Bestselling audiobooks

Spare

“Surprisingly enjoyable, especially on audio. Prince Harry is a smart man, with some pointed insights, and is a delightful narrator.”

Melissa, Watermark Books

If you enjoyed The Candy House, then you’ll love Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow.

“Zevin has given us a sparkling gem of a novel about friendship, love, tragedy, and computer games. Highly recommended!”

Mike, A Great Good Place for Books

Lessons in Chemistry

“Loved this book! I laughed out loud, I cried, and it made my blood boil. Elizabeth Zott is one of a kind. I wish she was real and I could travel back in time to watch Supper at Six! Expertly narrated by Miranda Raison.”

Kristine, Buttonwood Books and Toys

I'm Glad My Mom Died

“This was one of my top listens of 2022. McCurdy is a compelling storyteller with wonderful narration. I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s a darkly funny, heartbreaking story. But ultimately an inspiring one you won’t soon forget.”

Avery, Downtown Books

A NEW YORK TIMES "TEN BEST BOOKS OF 2022"

An Oprah’s Book Club Selection • An Instant New York Times Bestseller • An Instant Wall Street Journal Bestseller • A #1 Washington Post Bestseller 

"Demon is a voice for the ages—akin to Huck Finn or Holden Caulfield—only even more resilient.” —Beth Macy, author of Dopesick

"May be the best novel of 2022....

If you enjoyed Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, then you’ll love Remarkably Bright Creatures.

“I did not want this book to end! It's the latest book I’ve fallen 'deep' for — and moved right into my instant recommendation booklist. A very particular septuagenarian keeps busy at her aquarium job, tidying up while keeping to herself — like her equally senior and solitary octopod acquaintance (who provides us with his own narration). I just loved this story that's full of heart, multiple even. Narrator Marin Ireland, who is always masterful in her vocal performance, is matched by Michael Urie who voices the octopus with perfect aplomb and a touch of cephalopodic sass. A delight to the ears.”

Ernio, River Bend Bookshop

If you enjoyed A Master of Djinn, then you’ll love Babel.

“IMHO, the best fantasy books give a reader new insights into our own world. Babel passed that test for me with its grounding in Britain's colonial history with an overlay of magic. I loved R.F. Kuang's The Poppy War trilogy, but this finely wrought novel surpasses it. Highly recommended.”

Mike, A Great Good Place for Books

If you enjoyed The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, then you’ll love Daisy Jones & The Six (TV Tie-in Edition).

“This audiobook really knocked it out of the park! Reid’s excellent writing is given an extra depth of emotion by having each character read by a different actor. I very nearly forgot that this story is fiction; it felt like I was listening to a true story about real, complex people in the best way.”

Sydney, Book Soup

Maame

“Maame is a sweet coming-of-age story that follows Maddie, the daughter of Ghanaian immigrants, as she navigates family obligations, dating, loss, and career challenges. Maddie is brave and fun, and I really want to be her friend. Since finishing the book, I’ve found myself wondering how Maddie is doing and wishing her the very best. Sometimes heartbreaking and sometimes funny, Maame was truly a joy.”

Courtney, Greene Books

If you enjoyed Horrorstör, then you’ll love How to Sell a Haunted House.

“Have you ever wished the Chucky movies were scarier? Do you love reading about family trauma and family drama? Are you a fan of Haunted Dolls? Wow, do I have a book for you. I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say this: Pupkin is one of the most unsettling characters I’ve had the pleasure of reading, and Grady Hendrix got a full-body reaction out of me with ONE WORD in this book. Like Horrorstor, this is a book that is so much scarier than you think it’s going to be, but it also tackles some really nuanced issues like grief and familial relationships and guilt. I love this book and I can’t wait for you all to read it.”

Ryan, Gibson's Bookstore

#1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson expands his Cosmere universe shared by The Stormlight Archive and Mistborn with a new standalone novel for everyone who loved The Princess Bride. Narrated by Michael Kramer.

The only life Tress has known on her island home in an emerald-green ocean has been a simple one, with the simple...

Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone

“This is your classic murder mystery turned on its head by calling out every single trope. Literally. The whole concept is that the narrator writes how-to manuals for crime writers, so when he has his own murder(s) to solve, all the rules are right at his fingertips. Does that stop the twist from being pretty satisfying? I'd say not. Maybe I would have seen it coming if I'd been reading it in print but frankly that made listening to it all the more enjoyable once I gave up on being able to keep track of the details in my head. The characters were all sympathetic (though some of them took longer to warm up to than others). There was a bit of stomach churning violence, but not gratuitous, and there was a surprising amount of warmth that felt much more genuine than your average 'cozy mystery.' Like what said mystery would be if the characters were real and not caricatures of themselves.”

Maren, Nook & Cranny Books

The Thursday Murder Club

“A perfect book to cozy up to by the fire, especially while it's cold and dark outside. Terrific light read! Great fun with lots of humor, warmth and charm, and quirky, improbable elderly folks 'helping' the police solve a crime that happened on their doorstep. I want to live in a retirement home like this one when that time comes!!”

