-
Your next favorite book
is waiting.
Life can begin with a single story. You just have to Bring Your Own Book…
For three decades, Grace supported her husband Frank's passion for books, even though her own love for literature paled in comparison. Since his passing, the shelves echo longingly, and Grace's heartache has only grown.
When Grace's grandson suggests joining Frank's old book club, she hesitates. How could meeting with a bunch of strangers possibly fill the void he left behind? Despite her doubts – and desperate to feel close to Frank again – Grace decides to attend.
Yet, upon arrival, Grace is puzzled to find this isn't your typical book club: here, you settle in for an hour of silent reading. Disappointed by the sparse attendance and confused by the lack of chatter she flees. But when equally lonely member, Annie, convinces her to stay, Grace is determined to ensure that neither Frank – nor his beloved book club – are forgotten.
And as she breathes new life into the group, she might just find this is where she truly belongs. Because this next chapter of life could just be the beginning of her story…
The perfect story for book lovers everywhere. Ideal for fans of Sally Page and Evie Woods.
The Forgotten Book Club Reading list
Thank you for this list! I am currently reading Kate's earlier book, The Memory Library, and started listing the books she mentions in it. I think readers just can't help themselves when it comes to book lists!!
-Holly_K
Overall, what did you think of The Forgotten Book Club? (no spoilers, please!)
I hadn't thought about the author's handling of ADHD was like hitting the reader over the head again and again until you mentioned it. Appreciate the point you made because it made wonder whether the author did that as a way to point out and/or help us understand that at times, it can feel like w...
-Jill_Mercier
BookBrowsers Ask Kate Storey, author of The Forgotten Book Club and The Memory Library
I'd just like to thank you and all the readers on this platform for their interest and support. Writing is a peculiar job. It's so private and insular until your work is published, and then it's out in the world for all to see. In my experience, readers are the most curious, empathetic and intere...
-Lisa_T
Have you considered joining a book club – silent or otherwise - since reading this book?
Oh, I can't wait to hear all about it! Please report back when you get a chance, @Supertalya !
-kim.kovacs
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (1/1/2026)
I finished up the On the Calculation of Volume series (books 2 & 3) and I'm looking forward to the next one, which comes out in April. It's a fascinating approach to the time loop plot. I can't say I'm exactly loving it, but I've also found the books intriguing regardless. The author's style remi...
-kim.kovacs
Ask the Author mug winners
Here are the latest BookBrowse mug winners for the questions to our visiting authors: Eve J. Chung ( https://www.bookbrowse.com/reviews/index.cfm/book_number/4821/daughters-of-shandong Daughters of Shandong ): @Jorene_J Princess Joy L. Perry ( https://www.bookbrowse.com/bb_briefs/detail/index.cfm...
-kim.kovacs
Some of the book’s characters struggle with depression. What did you think of this storyline? Do you feel it was realistic?
A lot of people struggle with depression daily. I thought the topic was handled well.
-Betty_Taylor
Annie tells Grace she thinks people are a little like Russian dolls, with each new experience adding another shell. What did you think of this imagery? Did it ring true to you?
Great imagery. Our experiences throughout life definitely shape and change us.
-Gina_V
What would your Desert Island Reads be, and why? (In the context of the novel, this is a book that has meant something special to you at a particular time in your life.)
Hmm…as a kid, I remember loving the orange biographies for kids that the library had - Amelia Earhart and Babe Didrickson were favorites of mine. I also loved Trixie Belden and Nancy Drew. There are many books I've loved as an adult, but I'm not much of a re-reader. I did read Remarkably Bright C...
-Gina_V
What did you think about the format of the silent book club? Does the idea appeal to you? What do you think a silent book club needs to be successful?
It's an interesting concept. I can't decide if I would enjoy it or not. I like the discussions our book club has because sometimes they see things in the book that I haven't and that gives me new perspectives. However, if people actually did share something about what they were reading in the sil...
-Gina_V
How do you think grief is portrayed in The Forgotten Book Club?
Very well said, Dorothy.
-Gina_V
To what audience would you recommend The Forgotten Book Club? Is there another book or author you feel addresses related themes or who writes in a similar style?
I think it could make an interesting book club choice - just for the silent book club aspect. It would be interesting to see what my other book club members thought of that kind of book club. It might be interesting to see if others had experience with ADHD and what their views on it are.
-Gina_V
What did you think of the author’s portrayal of people with ADHD? Do you think it was accurate? What’s your experience with the condition? Do you feel there’s a stigma associated with it?
I haven't had a ton of experience with people with ADHD, so I can't really speak to whether or not it was accurately portrayed. I did find it interesting, however, I did think the book focused on that a little too much for my tastes.
-Gina_V
Frank kept a book journal, which chronicled what he read and his reactions to it, but also drifted into a more diary-like journal. Did it surprise you that Grace didn’t know about this habit? Do you keep a book journal, and if so, what do you note?
