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The 17 best books of 2022, from 'I'm Glad My Mom Died' to Amanda Gorman's poetry

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• Goodreads is the world's largest platform for readers to rate and review books. 
• Every year, they host the Goodreads Choice Awards across 17 genres and categories.
• Here are the 2022 award winners, voted on by Goodreads members. 

Goodreads is an online platform where millions of readers track the books they read, leave reviews and recommendations, and participate in annual reading challenges. It also hosts the Goodreads Choice Awards, where readers vote on the most popular books of the year across 17 genres and categories from "best fiction" to "best debut author."

This year, over 5.7 million votes were cast in multiple rounds to narrow 20 great new books down to one winner per category. With nearly countless rave reviews, five-star ratings, and recommendations, here are the best books of 2022, according to Goodreads members.

Best Fiction

"Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow" by Gabrielle Zevin, available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $14.69

"Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow" is the story of Sam Masur and Sadie Green, once childhood friends who drifted apart but reunite during a chance subway run-in. Having bonded over video games as children, this propulsive novel takes readers back and forth through time as Sam and Sadie's story of love, friendship, and second chances unravels while the two create a blockbuster game, drift together and apart, and face both beautiful and devastating moments. "Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow" was also Book of the Month's Book of the Year .

Best Mystery & Thriller

"The Maid" by Nita Prose, available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $15.99

Molly Gray has always struggled with social skills but finds a perfect fit in her job as a hotel maid, which combines her love of cleaning and proper etiquette. But she finds a wealthy man dead in his bed, Molly's peculiar behavior creates suspicion around her innocence as she relies on her new friends to help find the real killer in this locked-room mystery novel.

Best Historical Fiction

"Carrie Soto Is Back" by Taylor Jenkins Reid, available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $17.98

Carrie Soto was once known as the best tennis player in the world — until a young player threatens her record and she decides to come out of retirement to defend her title. Though it's been six years since she retired and an old knee injury threatens to slow her down, Carrie is determined to prove herself in this emotional story of greatness, legends, and the desire to be enough.

Best Romance

"Book Lovers" by Emily Henry, available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $9.99

"Book Lovers" follows Nora Stephens, a literary agent in New York City, who agrees to take a month-long trip to the storybook town of Sunshine Falls, North Carolina with her sister. Though she's ready to become the heroine of her own story, Nora finds Charlie Lastra, an editor with whom she has a frustrating past, time and time again in a series of coincidental run-ins. This was one of our favorite beach reads this summer — check out our full review here .

Best Science Fiction

"Sea of Tranquility" by Emily St. John Mandel, available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $12.50

This expansive novel combines elements of science fiction, historical fiction, and fantasy as it traverses centuries and worlds to tell a pandemic story of love, nature, belonging, and loss. From a Vancouver island in 1912 to a futuristic book tour, readers love this story for all it manages to encompass and the satisfying crescendo at the end.

Best Horror

"Hidden Pictures" by Jason Rekulak, available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $17.63

In "Hidden Pictures," Mallory Quinn takes a stable and wonderful job as a nanny to shy, five-year-old Teddy who is always drawing. But when his drawings morph from cute, innocent pictures to sinister, detailed sketches, Mallory decides she must uncover the root of them to save Teddy and herself before it's too late.

"The Office BFFs: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There" by Jenna Fischer & Angela Kinsey, available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $17.98

This nostalgic and beloved memoir comes from Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, two real-life best friends who played Pam and Angela on "The Office." "The Office BFFs" is an account of their blooming friendship as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the cast of the cherished and hilarious mockumentary.

Best Nonfiction

"Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience" by Brené Brown, available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $17.78

Brené Brown has written many insightful self-help and personal development books that guide readers through leadership strategies, vulnerability, imperfection, and more. In "Atlas of the Heart," Brown pulls from two decades of research to map 87 emotions and experiences that define humanity to help us forge meaningful connections with others. You can check out our full review of this nonfiction award winner here .

Best Memoir & Autobiography

"I'm Glad My Mom Died" by Jennette McCurdy, available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $17.28

Made famous by her Nickelodeon roles on "iCarly" and "Sam and Cat," Jennette McCurdy began acting at six years old, as her mother's dream was for her to become a star. This brutally honest memoir depicts the emotional, mental, and physical abuse McCurdy faced at the hands of her mother, her journey through child stardom, and the challenging but meaningful work it took to regain control of her life. 

Best History & Biography

"Bad Gays: A Homosexual History" by Huw Lemmey & Ben Miller, available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $17.59

Based on the popular podcast series of the same name, "Bad Gays" combines history and biography to explore LGBTQ history not through gay legends and icons but through "villains." The book looks at artists, politicians, celebrities, and other gay people through history who reveal more about sexuality, identity, and culture than we thought.

Best Graphic Novels & Comics

"Heartstopper: Volume Four" by Alice Oseman, available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $11.54

This fourth volume of "Heartstopper" follows now-boyfriends Charlie and Nick as they get ready to say "I love you" while dealing with other challenges, like Nick coming out to his dad and Charlie's possible eating disorder. Readers love this series for the simple illustrations that pack an emotional punch and the honest story about love and friendship. 

Best Poetry

"Call Us What We Carry" by Amanda Gorman, available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $12.90

Amanda Gorman was the first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate in 2017 and the youngest presidential inaugural poet when she read " The Hill We Climb " at President Biden's 2021 inauguration. "Call Us What We Carry" is her first collection of poetry that addresses the hardships of the past while outlining a hope for the future.

Best Debut Author

"Lessons in Chemistry" by Bonnie Garmus, available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $18.28

In the early 1960s, Elizabeth Zott is a chemist who faces suffocating gender discrimination at her job where she meets the brilliant Calvin Evans and falls in love. But years later, Elizabeth finds herself as the host of "Supper at Six" where she uniquely combines cooking and her love of chemistry to teach women how to make nutritious meals and defy the status quo.

Best Young Adult Fiction

"The Final Gambit" by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $11.79

"The Final Gambit" is the third novel in the " Inheritance Games " series, which follows Avery Grambs, who just received a huge inheritance from a stranger whose four grandsons are furious. In this installment, Avery only has to survive a few more weeks in the Hawthorne House to receive her inheritance — but when one last puzzle and an unknown player arise, she and the Hawthorne brothers are thrust into another dangerous game.

Best Young Adult Fantasy & Sci-fi

"Gallant" by V.E. Schwab, available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $13.84

Olivia Prior grew up in Merilance School for girls — until a letter invites her to come home to Gallant, though no one is expecting her when she arrives. As she begins to search for the home's secrets, she crosses a ruined wall and finds herself in a crumbling parallel world of Gallant, where she can finally see the ghouls that haunted the house, her family's past, and the mysterious Master of the House.

Best Middle Grade & Children's

"I Am Quiet: A Story for the Introvert in All of Us" by Andie Powers, available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $14.49

This sweet children's book is about Emile, a quiet child who is often assumed to be shy but has a beautiful and adventurous inner world. It encourages introverts to be themselves while demonstrating to others that being quiet or shy isn't bad and quiet people can be just as bold as anyone else. 

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Time AND Money saver

Good reads is amazing. Whether its the upcoming books in a certain genre updated daily, the recommendations from people with similar taste. A favorite feature of mine is the Preview feature, which allows the reader to read a few chapters (depending the the chapters lengths and books itself). With the different versions and and publications -and languages- that has saved me money. Something I wish I discovered before to save money from previous book that I ended up disliking. The slight problem I have with Goodreads is that my other bookshelves have combined with my want to read. As a reader, I will take note of upcoming and eye catching books that I might enjoy. Putting my "airballs if you will" shelf automatically in the want to read section is tiring and annoying. I can see the airball shelf itself separately, I cannot do the same with my want to reads as they combine automatically. Overall, this app is amazing has been a saving grace, and enjoyable books and reviews. Which are incredibly helpful when you find people with similar interests. My slight problem can be easily solved with a separate list of permissions in the settings to combine bookshelves.

