6 Ways to Boost Gut Health That Aren’t Probiotics

When probiotics first hit the market, many consumers couldn’t help but feel a bit grossed out upon learning what they were. Pills full of billions of live bacteria you intentionally put in your mouth? “And this will help me how?!” we wanted to know. As the years have gone by, however, these good gut bugs in pill form have steadily gained acceptance for their many positive health effects.

While initial research focused on their ability to improve digestion, recent studies have shown that probiotics’ reach far exceeds the gut. (In fact, the gut microbiome has become about as trendy a topic as you can get in medical research.) Chronic conditions like heart disease, obesity, and Alzheimer’s have been linked to poor intestinal flora, meaning that probiotic supplementation could have a protective influence against them. Even mental health and the immune system might benefit from a healthier, happier gut. For those who either still can’t get past the idea of swallowing encapsulated bacteria, can’t swallow pills, or simply want to give their microbiome a bit of an extra boost, there are several other ways to reap the rewards of probiotics. Here are our top recommendations.

1. Eat fermented foods. Anyone who’s done some reading on the subject is likely aware that fermented foods contain a substantial amount of healthy bacteria. Yogurt, pickles, tempeh, miso, sauerkraut, kefir, and other foods that undergo fermentation actually require these microorganisms for their process. We’d never have the goodness of yogurt, for example, without three particular strains of bacteria often found in probiotic capsules. Frequently including these foods in your diet adds healthy gut bugs in a tastier package than a pill.

2. Own pets. If you have a pet, you probably can attest to the ways pet ownership bolsters your mental health, but it turns out it’s likely bolstering your gut health too. New research shows that people with pets have a wider variety of gut bacteria — which may explain their reduced incidence of asthma, allergies, and autoimmune conditions. The apparent (and slightly off-putting) reason: Animals, unlike humans, aren’t afraid to get dirty. After they’ve rolled in the mud, given themselves a spit bath, or dropped doggie doo on the sidewalk, they bring their germs with them, to what scientists are calling the “indoor microbiome” (translation: your home). Having all these bacteria in your home is actually a good thing, as it diversifies your bacterial profile.

3. Avoid antibacterial cleansers. From their names (and their marketing), you might think antibacterial soaps, body washes, and other household products are the smart choice for cleaning your body and your home. After all, no one wants to get sick from bacteria lurking under their nails or on a dirty dish sponge. But in animal studies, an additive called triclosan — found in about 75 percent of antibacterial soaps — was shown to interfere with healthy gut flora. In response to this data, at the end of 2017, the FDA gave manufacturers one year to remove triclosan from their products (and banned 18 other antibacterial additives to boot). In the meantime, steer clear of antibacterial household products for the sake of your gut.

4. Exercise. Since 2014, scientists have been aware of a correlation between gut microorganisms and exercise, but their research presented a chicken-or-the-egg conundrum. Which came first, a healthy gut or physical activity? A 2017 study conducted at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana may have settled the debate. Sedentary subjects who took up an exercise regimen displayed improved gut flora after six weeks. These positive changes faded after subjects discontinued their exercise regimen — proof enough that introducing exercise for even a short period is enough to alter intestinal composition.

5. Stress less. Stress wreaks havoc on your body in innumerable ways: Is it any surprise it could damage your gut? Both animal and human studies have revealed that the introduction of stress leads to alterations in the microbiome — and not the good kind. Following stressful events, subjects experienced reduced positive bacteria and increased negative bacteria. This may be one mechanism by which stress makes us vulnerable to illness, since the gut plays such a major role in the immune system. Take time to meditate or practice other stress-relieving techniques for a better microbi-“Om.”

6. Reduce use of unnecessary antibiotic meds. The discovery of antibiotics constituted one of the biggest breakthroughs in modern medicine. These powerhouse drugs continue to be extremely useful in the treatment of bacterial infections and other diseases, often saving lives. However, when routinely overprescribed or overused, antibiotics can have a negative effect on the gut, wiping out desirable bacteria along with the undesirable. We’d never advocate for refusing antibiotics when necessary, but discussing a mindful approach with your doctor could eliminate taking them when another, less aggressive option is available. If you do require a course of antibiotics, take probiotics concurrently to lessen potential damage.

Got gut health on the brain? Tweet us your thoughts @BritandCo.

(Photos via Getty)

Has anyone else felt like their mid-year reset skipped them...or is that just me? Truthfully, my mental health started teetering towards the beginning of the year while my self-care has taken a swan dive into a forgotten abyss.

In an attempt to redirect myself, I've hit pause on rom-coms and thriller books so I can have more time for peaceful introspection. It turns out escapism is fun until you realize how much you've been neglecting yourself.

There are so many titles out there, but these 15 self-care books are the most brilliant ones I've come across!

P.S. Some of these books are in heavy rotation! Keep them handy for the days you're feeling down!

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Consider This: Reflections for Finding Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab (October 15, 2024)

Therapist and bestselling author Nedra Glover Tawwab captured my attention with her titles Set Boundaries, Find Peace and Drama Free: A Guide to Managing Unhealthy Family Relationships so much that I always have them on my desk. It's one of the reasons I'm so excited to dive into her new book, Consider This: Reflections for Finding Peace, next month!

