Nine Perfect Strangers

By Liane Moriarty,

Book cover of Nine Perfect Strangers

Book description

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
Now a Hulu original series

“If three characters were good in Big Little Lies, nine are even better in Nine Perfect Strangers.” ―Lisa Scottoline, The New York Times Book Review

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Big Little Lies

Could ten days at…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep the lights on. Or join the rebellion as a member.

Why read it?

2 authors picked Nine Perfect Strangers as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Yet again, Liane Moriarty has made it onto my list of favorite reads for the year. From page one, I fell under its spell. 

Nine individuals meet at a secluded health resort for various reasons like weight loss and life rejuvenation. Amidst luxury and self-care, they anticipate challenges ahead, but they don’t expect the New Age equivalent to a Dominatrix, who seems to enjoy shaming their weaknesses and dishing out torturous discipline.

Here we discover a disparate bunch of characters, some of whom are bigger than life, that, in the wrong hands could quite easily descend into caricatures. But as…

Nine Perfect Strangers, with an Agatha Christie twist, finds these characters holed up at an exclusive spa with a looney-tune leader, and they are more or less held captive while the truth unfolds.

I chose this book because Frances, the failing writer, struck such a note of humor, I almost fell out of my chair reading of her mental state and ambivalence toward a doofus she meets at the spa. While she laments her shortcomings, she is irresistibly drawn to this guy. (Do I empathize?)

Moriarty has a facile ability to draw distinct features in her characters and pull…

My Year of Casual Acquaintances

By Ruth F. Stevens,

Book cover of My Year of Casual Acquaintances

Ruth F. Stevens Author Of My Year of Casual Acquaintances

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

From the time I was a girl, I’ve loved stories that put a lump in my throat even as I’m laughing. As a fiction writer, that funny-sad tone is the one I go for in my own work. I gravitate toward female protagonists of all ages who break the mold—women who are intelligent and strong but who also have unconventional, quirky personalities. Women who can be hilarious, infuriating, and heartbreaking—sometimes all at once. Because they are complex and unique, these women tend to struggle with life’s challenges more than their contemporaries. That’s what makes their stories so interesting, and why I have chosen the books on this list. 

Ruth's book list on smart, quirky women facing personal struggles

What is my book about?

When Mar’s husband divorces her, she reacts by abandoning everything in her past: her home, her friends, even her name. Though it's not easy starting over, she’s ready for new adventures—as long as she can keep things casual. Each month, Mar goes from one acquaintance to the next: a fellow gym member down on her luck, a flirty hip-hop instructor, a bossy but comical consultant. . . and a handsome novelist who wants more than she can give. Mar learns from each encounter. But can she open herself up to true connection?

Surrounded by quirky, endearing characters, Mar navigates her…

My Year of Casual Acquaintances

By Ruth F. Stevens,

What is this book about?

"A fun, entertaining novel! I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't enjoy this book as much as I did." -Leslie A. Rasmussen, award-winning author

When Mar Meyer's husband divorces her for another woman, she reacts by abandoning everything in her past: her home, her friends, even her name. Though it's not easy to start over, Mar is young-looking, fit, and ready for new adventures-as long as she can keep things casual.

With each passing month, Mar goes from one acquaintance to the next. Among them: a fellow gym member down on her luck, a flirty hip-hop instructor, a bossy but comical…


Want books like Nine Perfect Strangers?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Nine Perfect Strangers.

Browse books like Nine Perfect Strangers

Book cover of The Thursday Murder Club
Book cover of One for the Money
Book cover of Tourist Season

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,081

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in meditation, secrets, and Australia?

Meditation 294 books
Secrets 271 books
Australia 334 books