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Chicago Public Library Best of the Best 2023

Chicago Public Library Best of the Best 2023 names 564 books across 17 categories. 158 of them also won or were shortlisted for an award.

Best Board & Picture Books

  1. Abuelos by Ariel Andrés Almadasource (opens in a new tab)
  2. Benita y las criaturas nocturnas by Mariana Llanossource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Big by Vashti Harrisonsource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Big Tune: Rise of the Dancehall Prince by Alliah L. Agostinisource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Dim Sum Palace by X. Fangsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Do You Remember? by Sydney Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. El barrilito mágico de Papá by Jesús Trejosource (opens in a new tab)
  8. El día del agua by Margarita Englesource (opens in a new tab)
  9. El español es la lengua de mi familia by Michael Genhartsource (opens in a new tab)
  10. El pañuelo amarillo by Donna Barba Higuerasource (opens in a new tab)
  11. El pulpo se escapa by Maile Meloysource (opens in a new tab)
  12. El viaje de Yenebi a la escuela by Sendy Santamariasource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Finding Papa by Angela Pham Kranssource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Friends Beyond Measure by Lalena Fishersource (opens in a new tab)
  15. If I Was A Horse by Sophie Blackallsource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Just Like Grandma by Kim Rogerssource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Little Dumplings by Jekka Kuhlmannsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Los monstruos juegan...a contar! by Flavia Z. Dragosource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Martina tiene muchas tías by Emma Otheguysource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Mi hermano está lejos by Sara Greenwoodsource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Moon's Ramadan by Natasha Khan Kazisource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Mr. S by Monica Arnaldosource (opens in a new tab)
  23. My Hair Is Like the Sun by St. Clair Detrick-Julessource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Nigel y la luna by Antwan Eadysource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Night in the City by Julie Downingsource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Nuestro techo es azul by Sara E. Echeniquesource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Ode to A Bad Day by Chelsea Lin Wallacesource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Once Upon A Book by Grace Linsource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Papá's Magical Water-jug Clock by Jesús Trejosource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Que tu vida sea deliciosa by Michael Genhartsource (opens in a new tab)
  31. Remembering by Xelena Gonzálezsource (opens in a new tab)
  32. Simon and the Better Bone by Corey R. Taborsource (opens in a new tab)
  33. Skeletown: Sí. ¡No! by Rhode Montijosource (opens in a new tab)
  34. Spanish Is the Language of My Family by Michael Genhartsource (opens in a new tab)
  35. Spicy Spicy Hot! by Lenny Wensource (opens in a new tab)
  36. Stranded!: A Mostly True Story From Iceland by Ævar Þór Benediktssonsource (opens in a new tab)
  37. Summer Is for Cousins by Rajani LaRoccasource (opens in a new tab)
  38. The Artivist by Nikkolas Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  39. The Good Hair Day by Christian Trimmersource (opens in a new tab)
  40. The Hospital Book by Lisa Brownsource (opens in a new tab)
  41. The Nature Journal: A Backyard Adventure by Savannah Allensource (opens in a new tab)
  42. The Train Home by Dan-ah Kimsource (opens in a new tab)
  43. There Was A Party for Langston, King O' Letters by Jason Reynoldssource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Tumble by Adriana Hernández Bergstromsource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Valiente como un león by Erika Mezasource (opens in a new tab)
  46. What My Daddy Loves by Raissa Figueroasource (opens in a new tab)
  47. Wild Blue: Taming A Big-kid Bike by Dashka Slatersource (opens in a new tab)
  48. Window Fishing by DK Dysonsource (opens in a new tab)
  49. Zora, the Story Keeper by Ebony Wilkinssource (opens in a new tab)
  50. ¡El cucuy también tiene miedo! by Donna Barba Higuerasource (opens in a new tab)

