If you want to identify the real breakthrough books of the season, at any given time, there are a few ways to work it out. The bestseller lists are typically a big clue, of course, and it’s always worth monitoring the rolling online phenomenon known as BookTok.
 
But for an interesting and genuinely useful way to track the zeitgeist over time, look to celebrity book clubs. These high-profile endorsements can mobilize millions of readers and jump-start a worldwide conversation.  
 
We’ve rooted out the past three years of recommended books from popular book club lists, including those from Oprah, Reese, Jenna, Good Morning America, and more. That’s 36 books per book club, each of which typically picks one book per month. If you can’t find something to like here, you’re probably in a coma. So heads up on that.
 
The books here are presented in reverse chronological order—that is to say, the most recent picks are at the top. It’s fun to scroll down and backward through time, and you’re likely to remember some of these authors (Charmaine Wilkerson! Taylor Jenkins Reid! Amor Towles!) and titles (Demon Copperhead! The Water Dancer! The Candy House!). You’ll even find the occasional high school English class assignment.
 
Click on the book cover images for more information about each title, and add anything that looks promising to your Want to Read shelf. And feel free to swap recommendations and/or memories in the comments section.