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39 Big Books of Spring
Spring is a time of renewal. So what better way for readers to rejuvenate than with a whole new bookshelf (or two) of unputdownable reading?
To create this list of must-reads, we combed through all the major genres and focused on what Goodreads members can't wait to read. From there, we measured anticipation by taking a look at how many times a book has been added to their Want to Read shelves.
With new titles from beloved authors, including Taylor Jenkins Reid, Harlan Coben, Elizabeth Gilbert, and Cassandra Clare, sparkling debuts from Candice Carty-Williams and Arkady Martine, and sophomore novels from rising stars like Helen Hoang and Elizabeth Acevedo, these are the biggest books of the season. Which ones will you be checking out?
To create this list of must-reads, we combed through all the major genres and focused on what Goodreads members can't wait to read. From there, we measured anticipation by taking a look at how many times a book has been added to their Want to Read shelves.
With new titles from beloved authors, including Taylor Jenkins Reid, Harlan Coben, Elizabeth Gilbert, and Cassandra Clare, sparkling debuts from Candice Carty-Williams and Arkady Martine, and sophomore novels from rising stars like Helen Hoang and Elizabeth Acevedo, these are the biggest books of the season. Which ones will you be checking out?
FICTION
If you had to pick five people to sum up your life, who would they be? In this debut set in Ireland, an 84-year-old man pulls up a stool at a hotel bar and raises a toast to the five people who meant the most to him, revealing a lifetime of love and regret.
Read our interview with Anne Griffin.
Release date: March 5
Read our interview with Anne Griffin.
Release date: March 5
From the author of Boy, Snow, Bird comes a tale inspired by the bewitching place gingerbread holds in classic children's stories. Perdita and Harriet Lee juggle jealousy and ambition while relying on the curious magic of their favorite family recipe.
Read our interview with Helen Oyeyemi.
Release date: March 5
Read our interview with Helen Oyeyemi.
Release date: March 5
After a messy breakup with her longtime white boyfriend, Queenie, a Jamaican British woman living in London, seeks comfort in all of the wrong places in this "Bridget Jones’s Diary meets Americanah" debut.
Read our interview with Candice Carty-Williams.
Release date: March 19
Read our interview with Candice Carty-Williams.
Release date: March 19
Based on real events, this feminist novel tells the story of eight Mennonite women and the horrors they, and a hundred other girls, endure in their isolated colony. After discovering an unspeakable truth, do they dare to escape or stay and fight?
Release date: April 2
Release date: April 2
Set in Brisbane, Australia, this debut follows a young man named Eli who tries to learn what it means to be a good man. His potential role models: a lost father; a heroin-dealer stepdad; and Slim, his most steadfast guardian—and a notorious felon.
Release date: April 2
Release date: April 2
The electricity of first love clashes with the subtleties of class as young Connell and Marianne confront the limits of their connection over the years in this thought-provoking novel from the author of Conversations with Friends.
Release date: April 16
Release date: April 16
HISTORICAL FICTION
Coming of age in Los Angeles in the late '60s, Daisy embraces the sex, drugs, and rock and roll of the era, leading her to a date with her musical destiny in this rollicking oral history from the author of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.
Read our interview with Taylor Jenkins Reid.
Release date: March 5
Read our interview with Taylor Jenkins Reid.
Release date: March 5
The bestselling author of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan tells the story of two Korean girls who join their village's all-female diving collective, creating a close bond of friendship that begins in the 1930s and spans across many decades.
Release date: March 5
Release date: March 5
Set a generation before The Lilac Girls, this novel focuses on Eliza Ferriday as she embarks on a trip of a lifetime to the turbulent streets of St. Petersburg and the avenues of Paris under the shadow of World War I.
Release date: April 9
Release date: April 9
This new novel from the author of Next Year in Havana follows a sugar heiress who will do anything to reclaim all she lost in the Cuban Revolution—even if it means risking her life to infiltrate a dictator's inner circle.
