The Giver of Stars: Reese's Book Club: A Novel

by Jojo Moyes

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER |  A REESE'S BOOK CLUB PICK
 
“A great narrative about personal strength and really captures how books bring communities together.” —Reese Witherspoon
 
From the author of the forthcoming Someone Else’s Shoes, a breathtaking story of five extraordinary women and their remarkable journey through the mountains of Kentucky and beyond in Depression-era America

Alice Wright marries handsome American Bennett Van Cleve, hoping to escape her stifling life in England.  But small-town Kentucky quickly proves equally claustrophobic, especially living alongside her overbearing father-in-law. So when a call goes out for a team of women to deliver books as part of Eleanor Roosevelt’s new traveling library, Alice signs on enthusiastically.

The leader, and soon Alice's greatest ally, is Margery, a smart-talking, self-sufficient woman who's never asked a man's permission for anything. They will be joined by three other singular women who become known as the Packhorse Librarians of Kentucky. 

What happens to them--and to the men they love--becomes an unforgettable drama of loyalty, justice, humanity, and passion. These heroic women refuse to be cowed by men or by convention. And though they face all kinds of dangers in a landscape that is at times breathtakingly beautiful, at others brutal, they’re committed to their bringing books to people who have never had any, arming them with facts that will change their lives.

Based on a true story rooted in America’s past, The Giver of Stars is unparalleled in its scope and epic in its storytelling. Funny, heartbreaking, enthralling, it is destined to become a modern classic--a richly rewarding novel of women’s friendship, of true love, and of what happens when we reach beyond our grasp for the great beyond.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Fiction

416 pages, Paperback

Published November 18, 2025

About the author

Jojo Moyes is a British novelist.

Moyes studied at Royal Holloway, University of London. She won a bursary financed by The Independent newspaper to study journalism at City University and subsequently worked for The Independent for 10 years. In 2001 she became a full time novelist.

Moyes' novel Foreign Fruit won the Romantic Novelists' Association (RNA) Romantic Novel of the Year in 2004.

She is married to journalist Charles Arthur and has three children.

Reviews

[Ashley Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Giver of Stars is a beautiful story about the strength and power in female friendships. It creates a story of women from an historical time who had to take great courage and agency to accomplish what they did. It reminds us of the importance and beauty of community, friendship, and the families we create. An excellent, and important read, that shows us how little we have progressed in 120 years, and inspires us to find our own strength and move forward to a better future.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable book that built solid relationships with the characters. I always love a good story to promote the shared love of reading. At times I felt Hallmark movie vibes with Alice meeting Fred after marrying Bennett. The historical references of the women-ran library and the coal mining mixed in with doing what is right made it a great read.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Story of strong women, unbreakable friendships, heartbreak, and adventure. 10/10 recommend!

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good. Recommend for anyone who loves to read and loves visiting the library. A feel-good-read. 😊

[Jennifer Cave · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There is always a way out of a situation. Might be ugly. Might leave you feeling like the earth had gone and shifted under your feet. But there is always a way around.” ― Jojo Moyes, The Giver of Stars

[V. Goethals · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book tells the story of a young British woman named Alice who meets an intriguing and handsome American man and makes the big move to a small rural town in Kentucky. The story takes place in the 1930's and the town is part of the Appalachian mountains area. The people are rigid in their ways, fearing God, poorly educated and often barely scraping by in a land that dishes out cold winters and gossip.

Alice soon learns that her husband has little time for her, and their marriage is awkward and disconnected. Living in the well appointed home of her father in law , who operates a local coal mine only increases the difficulty of solving those troubles. Ignored, and desperate for something to keep her interest Alice finds a job with a small group of women who operate a book loaning library. Her days on horseback, following trails far from town brings her happiness as she can appreciate the beauty of the land. Friendships develop and allow Alice to escape her unhappy home life.

The story continues with some nice character development as the author helps us to understand who all these women are that devote themselves to the long days in the saddle. The mission of the library is based on actual programs that were initiated by Eleanor Roosevelt in direct response to helping the underserved populations of rural America and getting books into their hands.

The story touches on friendships made, love and marriage, prejudices and small town scandals along with generational feuds. I think even 3.5 stars would be good for my review.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grabbed from Moms stack b/c of the author, didn’t realize it was about pack horse librarians until I started. One is the main characters is a proper English woman lured to rural Kentucky by a man (doesn’t go well, marriage isn’t consummated). Another is a strong independent woman who is trying to overcome the prejudices against her because of her last name and the long standing feud with another family.
The KY culture during that time is fascinating, as are the profiles of the brave women who took jobs as traveling librarians.

[Amanda Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like historical fiction so this book was wonderful for me. If you like Kristin Hannah's The Women, this book is for you. I liked the characters and that it is based on real events. I liked the ending but I wish it could have said a little more. I have a couple questions. My only complaint is almost over hypes one area of "married love".

[Reader Highheels and Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

A group of women known as the pack horse librarians who deliver library books to rural communities in Kentucky during the Great Depression
Alice running away from her marriage, Margery living alone in the wood and other characters and their stories.
I would recommend

[Jenny Denis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to put down. very good.

[Tami Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down and read it in under 24 hours.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story of female friendships. Same vibe as firefly lane.

[Priscilla Elliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read not great. Liked women and the whole bringing books to people!

[Emily Hotti · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good, glad I stuck it out, had a beautiful ending

[Steven Seig · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very good read, grounded in historical accuracy. Great character building and complex relationships abound. I recommend this book.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Great book. Would read it over and over again. Strong women, excellent friendships

[Mrs M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story based on a true story

[Jenifer Slavin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would actually like to give this book a 3.5. It was a very good book, but I like to be conservative with my stars!

[Jesslene McKenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some great sections.