It's almost as if she has secret intel, with all the precious nuggets she'll share that will help us center ourselves during tough moments. From friendly reminders to loving, but firm nudges, Tawwab provides guidance on everything from boundaries to finding joy during every moment.

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Slowing: Discover Wonder, Beauty, and Creativity Through Slow Living by Rachel Schwartzmann

Author and Slow Stories podcast host Rachel Schwartzmann is here to remind us to slow TF down. Between receiving new information at the speed of light and having busy schedules, it's no wonder we're so stressed! Instead of being controlled by work and business, Schwartzmann wants us to reimagine the way we live and create.

She has poignant essays about the positive effects of slowing down — plus, she introduces readers to other voices who have insight about their own experiences with doing so! There are even "guided practices" to help reignite our introspection and creativity through journaling.

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The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control: A Path to Peace and Power by Katherine Morgan Schafler

Perfectionists, we've been summoned with a guide that wants to give us permission to stop trying to control everything. It's so funny — this book landed on my radar after stressing about how I haven't felt in control for a long time. See how life works?

Anyway, psychotherapist Morgan Schafler knows we've been spoon-fed ideology about having balance in our lives, and feels like it's actually not helpful in the long run. She even helps categorize different versions of perfectionism: classic, intense, Parisian, messy, and procrastinator. Yes, that's right. Your procrastinating habit is rooted in perfectionism.

Instead of telling you to get rid of a part of who you are, Schafler breaks down why we respond to things a certain way and teaches how to live life so that our perfectionism doesn't necessarily control every single thing we do.

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The Secret Language of the Body by Jennifer Mann and Karden Rabin

Do you know the role our nervous systems plays in our bodies? It's basically our in-house communication center for messages between our brains and bodies. It's what triggers or flight or fight mode, which comes in handy if we're trying to escape a bristly bear in the woods, but does nothing for us if we're upset someone cut us in line at Starbucks. Little moments like that lead to nervous system dysregulation and can cause a lot of pain.

Mind-body practitioners Jen Mann and Karden Rabin wrote The Secret Language of the Body as way to help us understand what truly goes on in our nervous systems. They dive into topics like somatic therapy, Polyvagal theory, and how our minds and bodies are connected so we can stop living in survival mode.

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The Joy of Saying No by Natalie Lue

You know what's even harder to navigate life with besides perfectionism? It's being a people pleaser and considering everyone else's feelings before you think about your own.

The Joy of Saying No aims to explain how this is often rooted in our childhoods from being known as the good kid to the one who believes overachieving makes them more likable. It's true these roles served a function, but they can also stop us from being who we are as adults. Natalie Lue wants to help us recognize how we continue to operate in people-pleasing mode via six steps so we can reset our connection to others.

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Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski, PhD and Amelia Nagoski, DMA

I'm going to talk about this book forever! It's one of my go-to reads when I'm experiencing so much burnout I can barely think straight. Sisters Emily Nagoski, Phd and Amelia Nagoski, DMA know that burnout isn't a new phenomenon — nor are they claiming it is. What they do know is too many women continue to experience it and are determined to help us change course.

There's lessons about how to move through our natural biological stress cycles, check in with our brains when we're frustrated, and get intimate with our inner critics who live to remind us that we're not doing enough. It's written so beautifully that you'll feel like you're talking to a friend who majored in psychology, but still has the same down-to-earth attitude you first encountered as kids.

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The Sugar Jar: Create Boundaries, Embrace Self-Healing, and Enjoy the Sweet Things in Life by Yasmine Cheyenne

Yasmine Cheyenne's Sugar Jar metaphor is one of the easiest ways for us to realize how depleted we can become if we're not managing our boundaries and healing. From leaving our proverbial jars open, we become subject to energy vampires and moments we don't recognize we need to replenish ourselves until we're on the brink of burnout.

She teaches us how to understand what makes us feel exhausted, how we can press reset, and break up with our own negative habits. Also, she taps into our people-pleasing tendencies so we can find healthier ways to show up for ourselves and others.

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What It Takes to Heal: How Transforming Ourselves Can Change the World by Prentis Hemphill

Prentis Hemphill knows the past few years have left everyone feeling off balance which is why What It Takes to Heal was written. It's a call-to-arms to remind us that our healing isn't optional if we want to move forward in the world.

You'll learn how to pay attention to how our body responds to certain things, including our own habits, and you'll figure out how to stop bearing the weight of emotional burdens. But instead of being in isolation, Hemphill encourages you to embrace being part of a community.

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Sacred Self-Care: Daily Practices for Nurturing Our Whole Selves by Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes

Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes is offering helpful insights for how to being nurturing ourselves in Sacred Self-Care. As a psychologist, pastor, and activist, she's seen how hard it is for people to maintain a self-care practice that helps them navigate life.

As such, she's developed a seven-week guide filled with practices and activities that hone in on our emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual health. With each passing day, you'll receive journal prompts and scriptures that will help set the tone for the day. It's like a devotional from a psychologist's perspective and that can be great if you rely on both therapy as well as religion to get through your days.