Release date: April 9
Release date: April 9
The author of Eat, Pray, Love returns to fiction with a tale of glamour and adventure set in New York during the 1940s. Here, a young woman meets the eccentric characters of the Lily Playhouse theater and makes a mistake that leads to a scandal.
Release date: June 4
Release date: June 4
MYSTERY & THRILLER
In this new domestic thriller from the bestselling author of Tell No One, a wealthy Manhattanite's daughter disappears into a world of drugs. In an effort to save her, he discovers family secrets he never suspected.
Read our interview with Harlan Coben.
Release date: March 19
Read our interview with Harlan Coben.
Release date: March 19
A suburban wife with a history of psychological instability fears her new neighbor might be a murderer. Could the unsettling signs she pieces together be actual clues or are they symptoms of an unraveling mind?
Release date: March 5
Release date: March 5
A prizewinning journalist reluctantly returns to his childhood town in this new standalone from the author of the Penn Cage series. What begins as a tense homecoming turns into a deadly uncovering of crime and corruption.
Release date: March 5
Release date: March 5
This contemporary courtroom drama follows a Korean immigrant family whose medical-treatment device ends up killing two people. The ensuing murder trial raises more questions than answers as to who is truly responsible.
Release date: April 16
Release date: April 16
The husband of a well-known actress goes missing in this new suspense novel from the author of Sometimes I Lie. The police suspect she's hiding something—and she is. As the case grows more dire, can she keep her secrets and her career intact?
Release date: April 23
Release date: April 23
A lot of people have complicated relationships with their in-laws. Most of them don't end in murder. A perplexing autopsy report and a last-minute will change are only the beginning in this book from The Family Next Door author.
Release date: April 23
Release date: April 23
FANTASY & SCIENCE FICTION
Ambassador Mahit's predecessor is dead. As the threat of interstellar war looms, she investigates the murder and finds herself drawn to the secrets of an alien culture in this debut, the first installment in the Teixcalaan space opera series.
Release date: March 26
Release date: March 26
Set during the Spanish Inquisition, this epic fantasy from the Hugo Award-winning author of Ms. Marvel follows the friendship of a Circassian concubine and a palace mapmaker who can bend reality. Both wish for freedom, but at what price?
Release date: March 12
Release date: March 12
Clare, the author of the popular The Mortal Instruments YA series, and Chu, the author of The Lives of Tao, team up to deliver a new adult fantasy trilogy about an ancient warlock, his mortal lover, and a dangerous spell book of dark magic.
Release date: April 2
Release date: April 2
Inspired by the nostalgia of Stranger Things, the fantasy author of Prince of Thorns takes readers to an alternate 1986 in his first sci-fi series. It begins with boy genius Nick as he unravels a mystery of quantum proportions with his friends.
Release date: May 1
Release date: May 1
Roger knows words, and Dodger knows numbers. The eccentric twins are more than human and less than gods—for now. Playing with dangerous alchemy, they attempt an "upgrade" in this dark fantasy from the author of Every Heart a Doorway.
Release date: May 1
Release date: May 1
From the author of Dark Matter comes a sci-fi thriller about a mysterious disease that afflicts people with vivid memories of a life they never lived. But are the memories really false—or is someone trying to rewrite history?
Release date: June 11
Release date: June 11
Check out more of spring's biggest science fiction & fantasy books here.
NONFICTION
The bestselling author of The Four Tendencies and The Happiness Project shares more than 100 insights, strategies, and tips for taking control over life's outward clutter to make space for inward peace.
Release date: March 5
Release date: March 5
Taking readers into the streets of a neighborhood blighted by drugs, gangs, and violence, this candid memoir explores how the cultural forces of race and class drove a struggling family to make impossible choices.
Release date: March 5
Release date: March 5
O'Meara reveals the life and legacy of Milicent Patrick, whose pioneering achievements as one of Disney's first female animators and the creator of one of Hollywood's most iconic monsters was largely omitted from film history.
