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9 Books that Goodreads Editors Highly Recommend
Are you having a difficult time reading these days? If so, you're not alone. Since the pandemic began, I've found it harder to concentrate on books. Which is a bummer, since it's my favorite pastime. It's gotten a bit better over the last few months and I attribute that to shaking up the types of books I'm reading (hello, mystery and thriller) and switching to audiobooks when I'm really stuck.
But, I've found—more than anything—the recommendation(s) of a trusted friend is usually just what the doctor ordered. That's why we put together some of our favorite reads from the past few months. Cybil boldly shares what she's calling her favorite book of the year, while Sharon recommends a genre she rarely gravitates to: horror. As for me, I'm giving you a few quick reads, just in case your attention span is as short as mine.
We're all about bragging rights, so tell us which editor's reading recommendations pique your interest the most?
But, I've found—more than anything—the recommendation(s) of a trusted friend is usually just what the doctor ordered. That's why we put together some of our favorite reads from the past few months. Cybil boldly shares what she's calling her favorite book of the year, while Sharon recommends a genre she rarely gravitates to: horror. As for me, I'm giving you a few quick reads, just in case your attention span is as short as mine.
We're all about bragging rights, so tell us which editor's reading recommendations pique your interest the most?
Danny Feekes, Managing Editor
"Have you heard of an oh-so-obscure book called The Silent Patient? Look, I know this was one of the biggest books of 2019 and even won the coveted Goodreads Choice Award for Best Mystery & Thriller, but, for some reason, I saved it for a rainy day. That rainy day came this summer when I devoured the audiobook in what felt like one-large gulp. This is the story of a woman who goes silent after (maybe) killing her husband and the psychotherapist who tries to help her find her voice. You've likely already read it, but, if not, now's your chance."
Read our interview with Michaelides here as well.
Read our interview with Michaelides here as well.
"I'm embarrassed to admit that this was my first Zadie Smith read; something I'll be rectifying immediately as this book left me spellbound. I was a little hesitant to pick this one up as it explores our current moment—it was written this past spring—and I'm off news as a form of self care. But, I was lured in by the short page count and, really, I should have trusted Smith to gently navigate me across all 97 pages. Ultimately, it's a heartbreaking, yet hopeful book that you can easily read in an afternoon."
"This book has been on my TBR list for a very long time. It was Elisabeth Moss's portrayal of Shirley Jackson in the biopic Shirley that finally moved it to the top of the pile. I recruited a few girlfriends to book club this one with me and we all agreed that it was a little quieter than we were expecting, but still a wild ride for just 146 pages. Did Constance Blackwood poison her family or was she rightfully acquitted of the crime? You'll just have to read to find out."
Cybil Wallace, Senior Editor
"Gyasi's debut Homegoing was beloved by everyone at Goodreads' headquarters. When I heard her sophomore novel was coming out, I did whatever I could to get ahold of an early copy. It's finally in stores, so do not delay! This is a story about religion, science, family, drug addiction, grief, and more. It's also a book that's so beautifully written and riveting, you will not be able to put down! I'm calling it: This is my favorite book of the year."
Read our interview with Gyasi here as well.
Read our interview with Gyasi here as well.
"What if Wes Anderson wrote a dark and twisty novel? Well, it might read a lot like What Happens at Night. A couple hoping to adopt a baby endures a very odd stay at a fading, grand European hotel. This book reads like a snowy fairy tale of a fever dream, with a cast of strange characters that will stick in your imagination."
"And now for some cli-fi dystopia! As cities start making children sick, a mother flees with her critically ill daughter to the experimental Wilderness State. There they must join a small band of other refugees as they struggle to live off the land and survive the harsh elements, their 'Ranger' overlords, and each other. Pro tip: Just don't be like me and take this book on a camping trip!"
Check out Cook's dystopian reading recommendations.
Check out Cook's dystopian reading recommendations.
Sharon Hsu, Associate Editor
"I may have virtually arm-wrestled Cybil for which of us got to recommend this book! Moreno-Garcia's tale of a Mexican socialite and her cousin's extremely creepy in-laws has been the buzz of Goodreads all summer for very good reason. If you're a bit of a scaredy-cat like me when it comes to horror fiction, or if you remain baffled that people think of Mr. Rochester and Heathcliff as romantic heroes, then this is the novel for you."
Read our interview with Moreno-Garcia here.
Read our interview with Moreno-Garcia here.
"Friendships feel more precious than ever in this time of travel restrictions and no hugging, and who better to reflect on their importance than Sow and Friedman, the hosts of a podcast 'for long-distance besties everywhere'? I found their book candid, funny, and moving. And yes, reading their words did inspire me to pick up the phone and call a few of my BFFs."
Read Sow and Friedman's friendship book recommendations.
Read Sow and Friedman's friendship book recommendations.