Polly, The Hickory Stick Bookshop

Mad Honey

“This is an incredibly powerful story that I think everyone should read. Told from the perspective of two different characters, who despite being at different stages in their lives, are trying to figure out who they are. It examines the traumas that we experience in life, how we process those (or don't), and how they shape us. It looks at who we know ourselves to be, how we honor that (or don't), and the strength it takes to truly be yourself. The people that read the two different narrators are perfectly cast, and really add to the impact and experience of the story for the listener. I don't think that it is possible to read this book and not come away changed in the best ways. I believe that if everyone read this, the world would be a much more empathetic place.”

Allie, Oblong Books

The Light We Carry

“Michelle Obama is back with more words of wisdom, pillars of humility, and just simply Michelle. The Light We Carry is an uplighting book that will help you deal with the emotions and isolation that we have had to deal with during and after the pandemic. But more than that, she has compiled questions that she has been asked again and again, and acknowledges each with personal stories, anecdotes, wisdom, and love. This book feel like you are sitting down with an old friend when you have had a bad day and and just need some love and a hot drink.”

Gretchen, Fiction Addiction

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK • “A heartwarming mystery with a lovable oddball at its center” (Real Simple), this cozy whodunit introduces a one-of-a-kind heroine who will steal your heart.
 
FINALIST FOR THE EDGAR® AWARD • “The reader comes to understand Molly’s worldview, and to sympathize with her longing... Read more »

“You Just Need to Lose Weight”

“I am so onboard with everything about this book, and I wish everyone would read it. It has been impeccably researched, yet is presented in an incredibly approachable volume. Fat activist Aubrey Gordon discusses things like the intersections of fatness and desirability politics and why 'fatphobia' isn’t the best word to describe the oppression of fat people, and she encourages readers to include fatness or size in their understanding of intersectionality, alongside things like race, gender, disability status, and countless other factors. While those points were among my main takeaways, I learned so much more and am left hungry for further reading from fat activists, especially those with multiple marginalized identities.”

Mary, Raven Book Store

How High We Go in the Dark

“Finally, a novel I will confidently recommend to fans of Station Eleven! How High We Go in the Dark follows interconnected characters through time and space as humanity returns from the brink of extinction when an ancient virus is unleashed. Mind bending and heartrending, full of hope and humanity, you'll want to start this one from the beginning as soon as you finish it. The audio definitely added to the richness of the reading experience. ”

Jessica, Main Street Books Davidson

Legends & Lattes

“This is the cozy and heartwarming fantasy novel you didn't know you needed! It's a tender story with delightful characters in a snug setting. The kind of tale that Dungeon Masters will feel inspired to have for their next laid-back D&D campaign. So if you are a fan of wholesome, found-family stories do yourself a favor and listen to this book!”

Courtney, Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers

Crying in H Mart

“I was struck by just how much I loved this book for how it walks through grief not as a way to leave it behind, but as a way to remember its exact shape. I’m grateful for its funny, self-deprecating, and wise observations, and for its difficult beauty.”

Steve Haruch, Parnassus Books

If you enjoyed Beach Read, then you’ll love Thank You For Listening.

“Do yourself a favor and read this in its purest form - an audiobook narrator narrating her own audiobook about an audiobook narrator. It's sweet and funny and will hit you in all the feels!”

Kimi, Buttonwood Books and Toys

If you enjoyed The Lions of Fifth Avenue, then you’ll love The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.

“What a great read! Perfect balance of pure gossip and Hollywood drama with a gut-wrenching love story all told from the perspective of a woman who is so flawed and so endearing. This book went somewhere that was so surprising and yet made so much sense. It turns all preconceived notions of Hollywood on their head and certainly makes you question anything you've read in tabloids and online. A must-read! I just re-read this for my book club almost 3.5 years after the first time (and the release date). Damn, it is still an engrossing read. The audiobook was narrated by three faves: Alma Cuervo (the PERFECT EVELYN! STUNNING!), Robin Miles (who is amazing), and Julia Whelan (genius idea to give a different voice to all the celebrity rags and Whelan's voice was perfect for it).”

Kimi, Buttonwood Books and Toys

“Readers will be wowed." –Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Wealth. Power. Murder. Magic. The Ivy League is going straight to hell in the sequel to the smash New York Times bestseller Ninth House from #1 bestselling author Leigh Bardugo.

"Bardugo’s imaginative reach is brilliant." –Stephen King

Find a gateway to the underworld. Steal a soul...

If you enjoyed Convenience Store Woman, then you’ll love Now Is Not the Time to Panic.

“I absolutely loved this! Ginnifer Goodwin’s narration is wonderful and Kevin Wilson’s writing is just phenomenal. It perfectly depicts how special, memorable, and sometimes confusing, adolescent friendships can be, and has a lot to say about the role of art. Don’t miss the author’s note at the end which made this excellent book even more special. Definitely a highlight in my reading year and one I expect to come back to. Highly recommended!”

Tracey, Turning the Tide Bookstore

If you enjoyed The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, then you’ll love The House in the Cerulean Sea.

“Go ahead and kick me right in the feels why don’t you? Heartwarming, uproarious, uplifting. I loved every minute, and I completely and utterly fell in love with every single one of the kids. I'm torn between desperately wanting a sequel, and hoping nothing more is ever written because of how perfect this gem is. This is the book that swoops in right when you need it and says you're perfect just as you are. This is the book that shows us family, and hope, and fighting for what's right. Did I mention I loved it?”