Release date: March 5
Release date: March 5
Inspired by fans of her 1999 novel, Speak, which gave voice to a young sexual-assault survivor, and enraged by how little has changed since that book's publication, Anderson pens this lyrical memoir, part poetry collection and part call to action.
Release date: March 12
Release date: March 12
As a follow-up to last year's bestselling Girl, Wash Your Face, Hollis sounds a wake-up call in this inspiring self-help book, urging women to live to their full potential by identifying common excuses and obstacles.
Release date: March 12
Release date: March 12
Stay Sexy & Don't Get Murdered: The Definitive How-To Guide
by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
From the hosts of the hit podcast My Favorite Murder comes this frank, funny, and illuminating reflection on true-crime, formative life events, and the importance of valuing personal safety over being "nice" or "helpful."
Release date: May 28
Release date: May 28
YOUNG ADULT
Jack and Kate don't have a typical love story. For one, Kate dies and their happily-ever-after should have ended. Except, it doesn't. When time rewinds to the moment they first met, Jack realizes that saving his dream girl has consequences.
Release: March 5
Release: March 5
The first book in this debut fantasy trilogy intertwines the stories of a young girl who can speak to gods, a prince surrounded by enemies, and a boy with a monstrous secret. Together they will bring an end to a centuries-long war.
Release date: April 2
Release date: April 2
The bestselling coauthors behind the Illuminae Files return with a new sci-fi series that follows Tyler Jones, the star cadet of the Aurora Academy. He's ready to recruit the squad of dreams. Instead he gets the dregs nobody else will touch.
Release date: May 7
Release date: May 7
In this debut novel from a popular YouTube "BookTuber," Shane commits to a semester of adventure, moving to London on a whim to make new friends, fall in love, and confront the complicated realities of living outside her bubble.
Release date: May 7
Release date: May 7
Ever since she got pregnant freshman year, Emoni Santiago has had to set aside her dreams, including becoming a chef once she graduates. What follows is a journey of faith and resilience from the National Book Award-winning author of The Poet X.
Release date: May 7
Release date: May 7
Check out more of spring's biggest young adult books here.
ROMANCE
An unforeseen tragedy forces young lovers Annika and Jonathan apart, leaving them to navigate their lives alone. A decade later, they are reunited. She is now a librarian, and he is a Wall Street whiz—but can anything of their old relationship be salvaged?
Release date: April 2
Release date: April 2
Step aside, Mr. Grey. The author of Fifty Shades of Grey is back with a new love story and a new wealthy hunk. Maxim Trevelyan, a mysterious London aristocrat, only has eyes for the musically gifted Alessia, who's holding secrets of her own.
Release date: April 16
Release date: April 16
Hoang follows up The Kiss Quotient with another tale of modern love. When Khai's mother worries his autism is hindering his relationships, she goes to Vietnam to find him the perfect bride. Instead she comes back with Esme.
Release date: May 7
Release date: May 7
When the bride and groom get food poisoning, their all-expenses-paid honeymoon is up for grabs. Maid of honor Olive can't believe her luck—until she realizes she'll be sharing the dreamy getaway with her sworn enemy, the best man.
Release date: May 14
Release date: May 14
In this delightful debut, Tiffy and Leon live in the same apartment, though they've never met. Between day and night shifts, they write each other notes, from establishing leftover rules and toilet seat etiquette to forming a tentative friendship.
Release date: May 28
Release date: May 28
Check out more of spring's biggest romance books here.
Which books are you most excited to read this spring? Let us know in the comments!
Check out more recent articles:
Spring's Most Epic YA Books
Spring's Big Sci-Fi & Fantasy Books
The Sweetest (and Sexiest) Romance Books of Spring
Check out more recent articles:
Spring's Most Epic YA Books
Spring's Big Sci-Fi & Fantasy Books
The Sweetest (and Sexiest) Romance Books of Spring
Comments Showing 1-50 of 73 (73 new)
Girl stop apologizing is everything I hoped it would be. Can’t wait to finish it to post a full review
Greg Illes is one of my favorite writers. Look forward to reading his new book!