Love it but I’ve got some ideas

Don’t get me wrong this app is helpful and I use it all the times but it can be pretty clunky sometimes The featured booklists on your page are kinda tricky to find again and I wish there was a whole tab for them with like recently viewed lists and recommendations and things like that because when you accidentally leave an amazing list and can’t find it it’s the worst. The biggest issue I have is it’s not the most new user friendly. I got this app and had so many books and shelves to create for my previous reads but it takes five clicks to add a book to a shelf. When I make a shelf it’s because I realize I have lots of books similar and so scrolling through my reads and clicking five times for each is not fun at all and takes all day. I wish there was a select tool so you could add multiple books to a shelf at a time this would probably make this review five stars. Another little issue I have (and maybe I just can’t figure it out) is Re reading. If I read a book multiple times why can’t I count both towards my reading challenge? It won’t be an accurate page count if it turns out that was just the one of the times I read the book that year. I feel like you should have multiple reading dates on your book info so it isn’t just showing the last time you read it. If this is a feature and I just haven’t found it then I apologize. Definitely needs a refresh I just looked at version history and it’s mostly bug fixes! This app NEEDS something new

needs a revamp

i use this app religiously but it needs an revamp BAD. the UI looks like it hasnt changed since day 1 and itd be nice if i could see my friends activity more often than i see ads on my feed 😑. would be nice if we could personalize our profiles, but not necessary. also recommendations or searching through genres could be greatly enhanced by further filtering of intended audiences—i dont want to scroll through twenty 20 childrens fantasy books before even finding one mediocre adult fantasy book im not interested in. ABSOLUTELY would benefit from half star rating system or even 10 star rating system im tired of seeing a 3 star review with “3.5 stars …” or a 1 star review with “0.5 stars…” in the actual review. the app is also not super user friendly and is generally clunky. lots of unnecessary tapping needed and idk what it is but the searching function is super clunky too. i feel like the search option should first search our shelves for matches before searching the rest of the database for matches. definitely need a multi-select option to make shelving multiple books easier. i have over 300 books in my read im not reshelving each individual book, jeffrey. add tags in reviews so we can filter by tags. basically more filtering options for everything. add private reviews only your friends can see so that they dont affect the overall review of the book (sometimes you can acknowledge a book is well-written and still hate it).

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Clare Barnett

Clare Barnett lives in Richmond, Virginia, with her husband and daughter. She delves into all genres but has a soft spot for fantasy, mystery, and memoir. When she’s not working her way through her to-read list, she’s reading and writing about bookish things. Twitter: @clarebar. Inquiries: [email protected].

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10 Top Goodreads Reviewers

GR World Popularity Rank: #19. Many authors will not rate other writers’ books on Goodreads as part of some professional code. Thankfully for us, the brilliant Roxane Gay brings her insight and critique to reviews of recent releases. Well known for her own books like Hunger , Roxane’s reviews are concise and balanced. A must follow for those into contemporary fiction.

GR World Popularity Rank: #1. Emily May just might be the unofficial Queen of Goodreads. Ranked #1 in the world for most-liked reviews, Emily May is a UK-based reviewer with eclectic tastes, reviewing new releases as well as classics. While some reviewers are popular for their (sometimes very funny) negativity, Emily May’s reviews are thoughtful and fair, and with some depth at around 300+ words per review. May is also active on bookstagram .

Monte Price

Unranked. Monte’s reviews are insightful and funny, covering queer romance, YA and adult fantasy, and bookclub fiction. In a recent review, he compares Maggie Shipstead’s The Great Circle to Twilight . If that’s your jam, follow Monte, and check out his booktube channel too.

GR World Popularity Rank: #5. A reader based in Seattle, Yun reviews a wide range of recent fiction, with detailed takes about her reading experience and some humor thrown in. Also, she has a very fair star rating system. Find her on Goodreads or her blog, Miss Readaroo .

Unranked. Thomas lists his interests as “Reading, Writing, Psychology, Mental Health, Feminism” and his “read” shelf checks out. He brings interesting takes to a wide range of nonfiction, memoir, essays, as well as recent fiction releases. He writes thoughtfully about mental health and underrepresentation of queer people and people of color both in his reviews and in his blog, The Quiet Voice .

Je nny Lawson

GR United States Rank #100. Jenny Lawson, very funny essayist, is also a prolific GR reviewer, particularly of graphic novels. Her reviews are concise and have fewer jokes than you’d expect from the author of Furiously Happy , but she’s fair and consistent.

GR World Popularity Rank: #14. Another UK-based reader, Paromjit reads a massive number of books, mostly new releases. Her current goal counter says 226 for the year. The reviewer strikes a great balance between revealing a glimpse of plot and offering a fresh perspective on the book.

Unranked. Carol. reviews mainly sci-fi, fantasy, and mystery. She sometimes brings the snark, but her reviews are always interesting and full of choice quotes. Unlike a lot of popular reviewers, she says she’s not interested in advanced reader copies. You can find more of her reviews at her blog, book reviews forevermore .

GR World Popularity Rank: #16. The reaction-gif book review is a high art on Goodreads, and Anne does it well. Her tastes are eclectic, ranging from the Spider Man comics to Julia Quinn’s Regency romance. If you need more gifs in your life, follow Anne.

GR World Popularity Rank #57: Emma is popular, scathing at times, and usually pretty witty. Her favorite genre is “literary fiction about horrible women,” but she reads widely. She also reads a ton of advanced reader copies (ARCs) so she’s a good go to for new and upcoming fiction with a literary fit. Emma also has a blog, Emma Reads Too Much .

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Megalopolis is a fantasy disasterpiece, but this book explains why it exists

The new Francis Ford Coppola biography is the key to the director’s new film

by Chris Plante

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I overheard the same question before and after seeing Megalopolis : What the hell is Megalopoli s about?

In press for the film, director Francis Ford Coppola, of Apocalypse Now and The Godfather fame, has spoken at length about Megalopolis being a wake-up call for audiences to take up arms for the future of cinema and society as a whole — a bold act of optimism that envisions a road to utopia. But the film, out in theaters this week, is, in actuality, about history, and specifically about Coppola’s personal past.

The 150-minute fever dream of philosophy, politics, and Shia LaBeouf’s mullet isn’t subtle. Characters with names like Cesar Cataline and Wow Platinum deliver countless exhaustive monologues about the power of art, the calcification of bureaucracy, and the need for great, all-inclusive debates about the future. At one point, the antagonist delivers a speech from a tree stump that’s been sculpted into a swastika.

There’s nothing “sub” about the subtext here. It’s as blunt as a chain letter forwarded from your grandfather. And yet, all of these screeds are far more interesting and digestible than the sizable amount of time Coppola’s heroes spend defending Coppola’s actions.

Adam Driver’s Cesar, the city designer of Megalopolis, mourns his wife, whose life was figuratively and literally put into his work — the film suggests her DNA powers the film’s fictional construction material, Megala. Coppola notoriously blended his marriage and art in ways that led to bitter fights and affairs. Cesar takes extreme measures to build his dream city of the art, destroying buildings and arguing against public services. Back in the ’70s, Coppola hoped to obliterate the studio model through independent financing, and for his early films, fled Hollywood to avoid union labor.

The list of similarities goes on and on and on, to the point that Megalopolis feels less like a movie than a case for Coppola’s legacy — which makes sense, considering the filmmaker leveraged his wine empire, his fortune, and debt to tell his story. What better reason to spend your fortune before you die than to ensure you’re well remembered when you’re gone?

Megalopolis is an odd experience that can be “enjoyed” by anyone who wants to watch Driver recite Hamlet and Aubrey Plaza make a feast of some of the year’s most bonkers lines. However, for most viewers, much of the richer meaning will be lost without knowledge of Coppola’s story. Fortunately, that’s easier than ever thanks to a fantastic new biography from Sam Wasson, The Path to Paradise: A Francis Ford Coppola Story . Coppola and his peers participated in the book, and they provide a shockingly frank and expansive look into the personal life and career (the two often blended) of one of cinema’s greatest artists.

The book tells the story of a man who was willing to gamble everything on himself time and time again. For a time, that bet hit! Over and over! And then, his luck ran out. Did you see Jack ?

Wasson’s book is special in its lack of judgment. The writer gives Coppola ample room to reflect upon his life, and, unlike Megalopolis , provides that history and analysis in a clear, relatively chronological, and humane fashion. Coppola comes across as a genius, a cod, a visionary, and a man grappling with his mental health in an era that lacked the tools and language of today. Where Megalopolis tells the story of a Great Man, The Path to Paradise tells the story of a man not so different than others who — at the expense of himself and those around him — accomplished great things.

As a standalone movie, Megalopolis is a mess — the sort of film that has audiences scratching their heads as they walk to their cars and forgetting the story on the drive home. But with a grasp of Coppola’s history, the film becomes something, if not good, then special. A scene in which Cesar’s enemies attempt to slander the artist with an affair, for example, takes on new meaning when you know Coppola once sent a heated memo to his staff and called for the termination of key team members as gossip spread across Zoetrope regarding his infidelities during the making of Apocalypse Now .

With the book as our key, we can open Megalopolis and find what’s inside: a $120 million autobiographical reckoning of an artist, in which he reflects upon his creations, his enemies, his dreams, and the question that haunts us all. Did I do enough to leave the world better than I found it?

With Megalopolis , Coppola makes a court case in his defense, as if the audience isn’t on earth but a divine bouncer in the great beyond.

The Path to Paradise: A Francis Ford Coppola Story

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17 book review examples to help you write the perfect review.

It’s an exciting time to be a book reviewer. Once confined to print newspapers and journals, reviews now dot many corridors of the Internet — forever helping others discover their next great read. That said, every book reviewer will face a familiar panic: how can you do justice to a great book in just a thousand words?

