Here are 2 books that Lightning in a Mason Jar fans have personally recommended if you like Lightning in a Mason Jar. Book DNA is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of The River Is Waiting

Franz Douskey Author Of Sinatra and Me: The Very Good Years

From Franz's 3 favorite reads in 2025.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Franz's 3 favorite reads in 2025

Franz Douskey Why Franz loves this book

Wally Lamb is a New York Times bestselling author. The River Is Waiting is Mr. Lamb’s third Oprah Book Club selection. This book is a very deep human struggle about a young father “grappling with unbearable tragedy as he searches for hope, redemption, and the possibility of forgiveness.” 

This is an emotionally tough book to read. Once a reader finishes reading The River Is Waiting, that book, the characters within, and the raw experiences they live through will end. They will linger in all the darkest places.

By Wally Lamb ,

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked The River Is Waiting as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

OPRAH'S BOOK CLUB PICK

#1 New York Times bestselling author Wally Lamb, celebrated for two prior Oprah Book Club selections, returns with an exceptional third pick, a propulsive novel following a young father grappling with unbearable tragedy as he searches for hope, redemption, and the possibility of forgiveness.

Corby Ledbetter is struggling. New fatherhood, the loss of his job, and a growing secret addiction have thrown his marriage to his beloved Emily into a tailspin. And that's before he causes the tragedy that tears the family apart. Sentenced to prison, Corby struggles to survive life on the inside, where he…


If you love Lightning in a Mason Jar...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Book cover of The Correspondent

Jackie Kurtz Author Of Kindness Heroes

From Jackie's 3 favorite reads in 2025.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Jackie's 3 favorite reads in 2025

Jackie Kurtz Why Jackie loves this book

When I first started The Correspondent, I found it a bit confusing and had to jot down who was who to keep everything straight. But that didn’t last long, once I settled in, I was hooked. The story centers on Sylvia, a senior woman who was ahead of her time professionally, and whose life unfolds through letters to family, friends, and even film stars, authors, and politicians. Through her correspondence, we see her regrets, kindnesses, heartbreak, health struggles, and moments of joy.
At first, I wasn’t sure about the letter-writing format, but it ended up being one of the things I loved most. It’s a fresh, beautifully done way to tell a story. I grew deeply attached to Sylvia and found myself rooting for her and those she loves.
I highly recommend this book, just give it a little time in the beginning. It’s absolutely worth it.

By Virginia Evans ,

Why should I read it?

11 authors picked The Correspondent as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Book cover of The River Is Waiting
Book cover of The Correspondent

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