This list is very disappointing because it seems to consist of mediocre books by mediocre authors - popular but not literary, entirely plot-driven, and lacking in any challenging intellectual content. There isn't a single title listed that I would even be tempted to read because they all - fiction and non-fiction - sound like a waste of time. This may sound snobbish but over a lifetime of reading, I've learned to be discerning, avoid pap and demand excellence. Warlight by Michael Ontdaaje, anyone? Country Dark by Christ Offut? The Iliad and the Odyssey by Homer?
Nothing funny or whimsical or fun to read: no Auntie Mame, no The Toymakers, no Sourdough, no Ritz & Escoffier, none by Shamini Flint. All serious, strum and drang. Have to go back and catch up on my The Cat Who series...
Las novelas de Ágata Cristien son excelentemente intrigantes, suspensivos...
Linda wrote: "This list is very disappointing because it seems to consist of mediocre books by mediocre authors - popular but not literary, entirely plot-driven, and lacking in any challenging intellectual conte..."Agreed.
OFF PLANET by Aileen Erin should be on this list too! Apple Books “best of march” pick and its AWESOME!
Linda wrote: "This list is very disappointing because it seems to consist of mediocre books by mediocre authors - popular but not literary, entirely plot-driven, and lacking in any challenging intellectual conte..."
Well said.
Well said.
Ooooh, a lot of fascinating books!! I’m hyped for Queenie, Wicked Saints, Daisy Jones & the Six, The Bride Test, The Lady from the Black Lagoon (perfect for this month) and The Flatshare :DAnd sometimes we all need fluff/“lack of intellectual content” books. Enough of the elitism, jfc.
Linda wrote: "This list is very disappointing because it seems to consist of mediocre books by mediocre authors - popular but not literary, entirely plot-driven, and lacking in any challenging intellectual conte..."Totally agree.
Linda Silver get over yourself!Some of us love plot -driven less intense reads!
Without a doubt, LOST ROSES, by Martha Hall Kelly. Our book group loved THE LILAC GIRLS so much. It was very exciting to speak with Martha via Skype. She was a lot of fun. We are looking forward to doing this again. We are also looking forward to seeing all the lilacs in bloom in CT this spring.
I find it interesting that "Goodreads" never responds to the comments when they post these type of articles. I guess that's what we get when they allowed Amazon to buy them. I spend more time on BookBub anyway - much more user friendly. If you haven't scoped it out - try it!And hello, "Courting Mr. Lincoln" by the great Louis Bayard comes out 4/23. And he's doing an out of DC book tour!
Nitya wrote: "Ooooh, a lot of fascinating books!! I’m hyped for Queenie, Wicked Saints, Daisy Jones & the Six, The Bride Test, The Lady from the Black Lagoon (perfect for this month) and The Flatshare :DAnd so..."
Yeah, the elitism isn't cute. Just let people enjoy things!
Linda wrote: "This list is very disappointing because it seems to consist of mediocre books by mediocre authors - popular but not literary, entirely plot-driven, and lacking in any challenging intellectual conte..."Exactly. By the way, Warlight is wonderful
Linda wrote: "This list is very disappointing because it seems to consist of mediocre books by mediocre authors - popular but not literary, entirely plot-driven, and lacking in any challenging intellectual conte..."Except at the beginning of this list, Goodreads noted that the list is compiled based on how many times have been added to users' Want to Read list. It's entirely data-driven. I'm sure there are Listopias that list users' anticipated literary fiction releases for this year, and that might be more up your alley. Just because that's your cup of tea doesn't mean that other people are unintelligent for being more interested in the books on this list.
Katie wrote: "Linda wrote: "This list is very disappointing because it seems to consist of mediocre books by mediocre authors - popular but not literary, entirely plot-driven, and lacking in any challenging inte..."Well said. I love reading all kinds of books whether from literary to just some fun and fast paced thrillers...whatever catches my eye!!!