Best Fiction for Older Readers

  1. A Work in Progress by Jarrett Lernersource (opens in a new tab)
  2. Alebrijes by Donna Barba Higuerasource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Aniana Del Mar Jumps in by Jasminne Méndezsource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Dear Mothman by Robin Gowsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Ellie Engle Saves Herself by Leah Johnsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Finally Seen by Kelly Yangsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Ghost Book by Remy Laisource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Good Different by Meg Eden Kuyattsource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Greenwild: The World Behind the Door by Pari Thomsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Hands by Torrey Maldonadosource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Mascot by Charles Waterssource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Montgomery and the Case of the Golden Key by Tracy Occomy Crowdersource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Not An Easy Win by Chrystal D. Gilessource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Parachute Kids by Betty C. Tangsource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Salsa Magic by Letisha Marrerosource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bowsource (opens in a new tab)
  17. The Beautiful Something Else by Ash Van Otterloosource (opens in a new tab)
  18. The Eyes & the Impossible by Dave Eggerssource (opens in a new tab)
  19. The Lost Year by Katherine Marshsource (opens in a new tab)
  20. The Manifestor Prophecy by Angie Thomassource (opens in a new tab)
  21. The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams by Daniel Nayerisource (opens in a new tab)
  22. The Mossheart's Promise by Rebecca Mixsource (opens in a new tab)
  23. The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels by Beth Lincolnsource (opens in a new tab)
  24. We Still Belong by Christine Daysource (opens in a new tab)
  25. What Happened to Rachel Riley? by Claire Swinarskisource (opens in a new tab)
  26. World Made of Glass by Ami Polonskysource (opens in a new tab)

Best Fiction for Younger Readers

  1. Awesome Orange Birthday by Mitali Banerjee Ruthssource (opens in a new tab)
  2. Batcat by Meggie Rammsource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Camp-out by Kelly Starling Lyonssource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Can't Live Without You by Abby Hanlonsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Crowned: Magical Folk and Fairy Tales From the Diaspora by Kahran Bethencourtsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Dear Mr. G by Christine Evanssource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Evergreen by Matthew Cordellsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Fox Has A Problem by Corey R. Taborsource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Gigi and Ojiji — Food for Thought by Melissa Iwaisource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Gigi and Ojiji — What's in a Name? by Melissa Iwaisource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Henry, Like Always by Jenn Baileysource (opens in a new tab)
  12. How to Love A Pony by Michelle Meadowssource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Into the Shadow Mist by Christina Soontornvatsource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Makeda Makes A Birthday Treat by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovichsource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Maxie Wiz and Her Dragon by Michelle Meadowssource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Maxie Wiz and the Magic Charms by Michelle Meadowssource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Mission to Shadow Sea by Remi Blackwoodsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. See the Ghost: Three Stories About Things You Cannot See by David LaRochellesource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Starry Henna Night by Mitali Banerjee Ruthssource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Super Magic Boy: Book 1, I Am A Dinosaur by Jarod Rosellósource (opens in a new tab)
  21. The Gold Bowl by Valerie Bollingsource (opens in a new tab)
  22. The Gray Day by Valerie Bollingsource (opens in a new tab)
  23. The Guardian Test by Christina Soontornvatsource (opens in a new tab)
  24. The Mighty Bite by Nathan Halesource (opens in a new tab)
  25. The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillosource (opens in a new tab)
  26. The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale by Jon Klassensource (opens in a new tab)
  27. The Song That Called Them Home by David Robertsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  28. The Story of Gumluck the Wizard by Adam Rexsource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Too Small Tola Gets Tough by Atinukesource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Top Secret Anniversary by Mitali Banerjee Ruthssource (opens in a new tab)
  31. Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends by Kaz Windnesssource (opens in a new tab)

Best Informational Books for Older Readers

  1. A First Time for Everything: A True Story by Dan Santatsource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Place Called America: A Story of the Land and People by Jennifer Thermessource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Breaking the Mold: Changing the Face of Climate Science by Dana Alison Levysource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind your Favorite Foods by Grace Linsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Coretta's Journey: The Life and Times of Coretta Scott King by Alice Faye Duncansource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes by Traci N. Toddsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Just Jerry: How Drawing Shaped My Life by Jerry Pinkneysource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Learning to Be Wild: How Animals Achieve Peace, Create Beauty, and Raise Families by Carl Safinasource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Making More: How Life Begins by Katherine Roysource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir by Pedro Martinsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. More Than A Dream: The Radical March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom by Yohuru Williamssource (opens in a new tab)
  12. My Head Has A Bellyache: More Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-ups by Chris Harrissource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Of All Tribes: American Indians and Alcatraz by Joseph Bruchacsource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Polar: Wildlife at the Ends of the Earth by L. E. Carmichaelsource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Shining A Light: Celebrating 40 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Who Changed the World by Veeda Bybeesource (opens in a new tab)
  16. The Mona Lisa Vanishes: A Legendary Painter, A Shocking Heist, and the Birth of A Global Celebrity by Nicholas Daysource (opens in a new tab)
  17. The Monkey Trial: John Scopes and the Battle Over Teaching Evolution by Anita Sanchezsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Total Garbage: A Messy Dive Into Trash, Waste, and Our World by Rebecca Donnellysource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Voices of the People by Joseph Bruchacsource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Your Freedom, your Power: A Kid's Guide to the First Amendment by Allison Matullisource (opens in a new tab)