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You Are Only Just Beginning: Lessons for the Journey Ahead by Morgan Harper Nichols

Morgan Harper Nichols hasn't shied away from sharing her story and encouraging words with others on Instagram which is why it makes sense she's written You Are Only Just Beginning: Lessons for the Journey Ahead. She wants to help us embrace adventurous moments while sharing reminders that hard moments are temporary.

Sometimes all we need is a little courage to keep going when things feel bleak.

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The Book of Moods: How I Turned My Worst Emotions Into My Best Life by Lauren Martin

Have you ever felt burdened by mood swings? If so, I completely understand because I often question my own and so did author Lauren Martin. She hit a wall a few years ago even though it seemed like her life was perfect on the surface. No matter what she did, she couldn't shake feeling inferior of irritable. It wasn't only she crossed paths with another successful stranger who felt the same that Lauren begin to seek to understand her emotions.

The Book of Moods: How I Turned My Worse Emotions Into My Best Life is a recollection of Lauren's journey and how she learned to find peace. She talks about varying triggers everyone has faced and blends her own wisdom with science-backed evidence to help us make informed decisions.

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Self-Care for Moms by Sara Robinson, MA

Moms are often praised for our ability to be self-sacrificing and resilient in the face of hardship, but I'd be lying if I said it felt like people seem to forget we're human. We do care a lot and have the warm nurturing nature everyone talks about, but we also have our limits lest we fall victim to burnout.

Self-Care for Moms offers over 100 activities designed to remind moms how to pour into ourselves daily. Whether it's a 5-minute phone call or hour lunch with a friend sans kids, it's time for us to reclaim the way we care for ourselves.

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How We Heal: Uncover Your Power and Set Yourself Free by Alexandra Elle

Alexandra Elle has shared her moving anecdotes with the internet since Tumblr, eventually becoming a bestselling author who continues to remind us to come home to ourselves. In How We Heal, she aims to help us rediscover peace by focusing on healing.

Broken into four parts, you'll find everything from journal prompts to meditations that tackle our innermost emotions. She even shares bits of her personal experiences so you feel less alone.

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Dare to Feel: The Transformational Path of the Heart by Alexandra Roxo

If you're on the other spectrum of emotions that includes burying them, Dare to Feel encourages you to do the opposite. Although you may feel repulsed by the idea of cracking your heart open, trust that it's metaphorical. This is an invitation to connect with yourself, life, and others past a superficial level. You'll come across poems, meditations, and more that help you fall in love with being in tune with your emotions in this moving book.

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Girl On Fire: How to Choose Yourself, Burn the Rule Book, and Blaze Your Own Trail in Life and Business by Cara Alwill Leyba

What's self-care without a reminder that you are THAT GIRL? Instead of questioning your worth, Girl on Fire wants you to start remembering who you truly are.

From encouraging you to not see other women as competition to offering tips for how to navigate the vision you have in your heart, you'll learn how not to let life and business get you down.

You'll feel empowered by the end of Girl on Fire and that's the point!

Still feeling stuck? We have more self improvement books to help you navigate the rest of 2024!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

There is no better feeling than finding a character that you relate to or feel seen by. And thanks to the past and present lineup of incredible leading ladies in television, women everywhere have had that experience, and have been reminded they’re not alone.

We’ve cried and laughed alongside these characters, and let them into our home week after week, episode after episode, and season after season because they mean something to us. Keep reading to see if your favorite made the list!

​Brit + Co’s Best Leading Ladies

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Kate Bridgerton from Bridgerton

There’s a reason fans of Bridgerton have continued to express their desire for more Kate Bridgerton, formerly known as Kate Sharma, on their screen as the story moves forward. Her devotion to family is admirable and her heart is always in the right place.

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Lorelai and Rory Gilmore from Gilmore Girls

You know how much we love the Gilmore girls, and it's no surprise. They're loyal, passionate, and will literally do anything from each other. That's true love, baby!

Netflix

Sarah, Kiara, and Cleo from Outer Banks

The Pogues prove that you can find your people no matter what. Where you come from doesn’t have to define you, which is presented perfectly through Sarah, Kiara, and Cleo.

ABC/Liliane Lathan

Meredith Grey from Grey’s Anatomy

Meredith Grey is a fierce survivor, never stopping regardless of what life throws at her. She constantly gives her all when it comes to her job and her patients, striving to advance medicine however she can.

Warner Bros. TV

Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen from Gossip Girl

These frenemies showed us what it meant to totally have your friends' backs — even if their methods are necessarily admirable.

Marvel Studios/Disney

Wanda Maximoff from WandaVision

We’ve seen Wanda grow for better (and worse) since her first appearance in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, but the deep emotion with which her grief is explored through WandaVision is all too relatable. We want to protect ourselves from the pain of loss, but we can’t stay in the safe space forever. We have to pull ourselves together and come out stronger on the other side.

FX/Hulu

Sydney Adamu from The Bear

In many ways, Sydney holds The Bear together. She is driven to succeed, never holding back her intelligence, and knows her craft inside and out. And she definitely makes everyone around her a better person.

Warner Bros. Television

Brooke, Peyton, + Haley from One Tree Hill

We see Brooke, Peyton, and Haley go from teenagers trying to find themselves to adults with families, making it feel as though we were going through life with them. Their loyalty to each other makes One Tree Hill feel like the home we could always go back to.