Britt, Second Star to the Right

The Dutch House

“I finished this book wishing that I could tour THE DUTCH HOUSE in real life. I'm sure every person who reads this wishes they could have had Maeve's room. Patchett writes another beautiful and vivid family drama story. What she does best & my favorite aspect of her writing is her character development. The story can be a bit slow but it helped shape the characters and their relationships. Once I heard that Tom Hanks was the narrator of the audiobook, I immediately put myself on the library wait list. The entire time I pictured him as our main character, Danny, going through life and it made me like the book so much more.”

Monica, Kramers

Horse

“Another well researched historical fiction by Brooks. This time she writes about race and horse racing, transporting the reader to the Antebellum South. The book is written from the point of view of several people in the life of the famous race horse and sire named Lexington. We follow his life primarily through the eyes of his enslaved groom and trainer but also his owner and the man who painted him. Even if you are not interested in horses, the depiction of their lives and society of the Antebellum South is worth the read. The modern day characters, studying Lexington as a scientific specimen and object of beauty, complete our understanding of his life but also face modern day issues of race and privilege that echo the past and with which we are more familiar. The author's note and historical information provided at the end fill in the questions readers might have about the historical accuracy of the subject.”

Beth, A Great Good Place for Books

The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet

“This is the funnest, tenderest, most lovable space romp you’ll ever take. There’s a fun plot but the real reason to read this book is the crew of the Wayfarer. Fair warning: You’ll want to follow them anywhere! With inter-species romance, plenty of pronouns, and space-age wisdom, this book made us feel more tender to our own young species of Homo Sapiens and to ourselves. Highly recommend for fun, for fans of science-fiction, and for self-care.”

Megan & Josh, Underground Books

If you enjoyed Why Fish Don't Exist, then you’ll love The Anthropocene Reviewed.

“A lovely lovely listen read by the author. This is the perfect book to take on a long walk or drive that will make you look at the world in a fresh way. Drawing on personal anecdotes, history, literature and science, Green embraces both small and big ideas and makes you grateful for things you might have once overlooked. 5/5 stars for this audiobook!”

Katie, Bank Square Books

Circe

“This remarkable journey into mythology brings the ancient gods directly and viscerally into the present. Circe is a perfect mashup of elegant language, glorious storytelling, and exquisitely modern sensibilities. Miller's telling left me awed and moved by Circe and her story, all while wishing I could invite her over for a glass of wine on the porch. How this amazing author so perfectly melds the human and the divine, creating a story both immediate and epic, is dazzling.”

Beth Albrecht, The Magic Tree Bookstore

As a botanist and professor of plant ecology, Robin Wall Kimmerer has spent a career learning how to ask questions of nature using the tools of science. As a Potawatomi woman, she learned from elders, family, and history that the Potawatomi, as well as a majority of other cultures indigenous to this land, consider plants and animals to be our... Read more »

"[Longtime series narrator Angela] Dawe offers Cosimano's laugh-out-loud moments with just the right sparkle." —Audiofile

"Once again, much credit goes to narrator Angela Dawe for giving voice to our protagonist and making the audiobook a blast to listen to..."- Bibliosanctum

From USA Today bestseller and Edgar Award nominee Elle Cosimano, comes...

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

“Unlike anything I have ever read. Stunning, masterful, epic, dark and rich! Even my friends who usually scoff at sci-fi/fantasy books, loved this one. No short synopsis will properly prepare you, just dive in.”

Zinna, A Great Good Place for Books

The Guest List

“Tangled secrets and dark, haunting pasts unravel at the posh wedding of celebrities Will and Jules. As the tension mounted and more was revealed, I couldn’t stop listening until I knew not only “whodunnit”, but to whom it was done. Foley tells her tale from alternating viewpoints, bringing us gradually and suspensefully into the minds and hearts of her characters. A riveting psychological thriller and murder mystery, The Guest List presents a story as dark as the stormy remote island on which it unfolds.”

Nancy, Raven Book Store

The City We Became

“This is a fantastic read, and even better in audio. To be able to close your eyes and let the layers of story and reality wash over is enchanting. I will never look at a map again without imagining each place as a beings.”

Carrie, Skylark Bookshop

Cloud Cuckoo Land

“Anthony Doerr's novel Cloud Cuckoo Land is a triumph. This cautionary yet hopeful tale of five very different people obsessed with one ancient book will transport you to Constantinople 600 years ago, present-day Idaho, and to a spaceship a generation or two in the future. It's not too late to be good stewards of Mother Earth. Cloud Cuckoo Land reminds us that the children might just save us all.”

Rachel, Avid Bookshop

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches

“This book is a warm cup of tea on a rainy day. From the quirky cast of characters to the less than traditional love story, this book will bloom in you and make you feel whole. Plus, the audiobook narrator is truly excellent!”

Leah, Scrawl Books

Book Lovers

“This book is perfect. I was so happy to see Emily Henry return to enemies-to-lovers. Dare I say it, Book Lovers is even better than Beach Read! The editor vs agent drama, the small-town checklist, and god, the steamy scenes — read this book!”

Michelle Stiles, Magers & Quinn Booksellers

Read by the author.

Jinger Vuolo, the sixth child in the famous Duggar family of TLC's 19 Kids and Counting and Counting On, recounts how she began to question the unhealthy ideology of her youth and learned to embrace true freedom in Christ.

When Jinger Duggar Vuolo was growing up, she was convinced that obeying the rules was the key to success...

If you enjoyed Rest Is Resistance, then you’ll love How to Keep House While Drowning.

