, I thought I would go with something a little different and that is Hogfather by Terry Pratchett.
I have seen the TV adaptation of this but never read the novel. I am told from a reliable source, my husband who adores this series, that despite this being book 20 in the Discworld series, enough information is given in order to keep up. Whether that’s true… well, let’s find out.
As usual, I have put a question in the comments to kick off discussion. Anyone can join our book club, whether you’ve read the novel already or, like me, you’ll be reading it for the first time. You can take part from the comfort of your sofa so grab the book, a hot chocolate or any drink you fancy and enjoy.
*****
About Hogfather –
by Novel Kicks Book Club: Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
Hello November.
A new month means a new Book Club novel.
With the bad weather, it does feel like Autumn has properly arrived.
I don’t usually need an excuse to curl up with a book but right now, a book, tea and a blanket feels like bliss.
This month, I have chosen a book by one of my favourite authors, Lisa Jewell. This month’s read is Then She Was Gone. The cover just feels very autumnal to me.
As usual, our book club is open to all, whether you’ve already read it or plan to pick it up for the first time and the best thing – you can take part from the comfort of that comfortable chair. This is one of the novels that’s been on my TBR list for a long time and so I can’t wait to get started. This book sounds compelling.
I’ve posted a question in the comments below to kick start the discussion. See you there.
About Then She Was Gone –
by Novel Kicks Book Club: Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
Hello October.
I will always have a soft spot for October. OK, i’m a little bias as it’s my birthday month but I adore the changing colours of the leaves, the build up to Halloween (I blame a Canadian in my life for my new love of this holiday. I am very much a Christmas girl normally. Haha,) and the excuse for a comfortable blanket, a hot chocolate and a book.
As you would have already seen from the title, this month’s book pick is Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery.
The quote above is from this novel and I’m ashamed to say, it’s a novel I have never read. This month, I want to change that and I hope you’ll also join me.
As usual, anyone can join, whether you’ve already read the novel or will be reading along with me. I have placed a question in the comments below to kick off the discussion. I really hope to see you there.
*****
About Anne of Green Gables –
Anne Shirley is an eleven-year-old orphan who has hung on determinedly to an optimistic spirit and a wildly creative imagination through her early deprivations.
by Novel Kicks Book Club: Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
I’m very excited to be posting a new Book Club title.
It’s summer and fingers crossed, we get some lovely days to sit and relax with a book in the garden but even if we don’t, I am hoping you’ll join me in reading this month’s choice.
The book I have chosen this month is one I have been looking forward to reading since I saw the Netflix show.
It’s Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah.
Usually, I try to read the book before seeing any kind of TV/film adaptation but having heard so many good things about the TV series, I couldn’t resist. What about you? Do you prefer to read the book before adaptation?
Our book club is open to anyone, whether you’ve already read the novel or will be reading along with me and taking part can be from the comfort of the sofa, armchair – wherever you read.
I’ll put a question in the comments below to kickstart the discussion. Looking forward to seeing you there.
About Firefly Lane –
It is 1974 and the summer of love is finally drawing to a close. The flower children are starting to realise that you cannot survive on peace and love alone.
by Novel Kicks Book Club: The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom
Hello February.
I am super excited to get started on the book this month. It’s one that has been on my TBR pile for a long time. I am a huge fan of this author since reading Tuesdays with Morrie.
This month’s book is The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom.
As usual, this book club is open to anyone who wants to take part whether you’re new to the book or have read it before. It’s all from the comfort of your arm chair, sofa, bed. I would also say garden but maybe not at the moment.
I have posted a question in the comments to get the discussion going. I look forward to discussing this book with you.
*****
About The Stranger in the Lifeboat –
Adrift in a raft after a terrible shipwreck, ten strangers try to survive while they wait for rescue.
After three days, short on water, food and hope, they spot a man floating in the waves.
They pull him on board – and the survivor claims he can save them.
But should they put their trust in him?
Will any of them see home again?
by Novel Kicks Book Club: The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
Hello 2023.
Is it just me or did December come and go very quickly?
I know it’s January but it’s also a new year and a further 12 months of discovering new books or maybe visiting one you’ve not read in a while.
