What Questions Should I Ask Myself To Choose My Best Book Of The Year?

How does this book handle its female characters? As a reader, I've gotten tired of tropes. So I'll skim reviews to see if women in the story are well-rounded with their own agency, or if they exist primarily as motivators for male protagonists. This is especially important in genres like fantasy or thriller, where it can be hit or miss. I apply a similar lens to other representation. Is diversity handled with nuance, or does it feel tokenistic? I don't need every book to be a paragon of representation, but I am more drawn to stories where it feels like the author has thoughtfully considered the inner lives of all their characters, not just the main ones.

What's a belief or assumption you hold that you'd like challenged? Seek out books written from perspectives fundamentally different from your own. A great story can gently (or not so gently) remodel how you see a corner of the world.

Honestly, my local indie bookseller picks my top five. I go in, tell them the last three books I loved, and ask what I should read next. Their recommendations are never wrong. They have this magical ability to match a person with a book. Supporting a local bookstore and getting a curated, personal recommendation is a win-win. Those hand-sold books often become my favorites of the year. It's a human algorithm that's far superior to any online one. My list has a lot more surprise and delight this way.

Most of my friends just say "did you like it?" which feels like such a dead end. I prefer things that actually make me think back through the pages. What character's decision would I defend to the death, even if nobody else gets it? That one usually sparks something. I argued for ages about a choice in 'The Sparrow' that everyone else hated, but it made the whole book click differently for me. Another good one is asking what single image or scene is still stuck in your head a week later, not necessarily the big plot twist. Sometimes it's just a description of a room, or a quiet line of dialogue. That tells you more about what the book actually did to your brain than any summary could. It's how I realized 'Piranesi' worked its way into me through the atmosphere, not the mystery. Also, honestly, 'what part made you almost stop reading?' We pretend books are smooth journeys, but they're not. Pushing through a boring section or an annoying character says a lot about what you value in a story.

Pick a book by a local author, if possible. Then, see if you can get the author to join your meeting for a Q&A, even virtually. Many authors, especially mid-list or debut, are thrilled to do this for book clubs. It transforms the entire experience. Reading the book with the knowledge you'll get to ask the author about that puzzling character decision or the ending adds a whole new layer. We did this with a regional historical novelist and it was unforgettable.

My method is chaotic. I read the first book I see mentioned in three unrelated places in a week. It feels like the universe is giving me a sign, even if it's just my algorithm glitching.

I believe the best book of any year isn’t just about popularity or sales—it’s about impact. A standout book lingers in your mind long after the last page, whether through its prose, themes, or emotional resonance. Take 'Piranesi' by Susanna Clarke, which won accolades in 2020. Its labyrinthine narrative and haunting beauty made it unforgettable. The best books often challenge conventions, like 'The Vanishing Half' by Brit Bennett, which wove race, identity, and family into a tapestry so vivid it sparked global conversations. A book’s ability to reflect or critique society, like 'Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982' by Cho Nam-joo, can also define its greatness. These aren’t just stories; they’re mirrors held up to the world. Another criterion is innovation in storytelling. 'House of Leaves' by Mark Z. Danielewski wasn’t just a horror novel; its experimental formatting rewrote how stories could be told. Similarly, 'Lincoln in the Bardo' by George Saunders used a chorus of ghosts to explore grief in a way no linear narrative could. The best books often push boundaries, whether through structure, like 'Cloud Atlas' by David Mitchell, or voice, like 'The Vegetarian' by Han Kang. Awards like the Booker or Pulitzer often spotlight such books, but true greatness is also measured by reader obsession—think of how 'Normal People' by Sally Rooney became a cultural phenomenon. It’s the books that leave us breathless, haunted, or changed that truly deserve the title of 'best.' Lastly, longevity matters. A book might trend for a season, but the best endure. 'Circe' by Madeline Miller, released in 2018, still dominates discussions because its themes of power and redemption are timeless. The same goes for 'A Little Life' by Hanya Yanagihara—its emotional brutality ensures it’s never forgotten. Sometimes, the best book of a year isn’t obvious until years later, when its influence becomes undeniable. Whether it’s through awards, reader adoration, or sheer originality, the best books are those that refuse to be ignored.

Selecting the ideal books for September can feel a bit overwhelming with all the options out there, but it’s also a fun challenge! One method I love is to consider the season’s vibe. September always gives me that back-to-school feeling, even if I’m well past those days. I often gravitate towards new releases that capture the sense of change and growth, themes that resonate with the fresh start of autumn. For instance, I recently picked up 'The Night Circus' and was utterly captivated by its mesmerizing atmosphere—perfect for those cooler evenings! Another approach involves looking into author recommendations or bestseller lists. I take a peek at platforms like Goodreads and Booktube, where different voices share their insights. This year, titles like 'Where the Crawdads Sing' or 'The Midnight Library' keep popping up. I enjoy seeing what others are enjoying; it’s like browsing a virtual bookstore while sipping coffee! Plus, reading reviews gives me a sense of what to expect, helping me steer clear of any potential disappointments. Remember to check out local bookstores' selections too. They often highlight hidden gems that might not hit the mainstream radar. Lastly, I love considering my mood and what I'm craving to dive into. Do I want a cozy mystery, an intense thriller, or maybe something thought-provoking? It's all about what kind of escape I’m looking for this month. Burrowing into a beautiful narrative against the backdrop of the changing leaves can be so therapeutic. So, really, it's about aligning your picks with your interests, giving yourself the opportunity to explore different genres, and just enjoying the journey!