“Like a good podcast that you wish you could always return to and underline, this audiobook is a perfect morale boost. Davis gives practical advice and language around what normally feels insurmountable.”

Tiffany, Wild Geese Bookshop

Nothing to See Here

“I never expected to enjoy this book as much as I did. I broke my cardinal rule of only listening to books while I walk. From the moment I turned this book on I did not turn it off until I finished it. I don't know whether I would have liked the book as much if I read it. The narrator did an outstanding job reading. I highly recommend this delightful book.”

Melinda, Buttonwood Books and Toys

A Promised Land

“No one really needs my blurb to help sell this book, but I wanted to give it anyway, especially for the audiobook, narrated by Barack Obama himself. If you want to know his incredible knowledge and wisdom that guided him through major decisions, and also hear him drop a few F-bombs, you need to listen to this fantastically written book. ”

Amber, Quail Ridge Books

The #1 New York Times bestseller. Over 4 million copies sold!

Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results

No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving--every day. James Clear, one of the world's leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones,... Read more »

Our Missing Hearts

“This may be her best book yet! Set in the near future where Asian Americans are mistrusted, children can be removed form their families due to parents' 'harmful' views and libraries are forced to remove unpatriotic books, this is a story about the boy Bird trying to find his mother who vanished a few years earlier when her work became seen as subversive. It’s a story about the power of art and storytelling to create change.”

Anne, Newtonville Books

How to Be an Antiracist

“Among the multi-faceted array of antiracist literature newly published in the last two years, Ibram X. Kendi’s How To Be an Antiracist stands alone as a definitive source of history and socio-political critique, while offering a new paradigm of thought aimed at paving the way for correcting centuries of social injustice. Hearing this visionary and transformative work in Kendi’s own voice will no doubt bring it all straight into your heart, humanizing his ideas, and firmly setting you on your own path to doing the work of becoming an antiracist.”

Noelle, Oblong Books

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas comes a seductive, breathtaking book that blends romance, adventure, and faerie lore into an unforgettable read. When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a terrifying creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only... Read more »

Ninth House

“The charter of the Leahy house is to manage and police the secret houses of the veil on the campus of Yale University. When a murder is connected to the magical activities of the houses, Galaxy Stern, Alex, the newest member of the Ninth House must find out what happened even if it means losing her place at Yale or her life. Ninth House grips you from the beginning and Alex is a wonderfully crafted edgy protagonist with deep scars. In the pretentious ivy league world Alex tenaciously pursues evil through unexpected twists and turns. If you like mystery and magic this is for you!”

Ellen, Avid Bookshop

Legendborn

“I listened to this audiobook almost entirely it one sitting. It was utterly enthralling.”

Rosie, One More Page

Disrupt and push back against capitalism and white supremacy by connecting to the liberating power of rest, daydreaming, and naps as a foundation for healing and justice. Tricia Hersey, aka The Nap Bishop, encourages us to elevate rest as a form of resistance and a divine human right.

What would it be like to live in a well-rested world? Far too...

Before the Coffee Gets Cold

“In a Tokyo back alley, in a basement, there is a cafe where you can travel back to the past. There are rules that you need to follow through, and you need to come back to the present before your coffee gets cold. This book seems more like a series of vignettes following people's trips into the past. The question is, what really changes when you go back? Is it you or the future? This is a refreshing take on time travel, reminiscent of magical realism. It is a beautiful book and I highly recommend it for anyone who wants an ethereal read. ”

Izzy, Off the Beaten Path

The Night Watchman

“The Night Watchman is an extraordinary book based on the life of Edrich's grandfather who was a night watchman at a jewel bearing plant as well as an activitist against Native dispossession. The other featured protaganist is Patrice Paranteau who you will quickly come to adore. The Night Watchman is one of Edrich's best works and I highly recommend it!”

Rachel, Avid Bookshop

Gideon the Ninth

“This is everything I wanted in a book and more. Gideon is likable but flawed, Harrow is horrible and unforgettable, and the prose occasionally turns hauntingly beautiful. The narration helps make a complex world become real and the characters friends you may or may not want to invite over to dinner. It depends on whether your folks are there.”

Jenny, Page 158 Books

Really Good, Actually

“There are books about it, songs about it, endless poetry written all about the tragic, heart-wrenching, vulnerable experience of losing love. It's difficult, however, to capture the full physical and mental ramifications of such events. Monica Heisey has shown that, though it is difficult, it is not impossible. In an honest, realistic view, Heisey writes this story of Maggie who is embarking on not just a lost love or a break up, but a divorce after a 9 year relationship. I loved how relatable Maggie is, whether you have experienced this or not. I especially love the feeling I got as I read that there is support in surprising places, and even though it may seem like you'll feel this sad and broken forever, things WILL get better. The audiobook experience is exceptionally engrossing with a narration from Julia Whelan. I strongly recommend. ”

Kalli, Rediscovered Books

If you enjoyed Horse, then you’ll love The Marriage Portrait.

“Brilliantly read by Genevieve Gaunt, I could not pause The Marriage Portrait. The story of the young dutchess Lucrezia de Medici, I listened while walking the dogs, making dinner, and driving to work. Maggie O’Farrell, who authored Hamnet, is the master of creating tension through the details of the day. Loved every beautiful sentence and am not sure what to do with my life now that it’s over.”

