The Goodreads Choice Awards: Your Trusty Guide to the Best Books of the Year!
By Popular Demand Unveiling the 15 Most Beloved Books of the Year, Chosen by Over 5 Million Votes!
Readers Choose 15 Best Books of the Year, After 5 Million Votes
Picture this: you’re halfway through a thrilling action-packed book, and you start to wonder what you’ll read next. Will you continue on the pulse-pounding adventure path, or will you indulge in a swoon-worthy romance to slow things down a bit? Decisions, decisions! Luckily, there’s one place fashion lovers can turn to for guidance: Goodreads!
I don’t know about you, but I can’t bring myself to read a book without checking out what other readers think of it. If the reviews are overwhelmingly negative, count me out! That’s why the Goodreads Choice Awards are a godsend. These awards, determined by readers like us, highlight the best books of the year across various genres. And with nearly 6 million votes cast, you know you can trust these picks to help you reach your reading goals.
Now, let’s dive into the winners and see which books have captured the hearts of readers and fashionistas alike!
Best Fiction: R.F. Kuang’s “Yellowface”
Move over, runway models! R.F. Kuang is taking the literary world by storm with “Yellowface,” a razor-sharp parable that takes aim at the publishing industry itself. This book is a clever mix of satire, metafiction, and slow-burn thriller, delivering a cultural critique on race and tokenism in the book business. Get ready to strut your reading stuff with this one!
Best Historical Fiction: Emilia Hart’s “Weyward”
Emilia Hart weaves a captivating tapestry of history and mystery in her novel “Weyward.” This artful variation on the historical fiction genre follows the stories of three courageous women in different timelines—1619, 1942, and 2019. As they navigate their distinct eras, they encounter a powerful feminine force deeply rooted in the land. Brace yourself for a journey through time and a bit of witchy etymology!
Best Mystery & Thriller: Freida McFadden’s “The Housemaid’s Secret”
Hold onto your reading glasses, because Freida McFadden is about to unleash another dose of thrilling suspense in “The Housemaid’s Secret.” This sequel to “The Housemaid” introduces us to the ever-intriguing Millie Calloway, a maid with a closet full of secrets. McFadden’s psychological suspense and plot twists will have you flipping pages faster than a secret agent on a mission!
Best Romance: Emily Henry’s “Happy Place”
Love is in the air! Emily Henry continues her reign in the romance genre with “Happy Place,” a delightful tale of a couple who have called it quits but still want to maintain the perfect vacation facade. This clever twist on the fake-dating trope will make your heart flutter like a butterfly caught in a summer breeze. Prepare for a swoon-fest!
Best Romantasy: Rebecca Yarros’ “Fourth Wing”
Dragons, romance, and a dash of magic—Rebecca Yarros’ “Fourth Wing” takes us on an unstoppable journey into the realm of romantasy. This book has gained an ardent following on BookTok, and it’s not hard to see why. Yarros’ captivating blend of fantasy and romance will transport you to a world you never knew you needed. Plus, it helped popularize the term “romantasy”—the perfect genre for lovers of both love and magic!
Best Fantasy: Leigh Bardugo’s “Hell Bent”
Leigh Bardugo, the queen of fantasy, reclaims her throne with “Hell Bent,” the much-anticipated sequel to her previous winner “Ninth House.” Brace yourself for a dark academia experience, complete with secret societies, occult rituals, and interdimensional portals. It’s time to enroll in Bardugo’s world of Ivy League secrets and embark on a journey you won’t soon forget!
Best Science Fiction: TJ Klune’s “In the Lives of Puppets”
Prepare to have your mind blown! TJ Klune’s “In the Lives of Puppets” ingeniously combines fantasy and science fiction. This groundbreaking novel brings Pinocchio’s core concepts into the 21st century and beyond. Androids, anxieties, and found families collide in a modern-day myth that explores the depths of our humanity. Get ready to pull the strings of your imagination!
Best Horror: Stephen King’s “Holly”
Stephen King, the master of horror, strikes again with “Holly.” This spine-chilling tale features private investigator Holly Gibney facing off against two uniquely depraved opponents. King’s impeccable character development and suspenseful plot twists will keep you on the edge of your seat. Just be sure to keep the lights on!
Best Young Adult Fantasy: Rebecca Ross’ “Divine Rivals”
Rebecca Ross takes the Young Adult Fantasy genre by storm with “Divine Rivals.” This book offers a fresh fantasy world teeming with vengeful gods, the horrors of war, and the power of love. Buckle up for an adventure that’ll take your breath away, and don’t forget to grab a pen and paper to draft old-fashioned love letters along the way. Book two of this captivating series drops this December—perfect for a post-holiday reading binge!
Best Young Adult Fiction: Ali Hazelwood’s “Check & Mate”
Checkmate! Ali Hazelwood adds some literary genius to the young adult shelves with “Check & Mate.” Tag along with Mallory Greenleaf, a reluctant chess genius, as she plays the game of life with gambits and strategies. This smart and heartwarming tale reminds us that even the brightest minds need a little love. Get ready for a match made in book heaven!
Best Debut Novel: Emilia Hart’s “Weyward”
Emilia Hart proves to be a double winner in this year’s Goodreads Choice Awards! Not only did she claim the title for Best Historical Fiction, but her debut novel “Weyward” also celebrates victory as the Best Debut Novel. Hart’s accomplished and ambitious storytelling blends magical realism with historical conjecture, introducing us to the extraordinary journeys of three amazing women throughout time. What a way to make an entrance into the literary world!
Best Nonfiction: Matthew Desmond’s “Poverty, By America”
Prepare to have your perspective shaken! Matthew Desmond’s “Poverty, By America” takes a deep dive into the uncomfortable truths about poverty in the United States. This thought-provoking book offers a bold new agenda for shared prosperity, making it a must-read for anyone concerned about the state of the world. It’s time to open our minds and explore the road to a more just society.
Best Memoir & Autobiography: Britney Spears’ “The Woman In Me”
Move over, Prince Harry! Britney Spears is coming in hot with “The Woman In Me,” her captivating memoir that has stolen the hearts of fans and critics alike. Reflecting on her life and experiences, Spears opens up in a way that will leave you cheering for her resilience. It’s official: the American Pop Princess rules the memoir kingdom!
Best History & Biography: David Grann’s “The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder”
Ahoy, matey! David Grann embarks on a high-seas adventure with “The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder.” This spellbinding work of nonfiction delves into the bloody fate of an 18th-century British warship, where two groups of survivors tell conflicting tales of What Really Happened. Brace yourself for a gripping tale that blurs the lines between survival, true crime, legal thriller, and horror story. Yo ho, yo ho, a thrilling read for me!
Best Humor: Henry Winkler’s “Being Henry: The Fonz…And Beyond”
Happy days are here again! Henry Winkler, the iconic Fonz, has charmed us once more with his delightful memoir “Being Henry: The Fonz…And Beyond.” This book reveals Winkler’s keen insight, big heart, and undeniable writing talent. It’s official: being cool is timeless, and good guys do finish first!
Now that you’re armed with all the winners, it’s time to update your reading list and embark on new literary adventures. Whether you venture into the realms of romance, fantasy, mystery, or nonfiction, there’s a treasure trove of captivating stories waiting for you. So grab your favorite cozy blanket, a cup of tea, and dive headfirst into these award-winning books. Your next adventure awaits!
Tell us, dear reader, which of these winners do you plan to read first? Are there any books you think should have won? Share your thoughts and book recommendations in the comments below!