As you know, the best way to learn how to do something is by immersing yourself in it. Luckily, the Internet (i.e. Goodreads and other review sites , in particular) has made book reviews more accessible than ever — which means that there are a lot of book reviews examples out there for you to view!

In this post, we compiled 17 prototypical book review examples in multiple genres to help you figure out how to write the perfect review . If you want to jump straight to the examples, you can skip the next section. Otherwise, let’s first check out what makes up a good review.

Are you interested in becoming a book reviewer? We recommend you check out Reedsy Discovery , where you can earn money for writing reviews — and are guaranteed people will read your reviews! To register as a book reviewer, sign up here.

Pro-tip : But wait! How are you sure if you should become a book reviewer in the first place? If you're on the fence, or curious about your match with a book reviewing career, take our quick quiz:

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What must a book review contain?

Like all works of art, no two book reviews will be identical. But fear not: there are a few guidelines for any aspiring book reviewer to follow. Most book reviews, for instance, are less than 1,500 words long, with the sweet spot hitting somewhere around the 1,000-word mark. (However, this may vary depending on the platform on which you’re writing, as we’ll see later.)

In addition, all reviews share some universal elements, as shown in our book review templates . These include:

• A review will offer a concise plot summary of the book. 
• A book review will offer an evaluation of the work. 
• A book review will offer a recommendation for the audience. 

If these are the basic ingredients that make up a book review, it’s the tone and style with which the book reviewer writes that brings the extra panache. This will differ from platform to platform, of course. A book review on Goodreads, for instance, will be much more informal and personal than a book review on Kirkus Reviews, as it is catering to a different audience. However, at the end of the day, the goal of all book reviews is to give the audience the tools to determine whether or not they’d like to read the book themselves.

Keeping that in mind, let’s proceed to some book review examples to put all of this in action.

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Book review examples for fiction books

Since story is king in the world of fiction, it probably won’t come as any surprise to learn that a book review for a novel will concentrate on how well the story was told .

That said, book reviews in all genres follow the same basic formula that we discussed earlier. In these examples, you’ll be able to see how book reviewers on different platforms expertly intertwine the plot summary and their personal opinions of the book to produce a clear, informative, and concise review.

Note: Some of the book review examples run very long. If a book review is truncated in this post, we’ve indicated by including a […] at the end, but you can always read the entire review if you click on the link provided.

Examples of literary fiction book reviews

Kirkus Reviews reviews Ralph Ellison’s The Invisible Man :

An extremely powerful story of a young Southern Negro, from his late high school days through three years of college to his life in Harlem.

His early training prepared him for a life of humility before white men, but through injustices- large and small, he came to realize that he was an "invisible man". People saw in him only a reflection of their preconceived ideas of what he was, denied his individuality, and ultimately did not see him at all. This theme, which has implications far beyond the obvious racial parallel, is skillfully handled. The incidents of the story are wholly absorbing. The boy's dismissal from college because of an innocent mistake, his shocked reaction to the anonymity of the North and to Harlem, his nightmare experiences on a one-day job in a paint factory and in the hospital, his lightning success as the Harlem leader of a communistic organization known as the Brotherhood, his involvement in black versus white and black versus black clashes and his disillusion and understanding of his invisibility- all climax naturally in scenes of violence and riot, followed by a retreat which is both literal and figurative. Parts of this experience may have been told before, but never with such freshness, intensity and power.

This is Ellison's first novel, but he has complete control of his story and his style. Watch it.

Lyndsey reviews George Orwell’s 1984 on Goodreads:

YOU. ARE. THE. DEAD. Oh my God. I got the chills so many times toward the end of this book. It completely blew my mind. It managed to surpass my high expectations AND be nothing at all like I expected. Or in Newspeak "Double Plus Good." Let me preface this with an apology. If I sound stunningly inarticulate at times in this review, I can't help it. My mind is completely fried.

This book is like the dystopian Lord of the Rings, with its richly developed culture and economics, not to mention a fully developed language called Newspeak, or rather more of the anti-language, whose purpose is to limit speech and understanding instead of to enhance and expand it. The world-building is so fully fleshed out and spine-tinglingly terrifying that it's almost as if George travelled to such a place, escaped from it, and then just wrote it all down.

I read Fahrenheit 451 over ten years ago in my early teens. At the time, I remember really wanting to read 1984, although I never managed to get my hands on it. I'm almost glad I didn't. Though I would not have admitted it at the time, it would have gone over my head. Or at the very least, I wouldn't have been able to appreciate it fully. […]

The New York Times reviews Lisa Halliday’s Asymmetry :

Three-quarters of the way through Lisa Halliday’s debut novel, “Asymmetry,” a British foreign correspondent named Alistair is spending Christmas on a compound outside of Baghdad. His fellow revelers include cameramen, defense contractors, United Nations employees and aid workers. Someone’s mother has FedExed a HoneyBaked ham from Maine; people are smoking by the swimming pool. It is 2003, just days after Saddam Hussein’s capture, and though the mood is optimistic, Alistair is worrying aloud about the ethics of his chosen profession, wondering if reporting on violence doesn’t indirectly abet violence and questioning why he’d rather be in a combat zone than reading a picture book to his son. But every time he returns to London, he begins to “spin out.” He can’t go home. “You observe what people do with their freedom — what they don’t do — and it’s impossible not to judge them for it,” he says.

The line, embedded unceremoniously in the middle of a page-long paragraph, doubles, like so many others in “Asymmetry,” as literary criticism. Halliday’s novel is so strange and startlingly smart that its mere existence seems like commentary on the state of fiction. One finishes “Asymmetry” for the first or second (or like this reader, third) time and is left wondering what other writers are not doing with their freedom — and, like Alistair, judging them for it.

Despite its title, “Asymmetry” comprises two seemingly unrelated sections of equal length, appended by a slim and quietly shocking coda. Halliday’s prose is clean and lean, almost reportorial in the style of W. G. Sebald, and like the murmurings of a shy person at a cocktail party, often comic only in single clauses. It’s a first novel that reads like the work of an author who has published many books over many years. […]

Emily W. Thompson reviews Michael Doane's The Crossing on Reedsy Discovery :

In Doane’s debut novel, a young man embarks on a journey of self-discovery with surprising results.

An unnamed protagonist (The Narrator) is dealing with heartbreak. His love, determined to see the world, sets out for Portland, Oregon. But he’s a small-town boy who hasn’t traveled much. So, the Narrator mourns her loss and hides from life, throwing himself into rehabbing an old motorcycle. Until one day, he takes a leap; he packs his bike and a few belongings and heads out to find the Girl.

Following in the footsteps of Jack Kerouac and William Least Heat-Moon, Doane offers a coming of age story about a man finding himself on the backroads of America. Doane’s a gifted writer with fluid prose and insightful observations, using The Narrator’s personal interactions to illuminate the diversity of the United States.

The Narrator initially sticks to the highways, trying to make it to the West Coast as quickly as possible. But a hitchhiker named Duke convinces him to get off the beaten path and enjoy the ride. “There’s not a place that’s like any other,” [39] Dukes contends, and The Narrator realizes he’s right. Suddenly, the trip is about the journey, not just the destination. The Narrator ditches his truck and traverses the deserts and mountains on his bike. He destroys his phone, cutting off ties with his past and living only in the moment.

As he crosses the country, The Narrator connects with several unique personalities whose experiences and views deeply impact his own. Duke, the complicated cowboy and drifter, who opens The Narrator’s eyes to a larger world. Zooey, the waitress in Colorado who opens his heart and reminds him that love can be found in this big world. And Rosie, The Narrator’s sweet landlady in Portland, who helps piece him back together both physically and emotionally.

This supporting cast of characters is excellent. Duke, in particular, is wonderfully nuanced and complicated. He’s a throwback to another time, a man without a cell phone who reads Sartre and sleeps under the stars. Yet he’s also a grifter with a “love ‘em and leave ‘em” attitude that harms those around him. It’s fascinating to watch The Narrator wrestle with Duke’s behavior, trying to determine which to model and which to discard.

Doane creates a relatable protagonist in The Narrator, whose personal growth doesn’t erase his faults. His willingness to hit the road with few resources is admirable, and he’s prescient enough to recognize the jealousy of those who cannot or will not take the leap. His encounters with new foods, places, and people broaden his horizons. Yet his immaturity and selfishness persist. He tells Rosie she’s been a good mother to him but chooses to ignore the continuing concern from his own parents as he effectively disappears from his old life.

Despite his flaws, it’s a pleasure to accompany The Narrator on his physical and emotional journey. The unexpected ending is a fitting denouement to an epic and memorable road trip.

The Book Smugglers review Anissa Gray’s The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls :

I am still dipping my toes into the literally fiction pool, finding what works for me and what doesn’t. Books like The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls by Anissa Gray are definitely my cup of tea.