More TV Leading Ladies We Love

Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, + Sophia from The Golden Girls

The Golden Girls brings the true joy of friendship to the screen in a totally timeless way. Audiences might come to laugh, but they leave with much more.

Virginia Sherwood/NBC

Olivia Benson from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Olivia Benson has become a comforting force for all survivors, especially those dealing with some from of sexual assault or abuse. She shines like a beacon of hope, promising that you are so much more than what’s happened to you.

The CW

Veronica Lodge from Riverdale

Veronica’s character development is a true highlight of Riverdale. Seeing her evolve beyond the spoiled, rich girl label to someone who would do anything for those she loves — with the strength to do what was right, even at a personal cost — was powerful.

Archive Photos/Getty Images

Lucy Ricardo from I Love Lucy

Is there anyone more hilarious than Lucy? She wasn’t what audiences expected from a leading lady, especially in a comedy. She provided an unexpected edge to TV, and that’s exactly why we loved her.

Eric McCandless/Freeform

Aria, Hannah, Spencer, Emily, + Alison from Pretty Little Liars

Seeing a show with five different female leads is rare in and of itself, but Pretty Little Liars allows each character to be their own force of nature. As a friend group, they stuck together and fought for each other, showing the beauty and complexity of female friendships.

Disney+/Walt Disney Studios

Alex Russo from Wizards of Waverly Place

Alex gave young girls permission to mess up, which is so crucial to understand when growing up. Despite her mistakes, she never failed to show total confidence in herself and know exactly what she wanted out of life.

Warner Bros. Pictures

Read up on The Best Movie Leading Ladies to check out your favorite gals of the silver screen!

Who's the first person you turn to when you're having a rough day? For some people it's a parent or a partner, while others find solace in their best friends. Friendships can extend your lifespanand boost your confidence, and considering our deepest relationships can change our behavior, surrounding yourself with great people can even make you a better person.

And while friendship with women your own age means you can bond over shared experiences (who else will understand how badly Gen Z wanted to be Justin Bieber's "One Less Lonely Girl" than other members of Gen Z?), a recent viral video from Maddy Sue Hull shows that young people are craving intergenerational relationships, too. And the great thing is, not only are they fun, they're actually healthy!

Angela Roma/Pexels

The video, which currently has 1.3 million likes and 4.5 million views, reveals that Maddy had been desiring more friendships when she met an older woman named Kathy at a gas station. "Now [we] see each other multiple times a week, go on lunch dates, and are best friends," she says in the video caption.

Maddy and Kathy's relationship inspired viewers to think about their own relationships in a new way, and even led to some of Maddy's followers donating money to buy Kathy new furniture! "You showed her that it's never too late to meet someone amazing in your life," one comment says, while another reads, "My sweet grandma passed away last year and some older lady adopted me and it's been so healing."

What are the benefits of multigenerational friendships?

cottonbro studio/Pexels

Friendship Expert and Life Coach Shari Leid reveals that intergenerational friendships can benefit older generations just as much as younger generations. "Seeing the world from different angles—through the experiences and history of the older generation and the fresh ideas and openness of the younger generation—is truly enlightening," she says. "The older generation brings a sense of reassurance that things will work out, while the younger generation embodies the boldness to try something new."

Leid experienced this firsthand during her 50 States Project, where she met with a different woman in each state to find similarities between us all. "The beauty of getting older, I realized, lies in the opportunity to continuously make new friends," she adds.

RDNE Stock project/Pexels

I was overjoyed to learn that not only can friendship influence our experiences, but it can actually benefit our minds and bodies too. "In Blue Zones, where people live longer and healthier lives, the secret often lies in their relationships," Leid says. "The laughter shared with friends, which isn’t always possible in the workplace or other relationships, acts as a vital mental health fix. This happiness reduces stress hormones that can be damaging to our bodies, enhancing our overall well-being."

How to be closer to friends?

Anastasia Shuraeva/Pexels

While it's so easy to get into a routine of work, chores, and bedtime (it is entirely possible for me to go multiple days without seeing another person), that mental health fix is just another reason it's important to prioritize friendships. And Leid says growing roots with the people you love all comes down to two supposedly simple concepts: time and conversation.

"It’s about being there for each other, sharing personal experiences, and being open," she says. Leid recommends seeing each other in person, and making time for phone calls to hear each other's voices. "Friendship thrives on small gestures—checking in, spending time, and being consistent. It doesn’t require grand gestures. The accumulation of small, thoughtful actions strengthens the bond, creating a tapestry of connection and support that enriches our lives."

RDNE Stock project/Pexels

If you're thinking that sounds a lot easier said than done, you're not alone. Dr. Leid shares a few thought-starters for helping deepen relationships. "Go deeper with your conversations by asking about their childhood," she adds. "These shared conversations open up a level of intimacy that goes beyond casual friendships. They deepen relationships, making friends feel more connected and helping you understand each other better."

And the more you understand and care about each other, the deeper your relationship will go. Check out our Questions For Friends andQuestions To Avoid Painful Small Talk for more ideas on where to start!

Lead image via Anastasia Shuraeva/Pexels

Brit + Co has reached out to the creator for comment, and will update the story accordingly.

