Looking for your next great read? August’s celebrity book clubs have unveiled a diverse lineup of novels spanning literary fiction, family drama, coming-of-age stories, satire, and modern classics.

From Reese Witherspoon and Jenna Bush Hager to Dua Lipa and Natalie Portman, these influential book clubs continue introducing readers to books that often become bestsellers and major conversation starters. Here are the standout picks for August 2026.

1. Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club

The Wild Beneath by Kelly Anderson

Reese Witherspoon’s August pick is an emotionally rich novel that begins with a devastating tsunami and follows two people whose lives become unexpectedly intertwined in its aftermath. Blending romance, survival, and self-discovery, the story explores how tragedy can reshape identity and create new beginnings. Reese described it as the kind of novel readers can enjoy anywhere—from the beach to a cozy reading chair.

Genre: Literary Fiction • Romance • Contemporary Fiction

2. Read With Jenna

Sunlight Finds You by Laura Moriarty

Laura Moriarty’s latest novel is a character-driven story about love, family, and the choices that define a life. Jenna Bush Hager praised it as a luminous summer read filled with warmth, hope, and emotional depth. Known for writing layered family dramas, Moriarty once again explores how unexpected relationships can transform ordinary lives.

Genre: Literary Fiction • Family Drama

3. Dua Lipa’s Service95 Book Club

Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash

Dua Lipa selected Madeline Cash’s sharp, satirical novel that follows characters navigating ambition, identity, internet culture, and modern power structures. The novel combines dark humor with social commentary, making it one of the most talked-about literary releases of the season.

Genre: Literary Fiction • Satire

4. Belletrist

Girl’s Girl by Sonia Feldman

Emma Roberts and Karah Preiss chose this coming-of-age novel exploring the complicated dynamics of teenage friendships. The story follows young women navigating identity, loyalty, jealousy, and the emotional challenges of growing up, capturing both the tenderness and intensity of adolescence.

Genre: Coming-of-Age • Literary Fiction

5. Good Morning America Book Club

Take What You Can by Naima Coster

Naima Coster’s newest novel centers on friendship, motherhood, class, and the difficult decisions people make while trying to build better lives. Through richly developed characters and emotionally layered storytelling, the novel examines the ways personal relationships are shaped by opportunity, sacrifice, and social expectations.

Genre: Literary Fiction • Family Drama

6. Katie Couric Media Book Club

Night Objects by Eli Raphael

Katie Couric’s August recommendation is a debut novel blending literary fiction with psychological suspense. The story gradually reveals hidden secrets while building an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty, making it an appealing choice for readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries with emotional depth.

Genre: Literary Mystery • Psychological Suspense

7. Natalie Portman’s Book Club

Silent Spring by Rachel Carson

Rather than highlighting a new release, Natalie Portman revisits Rachel Carson’s groundbreaking environmental classic. First published in 1962, Silent Spring exposed the dangers of pesticide use and helped launch the modern environmental movement. Decades later, it remains one of the most influential nonfiction books ever written.

Genre: Environmental Nonfiction • Science

8. Dakota Johnson’s TeaTime Book Club

Beginning Middle End by Valeria Luiselli

Dakota Johnson selected Valeria Luiselli’s emotionally resonant novel about a mother and daughter rebuilding their relationship after divorce. Through intimate storytelling and nuanced characters, the novel explores memory, change, resilience, and the complexities of family life.

Genre: Literary Fiction • Family Drama

Final Thoughts

Celebrity book clubs continue to shape reading trends by introducing millions of readers to new authors and standout books each month. Whether you’re looking for literary fiction, contemporary drama, or a modern classic, August’s selections offer something for nearly every kind of reader.