Julie, Honest Dog Books

Talking to Strangers

“This is an audio experience. Malcolm Gladwell talks about it a bit in the beginning. He chose to use audio recordings of interviews, etc., wherever available instead of just reading the quotes himself. There’s music spattered throughout. It’s kind of a book/podcast. It is not just a direct reading of the text. Also, Malcolm Gladwell has a soothing voice but covers some unsettling topics, so you can definitely listen to this one and not fall asleep. I won’t say I enjoyed this book, because how can you enjoy something that talks about all the unpleasant side effects of misinterpreting interactions with strangers? But it was incredibly interesting. We hear about what went wrong with Amanda Knox, the Brock Turner trial, and Sandra Bland, amidst many other examples. I love books like this that examine psychology through real life things. I definitely feel like I learned something from Talking to Strangers, and for me, that’s really the best way to judge a nonfiction title.”

Anna, Katy Budget Books

Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries

“I thoroughly enjoyed this story! It was appropriately dark for a book about fairies...'real' fairies, you know. It is set in a world in which Folklore, as in the lore of the fae, is a legitimate field of scientific study and it was fun reading a fairytale told through that lens. There was a sweet hint of romance and it features a heroine who could arguably be ace. Way to represent!!”

Maren, Nook & Cranny Books

Return to the sprawling, Hugo Award-winning universe of the Galactic Commons to explore another corner of the cosmos—one often mentioned, but not yet explored—in this absorbing entry in the Wayfarers series, which blends heart-warming characters and imaginative adventure.

With no water, no air, and no native life, the planet Gora is unremarkable....

The Vanishing Half

“The Vanishing Half may go down as one of my favorite books of all time. Brit Bennett's narrative style is engrossing, the constant shift in timeline beyond compelling. But more than that, this is a book that deals with so much - racism, colorism & passing, sexism & domestic abuse, trans rights, family dynamics... the list goes on - with unbelievable nuance and empathy. A timely, complex, mysterious (and romantic) epic, The Vanishing Half is a force to be reckoned with. A must read for all - but especially worth consideration for book clubs and classroom reading lists.”

Britt, Second Star to the Right

THE FIRST PART OF J.R.R. TOLKIEN’S EPIC MASTERPIECE, THE LORD OF THE RINGS In a quiet village in the Shire, young Frodo Baggins is about to receive a gift that will change his life forever. Thought lost centuries ago, it is the One Ring, an object of terrifying power once used by the Dark Lord to enslave Middle-earth. Now darkness is rising,... Read more »

#1 New York Times bestseller

“Essential reading for anyone interested in understanding and treating traumatic stress and the scope of its impact on society.” —Alexander McFarlane, Director of the Centre for Traumatic Stress Studies

A pioneering researcher transforms our understanding of trauma and offers a bold new paradigm for healing in this New... Read more »

Fairy Tale

“This book is for anyone who grew up reading Tolkien (or Stephen King, for that matter) under the covers with a flashlight, for anyone who has longed to turn back time, and, most importantly, for anyone who has ever loved a dog. Fairy Tale has my whole heart. Seth Numrich's earnest narration and King's guest appearance makes this a must-listen.”

Felix, Kingfisher Bookstore

The #1 New York Times bestselling WORLDWIDE phenomenon

Winner of the Goodreads Choice Award for Fiction | A Good Morning America Book Club Pick | Independent (London) Ten Best Books of the Year

"A feel-good book guaranteed to lift your spirits."—The Washington Post

The dazzling reader-favorite about the choices that go into a life well... Read more »

How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water

“I am writing this review just a few minutes after finishing the book with tears still in my eyes. The story unfolds in 12 interview sessions between a job counselor and a middle-aged Dominican immigrant Cara Romero, who was laid off during the Great Recession. In these sessions, Cara talks about her life in anecdotes ranging from downright hilarious to heartbreaking. Cara herself has become one of my favorite protagonists in literature. She is multi-faceted and deeply empathetic that you laugh at her jokes and feel for her pain. Through the stories told by this one woman, we learn about her whole community. This community was brought together through shared experiences including but not limited to: motherhood, immigration, and gentrification. It is a marvelous feat that Angie Cruz was able to explore multiple themes through one character across twelve dialogues. I need everyone to read this.”

Sofia, Phoenix Books

Untamed

“I read this book non-stop for a week, underlining, reading passages to my friends & recommending it to anyone with a pulse. There are many great stories inside, but their charm & power, really, is all Glennon. She is a spiritual seeker & leader who loves reality tv, a formidable activist on the global scale who gets anxiety sweats when the doorbell rings. Equal parts poetic & conversational, memoir & manifesto. Her love story will make you swoon. Her shamelessness & relentless self-interrogation will make you feel deeply exposed. This is not a "you can do it, girl!" book. It's more like a spiritual marathon that invites you to jump the guardrail & take off.”

Elon, Apotheosis Comics

In this honest, layered and unforgettable book that alternates between storytelling and her own poetry, Pamela Anderson breaks the mold of the celebrity memoir while taking back the tale that has been crafted about her.

Her blond bombshell image was ubiquitous in the 1990s. Discovered in the stands of a football game, she was immediately rocket...

Sea of Tranquility

“Incredibly crafted mystery through time & space that attempts to answer if we exist in a simulation, or the reality that we have always accepted.”

James, Bookstore1Sarasota

Wintering

“When we all started our own ‘winters’ in March, some of us were more prepared than others. May writes delicately of the struggles of life and the ways we may be able to prepare ourselves for such times, something I feel we all need to learn in order to survive the emotional winter that is a worldwide pandemic. Grab a cup of tea, find a cozy blanket, and burrow into this book of thoughtfulness and comfort.”

Emma Warren, Oblong Books & Music

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A dramatic expansion of a groundbreaking work of journalism, The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story offers a profoundly revealing vision of the American past and present.

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The Washington Post • NPR • Marie Claire
 
In late August 1619, a ship arrived in the British colony of... Read more »

If you enjoyed She Who Became the Sun, then you’ll love Daughter of the Moon Goddess.

“Where do I even begin with this book? The Daughter of the Moon Goddess is an enchanting, atmospheric, romantic fantasy that has captured my heart, mind, and soul. The story of Xingyin is one of sacrifice, determination, and love set in a rich world inspired by Chinese myths with fierce monsters, fiercer friends, and formidable immortals. Xingyin is the daughter of Chang'e, the goddess exiled to the moon - she will do anything to save her mother from the punishment placed upon her by the Immortal Emperor. Her quest finds her amid palace and soldier life, befriending the crown prince, the esteemed soldier of the Celestial Army, and making a name for herself through her skills in archery. This is one of the best books I have read in quite a long time!...As I closed the last few pages of this book, I left a part of myself between the lines, sitting with Xingyin in the palace on the moon, dreaming of what's to come.”

Anna, The Well-Read Moose

A Psalm for the Wild-Built

“Dex is a monk who dedicates their life to helping and being present for others. But something is missing, and they can't help but answer the call when the voice inside them screams for purpose. A Psalm for the Wild-Built is the perfect example of Becky Chambers' mastery of character creation and development. The emotional responses of her characters, relatable in every respect, demands an equal emotional response from her readers. Becky Chambers is one of those authors whose optimism weaves expertly through stories of hardship and loss. I will never pass by an opportunity visit her incredible worlds. ”

Sophie, Cavalier House Books

How to Be Perfect

“Who doesn’t need a little guidance on this topic, right? Michael Schur discusses what can be a weighty topic (that is often presented somewhat dryly) with wit and humor. I have to say, I prefer the audio version of this book. The tone and style are so engaging, and that aforementioned humor is highlighted in a way that I sometimes missed reading in my own voice. And, my 12- and 16-year-olds gathered around to listen as well. A true endorsement.”

Tina, Powell's Books

The Sentence

“The Sentence is a ghost story, although it is as comforting as it is haunting. It’s an intimate picture of bookselling, and of bookselling during a pandemic and social justice reckoning, set in Erdrich’s own store in Minneapolis. Its heroine, queer Indigenous ex-con Tookie, is so alive she leaps right off the page—gritty, passionate, and human. Louise Erdrich is a natural storyteller and fabulous narrator—warm and sincere, with perfect timing. This is a book about connection in every way possible. It’s funny and enraging and heartwarming all at once.”

Mary, Raven Book Store

Happy-Go-Lucky

“Happy-Go-Lucky is another bang up group of essays of Sedaris' hilarious life, including family and partner stories deliciously presented. His Oberlin Commencement Speech, alone, is worth the book price! An upper for anyone down or ailing!”

Roxanne, Bookstore1Sarasota

Under the Whispering Door

“If Wallace Price was still alive, I would want to meet him. Well, no, I would like to meet the dead Wallace because he’s much nicer that way; a true curmudgeon turned marshmallow as he accepts he’s done in this plane of existence. I wasn’t sure a book about death and grieving was what I needed this year, but upon finishing I can assure you this book is exactly what we all need right now. Klune’s signature quirky characters have that tendency to sneakily sink their hooks into your chest. Before I knew it, I had fallen in love with everyone, especially the ghost dog Apollo. There will likely be a lot of emotions in this reading experience, but it is all beautifully cathartic. Laughter, yes, and some tears. Many quietly profound passages had me pause to reflect and think about my own life and my family. I recommend reading it with a cup of tea and having someone you can hug within reach.”

Leah, Bright Side Bookshop

Mexican Gothic

“Set in Mexico in the 50's, this book follows a young woman, Noemi, to a moldy old Gothic manor in the countryside where she is hoping to find out why her newly married cousin is sending letters home detailing strange visions and a real fear of her new family. Moreno-Garcia's writing was fantastic, I felt immersed in the creepy mansion, imagining often I could smell the rot and could hear the walls and floorboards creaking with the fungus that seemed to be moving throughout. Noemi's character was heroic and brave and while she made choices that caused me to cringe, I rooted for her throughout, feeling triumphant with her when she found ways to escape the disturbing household. This story is part mystery, part horror and will really get under your skin if you let it!”

Jessica, BookBar

Caste (Oprah's Book Club)

“Possibly one of the most important books I've read in the last decade. Caste examines the unspoken caste system that has shaped America. Wondering how America came to this? This book has brutal, unflinching answers.”