It didn't necessarily surprise me that Grace didn't know about it since she wasn't particularly interested in Frank's interactions with the book club. I keep a list of books I've read for the year, but not a journal so to speak. I'm thinking of starting that in 2026 - more a list of what I've rea...
-Gina_V
What do you believe was the turning point for Grace to join the silent book club?
I think she was lonely and at loose ends, but not wanting to admit it and she realized that she had come to rely too much on her daughter and grandson, as others have mentioned. I think her grandson's recommendation came at the right time.
-Gina_V
Have you read many of the books mentioned in the novel? Did you find titles you added to your “to be read” list?
I've read a handful of the books mentioned, but I've made a list of others I'm interested in that were mentioned in the book.
-Gina_V
Frank had hundreds – perhaps thousands – of books by the time he died. What did you think of his habit of saving the books he’d read? Do you do likewise, and if so, how many books are in your home?
I've never counted the books in my library, but I have shelves and shelves of them. I rarely keep a book after I've read it, unless it's been especially meaningful or has recipes, health information, or something of that nature that I'd want to refer back to.
-Gina_V
Why do you suppose Frank didn’t share more information about his book club with Grace?
I agree with the other responses that Grace showed no interest in it, so he didn't bother sharing it with her any longer.
-Gina_V
Who from the silent book club do you think impacted Grace the most?
I think Annie had the most impact on Grace - certainly the most interactions with her - but I think they all impacted Grace in their own way.
-Gina_V
How do you think Grace changes over the course of the novel?
I think Grace becomes less insular as the novel goes along. She had always been so focused on her immediate family that she couldn't see outside of it. I agree with others that found her rigid and unaccepting at the beginning, and I also agree that that changed as she got involved with the silent...
-Gina_V
Grace used to read for pleasure, but at some point in her past she’d stopped. Do you think that’s a common experience? Have you ever paused your reading for an extended period of time?
I've always been a reader, but the amount of books I read varies according to how busy I am. I know both of my sisters stopped reading after their husbands passed away because they couldn't concentrate.
-Gina_V
What do you think you can learn about someone from their favorite book?
Everyone has made excellent points about what can be learned from the books someone reads. It's fun to find someone who is a kindred spirit and likes similar books. One of the things I enjoy about one of my book friends is how she searches for and prompts discussion/insight about some often overl...
-Jill_Mercier
Have you read the author’s previous book, The Memory Library? If so, how do you think the two compare? What elements of the author’s style did you find appeared in both novels?
I haven't read The Memory Library but I enjoyed this author's writing so I ordered it and its in my tbr stack!
-Susan_Roberts
Is there a quote or scene in The Forgotten Book Club that stood out for you? Why do you suppose it resonated?
I liked the description of Frank on page 93. He was a man with only two settings, and they were always at the ends of the spectrum, enormous amounts of natural light, or soft lamplight. That was Frank all over. One extreme or another.
-Candace_F
About the The Forgotten Book Club by Kate Storey Discussion category
How do I watch the recording?
-Terri_C
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (11/20/2025)
...is week are two of our book club selections: https://www.bookbrowse.com/bb_briefs/detail/index.cfm/ezine_preview_number/22786/the-forgotten-book-club The Forgotten Book Club by Kate Storey, and https://www.bookbrowse.com/bb_briefs/detail/index.cfm/ezine_preview_number/19780/beast-of-the-north-woods Beast of the North Woods by Annelise R...
-kim.kovacs
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (10/30/2025)
I just started https://www.bookbrowse.com/search/index.cfm Forgotten Book Club by Kate Storey so I'll be ready for the discussion over it. Hopefully, it's a quick read (feels like it) so I can get to https://www.bookbrowse.com/bb_briefs/detail/index.cfm/ezine_preview_number/23254/the-heartshaped-...
-Carol_Ann_Robb
"Storey delivers a cozy tale with a message of acceptance." —Library Journal
"With kindness, community and tolerance at its heart, The Forgotten Book Club is a moving, warm and comforting read." ―Jennie Godfrey, no.1 Sunday Times bestseller of The List of Suspicious Things
"I love this warm and welcoming book. Full of hope and community spirit, it features a wonderfully diverse cast of characters including a literary cat. The story not only celebrates the power of reading; it enriches our understanding of ourselves and others. A real life-affirmer." ―Hazel Prior, author of Away with the Penguins
This information about The Forgotten Book Club was first featured
in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. If you are the publisher or author and feel that they do not properly reflect the range of media opinion now available, send us a message with the mainstream reviews that you would like to see added.
Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Kate Storey started her career teaching English and Drama, and when she had her family, combined all three to write novels about family drama. Originally from Yorkshire, she now lives in a London suburb with her husband and two teenage daughters, so expects there's plenty more drama to come.
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