Althea and Proctor Cochran had been pillars of their economically disadvantaged community for years – with their local restaurant/small market and their charity drives. Until they are found guilty of fraud for stealing and keeping most of the money they raised and sent to jail. Now disgraced, their entire family is suffering the consequences, specially their twin teenage daughters Baby Vi and Kim.  To complicate matters even more: Kim was actually the one to call the police on her parents after yet another fight with her mother. […]

Examples of children’s and YA fiction book reviews

The Book Hookup reviews Angie Thomas’ The Hate U Give :

♥ Quick Thoughts and Rating: 5 stars! I can’t imagine how challenging it would be to tackle the voice of a movement like Black Lives Matter, but I do know that Thomas did it with a finesse only a talented author like herself possibly could. With an unapologetically realistic delivery packed with emotion, The Hate U Give is a crucially important portrayal of the difficulties minorities face in our country every single day. I have no doubt that this book will be met with resistance by some (possibly many) and slapped with a “controversial” label, but if you’ve ever wondered what it was like to walk in a POC’s shoes, then I feel like this is an unflinchingly honest place to start.

In Angie Thomas’s debut novel, Starr Carter bursts on to the YA scene with both heart-wrecking and heartwarming sincerity. This author is definitely one to watch.

♥ Review: The hype around this book has been unquestionable and, admittedly, that made me both eager to get my hands on it and terrified to read it. I mean, what if I was to be the one person that didn’t love it as much as others? (That seems silly now because of how truly mesmerizing THUG was in the most heartbreakingly realistic way.) However, with the relevancy of its summary in regards to the unjust predicaments POC currently face in the US, I knew this one was a must-read, so I was ready to set my fears aside and dive in. That said, I had an altogether more personal, ulterior motive for wanting to read this book. […]

The New York Times reviews Melissa Albert’s The Hazel Wood :

Alice Crewe (a last name she’s chosen for herself) is a fairy tale legacy: the granddaughter of Althea Proserpine, author of a collection of dark-as-night fairy tales called “Tales From the Hinterland.” The book has a cult following, and though Alice has never met her grandmother, she’s learned a little about her through internet research. She hasn’t read the stories, because her mother, Ella Proserpine, forbids it.

Alice and Ella have moved from place to place in an attempt to avoid the “bad luck” that seems to follow them. Weird things have happened. As a child, Alice was kidnapped by a man who took her on a road trip to find her grandmother; he was stopped by the police before they did so. When at 17 she sees that man again, unchanged despite the years, Alice panics. Then Ella goes missing, and Alice turns to Ellery Finch, a schoolmate who’s an Althea Proserpine superfan, for help in tracking down her mother. Not only has Finch read every fairy tale in the collection, but handily, he remembers them, sharing them with Alice as they journey to the mysterious Hazel Wood, the estate of her now-dead grandmother, where they hope to find Ella.

“The Hazel Wood” starts out strange and gets stranger, in the best way possible. (The fairy stories Finch relays, which Albert includes as their own chapters, are as creepy and evocative as you’d hope.) Albert seamlessly combines contemporary realism with fantasy, blurring the edges in a way that highlights that place where stories and real life convene, where magic contains truth and the world as it appears is false, where just about anything can happen, particularly in the pages of a very good book. It’s a captivating debut. […]

James reviews Margaret Wise Brown’s Goodnight, Moon on Goodreads:

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown is one of the books that followers of my blog voted as a must-read for our Children's Book August 2018 Readathon. Come check it out and join the next few weeks!

This picture book was such a delight. I hadn't remembered reading it when I was a child, but it might have been read to me... either way, it was like a whole new experience! It's always so difficult to convince a child to fall asleep at night. I don't have kids, but I do have a 5-month-old puppy who whines for 5 minutes every night when he goes in his cage/crate (hopefully he'll be fully housebroken soon so he can roam around when he wants). I can only imagine! I babysat a lot as a teenager and I have tons of younger cousins, nieces, and nephews, so I've been through it before, too. This was a believable experience, and it really helps show kids how to relax and just let go when it's time to sleep.

The bunny's are adorable. The rhymes are exquisite. I found it pretty fun, but possibly a little dated given many of those things aren't normal routines anymore. But the lessons to take from it are still powerful. Loved it! I want to sample some more books by this fine author and her illustrators.

Publishers Weekly reviews Elizabeth Lilly’s Geraldine :

This funny, thoroughly accomplished debut opens with two words: “I’m moving.” They’re spoken by the title character while she swoons across her family’s ottoman, and because Geraldine is a giraffe, her full-on melancholy mode is quite a spectacle. But while Geraldine may be a drama queen (even her mother says so), it won’t take readers long to warm up to her. The move takes Geraldine from Giraffe City, where everyone is like her, to a new school, where everyone else is human. Suddenly, the former extrovert becomes “That Giraffe Girl,” and all she wants to do is hide, which is pretty much impossible. “Even my voice tries to hide,” she says, in the book’s most poignant moment. “It’s gotten quiet and whispery.” Then she meets Cassie, who, though human, is also an outlier (“I’m that girl who wears glasses and likes MATH and always organizes her food”), and things begin to look up.

Lilly’s watercolor-and-ink drawings are as vividly comic and emotionally astute as her writing; just when readers think there are no more ways for Geraldine to contort her long neck, this highly promising talent comes up with something new.

Examples of genre fiction book reviews

Karlyn P reviews Nora Roberts’ Dark Witch , a paranormal romance novel , on Goodreads:

4 stars. Great world-building, weak romance, but still worth the read.

I hesitate to describe this book as a 'romance' novel simply because the book spent little time actually exploring the romance between Iona and Boyle. Sure, there IS a romance in this novel. Sprinkled throughout the book are a few scenes where Iona and Boyle meet, chat, wink at each, flirt some more, sleep together, have a misunderstanding, make up, and then profess their undying love. Very formulaic stuff, and all woven around the more important parts of this book.

The meat of this book is far more focused on the story of the Dark witch and her magically-gifted descendants living in Ireland. Despite being weak on the romance, I really enjoyed it. I think the book is probably better for it, because the romance itself was pretty lackluster stuff.

I absolutely plan to stick with this series as I enjoyed the world building, loved the Ireland setting, and was intrigued by all of the secondary characters. However, If you read Nora Roberts strictly for the romance scenes, this one might disappoint. But if you enjoy a solid background story with some dark magic and prophesies, you might enjoy it as much as I did.

I listened to this one on audio, and felt the narration was excellent.

Emily May reviews R.F. Kuang’s The Poppy Wars , an epic fantasy novel , on Goodreads:

“But I warn you, little warrior. The price of power is pain.”

Holy hell, what did I just read??

➽ A fantasy military school

➽ A rich world based on modern Chinese history

➽ Shamans and gods

➽ Detailed characterization leading to unforgettable characters

➽ Adorable, opium-smoking mentors

That's a basic list, but this book is all of that and SO MUCH MORE. I know 100% that The Poppy War will be one of my best reads of 2018.

Isn't it just so great when you find one of those books that completely drags you in, makes you fall in love with the characters, and demands that you sit on the edge of your seat for every horrific, nail-biting moment of it? This is one of those books for me. And I must issue a serious content warning: this book explores some very dark themes. Proceed with caution (or not at all) if you are particularly sensitive to scenes of war, drug use and addiction, genocide, racism, sexism, ableism, self-harm, torture, and rape (off-page but extremely horrific).

Because, despite the fairly innocuous first 200 pages, the title speaks the truth: this is a book about war. All of its horrors and atrocities. It is not sugar-coated, and it is often graphic. The "poppy" aspect refers to opium, which is a big part of this book. It is a fantasy, but the book draws inspiration from the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Rape of Nanking.

Crime Fiction Lover reviews Jessica Barry’s Freefall , a crime novel:

In some crime novels, the wrongdoing hits you between the eyes from page one. With others it’s a more subtle process, and that’s OK too. So where does Freefall fit into the sliding scale?

In truth, it’s not clear. This is a novel with a thrilling concept at its core. A woman survives plane crash, then runs for her life. However, it is the subtleties at play that will draw you in like a spider beckoning to an unwitting fly.

Like the heroine in Sharon Bolton’s Dead Woman Walking, Allison is lucky to be alive. She was the only passenger in a private plane, belonging to her fiancé, Ben, who was piloting the expensive aircraft, when it came down in woodlands in the Colorado Rockies. Ally is also the only survivor, but rather than sitting back and waiting for rescue, she is soon pulling together items that may help her survive a little longer – first aid kit, energy bars, warm clothes, trainers – before fleeing the scene. If you’re hearing the faint sound of alarm bells ringing, get used to it. There’s much, much more to learn about Ally before this tale is over.

Kirkus Reviews reviews Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One , a science-fiction novel :

Video-game players embrace the quest of a lifetime in a virtual world; screenwriter Cline’s first novel is old wine in new bottles.

