The Book Circle

The Book Circle is a bookclub with the Waterstone's Card at its heart. Our panel of Cardholders read, review and vote for their favourite paperback fiction title from a new book shortlist, with the winner becoming our Cardholders' Choice of the Month.

Find out more about other Waterstone's bookclubs and reading groups

Our January Cardholders' Choice is The Outlander by Gil Adamson.

"This book is exceptional. It is a compelling, evocative novel that I read in one sitting. Gil Adamson writes beautifully (she is an accomplished poet) and the richness of her prose shines out of every page."

Victoria Osborne

"As a reader I was fascinated by the battle of Mary's drift into near madness through grief and hunger, and her iron-clad will for survival. Thrilling to the last page, this book comes with a 10 out of 10 recommendation. I look forward to more from this excellent author. "

Ursula Griffiths

Characters: How far do you sympathise with Mary? Was she justified in killing her husband?

Story: What genre would you say this book fits into, and how? And does it push the boundaries of that genre?

Themes: Mary is repeatedly haunted by nightmares. What role do dreams and memory play in the novel?

Style: The Guardian said the novel has "echoes of Cormac McCarthy". Do you agree?

You've read their reviews, now find out who's behind our Cardholders' Choice of the Month. Take a look at our Book Circle panellists and read up on their favourite titles and other books they recommend.

The Book Circle panel

Our September Cardholders' Choice was The Girl on the Landing by Paul Torday, is an exciting novel - part love story, part psychological thriller - which confounds your expectations as it tightens its grip

See September Book Circle discussion points and shortlisted titles.

Our August Cardholders' Choice was True Murder by Yaba Badoe, a wonderful, intense and complex mystery novel and coming-of-age story centered around Ajuba, an eleven-year-old Ghanian girl sent to an English boarding school.

See August Book Circle discussion points and shortlisted titles.

Our July Cardholders' Choice was American Wife by author Curtis Sittenfeld. American Wife is an epic yet intimate story of an ordinary woman thrust into extraordinary circumstances when she becomes first lady.

See July Book Circle discussion points and shortlisted titles.

Our June Cardholders' Choice was City of Thieves by author David Benioff. Complex and compelling, it's a thought-provoking novel that leaves its own lingering, haunting presence in the reader's imagination.

See June Book Circle discussion points and shortlisted titles.

Our May Cardholders' Choice was Born Under a Million Shadows by author Andrea Busfield. Revolving around the conflict in Afghanistan and the life of an 11 year old boy, Fawad, and the hope and grief he faces.

See May Book Circle discussion points and shortlisted titles.

Our April Cardholders' Choice was Firmin by author Sam Savage. Told through the voice of a rat, Firmin is brimming with charm and surprised Cardholders with its moving and profound story.

See April Book Circle discussion points and shortlisted titles.

View the April Book Circle discussion on Firmin.

Our March Cardholders' Choice was The Story of Forgetting by debut author Stefan Merrill Block. Touching on poignant themes, such as Alzheimer's, our Cardholder panel were moved by the sensitive and accurate portrayl of the lives affected by the disease.

See March Book Circle discussion points and shortlisted titles.

View our author web chat with Stefan Merrill Block.

Our February Cardholders' Choice was the powerful and riveting refugee tale The Other Hand by Chris Cleave. The book won over our booksellers, book lovers and literary critics alike with its refined dual narrative and emotionally moving subject matter.

View the February Book Circle discussion on The Other Hand.

See February Book Circle discussion points and shortlisted titles.

Read any of these books already? Submit a review to let us know your thoughts.