After compiling my vacation reads, I'm *finally* ready to start combing through Reese Witherspoon's Book Club list. Her revelation about reading one book every two days in her cover feature interview with Harper's Bazaar made me realize I need to step my game up ASAP. Her admirable hobby - that's since led her to create a bourgeoning book club— continues to highlight books with women at the center and girl does she have a great eye for stories that fit every mood.

To celebrate her 101th pick, Reese Witherspoon has chosen one of best debut dark academia books we've read this year. She said, "If you’re looking for a page-turner that keeps you on the edge of your seat this spooky season, this one is a must-read! 👀 Visit our link in bio to get your copy now." (via Reese's Book Club).Alongside the other 35 titles I think are worth diving into, Secret Society of Lies is sucre to take our emotions on a ride!

After you finish your TBR (To Be Read list), check out 29 Standout Reads From Jenna Bush Hager's Book Club, 20 Captivating Shondaland Book Club Picks, and 21 Must-Reads From The Oprah Winfrey Book Club!

October: Society of Lies

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Society of Lies by Lauren Ling Brown

Maya's back in town for her reunion at Princetown and she's excited to celebrate with familiar faces. It also coincides with her sister Naomi's graduation. As she gets ready for the best weekend ever, she receives the tragic news of Naomi's death and it leaves her shaken to her core. Though everyone says it was an accident, Maya's gut is telling her otherwise.

The more Maya digs into the past, the more she realizes her sister wasn't telling her. Sadly, Naomi was a part of the Sterling Club and it crushes her because she never wanted her sister to join it. Maya's no stranger to the inner workings of the Serling Club because she used to be a member so she knows everything that went on behind the scenes.

As she works to understand what happened to her sister, Maya will come face to face with the memories and secrets that haunt her.

September: The Comfort of Crows

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The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year by Margaret Renkl

Over the course of 52 chapters, Margaret Renkl invites readers into the wonders of her backyard. For a year, she watched various animals and plants bloom during varying seasons that speak to the cycles of life. From the way our emotions ebb and flow to the periods where we're active or need rest, The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year is a beautiful read that will help us fall in love with every moment of life.

August 2024: Slow Dance

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Slow Danceby Rainbow Rowell

Best friends Shiloh and Cary thought they had everything figured out when they were in high school. They decided they'd both leave Omaha behind, start their careers, and maintain the tight-knit friendship they'd always had. But, life is known to thrown curveballs when we least expect it.
When Shiloh looks up one day, she realizes it's been over 10 years since she talked to her former best friend. She's also increasingly aware that she's now a single mom to two kids.

While she tries to put the pieces of her new life together, Shiloh receives an invitation that makes her heart thunder. The invitation itself is harmless, but she can't stop thinking about what will happen if she sees Cary.

Despite how many years have passed, Shiloh and Cary are pulled to each other's energy as if no time has passed. They've both missed each other, but now adulthood has given way to deeper feelings that may have been there all along.

July 2024: The Cliffs

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The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan

Would you be willing to journey back to a place you once sought refuge as a teen? What if it looked and felt different than you remembered? What if you discovered secrets and buried ghosts that no longer want to remain hidden?

These are questions that Jane Flanagan finds herself answering as she journeys back to Maine after being away for some time. The house she used to seek refuge in has been renovated by a woman named Genevieve, but she feels that all of her hard work has gone to waste because things don't feel right.

She enlists the help of Jane to see if there are ghosts that wander the halls of the house and that's when the discoveries begin to happen. Jane realizes that some parts of history is impossible to erase no matter how much you try to paint over them.

June 2024: The Unwedding

Amazon

The Unwedding by Ally Condie

Ellery Wainwright is left reeling after it's clear she and her husband won't be celebrating their twentieth wedding anniversary together in Big Sur, California. Never mind the fact she's dreaming about how it would be the perfect way to applaud themselves for building such a wonderful life together.

But, life comes at you fast and she's left ambling around the resort while people are prepping for a wedding. Talk about a slap in the face. Still, she begins observing all the newness that comes with people planning to spend the rest of their lives together. As beautiful as it is, she can't help but to feel unsettled the longer she's at the resort.

Sadly, her suspicions are confirmed when she finds the groom's dead body. This all but chokes the beauty of the resort from her heart and when someone else dies, it's clear that the unfortunate party is just getting started.

May 2024: How to End a Love Story

Amazon

How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

Trigger warning: This book mentions suicide and grief.
Helen Zhang and Grant Shepard are bound by an event that changed their lives forever. Before you ask, it's not a steamy one night stand where one of them ghosted the other.
Their paths actually crossed because of a pivotal accident that neither of them saw coming and it caused Helen to view Grant as her worst enemy for years. However, time passed and they moved on to separately create lucrative careers. What they couldn't have expected was for their paths to cross, especially not at work.
Given the amazing opportunity to be a writer for the TV adaption of her own successful YA books, Helen anxiously travels to LA to accept the position and hit the reset button on her life. She has a brief moment of euphoria until she realizes that Grant will also be in the writer's room.
Now they'll have to confront their complicated feelings for each other in order not to derail their jobs and lives. They know it's impossible for them to have a true love story, but sometimes the messiness of life is all it takes for two people to find common ground and decide how they want their stories to end.