I cant wait for these books! :)
Greg iles, Lisa See and Annie Ward's new book's this month are on my to read list. I always get the newest Iles book day it comes out.
Linda wrote: "This list is very disappointing because it seems to consist of mediocre books by mediocre authors - popular but not literary, entirely plot-driven, and lacking in any challenging intellectual conte..."I hear what you're saying, but they have tried to cover the most poplar books. Homer though - not new releases are they?
Karen wrote: "I find it interesting that "Goodreads" never responds to the comments when they post these type of articles. I guess that's what we get when they allowed Amazon to buy them. I spend more time on Bo..."Is bookbub better? I've never tried it.
Just read "Playing Faith". Fantastic book. Couldn't put it down. A lot of action, good descriptions of what and how the characters feel.
Karen wrote: "I find it interesting that "Goodreads" never responds to the comments when they post these type of articles. I guess that's what we get when they allowed Amazon to buy them. I spend more time on Bo..."Karen I checked out that site. The UI (user interface) is better, but they are recommending the same crap that's recommended here :/
Mary S.R. how are you reading One Word Kill? It isn't out till May???
Linda wrote: "This list is very disappointing because it seems to consist of mediocre books by mediocre authors - popular but not literary, entirely plot-driven, and lacking in any challenging intellectual conte..."Pretentious book snob
Leslye wrote: "Mary S.R. how are you reading One Word Kill? It isn't out till May???"Received an advanced reader's copy from the author! :)
So excited to read The Lady From the Black Lagoon!!!!
Linda wrote: "This list is very disappointing because it seems to consist of mediocre books by mediocre authors - popular but not literary, entirely plot-driven, and lacking in any challenging intellectual conte..."Well, I am afraid I have to confirm that you do sound pretty snobbish. Have you any positive suggestions to make considering this list is about new releases and not a list of all time best ? Happy reading to you.
Why do these articles never include middle grade/children's books? Yes, I am old enough to be here, but no, not all adults like "adult" books. YA is not the same as MG, either. For a lot of us, Blake's THE MIGHTY HEART OF SUNNY ST. JAMES is the most anticipated book of the season. I don't like the implication that my tastes are subpar or not "literary" enough.
Karen wrote: "I find it interesting that "Goodreads" never responds to the comments when they post these type of articles. I guess that's what we get when they allowed Amazon to buy them. I spend more time on Bo..."Karen wrote: "I find it interesting that "Goodreads" never responds to the comments when they post these type of articles. I guess that's what we get when they allowed Amazon to buy them. I spend more time on Bo..."
I'm excited to hear that there's a new Louis Bayard coming out - one of my favourite writers!
May feels like forever because I can't wait to read "The Bride Test". Helen Hoang's "The Kiss Quotient" was sweet, funny and cute af. I want more!!!
Linda wrote: "This list is very disappointing because it seems to consist of mediocre books by mediocre authors - popular but not literary, entirely plot-driven, and lacking in any challenging intellectual conte..."The books that you mentioned are either classics or about a year old. These are new and/or upcoming releases. It's not supposed to tailor to every particular reading taste, but rather spread the word about what books are coming out this spring.
‘Gingerbread’ sounds like a great read to me! 👍
Linda wrote: "This list is very disappointing because it seems to consist of mediocre books by mediocre authors - popular but not literary, entirely plot-driven, and lacking in any challenging intellectual conte..."Wow. I hope you are a troll, because the alternative explanation is much worse.
Rachel wrote: "Karen wrote: "I find it interesting that "Goodreads" never responds to the comments when they post these type of articles. I guess that's what we get when they allowed Amazon to buy them. I spend m..."Carolyn wrote: "Karen wrote: "I find it interesting that "Goodreads" never responds to the comments when they post these type of articles. I guess that's what we get when they allowed Amazon to buy them. I spend m..."