The real world, in 2045, is the usual dystopian horror story. So who can blame Wade, our narrator, if he spends most of his time in a virtual world? The 18-year-old, orphaned at 11, has no friends in his vertical trailer park in Oklahoma City, while the OASIS has captivating bells and whistles, and it’s free. Its creator, the legendary billionaire James Halliday, left a curious will. He had devised an elaborate online game, a hunt for a hidden Easter egg. The finder would inherit his estate. Old-fashioned riddles lead to three keys and three gates. Wade, or rather his avatar Parzival, is the first gunter (egg-hunter) to win the Copper Key, first of three.

Halliday was obsessed with the pop culture of the 1980s, primarily the arcade games, so the novel is as much retro as futurist. Parzival’s great strength is that he has absorbed all Halliday’s obsessions; he knows by heart three essential movies, crossing the line from geek to freak. His most formidable competitors are the Sixers, contract gunters working for the evil conglomerate IOI, whose goal is to acquire the OASIS. Cline’s narrative is straightforward but loaded with exposition. It takes a while to reach a scene that crackles with excitement: the meeting between Parzival (now world famous as the lead contender) and Sorrento, the head of IOI. The latter tries to recruit Parzival; when he fails, he issues and executes a death threat. Wade’s trailer is demolished, his relatives killed; luckily Wade was not at home. Too bad this is the dramatic high point. Parzival threads his way between more ’80s games and movies to gain the other keys; it’s clever but not exciting. Even a romance with another avatar and the ultimate “epic throwdown” fail to stir the blood.

Too much puzzle-solving, not enough suspense.

Book review examples for non-fiction books

Nonfiction books are generally written to inform readers about a certain topic. As such, the focus of a nonfiction book review will be on the clarity and effectiveness of this communication . In carrying this out, a book review may analyze the author’s source materials and assess the thesis in order to determine whether or not the book meets expectations.

Again, we’ve included abbreviated versions of long reviews here, so feel free to click on the link to read the entire piece!

The Washington Post reviews David Grann’s Killers of the Flower Moon :

The arc of David Grann’s career reminds one of a software whiz-kid or a latest-thing talk-show host — certainly not an investigative reporter, even if he is one of the best in the business. The newly released movie of his first book, “The Lost City of Z,” is generating all kinds of Oscar talk, and now comes the release of his second book, “Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI,” the film rights to which have already been sold for $5 million in what one industry journal called the “biggest and wildest book rights auction in memory.”

Grann deserves the attention. He’s canny about the stories he chases, he’s willing to go anywhere to chase them, and he’s a maestro in his ability to parcel out information at just the right clip: a hint here, a shading of meaning there, a smartly paced buildup of multiple possibilities followed by an inevitable reversal of readerly expectations or, in some cases, by a thrilling and dislocating pull of the entire narrative rug.

All of these strengths are on display in “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Around the turn of the 20th century, oil was discovered underneath Osage lands in the Oklahoma Territory, lands that were soon to become part of the state of Oklahoma. Through foresight and legal maneuvering, the Osage found a way to permanently attach that oil to themselves and shield it from the prying hands of white interlopers; this mechanism was known as “headrights,” which forbade the outright sale of oil rights and granted each full member of the tribe — and, supposedly, no one else — a share in the proceeds from any lease arrangement. For a while, the fail-safes did their job, and the Osage got rich — diamond-ring and chauffeured-car and imported-French-fashion rich — following which quite a large group of white men started to work like devils to separate the Osage from their money. And soon enough, and predictably enough, this work involved murder. Here in Jazz Age America’s most isolated of locales, dozens or even hundreds of Osage in possession of great fortunes — and of the potential for even greater fortunes in the future — were dispatched by poison, by gunshot and by dynamite. […]

Stacked Books reviews Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers :

I’ve heard a lot of great things about Malcolm Gladwell’s writing. Friends and co-workers tell me that his subjects are interesting and his writing style is easy to follow without talking down to the reader. I wasn’t disappointed with Outliers. In it, Gladwell tackles the subject of success – how people obtain it and what contributes to extraordinary success as opposed to everyday success.

The thesis – that our success depends much more on circumstances out of our control than any effort we put forth – isn’t exactly revolutionary. Most of us know it to be true. However, I don’t think I’m lying when I say that most of us also believe that we if we just try that much harder and develop our talent that much further, it will be enough to become wildly successful, despite bad or just mediocre beginnings. Not so, says Gladwell.

Most of the evidence Gladwell gives us is anecdotal, which is my favorite kind to read. I can’t really speak to how scientifically valid it is, but it sure makes for engrossing listening. For example, did you know that successful hockey players are almost all born in January, February, or March? Kids born during these months are older than the others kids when they start playing in the youth leagues, which means they’re already better at the game (because they’re bigger). Thus, they get more play time, which means their skill increases at a faster rate, and it compounds as time goes by. Within a few years, they’re much, much better than the kids born just a few months later in the year. Basically, these kids’ birthdates are a huge factor in their success as adults – and it’s nothing they can do anything about. If anyone could make hockey interesting to a Texan who only grudgingly admits the sport even exists, it’s Gladwell. […]

Quill and Quire reviews Rick Prashaw’s Soar, Adam, Soar :

Ten years ago, I read a book called Almost Perfect. The young-adult novel by Brian Katcher won some awards and was held up as a powerful, nuanced portrayal of a young trans person. But the reality did not live up to the book’s billing. Instead, it turned out to be a one-dimensional and highly fetishized portrait of a trans person’s life, one that was nevertheless repeatedly dubbed “realistic” and “affecting” by non-transgender readers possessing only a vague, mass-market understanding of trans experiences.

In the intervening decade, trans narratives have emerged further into the literary spotlight, but those authored by trans people ourselves – and by trans men in particular – have seemed to fall under the shadow of cisgender sensationalized imaginings. Two current Canadian releases – Soar, Adam, Soar and This One Looks Like a Boy – provide a pointed object lesson into why trans-authored work about transgender experiences remains critical.

To be fair, Soar, Adam, Soar isn’t just a story about a trans man. It’s also a story about epilepsy, the medical establishment, and coming of age as seen through a grieving father’s eyes. Adam, Prashaw’s trans son, died unexpectedly at age 22. Woven through the elder Prashaw’s narrative are excerpts from Adam’s social media posts, giving us glimpses into the young man’s interior life as he traverses his late teens and early 20s. […]

Book Geeks reviews Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love :

WRITING STYLE: 3.5/5

SUBJECT: 4/5

CANDIDNESS: 4.5/5

RELEVANCE: 3.5/5

ENTERTAINMENT QUOTIENT: 3.5/5

“Eat Pray Love” is so popular that it is almost impossible to not read it. Having felt ashamed many times on my not having read this book, I quietly ordered the book (before I saw the movie) from amazon.in and sat down to read it. I don’t remember what I expected it to be – maybe more like a chick lit thing but it turned out quite different. The book is a real story and is a short journal from the time when its writer went travelling to three different countries in pursuit of three different things – Italy (Pleasure), India (Spirituality), Bali (Balance) and this is what corresponds to the book’s name – EAT (in Italy), PRAY (in India) and LOVE (in Bali, Indonesia). These are also the three Is – ITALY, INDIA, INDONESIA.

Though she had everything a middle-aged American woman can aspire for – MONEY, CAREER, FRIENDS, HUSBAND; Elizabeth was not happy in her life, she wasn’t happy in her marriage. Having suffered a terrible divorce and terrible breakup soon after, Elizabeth was shattered. She didn’t know where to go and what to do – all she knew was that she wanted to run away. So she set out on a weird adventure – she will go to three countries in a year and see if she can find out what she was looking for in life. This book is about that life changing journey that she takes for one whole year. […]

Emily May reviews Michelle Obama’s Becoming on Goodreads:

Look, I'm not a happy crier. I might cry at songs about leaving and missing someone; I might cry at books where things don't work out; I might cry at movies where someone dies. I've just never really understood why people get all choked up over happy, inspirational things. But Michelle Obama's kindness and empathy changed that. This book had me in tears for all the right reasons.

This is not really a book about politics, though political experiences obviously do come into it. It's a shame that some will dismiss this book because of a difference in political opinion, when it is really about a woman's life. About growing up poor and black on the South Side of Chicago; about getting married and struggling to maintain that marriage; about motherhood; about being thrown into an amazing and terrifying position.

I hate words like "inspirational" because they've become so overdone and cheesy, but I just have to say it-- Michelle Obama is an inspiration. I had the privilege of seeing her speak at The Forum in Inglewood, and she is one of the warmest, funniest, smartest, down-to-earth people I have ever seen in this world.

And yes, I know we present what we want the world to see, but I truly do think it's genuine. I think she is someone who really cares about people - especially kids - and wants to give them better lives and opportunities.

She's obviously intelligent, but she also doesn't gussy up her words. She talks straight, with an openness and honesty rarely seen. She's been one of the most powerful women in the world, she's been a graduate of Princeton and Harvard Law School, she's had her own successful career, and yet she has remained throughout that same girl - Michelle Robinson - from a working class family in Chicago.