April 2024: The Most Fun We Ever Had

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The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo

When Marilyn Connolly and David Sorenson fell in love, all they knew is that nothing could shake their foundation. Despite their unwavering hope in the past, their current reality looks differently than they imagined. Their four daughters — Wendy, Violet, Liza, and Grace — each have a unique set of problems that creates of chaos for the family. From the loss of one's husband to the secrets the youngest daughter keeps, the Sorensons are never quite sure what to expect.

In a shocking turn of events, a young man — Jonah Bendt — shows up and reveals that one of the daughters is his mom. He was placed up for adoption some time ago, but he's ready to come home to learn more about his biological family. There may be drama in The Most Fun We Ever Had, but there's still a family who finds a way back to the love that Marilyn and David have always believed in.

March 2024: Anita De Monte Laughs Last 

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Art student Raquel only comes Anita de Monte's story after she starts feeling like she's starting to make a name for herself among College Hill's socialites. The more she learns about how Anita's life was horrifically cut short, she starts drawing parallels between their lives. It's almost like history is repeating itself and it's hitting too close to home.

As Gonzalez alternates between both of their perspectives, Raquel and Anita's lives begin to intersect in a way that makes Anita de Monte Laughs Last the kind of novel that'll have you thinking about it longer after you finish the last page.

February 2024: "Redwood Court" by DéLana R.A. Dameron

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Redwood Court reads like a historical love letter to Black families and contains relationships that remind me of my own family. When Mika Tabor starts asking questions about her family's history, she receives much more than her class assignment asked for. The more she listens to her grandparents and observes her parents, she realizes they've been telling her meaningful stories all along. From tales of racism to the sweet grasp of a world that began moving past obvious racial tension, this novel offers a glimpse into the homes of many Black families.

While I often say I'd like to pass down books to my kids, Redwood Court has become something that I feel is mandatory to read.

January 2024: "First Lie Wins" by Ashley Elston

Amazon

Reese's Book Club is coming in hot with their first pick of the year! This thriller of a reader is all about "Evie Porter" and her separate identities. One paints the picture of who she truly is, but her job places her in the position of assuming a new name in order to complete the mission given to her by Mr. Smith. She's never met Mr. Smith, her boss, but she has the inkling that her latest mission hits a little too close to home.

Does he know more about her than she realizes and can she successfully fulfill the goal he has for? Buy your copy of First Lie Wins today to find out!

December 2023: "Before We Were Innocent" by Ella Berman

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What would you do if you knew a terrible secret that involved the death of one of your best friends? In Before We Were Innocent, Bess and Joni find themselves trying to escape answering this. However, some things are hard to bury — especially when the past comes knocking in the form of Joni. Will the two former best friends be able to maintain their innocence or will they have to accept the truth about themselves?

November Pick: "Maybe Next Time" by Cesca Major

Amazon

If the past few years have felt like you've been stuck in a weird time loop, you'll love this page turner by Cesca Major. Maybe Next Time follows Emma as she navigates being a busy literary agent, wife and mother - except she only seems to have time for her career. When her husband is involved in a tragic car accident, Emma finds herself distraught only to wake up and see him alive again.

As the scenario continues to repeat, Emma will have to dig deep inside herself to correct patterns she's been a part of her to save not only her husband but life as she knows it.

October Pick: "Starling House" by Alix E. Harrow

Amazon

Starling House is a daring tale of what happens when dreams meet determination, grit and evil. All Opal wants to do is create a haven for herself and her brother Jasper but she'll have to fight for it once she finds herself in the mysterious mansion of author E. Starling. In the depths of the shadows, she'll come face to face with things that'll test her resilience.

September Pick: "Mother-Daughter Murder Night" by Nina Simon 

Target

The women of the Rubicon family have a lot to tangle with in Mother-Daughter Murder Night. When powerful matriarch Lana's granddaughter Jack becomes the prime suspect in an unsolved murder, Lana becomes determined to find a killer instead of waiting for her disease to have it's last say. Find out what Nina Simon has in store for the town the Rubicons find themselves living in.

August Pick: "Tom Lake" by Ann Patchett

Target

Tom Lake weaves a beautiful tale of remembered love and viewing the humanity of one's parent. When Lara begins to regale her three daughters of a former romance she shared with actor Peter Duke at Tome Lake, they begin to take stock of what they know about their mom as well as their own love lives.

"Romantic Comedy" by Curtis Sittenfeld 

Amazon

Heartbreak has the potential to make you swear off love, which is something that late night writer Sally Milz knows all too well. She's also a firm believer in the "Danny Horst Rule," the phenomenon where average looking men exclusively date women more attractive than them — until pop star Noah Brewster shows up to host the late night show. Join her for an intoxicating love ride that makes her change her perspective.

"Where The Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens 

Amazon

If you love a good romance-murder mystery, you'll fall in love with Kya's story. After the town's golden boy winds up dead, everyone in town begins blaming Kya for his murder. With heartbreak and triumph woven throughout, Where The Crawdads Sing will become the summer read you can't put down.

"The House of Eve" by Sadeqa Johnson

Amazon

Even when forbidden, love seems to find a way in The House of Eve. 15-year-old Ruby is set to be her family's first college attendee, until it appears a scandalous affair will bring her back into poverty. Meanwhile, Eleanor's in love with William, a member of an elite Black family in D.C. that doesn't let just anyone in. The lives of both women will collide in an unexpected way as they forge their own paths.