This month’s book club title is by an author who I absolutely adore. The novel is The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman.
This book has been on my TBR list for so long and I am looking forward to reading it and hopefully discussing it with you in the comments. Anyone can take part, whether you’ve read it or plan to read this month and the best part… it’s all online.
I’ve posted a question below to get the discussion going.
Here’s a little about the book:
This is what he remembers, as he sits by the ocean at the end of the lane:
A dead man on the back seat of the car, and warm milk at the farmhouse.
An ancient little girl, and an old woman who saw the moon being made.
A beautiful housekeeper with a monstrous smile.
by Novel Kicks Book Club: Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Penguin, April 2022.
Hello fellow book lovers.
I am very excited for this month’s book, Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
This is an author that has been on my TBR list for a long time (I have heard so many good things about The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.)
I chose this one for July as the cover of this novel screams summer. I can just imagine sun, cold drink and this book.
Our book club is completely open to everyone and anyone. You can join in at any point in the month whether you’re reading along with me or have already read it.
I have posted a question below in the comments to kick off the discussion and I look forward to seeing you there and talking about this book.
Here’s the blurb:
by Novel Kicks Book Club: The House in the Cerulean Sea by Travis Klune
April is here. That is quite hard to believe, right?
The book I have chosen this month is one that I’ve been wanting to read for a long time. I have heard so many great things about it. Plus, look at this cover.
I have picked The House in the Cerulean Sea by Travis Klune.
I am hoping you’ll join me reading and talking about this book. Anyone can take part in our book club whether you’re yet to read it or have already read it. I have put a question in the comments below to get the discussion rolling.
About the book:
He expected nothing. But they gave him everything . . .
Linus Baker leads a quiet life. At forty, he has a tiny house with a devious cat and his beloved records for company. And at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, he’s spent many dull years monitoring their orphanages.
by Novel Kicks Book Club: The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewell
Hello February.
I am very excited about the book club pick this month. It’s The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewell.
I don’t know about you but, even by the blurb, this book sounds brilliant and I can’t wait to get started.
Anyone can take part in our book club, at any point in the month, whether you’ve already read the novel or will be reading along with me. As usual, I’ve posted a question below in the comments to start the discussion. See you there.
About The Night She Disappeared…
‘Mum, there’s some people here from college, they asked me back to theirs. Just for an hour or so. Is that OK?’
Midsummer 2017: teenage mum Tallulah heads out on a date, leaving her baby son at home with her mother, Kim.
At 11 p.m. she sends her mum a text message. At 4.30 a.m. Kim awakens to discover that Tallulah has not come home.
Friends tell her that Tallulah was last seen heading to a pool party at a house in the woods nearby called Dark Place.
by Novel Kick’s Book Club: The Gift by Cecelia Ahern
HarperCollins, Nov 2017
It’s December! It’s hard to believe we’ve reached the last month of 2021.
I know it’s been a bit of a strange year. I am really determined to find my Christmas spirit though.
December is my favourite month. Beautiful lights adorn buildings.
I get to have an advent calendar (which you’re never too old for.)
I can play Christmas music as much as I like and I finally get to put up the Christmas Tree, watch Christmas movies and most importantly sit down with my favourite Christmas themed novel.
Gabe is the homeless man who sits outside Lou’s office. When Lou invites Gabe into the building and into his life, Lou’s world is changed beyond all measure.
A Christmas story that speaks to all of us about the value of time and what is truly important in life.
by Novel Kicks Book Club: Longbourn by Jo Baker
Hello April.
I know we can’t be outside enjoying the longer evenings for very long, if at all but I am pleased to see the beginning of British Summer Time.
A new month also means a new book and this month, I have chosen Longbourn by Jo Baker.
If you’re a fan of Pride & Prejudice, this is told from the point of view of the servants at Longbourn; which of course is the home of the Bennetts.
It sounds so good and I can’t wait to discuss it with you in the comments below. I have included a question to kick off the chat. Remember, anyone can take part.
Here’s a link if you want to check out the book on Amazon UK.
by Book Club
