This was a very warm-hearted read primarily about Grace who is still deeply grieving her husband one year after his sudden death and is encouraged to go to his book club to try to socialise more. The members are all very unique characters who over time reveal their own individual talents but the format of the book club with an element of silent reading is initially too much for Grace. Annie is a long term book club who has had her own struggles recently while Grace’s interest in her husbands book collection leads her to make a discovery that forces her to rethink if she knew her husband. Although the story is based around the book club and efforts to increase it’s members the real storylines are about ADHD, anxiety and depression so there’s some strong and relevant subjects within this too which are all given a decent amount of pages rather than just being touched on which made it a different read to what I’d anticipated but certainly not in a bad way. This is a thoughtful read but with laughs and plenty of uplifting moments too.

3.5 ⭐

I absolutely loved The Memory Library and was looking forward to another bookish read!

When Grace’s husband, Frank, dies after 46 years of marriage, she joins his book club as a way to work through her grief. Shocked that it’s ‘Frank’s Silent Book Club’, believing that it isn’t what she needs when she’s so isolated, and realizing that she needs to mix and communicate with others, she decides not to return.

In reading through his books and book reviews in his personal library, Grace learns more about Frank than in their decades of marriage. Furthermore, she discovers that he’d never want her to feel isolated or alone…so she heads back to the book club. It’s the best gift Frank could have left the grieving 70-year-old!

I’ll admit to being overwhelmed and frustrated with the constant reminders of ADHD throughout the book.

My takeaway: Look for opportunities to share the load.

I was gifted this copy by Avon Books UK and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

This book had me crying from the very beginnig.
Was an extremely moving read about losing a loved one and navigating the works without him. Instantly I thought of friends who this book would help. This book was extremely moving , emotional! And I shed lots of tears!

I Ioved all of Kate’s other books so I had high expectations of this one. It did not disappoint!

As an avid book reader I really resonated with the characters feelings around books and what they mean to them. I now want to join a silent book club and sat for ages thinking what my Desert Island Reads would be.

The book also represented mental health, grief and ADHD beautifully. I have ADHD and the experiences of Frank and Jude really resonated with me.

If you’re looking for an emotional, heart warming and inspiring read then this is for you. Books have been my best friends for a long time and this was like a love letter to them

They always say never judge a book by its cover but how about judging a reader by its books..

When Grace's husband dies she is griefstricken. She decides to attend his book club and while learning the books he read she uncovers things about him..did she really know him at all?


I adored this book.. it is warm and sad but also uplifting and insightful

The characters are lovable and the story flowed beautifully

I loved it

The Forgotten Book Club focuses on Grace after her husband, Frank, passes away and she has to find a way to navigate the grief she's feeling. She's also realizing how much of her recent life was centered around him. At the suggestion of her daughter and grandson, she reluctantly joins the unusual book club he created and finds a second family and a way to make sure her husband's legacy lives on.

Honestly, this story has me written all over it. I happen to love stories about grief and older people trying to move on when the partner they've spent almost their entire life with passes on. I also LOVE books about books. There's some great neurodivergent representation in this book as well. Some of it was a bit cliche but I can forgive that.

Overall, this is a really sweet story with some fun and relatable characters. It made me laugh and of course, it made me cry.

Thanks so much to Net Galley and Avon for providing me with an advanced copy of this book! :)

The Forgotten Book Club is a story about human connection: the importance of community, finding friendships, overcoming loneliness, helping each other through various life stages and disruptions, and expressing and processing grief in a positive way. But this novel is also about mental health. It focuses quite heavily on ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Through the characters’ discussions, we hear about the public perceptions and misinformation about the condition. Plus the struggles of those who have it. They often suffer from self-imposed limitations and lack of confidence. And sometimes the feeling it is unfair to have a romantic relationship with a person who does not have ADHD due to the challenges of the disorder. These are just a few of the areas covered on this topic that take precedence.

But as the title states, a book club is the vehicle that carries all the concerns presented in The Forgotten Book Club. Here in this book community with its inviting cosy setting, major plot things happen. Any story that focuses on books, bookstores or writers, always grabs my attention and gets me inside the front cover! And this one has a unique book club that offers its members more than just books. It is here where friendships are forged and worthwhile projects are born. Without knowing much about this special book club, our main character Grace supported her husband’s interest in it. Even though she wasn’t a big reader, she knew Frank drew great joy from his activities in this friendly setting. Later she discovers how much he has contributed to others’ lives in this group setting. While she learns about his passion, her heart starts beating with new purpose and meaning.

After Frank dies, Grace struggles with the grief of her loss. Finding herself alone (and lonely) she is not quite sure how to go forward without him. So she turns to his interests—in hopes it will make her feel closer to him in his absence. Prompted by her grandson, she appears at Frank’s favourite Book club. But she does not tell anyone who she is at first. Her first encounter is a confusing one. For this book club operates very differently from what she expects a book club to be. Isn’t it a place where its members pick out a book, read together and then meet to discuss the pros, cons, merits and magic (or lack of) of their selection? Not this one! It runs on silence but that is all I will say! As Grace slowly gets to know the people and system her husband created, she sees its value and wants to add even more to what he has left behind.