"The House in the Pines" by Ana Reyes 

Maya witnessed her friend's sudden death in the woods seven years ago. Now, with nothing except a few hazy memories, she's determined to figure out what she saw, and who's behind it. The House In The Pines is proof that sometimes our past — and their secrets — don't stay dead.

"Tiny Beautiful Things" by Cheryl Strayed 

Life can feel like a dumpster fire sometimes which is why Tiny Beautiful Things feels like a soothing hug. If you love advice columns, you'll love the beautiful compilation of questions "Dear Sugar" answers within the pages as Clare sets out to offer advice while her own life falls apart. After you read the book, check out our interview with Sarah Pidgeon, who stars in the Hulu series!

"Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng 

New friends Mia and Elena are pitted against each other when everyone in town splits over a custody battle. Adapted into a mini-series on Hulu at the beginning of the pandemic, Little Fires Everywhere is a tale that shows everything isn't always what it seems, and there are always secrets to be discovered.

"Wrong Place, Wrong Time" by Gillian McAllister 

Wrong Place, Wrong Time is a novel that explores the lengths a mother is willing to take to prevent her son from doing something unspeakable. Will she be able to piece together clues in time or will all hope remain lost?

"Daisy Jones and The Six" by Taylor Jenkins Reid 

This titular novel turned Emmy award-nominated Amazon Prime series Daisy Jones & The Six explores the rise — and fall — of a legendary (and fictional) band.

"True Biz" by Sara Nović 

This heartwarming book about life at the River Valley School for the Deaf, and all of its students with completely different backgrounds, will make you laugh and cry with its beautiful depiction of human connection.

"The Club" by Ellery Lloyd 

If you've never liked hearing "How can you hate from outside the club? You can't even get in," you'll be glad you're not a part of this members-only society. The club has been pushed to its limit and everyone has something to hide.

"The Christie Affair" by Nina de Gramont 

Nan infiltrates Agatha Christie's home in 1925, intent on luring her husband away. There's something about love, affairs, and dark secrets that make for a good read, and you won't be able to get enough of this tale where things aren't always what they seem.

"Lucky" by Marissa Stapley 

"She's so lucky" ...or is she? Lucky redefines what it means to be honest when the titular character completes a million-dollar heist, and is left stranded by the very people who taught her how to scam.

"Sankofa" by Chibundu Onuzo 

When Anna learns the father she never knew is still alive, she travels to West Africa in search of answers. The tale of self-discovery through one's history, as well as the themes of home and belonging, is something we all long to understand at some point.

"L.A. Weather" by María Amparo Escandón 

Families can be complicated, and the Alvarados are no different. If you're looking for a little break from your own family dynamics, you'll get a kick out of reading along as they navigate evacuations, relationship problems, and their father's obsession with the Weather Channel.

"The Paper Palace" by Miranda Cowley Heller 

What happens when desire spills over and threatens to unravel everything two friends have built? The Paper Palace answers that as Elle must choose between continuing the life she has dedicated herself to and the life she never got to live.

"Seven Days in June" by Tia Williams 

When former lovers Eva and Shane reunite in the midst of their successful literary careers, they find that their chemistry is still as strong as it used to be. But, will the flame fizzle before their lingering questions are answered or will Eva choose vulnerability before Shane disappears again?

"The Last Thing He Told Me" by Laura Dave 

What would you do if your significant other disappeared without a trace, only leaving a cryptic note behind? In Hannah's case, she sets out on an unpredictable mission for answers — regardless of what lies ahead. After you read the book, check out our interview with Angourie Rice, who stars in the Apple TV+ series!

"The Sanatorium" by Sarah Pearse 

Le Sommet is a sanatorium-turned-luxury hotel in the Swiss Alps. Detective Elin arrives to celebrate her estranged brother Isaac's engagement to Laure, and her discomfort turns to all-out horror when Laure goes missing.

"You Have a Match" by Emma Lord 

Amazon

DNA tests can reveal new information about our ancestry, but when Abby learns that she has an older sister — and that her older sister is an Instagram star — the women decide to meet up and get to the bottom of why their parents split them up in the first place.

"The Chicken Sisters" by KJ Dell'Antonia 

Nothing brings families together like food and age-old rivalries, something that sisters Amanda and Mae learn firsthand when they end up on opposite sides of a cooking competition. If you love hit TV series The Bear, you'll love The Chicken Sisters.

