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12 Books that Goodreads Editors Highly Recommend
Because the Goodreads Editors love books just as much as our readers do, we decided to share some of the titles we can't stop talking about. As you can see, our team covers a lot of ground. Some of these picks are recently published (The Nickel Boys and Parkland) and some of these are favorites from last year (Severance and Circe). Honestly, the hardest part was narrowing down our choices to three each.
Which ones will you be adding to your Want to Read shelf? Tell us in the comments so that one of us can have bragging rights!
Danny Feekes, Managing Editor
"This book was everything I never knew I needed. I'm not a big romance reader, but this one really worked for me. It was sexy, hilarious, and gave me all the feels—I just wish its title had an Oxford comma. Grammar quibbles aside, it's a perfect love story between Alex, the First Son of the United States, and Henry, the Prince of Wales. What could go wrong? Spoiler alert: a lot."
"If you're a fan of Cheryl Strayed's Tiny Beautiful Things (and if you haven't read that, start there immediately), I wholeheartedly recommend Nia Vardalos's stage adaptation. I know, I never read plays either. But this short ditty brought me back to my love of the source material. Cheryl and Nia's words jump off the page and it's a bonus that you can read the whole thing in an afternoon."
"Dave Cullen writes about difficult subject matters with such grace. I count his previous book, Columbine, among my favorites and I've added Parkland to the list too. The difference between them couldn't be more distinct: Columbine focuses on the shooters while Parkland follows the survivors. The result is a heartbreaking yet hopeful tale of a group of high schoolers trying to change the world."
Hayley Igarashi, Editor
"Look, I have been let down by so many covers. This is not one of them. Braithwaite's debut is a wild, wicked shot of a novel that blends dark humor with searing insights on womanhood. While the whole thing drips with satire, the relationship between sisters Ayoola and Korede is a living, breathing thing, made all the more complex by jealousy, rage...and a few dead bodies. I should say this book isn't for everyone. But, come on, you could tell that from the cover. Just look at it again. If you think it's for you, it probably is."
"We don't know each other very well, reader, but you should know I love science fiction. I'm drawn to the adventure, the romance of final frontiers, but my favorite tales use the trappings of the genre to explore aspects of humanity in new ways. (Look how earnest I am! I cannot stress how serious I am about sci-fi!) Anyway, what's this book about? The end of the world. Ma's debut turns zombie apocalypse tropes upside down, creating a heartfelt and often hilarious meditation on the routines that fill our lives and the places we call home."
"This is where I get to shout-out to my true-crime pals. Hi! You should read this book. I'm not really one of you, but hear me out. In 1972, a mother of ten was abducted from her Belfast home and never seen again. Keefe uses this cold case to frame his mesmerizing account of The Troubles, the vicious conflict that overtook Northern Ireland during the late 20th century. It's a haunting, harrowing narrative about the cost of change, the lengths of loyalty, and stories we tell ourselves. Come for the mystery; stay for the thought-provoking history lesson!"
Marie Pabelonio, Associate Editor
"Kim's debut is not your run-of-the-mill whodunnit. This is a character-driven courtroom drama that came into my house and wrecked all of my emotions. Can this be adapted for a limited TV series, please?! At the center of this narrative is a Korean family that strongly reminded me of my own roots as an Asian American immigrant. Kim is a necessary voice and her expertise as a Harvard-educated lawyer shines throughout the book. I can't wait to see what she does next."
"I wish this book was around when I was growing up. Here a young teen is spirited away to a realm of swords, sorcery, and yes, curses. It's a Beauty and the Beast retelling with a dash of Narnia. Even if you aren't a huge YA nerd (like moi), I would add this to your list. Kemmerer has written both contemporary and fantastical young adult books and here she shows her chops in combining the best of both worlds."
"I know I'm late to the Miller bandwagon, but now that I'm here: Whoa, Nelly! I am never leaving. Circe singlehandedly reignited my obsession for Greek mythology and I immediately picked up The Song of Achilles as soon as I was done (Side note: I was a puddle of feelings after reading both. I am not okay!). I don't know what the Fates have in store for Miller's next book—though I am pulling for Orpheus!—but I know I'm going to be both delighted and devastated."
Cybil Wallace, Senior Editor
I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer
by Michelle McNamara
by Michelle McNamara
"Have you ever read a book that ruined any ability you may have had to make small talk at parties? For months after I read this nonfiction account of the hunt for a notorious serial killer, I would steer all conversations toward this book. Yes, it's true crime. Yes, it's written like a novel and feels like a thriller. It's got heart and will give you nightmares. What are you waiting for? Read this book!"
"Colson Whitehead is a national treasure. In his first book since winning the Pulitzer Prize for The Underground Railroad, he's back with a story about two black boys in Jim Crow-era Florida who find themselves at a violent reform school and dare to hope for a better future. Based on a true story, this slim novel will devastate you."
"If you love mysteries and have yet to find a Jane Harper book, you need to take a look at your life. In her third novel, a man is left to die in the deadly heat of the Australian outback. In an isolated community, everyone is a suspect. This book will keep you up all night and the end will leave you reeling."
Which recommendations will you be reading? Let's talk books in the comments!
Check out more recent articles:
7 Great Books Hitting Shelves This Week
Are Your Reading Goals Off-Track? Try a Readathon
Readers' Top 32 New Nonfiction Reads (Plus What's Coming Next)
Check out more recent articles:
7 Great Books Hitting Shelves This Week
Are Your Reading Goals Off-Track? Try a Readathon
Readers' Top 32 New Nonfiction Reads (Plus What's Coming Next)
Comments Showing 1-29 of 29 (29 new)
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Alyse
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Jul 25, 2019 12:46PM
All but two I've already read or are on my TBR. Such a good list!
flag
Every time anyone compliments Red, White & Royal Blue, I just wanna scream "YES" and throw some rainbow glitter into the air. I love that book so much!
