The Other Americans was longlisted for the National Book Award, and it’s not difficult to see why; it’s a timely, gripping novel.

I was pleasantly surprised that this book did NOT feel like so many others that had come before it. Wendy Wood is an accomplished neuroscience researcher who also has a knack for translating her results into helpful, clear prose.

The Testaments: the long-awaited, much-hyped sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale. I found this book to be a very enjoyable read, with an exciting and satisfying plot, although I’m not sure I needed it.

I can’t believe I hadn’t read this book until now. But I ended up really liking it, and I liked Garth Nix’s unique narrative style!

Disappearing Earth is a stunning debut for Julia Phillips. I don’t know where she’s been or what took her so long, because she writes in a voice that you cannot look away from.

If you read literary fiction in any capacity, if you love when words sing like music, if you read to feel, then Marilou Is Everywhere is not to be missed.

The Deep is an impressive novella, with a fascinating and heartbreaking storyline and musical, emotional language. It’s a quick read that’s going to stay with me for quite a while.

I am not the first to say it, and I will not be the last: How We Fight for Our Lives is an incredible work of art. A memoir that truly stands apart — one that reaches into your heart and guts and squeezes. One that uses words more powerfully than almost any other. One that will stay with you for a long, long time.

Kingsbane was a definitive trilogy book two, with a lot meant to move the plot from the first book to the last. But it has great characters and a RIDICULOUS ending (beware cliffhanger!!).

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to see the world through a poet’s eyes? The Crying Book is part memoir, part physical exploration, part societal observation, and 100% emotion.

I recommend Rick Riordan’s books to anyone who likes to guffaw, loves witty pop-culture-meets-greek-mythology humor, and wants a good ol’ tug on the heartstrings. Because that’s what he delivers, every single time.

This is one of the most hyped books on Instagram, but it took me a long time to finally read it. And it was great, just as everyone said it was. A masterwork in storytelling, compulsively readable and heart-wrenching.

As soon as I had this book in my hands, I was excited to read it. Biased is a scientific, uncompromising, empathetic look at bias (often specifically racial bias).

I’m late to the party on this one, but I never doubted that I would love it. So many people have spoken highly of it. Plus, sorta-weird-sorta-spooky-super-speculative feminist short stories? MADE FOR ME.

On Swift Horses is a beautiful slow burn with language that draws you in like music. I had to linger over every sentence, speak them in my mind as I read, and let them sink into my bones and heart.

First of all, give me alllllll the fantasy novels written by non-binary people of color about slaves revolting against colonizers using badass magic and decade-long revenge plots. YES MORE OF THIS PLEASE.

Talking to Strangers is, without a doubt, Malcolm Gladwell at his finest. His skill at combining stories and examples with scientific study in order to keep you engaged and demonstrate complex psychological phenomena is unparalleled.

My Sister, the Serial Killer is a fast-paced, cutting, impactful little novel that comes in and gets out fast, but not without leaving its mark. I was impressed with how Oyinkan created vivid characters and a compelling story in so few words.

The Witches Are Coming is straight-up feminist / liberal candy. She’s definitely going to be preaching to the choir — but members of that choir are going to eat. it. up.