Zinna, A Great Good Place for Books

Where the Crawdads Sing

“Everyone that Kya has ever known has abandoned her. From the time that she was a young child she is left behind. After the student truancy officers track her down and get her to school the children laugh at her so she retreats to the only place that she feels normal - the marshland of North Carolina. She perseveres when she has every strike against her. She fends for herself and studies the natural surroundings of the marsh carefully. She paints and catalogs her collections, studies animal biology carefully, and becomes more in tune with nature than with the townspeople who call her "The Marsh Girl." Then one day the town's "golden boy" Chase Andrews ends up dead and Kya is the one that is suspected of killing him. The story that unfolds will draw you in - I was consumed with the story to the point where I could think about little else during the day because I had to know what happened next in the book. I laughed, I cried, I did fist pumps when things go well for Kya... this book infected me and I'm still having a tough time with the idea that the book is over. I'll carry these characters and this story with me for a long time.”

Jennifer, The Bookstore at Fitger's

The Man Who Died Twice

“A perfect follow up to The Thursday Murder Club. Osman knocks the mystery out of the park again, and balances his characteristic dry wit with a tinge of pathos that gives the book life and depth.”

Marianne, East City Bookshop

The Silent Patient

“In “The Silent Patient”, a masterfully maniacal mystery set in London, Alex Michaelides manages to manipulate the most sleuthful and it’s magnificent! Meet artist Alicia and her photographer husband Gabriel, happily married for seven years until one evening, they were not. Convicted of killing Gabriel, a guilty Alicia is sentenced to a mental institution where she has spent the past six years, silent, never uttering a single word since her vicious act. Enter Theo, a psychotherapist slightly obsessed with Alicia’s case and quietness. Can Theo unleash Alicia’s closely guarded secrets without suffering the consequences or will her madness destroy him and all he has overcome? It’s an edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller sure to keep you questioning until the very end. And, then some… ”

Kristin Bates, McLean & Eakin Booksellers

The Ten Thousand Doors of January

“I read The Ten Thousand Doors of January with my eyes and my ears... both were literary nirvana experiences. Alix E. Harrow's tale of a young girl who finds a mysterious book that tells of doors that lead to fantastical worlds reminded me of what story telling is all about. I was transported to the early 1900's and the life of January Scaller, a ward of wealthy Mr. Locke. Locke employs January's father to explore for fine artifacts that he collects. As January's father goes missing, she realizes that she has the power to write her own destiny. Is she brave enough to do it? In my opinion this book will appeal to both adult and young adult audiences. It speaks of love across time and place, mystery & intrigue, fantastical adventures, race and class. I am forever a fan of narrator January LaVoy. She made Alix E. Harrow's beautifully crafted story telling come alive! ”

Jessica, Main Street Books Davidson

Surrender

“In Surrender, Bono gives you personal insight into his life, the creation of U2, and the inspiration for some of U2’s most iconic songs. But even more so, he goes into detail about his advocacy and how they came to be. And he shares some amazing stories about the famous people that he has had the opportunity to meet and work with. With every chapter, you will feel like you are talking with an old friend that will bring you inspiration and motivation with his charisma and determination of spirit. I highly recommend Surrender for anyone who feel lost or silenced in the world we live in today.”

Gretchen, Fiction Addiction

This Is How You Lose The Time War

“How to begin a letter? How to begin a letter to your best enemy? This story takes place through the ages, between two-time traveling agents who must braid and unbraid the fabric of time in an effort to usher in their opposing futures. I read this twice before finishing it. This book is a book to savor.”

Lafe, Oblong Books

Educated

“Educated by Tara Westover is a wrenching account of a young woman who must choose between education on one hand and her family which is ruled by a religious misogynist apocalyptic zealot who lives off the grid and who might also be bi-polar, on the other. I thought the most fascinating part of Westover’s story would be her journey from backwoods Idaho to a Cambridge University PhD, but her relationship with her family, and one brother, in particular, was at the heart of this memoir and quest for self.”

Phyllis, Wellesley Books

Sapiens

“I don't own many books. I read books and give them away. However, I will NOT be giving away my copy of Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. It's a keeper! Sapiens was an intense read for me. I found myself taking breaks every dozen pages or so. Not because I was bored - just the opposite. I needed time to let the author's perspective on the history of our species (you, me, us!) sink in. Yuval Noah Harari is irreverent at times and makes mind-blowing assertions in his book. You may not agree with all of his theories, but what he claims will make you see yourself as the animal you are in a refreshing new light. It's even possible that after you read Sapiens your view of the human condition will have shifted dramatically. Superbly translated from the original Hebrew into English by the author himself, Sapiens is accessible to readers of all types of non-fiction and fiction alike.”

Catherine, The Bookloft

The Woman in the Library

“This was a fantastically eerie book that comes at you from multiple angles. The author has a unique way of telling a story within a story that has you constantly feeling like you’re being watched while you’re watching the drama unfold. It will have you on edge and constantly questioning who you can really trust.”

Alisha, Reverie Books

Klara and the Sun

“When I read Ishiguo's work, I feel as if a veil has been lifted, and suddenly the world—or range—of humanness, and all it's uncomfortable possibilities, are clear. I'm so grateful for his extraordinary talents and ability to manifest new understandings inside the mind this reader. Whether it's the source of human emotion, the impact of memory, the grappling of regret, or simply the purpose of human life, I finish his books with greater insight into the scope of the living. Klara is no different—an inhuman character who in one almost childlike voice, reveals the boundaries between human and inhuman, between a future and obsolescence, between the bonds and boundaries of love. Thank you Mr. Ishiguro ~ again.”

