Who Wrote The Best New Books This Year?

This year has been a treasure trove of incredible reads, and the authors behind them are nothing short of genius. Colleen Hoover continues to dominate with her emotionally charged novels like 'It Starts with Us,' which dives deep into love and resilience. Emily Henry has also been a standout with 'Book Lovers,' a witty and heartfelt story that’s perfect for anyone who adores a good romantic comedy. For those who enjoy fantasy, Leigh Bardugo’s 'Hell Bent' has been a massive hit, blending dark academia with supernatural thrills. On the non-fiction side, Matthew Perry’s memoir 'Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing' has been a raw and honest exploration of his life and struggles. These authors have truly shaped the literary landscape this year, offering something for every kind of reader.

Reading has always been my escape, and this year, I’ve been drawn to authors who craft stories that feel both timeless and urgent. One standout is Emily Henry, whose novels like 'Book Lovers' and 'Happy Place' blend humor, heart, and relatable characters in a way that feels fresh and comforting. Another author I’ve been obsessed with is R.F. Kuang, whose 'Babel' is a masterpiece of historical fantasy, weaving intricate world-building with themes of power and identity. For those who love emotional depth, Colleen Hoover continues to deliver with 'It Starts with Us,' a sequel that dives deeper into complex relationships. And if you’re into thought-provoking sci-fi, Andy Weir’s 'Project Hail Mary' is a must-read. These authors are shaping the literary landscape this year, and their works are worth every page.

a few authors have stood out with their compelling narratives and fresh perspectives. Patrick Radden Keefe's 'Empire of Pain' is a masterclass in investigative journalism, unraveling the Sackler family's role in the opioid crisis with gripping detail. Siddhartha Mukherjee's 'The Song of the Cell' blends science and storytelling beautifully, making complex biology accessible. Matthew Desmond's 'Poverty, by America' is a raw, eye-opening look at systemic inequality, written with empathy and urgency. These authors don’t just inform—they immerse you in their subjects, leaving a lasting impact.

I’ve noticed a few authors dominating the charts this year. Rebecca Yarros absolutely blew up with 'Fourth Wing' and its sequel 'Iron Flame,' bringing dragon-riding fantasy romance to the forefront. Emily Henry continues to charm readers with 'Happy Place,' while Colleen Hoover’s 'It Starts with Us' solidified her spot as a contemporary romance powerhouse. On the thriller side, Freida McFadden’s 'The Housemaid' series kept readers on edge, and Holly Jackson’s 'Five Survive' delivered gripping YA suspense. For literary fiction fans, Barbara Kingsolver’s 'Demon Copperhead' and Cormac McCarthy’s 'The Passenger' were standouts. Fantasy lovers couldn’t escape T. Kingfisher’s 'Nettle & Bone' or Naomi Novik’s 'The Golden Enclaves.' And let’s not forget Bonnie Garmus’s debut sensation 'Lessons in Chemistry,' which became an instant classic. These authors didn’t just write books—they created cultural moments.

Emily St. John Mandel's 'Station Eleven' and 'The Glass Hotel' showed how pandemic stories could be both haunting and beautiful long before 2020. In fantasy circles, Tamsyn Muir's 'Gideon the Ninth' blew everyone away with its necromantic space opera brilliance.

This year is absolutely brimming with fantastic novels and brilliant writers that deserve our attention, so let’s dive right in! One novelist I can’t stop raving about is Kiley Reid. Her book 'Such a Fun Age' really took the literary world by storm, and rightfully so! Reid's sharp, witty prose highlights the nuances of race, privilege, and personal relationships with a fresh perspective. I found myself laughing out loud one minute and deeply pondering societal issues the next. It’s the kind of book that sparks conversations, and I’ve had some of the most exhilarating discussions with friends after finishing it. Then there’s Colson Whitehead, whose work is just pure magic. 'Harlem Shuffle' has been a personal favorite this year. It’s set in the 1960s and follows Ray Carney, a furniture salesman leading a double life of crime. Whitehead's ability to weave historical context with gripping storytelling is truly commendable. I remember getting so lost in the vivid descriptions of Harlem that I can almost hear the jazz music buzzing in the background. If you enjoy rich storytelling infused with historical significance, this is absolutely a must-read! Another name that’s been on my radar is Talia Hibbert. Her romance novels are delightful and incredibly heartfelt. 'Get A Life, Chloe Brown' has the kind of humor and emotion that resonates with so many readers—like me! Hibbert tackles topics of mental health and body positivity with such grace and authenticity. I love how her characters feel so real and relatable, and I can't help but root for them. After finishing this one, I felt that warm, fuzzy feeling that only a great romance can bring. And let’s not forget about Elif Shafak! Her novel 'The Island of Missing Trees' beautifully explores themes of identity, belonging, and the tangled roots of history. Shafak’s ability to intertwine fables with real-life struggles captivated me. It evokes a sense of nostalgia and discovery, making it a perfect beach read or a cozy evening with tea in hand. Oh, the way she writes about trees as witness to human emotion and storytelling just stuck with me. These authors represent just a slice of the diverse and vibrant literary world we’re in right now! Personally, I find it so enriching to read different genres and perspectives, and each of these novelists offers something special and unique. Do you have a favorite novelist or a book recommendation? I’d love to swap suggestions!

Finding great novels can feel like a treasure hunt, and this year has revealed some real gems! Lately, I've been diving deep into 'The Night Circus' by Erin Morgenstern. Its magical atmosphere and enchanting narrative style completely swept me away. The way Morgenstern paints the scenes with vivid descriptions felt like seeing a performance in real-time. I could almost taste the cotton candy and smell the popcorn! The intertwining stories of the young magicians and their ultimate competition kept me on the edge of my seat, and the romance woven throughout was both nostalgic and thrilling. Every turn of the page brought a new spectacle, which was just what I needed to break from everyday life. Then there’s 'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir that really captured my imagination. I’ve always been a sucker for sci-fi, and Weir’s ability to blend rigorous science with heartwarming moments is exceptional. The protagonist's journey through space reminded me of classic sci-fi tales, but it's infused with a modern twist that keeps the narrative fresh. I found myself laughing and gasping at the unexpected plot turns! It’s a great read for anyone who loves a mix of humor, science, and a bit of existential dread. Another standout for me has been 'Malibu Rising' by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Reid has this magical way of crafting characters that feel so real, and their emotional depth really struck a chord. The backdrop of a glamorous Malibu party while peeling back layers of family dynamics added such a delightful richness to the narrative. Plus, who doesn’t love a good beach setting? It’s like the perfect summer escape right from the pages. With all these incredible narratives out this year, it feels like there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy!