Reese Witherspoon, the acclaimed actress and influential media mogul, has captivated audiences not only with her performances in notable films such as Legally Blonde and Walk the Line but also through her love of literature. At 49 years of age, she continues to shine as the founder of Hello Sunshine, a company that champions female storytelling. Witherspoon’s passion for reading culminated in the creation of Reese’s Book Club, which is dedicated to spotlighting books centered on women’s experiences while fostering a community of enthusiastic readers.
In a recent BuzzFeed interview alongside her The Morning Show co-star, Jennifer Aniston, Witherspoon revealed her top book choice for 2025 without a moment’s hesitation: “My favorite book this year was Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall. That one made me cry.”
Broken Country, which made headlines as Witherspoon’s Book Club selection for March 2025, has resonated profoundly with readers. The novel has graced the New York Times Bestseller List for over six months and has sold more than a million copies globally. Its debut at number 3 on the bestseller list was significantly influenced by its selection for the monthly book club curated by Witherspoon.
The narrative of Broken Country is a captivating blend of historical fiction, thriller, and romance. It weaves together three distinct timelines, exploring poignant themes of love, loss, and the repercussions of personal choices. The story revolves around Beth, a woman in a seemingly perfect marriage, whose past threatens to resurface when an old flame returns to her life, along with his son. This unexpected reunion compels Beth to confront buried secrets and the history she hoped to keep hidden.
The response from readers has been overwhelmingly positive, as evidenced by the vibrant conversation sparked on BuzzFeed’s social media platforms. One enthusiastic fan noted, “Broken Country is my book club pick for this weekend!!!” showing the book’s influence on readers and its widespread appeal.
In addition to Witherspoon’s endorsement, the book has garnered praise from prominent bestselling authors such as Delia Owens and Mary Beth Keane. Owens described it as “stirring, poetic, and mysterious,” while Keane referred to it as a “beautifully observed and brilliantly constructed page-turner.” Such high acclaim signifies that Broken Country is likely to remain a favorite in book clubs and among readers for years to come.
Witherspoon’s ability to connect literature with her wide-reaching platform continues to inspire and engage a community that values women’s stories, making her contributions to both entertainment and literature truly remarkable.