There are some lovely wise lines in the novel such as ‘good friendships share life’s load between them.’ How true! Other discussions include the importance of libraries and authors’ payments from books that are loaned. And when Grace decides to help out and expand the book club into other areas to reach more people, then the plan of fund raising begins. Plus she weaves her interest of ADHD awareness into the book club activities to help those like her husband and grandson.

This novel is a lot about what it is like to be human and sharing the earth with others who may be different from you. Everyone is doing their best to live, learn, love and survive. I liked many aspects of the novel. Although The Forgotten Book Club was different from the author’s previous book, the delightful topic of books is shared! I enjoyed the mentions and thoughts on various fiction titles, the uniqueness of the book club and why it was started. I also loved Frank’s beautiful journal entries that really helped Grace move forward. Other intriguing characters and their various interactions kept the plot hurdling along. The mental health topic, though, is quite dominant which some readers may find overwhelming. But give the story a go as there are some touching moments, amazing truths and uplifting discoveries to behold. 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Avon Books and Netgalley for a review copy.

A very moving read about losing a loved one and trying to make sense of the world around you. A woman grieves her husband and through what he read and what books he had allows her to get to know him in a way she never did. Books bring healing and warmth and this story shows just what books can do and what their power is. Moving and emotional!

Grieving over the death of her beloved husband Frank, Grace resolves to move forward. Joining the book club frank used to attend opens up a circle of support and friends.
Not a traditional book club but important even essential in some of the members lives.
Finding Frank's reading journal opens Grace to a different path. Promoting the new style book club and neuro Diversity sets up a new interest.
A heart warming story about books, joy, friendship, love and perception.
It will touch your heart in many ways as you get to know the characters and their lives

I was drawn into Grace’s story from the very few pages. Her isolation from everyone but her family since being widowed was poignant and palpable, her determination not to be a burden to them the force which would drive her to change.
Her late husband Frank had been an avid reader and Grace stumbles into joining his book club – a silent one, not what she had expected at all – and once which initially left her feeling even more lonely. But encouraged by her grandson and by the friendliness of Annie, a book club member, she perseveres. And once she discovers Frank’s reading journal has unfinished business too.
As well as grief, and friendship, the book explores themes of mental health, something which sadly isn’t brought out in the blurb, and gives the supporting characters’ journeys real depth.

I have a soft spot for books about books and anything that shows humanity within the struggle for mental health. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Kate Storey's last novel <i>The Memory Library</i>. So it was a pleasure to get the opportunity to read an ARC of this one.

Grace is floundering after the death of Frank her husband of forty-six years. She knows she needs to stop isolating and work on joining the world again but finds it easier said than done. Especially, given that she's an introvert. Her grandson suggests a visit to the book club that meant so much to Frank. Grace agrees despite not being much of a reader. She attends expecting a normal book club format, but Frank's book club is anything but. Each member of the club faces unique challenges, and the sense of community and acceptance was uplifting.

I have a heartfelt appreciation for mental health rep in novels because many lives and much quality of life has been sacrificed due to stigma. However, a little subtlety would have gone a long way in this case. The impact was watered down because the approach was heavy handed. Perhaps more showing through characterization and less telling through info dumps would've been more effective.

Otherwise, this is a lovely novel about the importance of connection and glorious books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon UK for providing an Advance Reading Copy for review. All opinions are my own.

One of my books of 2025. Brilliant and sad. Grace had lost her husband and it is her story of rebuilding her life with books and people. I think I like the idea of a silent book club. The journalist was terrible. The bookshop building was lovely. Lots of amazing characters. I really loved it , kept you gripped . Did not want it to finish. Read it .

I really enjoyed this book. Nice gentle read but with some interesting insights - Frank sets up a "silent book club" for people who don't necessarily want to be part of a more conventional one. He can't get his wife Grace to join, that is until he dies. Then, Grace becomes involved and enjoys meeting the other members and this helps her with the grief of losing Frank. Several of the characters are neurodivergent including Grace's daughter and grandson and she finds out that Frank was too.
Definitely recommend this book. Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC

Grace is finding it hard coming to terms with her husband Frank's death. Her grandson Jude persuades her to join Frank's book club where she finds it's a silent book club. She doesn't think it's for her but she gets involved with the members and it seems to be changing her life

If there is a book with the word "book" in the title, chances are great that I am going to read it. The Forgotten Book Club by Kate Storey was such a good book.