"With the long-awaited sixth and final installment coming out in October, there has never been a better time to get hooked on Whalen Turner's The Queen's Thief series. Do yourself a favor and avoid spoilers if you can, as these YA books have lots of twists and turns that are hugely satisfying when you don't see them coming. Here's all you need to know: In this first novel, a thief who boasts that he can steal anything is given the impossible task of stealing an object that exists only in myth. Intrigued yet?"
Which recommendations will you be reading? Let's talk books in the comments!
Check out more recent articles, including:
The Big Books of Fall
September's Most Anticipated New Releases
32 New Historical Fiction Novels Readers are Raving About
Check out more recent articles, including:
The Big Books of Fall
September's Most Anticipated New Releases
32 New Historical Fiction Novels Readers are Raving About
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ClaraBelle
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Sep 21, 2020 08:17AM
I’ll be reading Mexican Gothic and The Silent Patient
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I will check it out, ty for the suggestion!
The Silent Patient remains my all time favourite/best Mystery Thriller read; I'm looking forward to Mr. Michaelides' next book.
Added "What Happens at Night". Sounds intriguing.
Marg wrote: "The Silent Patient remains my all time favourite/best Mystery Thriller read; I'm looking forward to Mr. Michaelides' next book."Can’t wait to read this soon🖤💙
I really disliked mexican gothic, it was overhyped and just didnt succeed at gothic horror imo.
Amy wrote: "I really disliked mexican gothic, it was overhyped and just didnt succeed at gothic horror imo."I’m disappointed to hear that but maybe I’ll have a better opinion of it when I get to read it
I did not like The Silent Patient at all. It was badly written, poorly plotted with not a single likeable character and the ending was completely obvious.
Amy wrote: "I really disliked mexican gothic, it was overhyped and just didnt succeed at gothic horror imo."Couldn't agree more.
Inken wrote: "I did not like The Silent Patient at all. It was badly written, poorly plotted with not a single likeable character and the ending was completely obvious."I agree with you to some extent. It was ok, but I cannot figure out why it was such a big hit; not that well written and full of cliches and mostly predictable.
I have read and loved the Thief series, so of course I'm looking forward to the final book. I will be adding Intimations and Transcendent Kingdom to my list. Thank you!
I’m reserving Mexican Gothic for my Halloween read!
William wrote: "I’m reserving Mexican Gothic for my Halloween read!"Me to😊
Shirley Jackson is an amazing author! I always felt her books should be taught in school along with her short stories especially We Have Always Lived in the Castle
I have started reading Transcendent Kingdom. For me Homegoing was, without a doubt, the best novel of the last decade. It's hard to beat that, but (at 1/3 of the book) Transcendent Kingdom is a beautifully written follow-up.
I was underwhelmed by both Mexican Gothic and The Silent Patient, found Intimations thought-provoking and am eagerly looking forward to reading Transcendent Kingdom.
I really want to read we have always loved in the castle
I just started reading Mexican Gothic earlier this week!
Amy wrote: "I really disliked mexican gothic, it was overhyped and just didnt succeed at gothic horror imo."I agree. Nothing much happened for the first 60% then it all went a bit silly. So overhyped.
Kaitlan wrote: "What on earth is "cli-fi"...??"fiction about clingwrap. the kids are all into abbreviating these days :)
The Mexican Gothic caught my attention and I added it to my to-read list, but as soon as I saw We Have Always Lived in the Castle--an amazing and creepy book that I really enjoyed--I knew I had to take a closer look and then I added almost all the rest of the books to my to-read list, too!
Loved Mexican Gothic! Twisty, gothic, brilliant. Thank you for the other suggestions! :)
Glad to see The Thief is on the list! So excited to read Return of the Thief this Fall.
I've already read The Silent Patient and have Mexican Gothic on my TBR list but now I have to add Transcendent Kingdom and Homegoing.
Looking forward to some of these
Christina wrote: "Loved Mexican Gothic! Twisty, gothic, brilliant. Thank you for the other suggestions! :)"Glad you did! It’s on my WTR list 🥰❤️
I read Silent Patient months ago during the lockdown and it's an amazing thriller indeed. Another novel of the like is "Kill the next one" by Frederic Axat. If you are a fan of psychological thrillers, these two titles suit you!
I can't recommend The Silent Patient highly enough :)
The Silent Patient and Mexican Gothic are now on my to-read pile for this year.
I have started reading Intimation by Zadie Smith. And OMG the writing ❤️
Mexican Gothic was phenomenal! One of my top 5 favourite books of all time. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves Gothic fiction
I absolutely loved Mexican Gothic. The characters were interesting and it oozed atmosphere. I highly recommend it, especially for fans of Jeff Vandermeer and Octavia E. Butler.
Mexican Gothic and What Happens at night
I'm so excited to read Mexican Gothic, The silent pacient, Transcedent Kingdom and The new wilderness!!
Inken wrote: "I did not like The Silent Patient at all. It was badly written, poorly plotted with not a single likeable character and the ending was completely obvious."I totally agree.
I recently read mexican gothic and is well worth a read and find the other books on this list interesting as well .
