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Emma Roberts Has a Book Club — These Are Our Top 10 Favorite Titles

Discover the best picks from Bellatrist Book Club.

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candy house, orwell's roses, vanishing half, rebecca, tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow, in the shadow of the mountain

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Beloved actress Emma Roberts, daughter of Eric Roberts and niece to Julia Roberts', is one of the latest celebrities to join the book club bandwagon. You’ve likely read the classics on Oprah’s Book Club list and dabbled in Reese Witherspoon’s picks, but are you familiar with the Belletrist books?

The brainchild of Roberts, along with her best friend Karah Preiss, Belletrist initially launched 12 years ago and has since grown into a top contender in the celeb book club game. More than just a platform for literary enthusiasts, Belletrist blossomed into a vibrant community, celebrating the power of storytelling and fostering a love for reading among its members.

A bibliophile herself, Roberts regularly curates a diverse selection of gems that have captured the hearts and minds of readers worldwide. From compelling debut novels like Joan Didion's 'Slouching Towards Bethlehem' to cherished classics like 'Rebecca' by Daphne Du Maurier, the Belletrist book club offers an assortment of titles that span multiple genres — all of which embrace the power of literature to evoke empathy, ignite imaginations, and spark meaningful discussions. Read on to learn more about our top 10 picks from Emma Roberts’ book club.

1
Best Classic Novel

Hachette 'Rebecca' by Daphne Du Maurier

'Rebecca' by Daphne Du Maurier

You might recognize Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca from the Hitchcock movie or even the recent Netflix remake by the same name. It’s the haunting tale of a young woman who marries a wealthy widower and becomes entangled in the shadow of his deceased first wife, Rebecca. As secrets unravel, she discovers the dark and chilling truth about her husband's past and the mysterious Rebecca.

2
New York Times Bestseller

Knopf 'Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow' by Gabrielle Zevin

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'Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow' by Gabrielle Zevin

This novel from Gabrielle Zevin consistently tops the Amazon Charts of most-read fiction books. A highly-rated bestseller, it tells the story of two college friends who become creative partners who launch a hit video game. The book spans 30 years and examines identity, failure, and the need to connect.

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3
Best Modern Classic

Picador Modern Classics 'Slouching Towards Bethlehem' by Joan Didion

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'Slouching Towards Bethlehem' by Joan Didion
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Joan Didion’s iconic book “Slouching Towards Bethlehem” is her first nonfiction work. Published in 1968, it’s now a classic that's been described as the “best prose written in this country.” It captures the nostalgia of that era, exploring subjects like John Wayne and Howard Hughes, along with her take on growing up in California.

4
Best Page-Turner

Riverhead Books 'The Vanishing Half' by Brit Bennett

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'The Vanishing Half' by Brit Bennett

"Vanishing Half," written by Brit Bennett, is a thought-provoking novel that’s one of the best on the Belletrist book club list. A powerful read, it explores the lives of twin sisters who choose to live in different racial identities. Set in the 1960s and spanning decades, the book delves into themes of family, identity, and the consequences of secrets. This compelling novel is one you won’t soon forget.

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5
Best Graphic Novel

HarperOne 'And Now I Spill the Family Secrets' by Margaret Kimball

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'And Now I Spill the Family Secrets' by Margaret Kimball
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"And Now I Spill the Family Secrets: An Illustrated Memoir” is a unique graphic novel that unravels the hidden tales of a complex family. Through poignant storytelling and visuals, it explores the intergenerational dynamics, long-held secrets, and the profound impact they have on individual lives. It’s a revealing and visually stunning journey into the depths of family history.

6
NYT Top 10 Book

Scribner 'The Candy House' by Jennifer Egan

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'The Candy House' by Jennifer Egan
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Another one of our favorites on Emma Roberts’ book club list, "Candy House," is a riveting novel that follows the lives of two sisters, exploring their bond, desires, and the consequences of their choices. Set against the backdrop of 1960s San Francisco, this tale navigates themes of love, betrayal, and the pursuit of happiness.

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7
Best Memoir

Henry Holt and Co. 'In the Shadow of the Mountain: A Memoir' by Silvia Vasquez-Lavado

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'In the Shadow of the Mountain: A Memoir' by Silvia Vasquez-Lavado
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Another Belletrist Book Club title worth reading, “In The Shadow of the Mountain: A Memoir of Courage,” is an inspiring true story that chronicles the author's journey of survival and resilience. Along with an incredible account of what happened, the memoir explores themes of courage, hope, and the strength of the human spirit.

8
NPR Best Book

Back Bay Books 'How to Be Eaten' by Maria Adelmann

'How to Be Eaten' by Maria Adelmann

A winner of NPR's Best Books of the Year, Emma Roberts is also a fan of “How to Be Eaten.” It’s a darkly comedic reimagining of classic fairytales set in a support group for trauma in modern-day New York City. It shines a light on how anti-feminist many classic fairytales were and spins these stories on their heads.

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9
Best New Novel

Grove Press 'Writers & Lovers' by Lily King

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'Writers & Lovers' by Lily King
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Both a New York Times Bestseller and an Editor’s Pick on Amazon, this popular novel from Lily King follows a struggling writer named Casey. She is blindsided by her mother’s death and heartbroken from a recent love affair. It’s a heartfelt exploration of art, desire, and self-discovery.

10
Best Biography

Penguin Books 'Orwell's Roses' by Rebecca Solnit

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'Orwell's Roses' by Rebecca Solnit
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Rebecca Solnit’s “Orwell’s Roses” reflects on George Orwell’s passion for gardening and how it illuminates his other interests as a writer and anti-fascist. This portrait is a fresh take on him as a person and political writer. It explores his passion for the natural world and how it helped to inform his work outside of the garden.

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Katie McBroom is an award-winning content creator and freelance writer. Prior to contributing to Biography, she served as Content Editor for Google and Beauty Editor for Best Products. Her work has also appeared in publications including CNN, WWD, Business Insider, Forbes, and Men's Health, among others.

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candy house, orwell's roses, vanishing half, rebecca, tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow, in the shadow of the mountain
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