July Book Club Pick: The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett

Every month, we choose a new book to read together in the Mom Wife Wine Book Club, and it’s the same for the July book club pick. There’s no reading schedule to keep up with and no pressure to finish by a certain date. It’s just good books, good conversation, and a community of readers who love getting lost in a great story.

This month’s pick is The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett.

If Kathryn Stockett’s name sounds familiar, it’s because she wrote The Help. After nearly two decades, she’s back with a brand-new historical fiction novel, and with historical fiction being one of my favorite genres, I couldn’t resist making it our July book club pick.

Whether you’re already a fan of her writing or simply love stories with unforgettable characters, I have a feeling this one is going to give us plenty to talk about.

July Book Club Pick

Book: The Calamity Club

Author: Kathryn Stockett

Genre: Historical Fiction

Setting: Oxford, Mississippi, during the Great Depression

Why I Picked This July Book Club Pick

I always look for books that will spark a great discussion, and this one checked all the boxes. Plus, it’s one of my favorite genres, and I loved The Help, so I knew The Calamity Club was the perfect choice.

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres because the best stories aren’t just entertaining, they also make you think. They introduce you to another place and time while exploring themes that still feel relevant today.

When I saw that Kathryn Stockett was releasing her first novel since The Help, I immediately added it to my reading list. I haven’t read it yet (I like going into book club picks with fresh eyes), but everything I’ve seen points to a beautifully written story filled with memorable characters, friendship, resilience, and plenty of emotional moments along the way.

What Is The Calamity Club About?

Set in Mississippi during the Great Depression, The Calamity Club follows three women whose lives become connected in unexpected ways.

At its heart, this is a character-driven novel about friendship, courage, family, and finding your place in a rapidly changing world. Rather than relying on nonstop twists or suspense, the story invites readers to settle in, get to know its characters, and experience the journey alongside them.

It sounds like the kind of book that slowly draws you in until you don’t want to leave its world behind.

Why I’m Excited to Read It for the July Book Club Pick

One of my favorite things about book club is discovering books I may not have picked up otherwise.

I’m especially excited about this one because it’s been so long since Kathryn Stockett published a novel. There’s been a lot of anticipation surrounding this release, and I’m curious to see how her storytelling has evolved over the years.

I’ve also heard that while the book explores some difficult topics, it balances them with warmth, humor, and hope, which tends to make for some of my favorite historical fiction reads.

Who Will Enjoy This Book?

I think you’ll love The Calamity Club if you enjoy:

• Historical fiction
• Southern settings
• Character-driven stories
• Strong female characters
• Family relationships
• Stories about friendship and resilience
• Books that stay with you long after you finish them

If you’re someone who likes to truly settle into a story and connect with its characters, this month’s pick sounds like a great choice.

Book Club Discussion Questions for The Calamity Club

As you read, keep these questions in mind. We’ll revisit them once everyone has had a chance to finish the book.

• Which character are you most invested in so far?
• Who do you think will change the most by the end of the story?
• What has surprised you about the setting?
• Which relationships are you most interested in watching develop?
• What themes are already standing out to you?
• Is there a particular character you’re rooting for?
• What do you hope happens before the story ends?
• Has anything caught you off guard yet?
• What emotions has the story made you feel so far?
• Based on your first impressions, would you recommend this book to another historical fiction fan?

Join the Mom Wife Wine Book Club

If you’re reading along this month, I’d love to have you join the conversation.

There’s no deadline and no pressure. Read whenever it fits into your schedule, then come back and share your thoughts. One of my favorite parts of this book club is seeing how differently everyone experiences the same story.

If you’d like to receive each month’s book pick, discussion questions, and other bookish fun, be sure to join the Mom Wife Wine Book Club email list.