This is an awesome list, thanks for sharing! I was just in a book rut and can’t wait to check all of these out!
Helen wrote: "Every time anyone compliments Red, White & Royal Blue, I just wanna scream "YES" and throw some rainbow glitter into the air. I love that book so much!"I second this! It was such a surprisingly good book!
Well, I'm so gonna read Red, White & Royal Blue after this :D
MundiNova wrote: "Helen wrote: "Every time anyone compliments Red, White & Royal Blue, I just wanna scream "YES" and throw some rainbow glitter into the air. I love that book so much!"I second this..."
And I'm third. Really fun and good!
One of these I'm reading and the other 4 are in my TBR list!! Loving it!!!!!
This makes me so happy to land on this list. And the write-up took my breath away. Thank you Danny--and all the readers who have embraced
Parkland: Birth of a Movement.
Desert_Flower wrote: "MundiNova wrote: "Helen wrote: "Every time anyone compliments Red, White & Royal Blue, I just wanna scream "YES" and throw some rainbow glitter into the air. I love that book so muc..."Quadruple co-sign! Loved this book so much! Unique, funny, warm and fuzzy, brain candy, goodness!
Miracle Creek has gone on my already extensive list, along with I'll be gone in the Dark and I have Dry Force on kindle, may bump it up! So many books, so little time!!! 🙈😘
This discussion post is being hit with scammers. I can see two posts that are suspicious. Whoever controls this feed needs to delete the comments and ban the posters.
Noelene wrote: "This discussion post is being hit with scammers. I can see two posts that are suspicious. Whoever controls this feed needs to delete the comments and ban the posters."I keep flagging these comments. Sometimes it works, sometimes not.
It makes these comments, which are generally enjoyable to read, much less so.
I have read A Curse So Dark and Lonely and I would recommend it to anyone. A great story and I can't wait for the second in the series to come out.
Lena wrote: "Miracle Creek has gone on my already extensive list, along with I'll be gone in the Dark and I have Dry Force on kindle, may bump it up! So many books, so little time!!! 🙈😘"I too want to read this book. :)
Noelene wrote: "This discussion post is being hit with scammers. I can see two posts that are suspicious. Whoever controls this feed needs to delete the comments and ban the posters."It happens too often on these sites. I wish the people who run this site would take more action regarding those types of posts. I don't have email so I cant put it somewhere else maybe you can? in terms of informing them better about these things even though I am sure so may know. Action needs to be take and more diligent
Helen wrote: "Every time anyone compliments Red, White & Royal Blue, I just wanna scream "YES" and throw some rainbow glitter into the air. I love that book so much!"IKR!!!! Cosign. I want everyone to read and love it as much as I do, too.
Sophie wrote: "Noelene wrote: "This discussion post is being hit with scammers. I can see two posts that are suspicious. Whoever controls this feed needs to delete the comments and ban the posters."
I keep flagg..."
I keep flagging these things too and usually, eventually, they get taken down. They all come from Pakistan and they all have a link to the same url and they all appear in the comments on most articles and the posters have all just joined in July and have 0 books shelved anywhere on GR. And they really annoy me and I don't know why GR can't or won't screen these things and get rid of them. Should be easy enough to do! Now I've given up and just block the members posting them.
I keep flagg..."
I keep flagging these things too and usually, eventually, they get taken down. They all come from Pakistan and they all have a link to the same url and they all appear in the comments on most articles and the posters have all just joined in July and have 0 books shelved anywhere on GR. And they really annoy me and I don't know why GR can't or won't screen these things and get rid of them. Should be easy enough to do! Now I've given up and just block the members posting them.
Helen wrote: "Every time anyone compliments Red, White & Royal Blue, I just wanna scream "YES" and throw some rainbow glitter into the air. I love that book so much!"YESSSSS!!!! #HistoryHuh? My sister and I both loved this SO. MUCH.
The Lost Man and I'll Be Gone in the Dark were on my TBR already, but just added Miracle Creek and Say Nothing. ;)
"If you love mysteries and have yet to find a Jane Harper book, you need to take a look at your life." I think I need to get my life together hahaha. Definitely will read a Jane Harper book soon
I'm all for inclusivity, but do these reviewers review books by male authors?
s i ross wrote: "I'm all for inclusivity, but do these reviewers review books by male authors?"You mean Like Colson Whitehead, Patrick Radden Keefe, and Dave Cullen who are on this list?
Danny, I’m going for Red, White, and Royal Blue, sounds great fun.
“Say Anything” is a masterpiece. Completely riveting, better than any crime novel because the twists and turns and escapes are real. Absolutely brilliant!
I have put (5) five on my TBR list! I can't wait to read them:)
Just came across this again. I'm so grateful you included "Parkland: Birth of a Movement."(And now it's nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award for Best Nonfiction. Please consider voting for it. Thanks.)
Dave wrote: "Just came across this again. I'm so grateful you included "Parkland: Birth of a Movement."
(And now it's nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award for Best Nonfiction. Please consider voting for it. ..."
Dave,
Just read an excerpt from your book and I changed my vote!!! And now have it on my TBR:)
(And now it's nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award for Best Nonfiction. Please consider voting for it. ..."
Dave,
Just read an excerpt from your book and I changed my vote!!! And now have it on my TBR:)
“The Lost Man” is a fantastic book. I would say that it is a good read. Incidentally, I also dream of writing a book in a similar style. If you also want to try your hand at writing a book, great writers can help you with that. They can give a review of your work, so try this out. Sometimes I need feedback from professional writers to make sure that the plot and structure of my future book will look good in the reader’s eyes.