I don't think there's anyone who wouldn't benefit from reading this book.

Hopefully, this post has given you a better idea of how to write a book review. You might be wondering how to put all of this knowledge into action now! Many book reviewers start out by setting up a book blog. If you don’t have time to research the intricacies of HTML, check out Reedsy Discovery — where you can read indie books for free and review them without going through the hassle of creating a blog. To register as a book reviewer , go here .

And if you’d like to see even more book review examples, simply go to this directory of book review blogs and click on any one of them to see a wealth of good book reviews. Beyond that, it's up to you to pick up a book and pen — and start reviewing!

Continue reading

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With fall very much here, this is the most epic time to curl up with a cozy blanket and read a good book.

September always seems to creep up on us, which is why I didn’t get too much reading done. But, some of the books I’ve picked up and finished are some of the best I’ve read all year. And, I’ve read more than 100 books so far in 2024.

Ahead, you’ll find a collection of some of the best fall books , along with some epic thrillers and mysteries that are ideal for a spooky season. Even better, these titles can be found on audible , should you prefer listening while walking or on your morning commute.

RELATED : Best August books, ranked and reviewed

You’ll also want to check out the full list of Reese’s Book Club picks and, now that the leaves are beginning to change its colors, what’s on Rory Gilmore’s reading challenge .

Read on for more recommendations by the Amazon Books editors, too.

“What Have You Done?” by Shari Lapena

Goodreads rating : 3.83/5 stars

About the book : “What Have You Done?” by Shari Lapena explores the unraveling of a family’s secrets and tensions when a woman is found dead, prompting intense scrutiny and revelations that challenge perceptions of trust and loyalty.

If you want the next best thriller, this one was a full ride. I’ve been a fan of Lapena for quite some time, so I knew this was going to be at the top of my reading list this month. As expected, I was pleased.

“Fairhill is a town where no one locks their front door, everyone knows everybody else and raising kids is the town’s communal job,” Vannessa Cronin, Amazon books editor, told the New York Post. “But all of that changes when the body of Diana Brewer is discovered by a farmer in a hayfield. The town then instantly turns from friendly to a fearful hub of suspicion, paranoia, and accusation. The big hook here though is the artful way Lapena gives the late Diana a voice in this addictive thriller.”

Buy on Hardcover | Buy on Paperback | Buy on Kindle

“An Ambush of Widows” by Jeff Abbott

Goodreads rating : 3.86/5 stars

About the book : “An Ambush of Widows” by Jeff Abbott follows two widows whose lives intertwine after their husbands are murdered, leading them to uncover dark secrets and confront a web of deception that threatens their safety.

This title is one of the five-star reads I completed in 2024, hands down. Not enough people are talking about this super twisty and entirely engaging plot that centers on two widows who are uncovering a web of secrets. You’ll never guess the ending, either.

“Miss Eliza’s English Kitchen” by Annabel Abbs

Goodreads rating : 3.92/5 stars

About the book : “Miss Eliza’s English Kitchen” by Annabel Abbs tells the story of Eliza Acton, a pioneering Victorian cook who defies societal norms to create a revolutionary cookbook, intertwining her culinary journey with themes of independence and the struggle for recognition in a male-dominated world.

Lovers of historical fiction will enjoy this title as it’s character-driven, feels like a classic and holds the theme of perserverence that’s applicable to anyone at any stage of life. It’s a great read to break up some other genres, too.

Buy on Paperback | Buy on Kindle

“Beware the Woman” by Megan Abbott

Goodreads rating : 3.29/5 stars

About the book : “Beware the Woman” by Megan Abbott is a suspenseful tale that follows a young woman’s unsettling visit to her estranged father’s home, where she confronts dark family secrets and the sinister influence of a controlling stepmother.

I’m just going to cut to the chase — this book was spooky . It’s truly unlike any other book I’ve read and a true page-turner. Even though the plot takes a bit to get into, you’ll get through it quickly because it’s so eerie, you’ll need to know what happens next. There’s also an interesting relationship between the protagonist and her father-in-law that puts the “S” in spooky.

“The Turnout” by Megan Abbott

Goodreads rating : 3.11/5 stars

About the book : “The Turnout” by Megan Abbott delves into the intense and complex dynamics of two sisters running a ballet school, where their dedication to dance becomes entwined with obsession, rivalry and the haunting presence of their past.

As a former dancer, you don’t have to ask me twice to read a thriller with themes of ballet. It’s not every day you read a suspenseful novel about a ballet school and, because I loved “Beware the Woman” by the same author, I decided to pick up this acclaimed title and give it a go.

“Megan Abbott has made a name for herself by writing tight, dark novels about the spaces where women compete, and ‘The Turnout’ continues her winning streak by tackling the world of ballet,” Sarah Gelman, Amazon editorial director, told The Post. “Abbott’s prose is so corporeal and fraught with sexuality, you can almost smell the dancers’ sweat. You’ll never look at the Sugar Plum Fairy the same way again.”

“The Resort” by Sue Watson

Goodreads rating : 3.76/5 stars

About the book : “The Resort” by Sue Watson follows a group of friends who reunite at a luxurious resort, only to find their idyllic getaway spiraling into chaos as hidden secrets and long-buried tensions surface, threatening their relationships and lives.

Once you have a resort-style getaway and drama among a close-knit circle of characters, you have my attention. “The Resort” by Sue Watson is one of the best reads that fits that niche plot, and she does it well. It’s not the typical who-dun-it, either; it’s sure to keep you on your toes.

“Blue Sisters” by Coco Mellors

Goodreads rating : 4.18/5 stars

About the book : “Blue Sisters” by Coco Mellors explores the tumultuous relationship between two sisters navigating their contrasting lives, love affairs and personal struggles while grappling with family dynamics and their shared past.

Enter another five-star read of 2024. I love books with multiple perspectives and this novel, in particular, was well-thought-out and completely entertaining. It was the perfect book to cozy up on the couch with, and fans of ‘ Hello Beautiful ,’ ‘ The Nest ,’ ‘ Malibu Rising ‘ and other juicy family dramas will fall head over heels for Coco Mellors’ punchy writing and characters, too.

“Entertaining and emotionally affecting, the plot centers around the three living Blue sisters a year after their fourth sister, Nicky Blue, dies of a drug overdose,” Al Woodworth, Amazon books editor, shared. “Deeply satisfying, always messy, and ever true, Mellors’ story heralds the bonds of sisters and the horrors of addiction with both humor and heart, which is why we named it one of the 10 Best Books of September.”

“Prime Time Romance” by Kate Robb

Goodreads rating : 3.71/5 stars

About the book : “Prime Time Romance” by Kate Robb follows a middle-aged woman who embarks on a quest for love and self-discovery through the world of online dating, confronting societal expectations and her own insecurities along the way.

I’m a sucker for a good rom-com, which is why I was so excited to read “Prime Time Romance” by Kate Robb. Not to mention, it’s ideal for fans of “The Bachelor” and modern-day relationship plots.

“Becoming Elizabeth Arden” by Stacy A. Cordery

Goodreads rating : 4.00/5 stars

About the book : “Becoming Elizabeth Arden” by Stacy A. Cordery chronicles the life of beauty pioneer Elizabeth Arden, detailing her rise from a humble background to a formidable entrepreneur who revolutionized the cosmetics industry and reshaped women’s empowerment in the early 20th century.

Beauty fans will adore this full history of Elizabeth Arden, so much so that they’ll gain an education. As someone who reviews hundreds of beauty products a year, I was excited this in-the-life account of Arden was recently published. It’s also one of the best to listen to on audible as it reads like your favorite podcast.

Buy on Hardcover | Buy on Kindle

“The Pumpkin Spice Café” by Laurie Gilmore

Goodreads rating : 3.47/5 stars

About the book : “The Pumpkin Spice Café” by Laurie Gilmore follows a woman who returns to her small hometown to revive a beloved café, finding herself entangled in old relationships and new beginnings as she rekindles her passion for baking and community.

OK, I was certainly influenced by TikTok . With a name this cute and a cover this autumnal, how could I not cozy up with my blanket and relax with this adoring book? It’s ideal for fans of “ Gilmore Girls ,” too, and not just because of the author’s last name.

Other September Books to read, per the Amazon Books Editorial team

“nexus: a brief history of information networks from the stone age to ai” by yuval noah harari.

Goodreads rating : 4.12/5 stars

About the book : “Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI” by Yuval Noah Harari examines the evolution of communication and information systems throughout history, highlighting how these networks have shaped human societies, culture and technology from ancient times to the modern era.

“‘Sapiens’ author Yuval Noah Harari’s offers a fascinating look at AI, the ‘alien life form’ we’ve unleashed on humanity, making it one of our Best Books of September,” Lindsay Powers, Amazon Books editor, told The Post. “This brilliant and thought-provoking read is about more than buzzy technology; it’s a wide look at how humans have leveraged technology to communicate through time, and how that has shaped culture, power and currency.”