Other Stories On Reese Witherspoon's Book Club List

  • "Yellowface" by R.F. Kuang
  • "Cassandra in Reverse" by Holly Smale
  • "Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?" by Crystal Smith Paul
  • "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah
  • "The Marriage Portrait" by Maggie O'Farrell
  • "Our Missing Hearts" by Celeste Ng
  • "On The Rooftop" by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton
  • "Honey & Spice" by Bolu Babalola
  • "Counterfeit" by Kirstin Chen
  • "The Dictionary of Lost Words" by Pip Williams
  • "Anatomy" by Dana Schwartz
  • "Honor" by Thrity Umrigar
  • "The Island of Missing Trees" by Elif Shafak
  • "Within These Wicked Walls" by Lauren Blackwood
  • "We Were Never Here" by Andrea Bartz
  • "The Downstairs Girl" by Stacey Lee
  • "Tokyo Ever After" by Emiko Jean
  • "Northern Spy" by Flynn Berry
  • "Firekeeper's Daughter" by Angeline Boulley
  • "Infinite Country" by Patricia Engel
  • "Outlawed" by Anna North
  • "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron
  • "A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow" by Laura Taylor Namey
  • "Group" by Christie Tate
  • "Fable" by Adrienne Young
  • "His Only Wife" by Peace Medie Adzo
  • "Furia" by Yamile Saied Mendez
  • "The Last Story of Mina Lee" by Nancy Jooyoun Kim
  • "You Should See Me in a Crown" by Leah Johnson
  • "Everything Inside" by Edwidge Danticat
  • "I'm Still Here" by Austin Channing Brown
  • "The Guest List" by Lisa Foley
  • "The Henna Artist" by Alka Joshi
  • "UNTAMED" by Glennon Doyle
  • "The Jetsetters" by Amanda Eyre Ward
  • "The Scent Keeper" by Erica Bauermeister
  • "Such a Fun Age" by Kiley Reid
  • "Conviction" by Denise Mina
  • "The Giver of Stars" by Jojo Moye
  • "Fair Play" by Eve Rodsky
  • "The Secrets We Kept" by Lara Prescott
  • "The Last House Guest" by Megan Miranda
  • "Whisper Network" by Chandler Baker
  • "The Cactus" by Sarah Haywood
  • "From Scratch" by Tembi Locke
  • "The Night Tiger" by Yangsze Choo
  • "The Proposal" by Jasmine Guillory
  • "The Library Book" by Susan Orlean
  • "One Day in December" by Josie Silver
  • "The Other Woman" by Sandie Jones
  • "This Is How It Always Is" by Laurie Frankel
  • "Still Lives" by Maria Hummel
  • "Next Year in Havana" by Chanel Cleeton
  • "Something in the Water" by Catherine Steadman
  • "You Think It, I'll Say It" by Curtis Sittenfeld
  • "Happiness" by Heather Harpham
  • "Erotic Stories For Punjabi Widows" by Balli Kaur Jaswal
  • "The Light We Lost" by Jill Santopolo
  • "Braving the Wilderness" by Brené Brown
  • "The Last Mrs. Parrish" by Liv Constantine
  • "The Is the Story of a Happy Marriage" by Ann Patchett
  • “The Rules of Magic” by Alice Hoffman
  • "The Lying Game" by Ruth Ware
  • "The Alice Network" by Kate Quinn
  • "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman

Whether you want to challenge yourself to read a book every couple of days like Reese or choose a few books to get you through the summer, I'm sure you'll find titles to add to your growing library. I already have my eyes on Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and The Club by Ellery Lloyd!

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This post has been updated.

Taylor Swift and her amazing “date” to the VMAs (aka her Bad Blood co-stars) were a sight to remember. In fact, we remember them so well that we are bringing them back for Halloween. Whether you want to rock this as a group costume or dress as Tay and simply carry around your #squad as a party-hopping prop, this costume is sure to turn heads much like these ladies did on the red (or rather color blocked) carpet.

Larry Busacca/Getty Images

This girl group look will always be one of our favorite moments from VMAs history.

How To Be Taylor Swift's Squad For Halloween:

Brit + Co

Materials + Tools:

  • photos of the #squad
  • 11 x 17-inch paper (needs to be this big to fit over your cute little face)
  • scissors
  • popsicle sticks
  • tape

Instructions:

  1. Print out your #squad faces.
  2. Cut them out.
  3. Tape a popsicle stick to the back and you’re done!

Brit + Co

Print out one or all of these famous faces. We recommend making lots of them so that you can hand them out all evening. Carefully cut out each face. These ladies don’t need plastic surgery, so stay in the lines!

Brit + Co

Finally, tape a popsicle stick to the back to turn them into masks. What, did that take you five minutes? Less? We thought so.

Larry Busacca/Getty Images/Brit + Co

And now on to the fashion show!

First up we’ve got T. Swift herself. Looking foxy in her crop top pant combo. Make sure to slick your hair and add those notable cat eyes.

Larry Busacca/Getty Images/Brit + Co

Next we’ve got Cara Delevingne played by our very own Kelly. For this look, find a short flowy black dress with silver details.

Larry Busacca/Getty Images/Brit + Co

Maddie is doing model Gigi Hadid right with her long-sleeve yellow dress.

Larry Busacca/Getty Images/Brit + Co

For Selena Gomez, Ashley wore an adorable wide-leg jumpsuit.

Larry Busacca/Getty Images/Brit + Co

DIY actress Serayah’s sexy white dress by cutting slits in a similar gown.

Larry Busacca/Getty Images/Brit + Co

A flowy coral dress and sandals work perfectly to play the part of Karlie Kloss.

Brit + Co

Much like the girls at the VMAs, our in-house crew was having a fabulous time behind the camera.

Brit + Co

Make Taylor Swift’s "Bad Blood" Group Costume for another Halloween party!

This post has been updated.