Carolyn wrote: "Karen wrote: "I find it interesting that "Goodreads" never responds to the comments when they post these type of articles. I guess that's what we get when they allowed Amazon to buy them. I spend m..."
I find myself spending more time on there. Goodreads site has just gotten so junky. On BookBub, you follow authors and they feed recommendations - which is always interesting. You can still keep track of your books and each day, they float some pretty great deals. And you're always on top of latest releases. And their blog posts are actually quite good. All I can say is to try it.
Carolyn wrote: "Karen wrote: "I find it interesting that "Goodreads" never responds to the comments when they post these type of articles. I guess that's what we get when they allowed Amazon to buy them. I spend m..."I'm even more excited that he's doing a book tour - out of DC (where he lives). He has a FB page and that's where he'll be posting the tour dates. My book clubs love him and we'll all gonna stampede over to the signing when he gets to Dallas!
Morena wrote: "Karen wrote: "I find it interesting that "Goodreads" never responds to the comments when they post these type of articles. I guess that's what we get when they allowed Amazon to buy them. I spend m..."The trick with BookBub is that you have to start to follow authors and they recommend books. And also, if you go into the recommendation tab and tell them what you like to read - it'll spit out some recommendations. You can still keep track of all your books and they have some great deals daily to buy books. I have found some $1.99 for my Kindle that were on my forever 'to read' list. Plus, their blog posts are very well written. I just feel like BookBub cares a bit more about readers than GoodReads.
Linda wrote: "This list is very disappointing because it seems to consist of mediocre books by mediocre authors - popular but not literary, entirely plot-driven, and lacking in any challenging intellectual conte..."As a librarian, I want people to read no matter what it is. Be it a newspaper or magazine, literary fiction (which people find pretentious and not at all relatable to the average reader), MG, YA, or the "mediocre books by mediocre authors" listed here. Everyone has their own reading tastes. Judging people on them says more about you than it does about the reader or the books read.
Did Linda S really steal Tim T’s comment or is it vice versatile? Greg Isles has always been an exciting from beginning to end kind of storyteller since Phoenix Rising. And open your mind to something different, it’s called popular fiction for a reason.
Elise wrote: "Why do these articles never include middle grade/children's books? Yes, I am old enough to be here, but no, not all adults like "adult" books. YA is not the same as MG, either. For a lot of us, Bla..."Honestly Elise, it's probably because this list is based on readers' "Want to Read" lists & most of the members are young adults/adults. I read a lot of MG books to/with my children & never get good recommendations from this site. BTW, if you haven't already you should try the Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates trilogy. It is quite entertaining; this is the first Magic Marks the Spot. I also really enjoyed reading The Menagerie trilogy with my kids, too. Neither of those are new releases though.
Karen wrote: "Rachel wrote: "Karen wrote: "I find it interesting that "Goodreads" never responds to the comments when they post these type of articles. I guess that's what we get when they allowed Amazon to buy ..."Thank you for replying. I will give it a try.
Amanda wrote: "Elise wrote: "Why do these articles never include middle grade/children's books? Yes, I am old enough to be here, but no, not all adults like "adult" books. YA is not the same as MG, either. For a ..."Well, I believe due to COPPA there shouldn't be any under-thirteens here, so that definitely skews the popular books, but don't they put together these lists based on what's most popular in each genre/category? Even if they aren't the most popular overall, there could be a separate section for most anticipated among middle grade/childrens' books.
As long as I don’t have to read Grisham’s “The Reckoning” again. BORING!
Frances wrote: "Linda Silver get over yourself!Some of us love plot -driven less intense reads!"
I agree! I respect that some prefer intellectual books. But some of us like the fun ones as well. No need to be shaming anyone else for their book preferences, right?
Also, to add to her comment, I don't believe The Odyssey is a book due out this spring. So it probably wouldn't qualify for this list. ;)
I just read Saving Megan it’s a must read.You won’t believe the ending.It is not being released till April.
I loved The Signature of All things, too. I'm anxious to read her new one when it is released.