Loved ‘Sophie, Standing There’? Add These Reese’s Book Club Picks to Your List
These five Reese’s Book Club picks deliver the same themes of women navigating loneliness, identity and emotional struggles
Key Takeaways
- Reese’s Book Club has selected several novels that explore women’s mental health.
- 'Lady Tremaine' reimagines Cinderella’s story through the eyes of her stepmother.
- 'Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine' explores loneliness and the power of friendship.
\One of the books taking the internet by storm right now is Sophie, Standing There by Meg Mason. It follows a woman named Sophie who isolates herself from everyone and becomes obsessed with an author she loved in her 20s. It’s dark, filled with literary references and was chosen as Reese’s Book Club pick for October.
“A funny and tender story about loneliness, connection, and finding your way back to yourself,” Reese said.
But that’s not the only novel like that Reese has picked. Over the years, the actress, author, director and producer has chosen several novels featuring women’s mental health struggles, and we have our top favorite ones below!
‘Lady Tremaine’ by Rachel Hochhauser
This March 2026 Reese’s Book Club pick retells Cinderella’s classic fairy tale, but this time through the eyes of her evil stepmother. Following her husband’s death, Lady Tremaine tries to keep her two daughters, a crumbling estate and mounting debts under control. When a royal ball promises the financial lifeline she so desperately needs, she is hopeful. But when the prince falls for her stepdaughter Elin, Lady Tremaine starts to worry that her once-perfect plan is going to fail. Then she uncovers a shocking secret about the royal family and wants to use it to blackmail them. But she knows that if she does, her stepdaughter’s heart will be broken. Will Lady Tremaine protect her family or her lifelong financial stability?
What Reese says: “Our Reese’s Book Club pick is Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser, a reimagining of Cinderella’s stepmother that explores motherhood, family, and the pressure to be perfect.
What other readers are saying: “What a story! It really does turn the story of Cinderella upside down in a wonderful way. Nothing is what it seems, and that’s what makes this novel so amazing. There is no magic in this story, but the author seems to craft it with her own magic. There are a lot of lessons learned with a satisfying ending. Did I mention, it’s laugh out loud hilarious at times. It’s well worth reading!”
‘Yellowface’ by R.F Kuang
IIn July 2023, Reese picked this thriller as her book club pick. June Hayward and Athena Liu were supposed to achieve literary stardom together, but only Athena’s books became bestsellers. Then, when a freak accident kills Athena right before June’s eyes, June decides to steal her late friend’s unpublished manuscript and publish it as her own. As accolades and success flood in, June finds herself haunted by Athena’s ghost, which might just force the truth to come out—even if June doesn’t want it to.
What Reese says: “Clear your schedule because the moment you start reading you won’t be able to put it down. This story circles themes like the dark side of book publishing, social media culture and so much more… when you finish it, you’ll want to talk about it.”
What other readers are saying: “Yellowface is by far one of the most fun reads of the year. It has something to say, and it does it with a style all its own. It’s smart, sophisticated, fun and fast. At every moment, I was holding my breath”
‘Outlawed’ by Anna North
This western historical fiction novel set in 1894 was selected as a Reese’s Book Club pick in January 2021. The plot follows 17-year-old Ada, who is struggling to meet society’s expectations. A year into her marriage, Ada has yet to get pregnant, and in a town where childless women are often accused of witchcraft and hanged, that failure could cost her everything. Desperate to escape her fate, Ada flees and joins the outlaw gang Hole in the Wall, where she must decide if she’s willing to risk her life for a taste of freedom she’s never known. A wild western ride that is perfect for people who love strong female characters.
What Reese says: “The January Reese’s Book Club pick is a WILD one! Centered around a fugitive on the run, Anna North’s Outlawed is a riveting story unlike anything I’ve read before! This feminist Western will keep you on the edge of your seat on a high stakes ride through the Old West. The search for identity and the desperation to survive drive the intensity of this women-on-the-run adventure.”
What other readers are saying: “I did not expect a book about outlaws to delve into women’s health, infertility, relationships, witches, religion, social mores, sexual orientation and mental health, and wrap it into an interesting story that holds your attention. I loved the ending (I won’t spoil it for you)! It’s enjoyable for those who are open minded and intelligent.”
‘Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine’ by Gail Honeyman
This bestselling novel was Reese’s first Book Club selection back in May 2017. Eleanor Oliphant has never quite mastered the art of social skills. She often blurts out exactly what she’s thinking regardless of the consequences, and as a result, has decided to build herself a routine that helps her avoid social interaction. That carefully constructed plan begins to change though when she crosses paths with Raymond, her office’s IT guy, after the two help an elderly man named Sammy after his fall on the sidewalk. What follows is an unlikely bond between three unlikely friends that will change all of their lives for the better.
What Reese says: “Beautifully written and INCREDIBLY funny, this book is about the importance of friendship and human connection. I fell in LOVE with Eleanor, an eccentric and regimented loner whose life beautifully unfolds after a chance encounter with a stranger; I think you will fall in love too!”
What other readers are saying: “Gail Honeyman’s charming, quirky, and resilient Eleanor Oliphant might just be one of my favorite characters I’ve met in a long time. Eleanor’s transformation from the woman she was in the beginning to the stronger, improved version of herself in the end was incredibly sad to read but also uplifting and inspiring at the same time.”
‘In Her Defense’ by Philippa Malicka
If you love a good plot twist, then don’t miss this February 2026 Reese’s Book Club pick. When TV star Anna Finbow accuses her daughter Mary’s therapist, Jean Guest, of brainwashing her daughter, the last thing she expected was for it to backfire on her. But that’s exactly what happens when Augusta “Gus” Bird, Anna’s former employee, shows up with a secret that could reveal what happened to Mary during a mysterious stay at a prestigious art school in Rome. What follows is a twisted story filled with family drama and important mental health conversations.
What Reese says: “Our February Reese’s Book Club pick is here! In Her Defense by Philippa Malicka. Such a good, twisty read.”
What other readers are saying: “In Her Defense is a compelling, emotionally rich novel that explores female relationships, vulnerability, and self-deception with honesty and style. It’s the kind of book that stays with you after you turn the last page.”
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