What a beautiful read. I absolutely,loved Grace's story it takes her a year for her to find the courage to enter her late husband Frank's library and she learns about his love of his book club which he started and how it had lost lots of members since his passing and when her beloved grandson asks to go along she reluctantly agrees but things don't go well and she quickly leaves.but when a member Annie befriends her things start to get better and she is determined to try and make sure Frank and the book club are not forgotten. A lovely story for anyone who loves books full of joy with really interesting characters and beautifully written a real gem

I absolutely loved this book from the first word. The characters were so real. The way the author describes their quirks and foibles helps make them so. Grief and neuro diversity in the form of ADHD are two main topics of the book. Both are dealt with with knowledge and sensitivity. The idea of a silent book club where everyone can read a different book is just brilliant. My main bugbear with book clubs is I don't like half the books they make you read. The ending of the book was perfect. I was in floods of tears. A really wonderful read everyone should try.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

Grace's husband of maybe years, Frank, passed away suddenly more than a year ago and she really hasn't moved on. She's started taking long walks so her daughter thinks she's found a social life.

The truth comes out and her grandson convinces her to try attending the book club Frank had started. She shows up and discovers that it's a silent book club. How odd! She slowly changes her mind and finds new friends in this wonderful group.

Grace's husband Frank was an avid reader, Grace not so much. When he passes away, their grandson Jude persuades Grace to visit the book club Frank set up. Here Grace finds friendship and reconnects to Frank in a way she didn't think possible. A lovely story about not judging a book by it's cover and accepting the hand of friendship.

I loved the way the book club ran in this story - everyone silent reading was a fabulous idea (where can I find a club like this?!) The mix of characters was great too, from the confident to those needing help. I particularly like Annie and Jude, and of course the travelling cat Earnest! The reference to other literature throughout was also great to read.

The amount of references to ADHD was a little overwhelming and felt a bit preachy at times, although it was clear that it was Grace working through her own thoughts and feelings.

A lovely read.

A thought provoking story about Grace who is grieving after her husband passes away. Grace is trying to prove to her daughter and grandson that she's fine by being out walking the streets when they call to visit her, in reality Grace is not fine but very sad and lonely.
Her grandson encourages her to visit the book club in a local bookstore which was set up by her husband. Grace is reluctant at first but then gives it a try but is surprised and horrified that they are expected to sit and read in silence and silence is the last thing Grace needs.
I enjoyed this story and how everyone gets together to help the book club and support each other. Lots of mentions about ADHD which I know very little about so an informative story as well.
Good read.

A year on from her beloved husband, Frank's, death and Grace is still struggling with her loss. Her grandson Jude,suggests she joins the bookclub that Frank founded with local bookshop owner. Grace has never really been a reader, and especially not one as avid as Frank was, but decides to go to please Jude. She's surprised to find that everyone is reading a different book to each other and that most of the session is spent in silence. She learns from the others this is what Frank wanted. On finding his journal she learns more about her husband than he had told her, his worries and anxieties laid bare within the cover.
To fulfill his final wishes Grace enlists the help of the members to make the club bigger and more inclusive. In doing this she realises that there is a life after grief.
Reading has always been my thing, I can get lost in a good book. The characters can feel like friends as you go through lifes ups and downs with them, this novel is no exception. Books and reading have an impact on our lives without us even realising. This novel has stayed with me long after i finished it.

I can do no better to explain the book than to quote from it “This book is about love, loneliness and grief, and it’s about the building of a community of disparate people who all have their humanity in common”. There is also a recurrent theme of neurodiversity.

I found it an enjoyable read but the constant discussion of ADHD felt forced and unnecessary at times. The exploration of grief and loneliness was well done and the different perspectives added positively to the storyline.

I am grateful to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC

This was a lovely and very moving story about Grace, who had recently lost her husband, Frank, and who was struggling with grief and loneliness. She discovers Frank’s old ‘silent’ book club and finds herself surrounded with new friends and a new life. There is a neurodivergent storyline running through this book which is handled so beautifully, showing both the challenges as well as the many positive aspects too. Really enjoyable!

Way out of my comfort zone but a thoroughly good read, enjoyed reading about Grace although it was a sad and heartbreaking journey with excellent characters.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books for this very poignant ARC which I can recommend.

The Forgotten Book Club explores themes of grief, mental health, and neurodivergence in an accessible format. Grace begins attending the book club that her late husband, Frank, started a decade prior. Through meeting his friends and reading his journals, Grace comes to understand additional facets of her husband and decides to continue progressing the goals he'd set out for himself. The power of community and reaching people where they're at are resonate themes of this book.

As an ADHDer myself, I found the content about neurodivergence accessible and in a story format that I can see recommending to others in my life to better understand my lived experience. I especially appreciated Grace exploring how her grandson's diagnosis has threads back into her daughter and husband's behaviors as well. Additionally, I liked how the discussion centers adult experiences and not just childhood impacts of ADHD.

Thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this title for my review.

Kate Storey’s new book is an emotional and moving tale of one woman’s attempt to deal with her grief at losing her husband through the books that he loved. I thoroughly enjoyed The forgotten book club and would definitely recommend it. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this novel