What’s more, he deploys fascinating stories and reshapes the way we see the world. 

“We Solve Murders” by Richard Osman

Goodreads rating : 4.34/5 stars

About the book : “We Solve Murders” by Richard Osman follows a group of clever retirees who use their wit and life experience to solve cold cases, blending humor and intrigue as they navigate the complexities of crime and friendship in their quaint retirement community.

In the acknowledgments of “We Solve Murders,” Richard Osman admits that as he began to write the new book, he felt as though he were “somehow cheating on my other characters,” meaning Joyce, Elizabeth, Ibrahim, and Ron, aka The Thursday Murder Club.

“We know exactly what he means, but it doesn’t last long,” Cronin shared. “Osman’s ‘Agatha Christie cross-pollinated with Guy Ritchie’s sensibility is also in the DNA of this new book, and we are all in on this witty, brilliant new series starter.”

“The Night We Lost Him” by Laura Dave

Goodreads rating : 3.74/5 stars

About the book : “The Night We Lost Him” by Laura Dave revolves around a mother grappling with the sudden disappearance of her son during a family crisis, forcing her to confront deep-seated fears, secrets and the complexities of motherhood as she seeks the truth.

“It can’t be easy to follow up a blockbuster hit on the scale of ‘ The Last Thing He Told Me ,’ but Laura Dave knows where her strengths are, and she brings her trademark emotional heft to this story of estranged half-siblings investigating the suspicious death of their father,” Cronin said. “With the perfect mix of heart-pounding and heartfelt emotions, Dave lets the secrets emerge.”

Cronin said she uses architecture as a striking analogy for relationship-building, and “delivers yet another suspenseful page-turner that should be a book club staple for a long time to come.”

“Sunderworld, Vol. I: The Extraordinary Disappointments of Leopold Berry” by Ransom Riggs

About the book : “Sunderworld, Vol. I: The Extraordinary Disappointments of Leopold Berry” by Ransom Riggs follows the quirky and imaginative journey of Leopold Berry, a young boy navigating a world filled with peculiar characters and unexpected challenges, all while grappling with his own identity and aspirations.

“In his first novel after the ‘Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children’ series, Ransom Riggs proves he’s not a one-trick pony,” Seira Wilson, Amazon Books editor, said. “He knocks it out of the park with this first book in the new Sunderworld series that has an especially jaw-dropping ending.”

Leopold Berry is a remarkably average kid with ties to an extraordinary world found in the magical, seedy, glamorous city of Los Angeles — a one-of-a-kind place, where seemingly anything can happen — and in this novel, does. “Wildly imaginative and emotionally charged, Riggs mixes reality and magic in an alchemy of words that glitters like gold,” Wilson concluded.

“Tell Me Everything” by Elizabeth Strout

Goodreads rating : 4.43/5 stars

About the book : “Tell Me Everything” by Elizabeth Strout is a poignant exploration of interconnected lives in a small town, revealing the complexities of human relationships, secrets and the search for understanding through the lens of a woman’s memories and reflections.

“In a world where it’s easy to feel isolated and alone, Elizabeth Strout has the miraculous ability to make us feel not only seen, but understood,” Abby Abell, Amazon Books editor, said. “That is truer than ever in ‘Tell Me Everything,’ which brings us back to beloved Crosby, Maine and the endearing characters we’ve met before. And if you haven’t met them yet, this is a lovely place to start.”

Strout is such a keen observer of life, and this book is full of empathy, and wisdom and humor.

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Never Never Collector's Edition (Hardcover)

Never Never Collector's Edition

About this book.

• Good Half Gone
• The Wrong Family
• An Honest Lie

Similar Books

• Never Never
• by Colleen Hoover Colleen Hoover + 1 more authors + 1 more authors

Goodreads Ratings and Reviews

Book details.

• Colleen Hoover , Tarryn Fisher
• Category: Coming of Age Fiction , New Adult Romance , Romantic Suspense
• ISBN: 9781335080097

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Independent Book Review

A Celebration of Indie Press and Self-Published Books

30+ Top-Notch Book Review Sites for Readers & Writers

Here are 30+ top-notch book review sites for booksellers, librarians, readers, & writers. Learn more about 30 bookish companies helping spread the word about the best & latest books.

Top-Notch Book Review Sites for Readers & Writers

Book reviews are for all of us.

Readers need to know whether books with the best covers are worth the time they’re about to put into it. They find it helpful (and fun!) to check out reviews after reading the books, too, so they can see what other real-life humans had to say about it.

Authors & publishers need to get book reviews to build buzz and credibility for their product. Librarians & booksellers need to hear from trusted sources that the book they are about to buy for their collection has the capability to get picked up & to satisfy. 

Book review sites have transformed the book-recommending landscape.

We can write reviews on product pages, on social media apps, and some of us, for publications that have been around since before the internet. Book reviewing has changed. But maybe it also hasn’t.

What kind of book review sites are you looking for? Chances are, this list has you covered.

Here are 30+ book review sites to read, write, and bookmark. 

1. Independent Book Review

Does this logo look familiar? (Hint: You’re sitting on it).

IBR, the website you’re on RIGHT NOW, is all about indie books . There are so many books in the world right now, but if you feel like you keep seeing the same ones recommended over and over, start reading indie!

Independent presses & self-published authors are doing some incredible work right now. IBR reviews books, curates lists, does indie bookstore round-ups, and uses starred reviews & best-of-the-year lists to show which books are going to blow your mind.

2. Book Marks

Lit Hub rules. You already knew this.

But do you know about Book Marks? They’re a branch of the Lit Hub network, and they are an excellent way for booksellers and librarians to get shorter recaps from multiple sources and voices.

Their staff peruses book review sites and shares pull-quotes from them in book lists & more. By reading all of these sites, they can give the book a rating based on the average: “Rave, Positive, Mixed, or Pan.”

My favorite book-buying platform, Bookshop , uses Book Marks’ scale for their books’ ratings, and I love getting access to that.

3. Publishers Weekly

Publishers Weekly has been around since 1872. By now, they’re a review churning machine. They cover so much of the book industry in so many different ways, reviewing nearly 9,000 books per year and providing publication announcements, agency announcements, industry job listings , bestseller lists, industry stats, a self-publishing partner, and more. 

4. Kirkus Reviews

Another one that’s been around since before the internet! 1933 to be exact. Kirkus is a widely recognized publication that book buyers & librarians follow carefully. I dare you to find a bookstore or library that doesn’t have multiple books with Kirkus Reviews plastered on their front and back covers.

5. Booklist

The American Library Association runs Booklist , a platform dedicated to helping libraries, educators, and booksellers choose books. They’ve got a magazine (since 1905!), book reviews, lists, awards, and one of my favorite bookish podcasts out there: Shelf Care .

6. Library Journal & School Library Journal

As you might be able to guess, Library Journal & School Library Journal focus on librarians too! They review a ton of books, and they write often about library-related news, collection management, technology, programs, and more. If you’re an author hoping to land your book in libraries, these are essential targets.

7. BookPage

You may have seen BookPage in your local library or bookstore. Some shops provide it for free so that patrons can look through it to find which books to buy in-store. Their website is clean and intriguing and always full of the most up-to-date releases and bestsellers.

Speaking of libraries! Have you seen our gifts for librarians ?

8. Foreword

Foreword is such an enthusiastic and dedicated champion of indie books, and they’ve been doing it since the 90s! I love how much attention university presses get here too. Their reviews are well-written & thorough, in both print & digital, and I always find something to speed-purchase once the Foreword Indie winners come out.

9. LoveReading

LoveReading is a top book-recommendation website in the UK. They’ve got starred reviews, lists, staff picks, a LitFest , eBooks, and they even donate 25% of the cover price of their books to schools of your choice. It’s reader-friendly and apparent how much they appreciate the wonder of books. 

10. Washington Independent Review of Books

What’s not to love about The Independent?

Back in 2011, a group of writers & editors were frustrated by newspapers dropping book review sections and decided to do something about it. The Washington Independent Review of Books is quite a lovely something! This nonprofit posts every day: from reviews to interviews to essays and podcasts. They host events too!

11. Book Riot

Try being a reader and not finding something you love on Book Riot. Book lists, podcasts, personalized recommendations, newsletters, book deals—this site is a haven.

It doesn’t post solo book reviews like other sites, but they do share mini-reviews in book lists and talk about reading in unique & passionate ways. The Book Riot Podcast is such a winner too! I love listening to Jeff & Rebecca laugh about the latest in books & reading.

12. Electric Lit

From novel excerpts to original short fiction & poetry, they might not only be a book review site,  but they do offer a lot in the world of book recommendations. Their Recommended Reading lit mag features unique staff picks and short, insightful book reviews.

13. The Millions

The writing in The Millions is something to behold. They are an artful source for all things book reviews & recommendations. They write stunning essays about books & reading and long reviews of new and old books. They’ve got some of my favorite Most Anticip ated lists too.

What are the biggest benefits of reading ? 🧐

14. Bookforum

Did you hear? Bookforum is back ! This book review magazine announced in December 2022 that they were closing, and my heart sank a little bit. This company means so much to the publishing industry and has for 20+ years, so when I saw (last week!) that they are returning, I did more than a few jumps for joy.

Welcome back, Bookforum! Can’t wait to see what you’ve got coming for us in book world coverage.

BOMB is in it for the art. Art, literature, film, music, theater, architecture, and dance. There are reviews and interviews, and the literature section is a real delight. The reviews are like poignant essays, and the author interviews are in-depth and feature some fascinating minds.

16. The Asian Review of Books

The only dedicated pan-Asian book review publication! It’s widely cited and features some of the best in Asian books and art, so booksellers and librarians have a source to trust to stock their collections with high-quality pan-Asian lit.

Have you seen our gifts for book lovers yet?

17. Chicago Review of Books

I love so much of what Chicago Review of Books does. They have a clean & sleek design that features some of the buzziest books as well as plenty of hidden gems from our favorite indie presses. I’m a particularly big fan of the spotlight they put on books in translation .

18. Rain Taxi

I love Rain Taxi ’s style! They champion unique books, publish their own fiction, poetry, and nonfiction, and put a real emphasis on art for their magazine covers . It’s a beautiful print magazine to subscribe to, but they also share free online editions & digital archives. They even run the Rain Taxi Reading Series & Twin Cities Book Festival if you’re a real-lifer in Minnesota!

19. The Rumpus

Oh, The Rumpus ! This mostly volunteer-run online magazine publishes reviews, interviews, essays, fiction, and poetry. The reviews are in-depth and personal and heart-melting, and in addition to the site, they’ve got cool perks like the Poetry Book Club  and Letters in the Mail . The book club is where you get a pre-release book and meet the poet via Slack with other club members at the end of the month, and Letters in the Mail are actual postcards sent in the mail to you twice a month from your favorite authors.

20. Book Reporter

The selection in Book Reporter is carefully curated & enticing: hot new releases, forthcoming books, major presses, & indies. And there are plenty of unique ways to learn about them, like video interviews and monthly lists & picks. It launched in 1996 and is in The Book Report Network, which includes Reading Group Guides , a super useful resource for book clubs.

21. BookTrib .

BookTrib does such a great job of making their site browsable. The different ways you can enjoy what they offer—from book lists to giveaways to ebook deals —are difficult to keep your purchase finger off of.

23. Lit Reactor

Writers & readers—where bookish people meet! LitReactor’s book reviews are in the magazine portion of their website, and they’ve got plenty of them! Reviews, interviews, lists, introspectives, writing tips, and reading discussions. I’ve found some really unique content on Lit Reactor, like this ranking of literary parents . The website is a haven for writers especially, as there are workshops, writing blog posts, and even a forum to participate in.

24. Crime Fiction Lover

Dark alleys. Stray bullets. Hard-boiled detectives. Runaway thrills. If you’re a mystery-thriller reader, you’ve got to know about Crime Fiction Lover. They’ve got a passionate group of readers and writers talking about the best books in the genre and the ones that are soon to come out too.

25. SF Book Reviews

Speculative fiction fans unite! SF Book Reviews has been reviewing sci-fi and fantasy books since 1999, and while they’re a relatively small staff, they publish regularly, feature books of the month, and work wonders for their fantastical community.

26. Historical Novel Society

For all you historical fiction fans out there, the Historical Novel Society has reviewed more than 20,000 books in its twenty years. This one works like a membership for “writers and readers who love exploring the past.” You get a quarterly print magazine as a member, and if you’re a writer, you can join critique groups and ask for book reviews.

27. The Poetry Question

The Poetry Question writes about poetry published by indie presses and indie authors. They are a small passionate team dedicated to showing the world why indie presses continue to be a leading source for award-winning poetry.

28. Goodreads

Did you know that there are over 125 million members on Goodreads? When users review books, they can have conversations with fellow readers and follow reviewers too. If you’re looking for the biggest community, there’s no doubt Goodreads is the one. I like using sites like this because it helps you catalog books, one of my favorite ways to build a strong reading habit . 

29. The Storygraph

A big community of active users that’s Amazon free! Come review books, use half & quarter stars (!), and complete reading challenges. You got this.

29. Bookwyrm

Bookwyrm is small (around 5,000 members at the time of this writing), but doesn’t that sound kind of nice? There are active members and a genuine collective goal in talking books. Grow with it. I think you’ll be comfy here. There are other communities within the Bookwyrm umbrella too, like Bookrastinating .

30. Reedsy Discovery

I hold a special place in my heart for book review sites dedicated to helping writers! I got into this business as a book marketer, and I experienced first-hand, through hundreds of books, how hard it was to get exposure & validation for small press and self-published authors. 

Reedsy Discovery is a branch of Reedsy (the author resource company) that connects authors & reviewers so that people can read free books, sometimes receive tips for it, and authors can get more reviews in the process. Readers can choose from the latest books as well as the ones that are getting the best reviews.

31. Netgalley

Netgalley is a book review site for pre-released books. Reviewers sign up for a free account, request galleys from publishers and indie authors, and get to read them before they’re published so that they can leave reviews for the book, preferably on Amazon, Goodreads, or their blog. They also run Bookish , the editorial arm of Netgalley, which has book recommendations, interviews, and more.

32. Online Book Club

This review site combines a bunch of cool things! The 4-million member community gives me a lot of Goodreads vibes, especially with the Bookshelves app . But Online Book Club is a place for you to get eBook deals and talk about books in reviews and forums.

What are your favorite book review sites to follow? Let us know in the comments!

Thank you for reading “ Top-Notch Book Review Sites for Readers & Writers !” If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.

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Check out http://www.literaryvault.com for best book reviews and author interviews. The literary Vault is a blog run and owned by a 13-year-old passionate reader who loves to share her passion and recommendations with others.

Thank you for the information!

Book review sites serve as invaluable resources for both readers and writers, offering insightful critiques, recommendations, and discussions on a wide range of literary works. Whether you’re seeking your next captivating read or looking to promote your own book, these platforms provide a wealth of information and opportunities for engagement. https://ghostwritersplanet.com/

I think BookBrowse.com definitely deserves to be on this list!

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The 10 Best Books of 2020

The editors of The Times Book Review choose the best fiction and nonfiction titles this year.

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A Children’s Bible

By lydia millet.

In Millet’s latest novel, a bevy of kids and their middle-aged parents convene for the summer at a country house in America’s Northeast. While the grown-ups indulge (pills, benders, bed-hopping), the kids, disaffected teenagers and their parentally neglected younger siblings, look on with mounting disgust. But what begins as generational comedy soon takes a darker turn, as climate collapse and societal breakdown encroach. The ensuing chaos is underscored by scenes and symbols repurposed from the Bible — a man on a blowup raft among the reeds, animals rescued from a deluge into the back of a van, a baby born in a manger. With an unfailingly light touch, Millet delivers a wry fable about climate change, imbuing foundational myths with new meaning and, finally, hope.

Fiction | W.W. Norton & Company. $25.95. | Read the review | Listen: Lydia Millet on the podcast

Deacon King Kong

By james mcbride.

A mystery story, a crime novel, an urban farce, a sociological portrait of late-1960s Brooklyn: McBride’s novel contains multitudes. At its rollicking heart is Deacon Cuffy Lambkin, a.k.a. Sportcoat, veteran resident of the Causeway Housing Projects, widower, churchgoer, odd-jobber, home brew-tippler and, now, after inexplicably shooting an ear clean off a local drug dealer, a wanted man. The elastic plot expands to encompass rival drug crews, an Italian smuggler, buried treasure, church sisters and Sportcoat’s long-dead wife, still nagging from beyond the grave. McBride, the author of the National Book Award-winning novel “The Good Lord Bird” and the memoir “The Color of Water,” among other books, conducts his antic symphony with deep feeling, never losing sight of the suffering and inequity within the merriment.

Fiction | Riverhead Books. $28. | Read the review | Listen: James McBride on the podcast

By Maggie O’Farrell

A bold feat of imagination and empathy, this novel gives flesh and feeling to a historical mystery: how the death of Shakespeare’s 11-year-old son, Hamnet, in 1596, may have shaped his play “Hamlet,” written a few years later. O’Farrell, an Irish-born novelist, conjures with sensual vividness the world of the playwright’s hometown: the tang of new leather in his cantankerous father’s glove shop; the scent of apples in the storage shed where he first kisses Agnes, the farmer’s daughter and gifted healer who becomes his wife; and, not least, the devastation that befalls her when she cannot save her son from the plague. The novel is a portrait of unspeakable grief wreathed in great beauty.

Fiction | Alfred A. Knopf. $26.95. | Read the review

Homeland Elegies

By ayad akhtar.

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