Cassie, Roundabout Books

The Bandit Queens

“Parini Shroff uses humor to lighten the complex topics in this novel. Because murder, domestic violence and women's rights in India are real and heavy topics for a book. But she creates the right balance and highlights the strength of friendship among women in this part mystery, part historical fiction, and part social commentary.”

Ann, Dragon Tale Books

If you enjoyed Finding the Mother Tree, then you’ll love The Overstory.

“The Overstory is a difficult novel to encapsulate in a sentence or two. It is an epic novel of interconnected stories that all revolve in one way or another to trees and our kinship with the natural world. I listened to this over a few months and found it captivating, especially the sections of the stories that deal with the non-violent direct action to protect the old growth trees of the Pacific Northwest and the rise of the Earth Liberation Front. Those watching the developments around the protests against the logging of old growth forests at Fairy Creek or interested in the emerging science around forest ecology and communication among trees, will find much food for thought in this beautiful novel.”

Peter, Turning the Tide Bookstore

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A “thrilling” (The New York Times), “dazzling” (The Wall Street Journal) tour of the radically different ways that animals perceive the world that will fill you with wonder and forever alter your perspective, by Pulitzer Prize–winning science journalist Ed Yong
 
“One of this year’s finest works of narrative... Read more »

Nona the Ninth

“My honest review of this book is basically inarticulate screaming, wailing, gnashing of teeth, rending of garments, etc. I've rarely in my adult life been so INTO a book series--I've re-read and re-listened to Gideon and Harrow multiple times, and Nona will soon join the rotation. These books are bonkers fun and I loved every wild and confusing and sweet and funny moment of Nona, and am eagerly awaiting Alecto! Very glad Nona got her own book--I love her with a similar depth of passion as I do Gideon and Harrow respectively. Remarkable. What the fuck is going ON??? I can't wait.”

Gretchen, A Room Of One's Own Bookstore

"Read this book to connect with your highest self.”
—Susan Cain, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Bittersweet and Quiet

“We need more awe in our lives, and Dacher Keltner has written the definitive book on where to find it.”
—Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again

“Awe is awesome in both senses: a superb analysis of... Read more »

Age of Vice

“Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor is a Number 1 Indie Pick. It is a dark story of power set in India. The story is told from various perspectives, but the overarching theme shows the violence and corruption that comes from power and money. It could do good, but in many situations it has the opposite effect and it changes many lives throughout the tale.”

Ann, Dragon Tale Books

Trust

“Hernan Diaz does things I've never seen in a novel before. Trust ties up threads of money and art, family and history, lies and truth. Think historical fiction turned meta, with a beating heart and spectacular writing.”

Mark Haber, Brazos Bookstore

If you enjoyed The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, then you’ll love Carrie Soto Is Back.

“Carrie Soto is Back is Taylor Jenkins Reid at the top of her game. She introduces Carrie Soto, a tennis phenom who has been groomed by her father, Javier, to be a champion before she could walk. When Nikki Chan threatens to unseat her as G.O.A.T. Carrie comes out of retirement at thirty-seven to defend her title. Part father/daughter love story, part sport bio, Readers will be rooting for Carrie and hope she finds the love, acceptance, praise and contentment she has been chasing her entire life.”

Kathleen, A Great Good Place for Books

Anxious People

“At its simplest, we could just say this is a story about the human condition. Backman’s wry and deceptively simple storytelling provides us an exquisite and astute study of the little complexities that fills our lives with joy and pain. Through his rich story exploring second chances, missed opportunities, and unintended consequences, he captures the essence of what it means to be human and the complexities of navigating relationships with each other by exploring what we say and do not say to one another. The audio version is absolutely spectacular. The narrator brings each character to life with unique and spot-on personalities that I cannot imagine creating myself in my head. Her delivery of the dialogue and story is spot on and kept me laughing throughout.”

Cori, Bright Side Bookshop

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • In her latest book, Brené Brown writes, “If we want to find the way back to ourselves and one another, we need language and the grounded confidence to both tell our stories and be stewards of the stories that we hear. This is the framework for meaningful connection.”

In Atlas of the Heart, Brown takes us on a... Read more »

FROM NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AND AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR JANE HARPER COMES EXILES, A CAPTIVATING MYSTERY ABOUT A MISSING MOTHER

“Once again Harper proves that she is peerless in creating an avalanche of suspense with intimate, character-driven set pieces...Harper’s legions of fans will exult in reading Exiles.”
—David Baldacci, #1 New York Times...

An instant New York Times bestseller!

"This is an absolute, can’t-put-it-down thriller...It’s truly a wild ride that had me flying through chapter after chapter—which I think is the perfect way to kick off your year of reading." —Reese Witherspoon (Reese’s Book Club Jan ’23 Pick)

Armed with only hazy memories, a woman who long ago witnessed her... Read more »

After All the Feels and Spoiler Alert, Olivia Dade once again delivers a warm and wonderful romantic comedy about two co-stars who once had an incredible one-night stand—and after years of filming on the same remote island, are finally ready to yield to temptation again…

Maria’s one-night-stand—the thick-thighed, sexy Viking of a man she left...

Deadly storms have ravaged Mina’s homeland for generations. Floods sweep away entire villages, while bloody wars are waged over the few remaining resources. Her people believe the Sea God, once their protector, now curses them with death and despair. In an attempt to appease him, each year a beautiful maiden is thrown into the sea to serve as... Read more »