Best Informational Books for Younger Readers

  1. A Few Beautiful Minutes: Experiencing A Solar Eclipse by Kate Allen Foxsource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Vaccine Is Like A Memory by Rajani LaRoccasource (opens in a new tab)
  3. An American Story by Kwame Alexandersource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Ancient Night by David Bowlessource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Behold the Octopus! by Suzanne Sladesource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Cicada Symphony by Sue Fliesssource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Día de muertos: números = a day of the dead counting book by Duncan Tonatiuhsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Ellen Takes Flight: The Life of Astronaut Ellen Ochoa by Doreen Rappaportsource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjensource (opens in a new tab)
  10. How Do You Spell Unfair?: MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee by Carole Boston Weatherfordsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. How the Sea Came to Be: And All the Creatures in It by Jennifer Bernesource (opens in a new tab)
  12. I'm An American by Darshana Khianisource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Jumper: A Day in the Life of A Backyard Jumping Spider by Jessica Lanansource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Ketanji: Justice Jackson's Journey to the U.S. Supreme Court by Kekla Magoonsource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Love Is Loud: How Diane Nash Led the Civil Rights Movement by Sandra Neil Wallacesource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Major Taylor: World Cycling Champion by Charles R. Smith Jr.source (opens in a new tab)
  17. No World Too Big: Young People Fighting Global Climate Change by Lindsay H. Metcalf, Keila V. Dawson and Jeanette Bradleysource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Noche antigua by David Bowlessource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Not A Monster by Claudia Guadalupe Martínezsource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Nuestra piel: una primera conversación sobre la raza by Megan Madisonsource (opens in a new tab)
  21. One Tiny Treefrog: A Countdown to Survival by Tony Piedrasource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Rise to the Sky: How the World's Tallest Trees Grow up by Rebecca E. Hirschsource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Rock, Rosetta, Rock! Roll, Rosetta, Roll!: Presenting Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the Godmother of Rock & Roll by Tonya Boldensource (opens in a new tab)
  24. The Book of Turtles by Sy Montgomerysource (opens in a new tab)
  25. The Fire of Stars: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made of by Kirsten W. Larsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  26. They Hold the Line: Wildfires, Wildlands, and the Firefighters Who Brave Them by Dan Paleysource (opens in a new tab)
  27. We Are Human Animals by Rosie Hainesource (opens in a new tab)
  28. What A Map Can Do by Gabrielle Balkansource (opens in a new tab)

Best Teen Fiction

  1. A Door in the Dark by Scott Reintgensource (opens in a new tab)
  2. An Appetite for Miracles by Laekan Zea Kempsource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Bonesmith by Nicki Pau Pretosource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Chasing Pacquiao by Rod Pulidosource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Daughters of Oduma by Moses Ose Utomisource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Enter the Body by Joy McCulloughsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Gather by Kenneth M. Cadowsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Godly Heathens: A Novel by H. E. Edgmonsource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Her Good Side by Rebekah Weatherspoonsource (opens in a new tab)
  10. I Loved You in Another Life by David Arnoldsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertallisource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Invisible Son by Kim Johnsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Margo Zimmerman Gets the Girl by Brianna R. Shrumsource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Only This Beautiful Moment by Abdi Nazemiansource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Saints of the Household by Ari Tisonsource (opens in a new tab)
  16. She Is A Haunting by Trang Thanh Transource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Star Splitter by Matthew J. Kirbysource (opens in a new tab)
  18. That Self-same Metal by Brittany N. Williamssource (opens in a new tab)
  19. The Blood Years by Elana K. Arnoldsource (opens in a new tab)
  20. The Eternal Return of Clara Hart by Louise Finchsource (opens in a new tab)
  21. The Isles of the Gods by Amie Kaufmansource (opens in a new tab)
  22. The Narrow by Kate Alice Marshallsource (opens in a new tab)
  23. The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph Whitesource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellingtonsource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Unraveller by Frances Hardingesource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulleysource (opens in a new tab)
  27. When You Wish Upon A Lantern by Gloria Chaosource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Where You See Yourself by Claire Forrestsource (opens in a new tab)

Best Teen Graphic Novels and Manga

  1. Ayashimon: Volume 1, I'll Play With You, Punk by Yuji Kakusource (opens in a new tab)
  2. Brooms by Jasmine Wallssource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Codex Black: 1, A Fire Among Clouds by Camilo Moncada Lozanosource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Hockey Girl Loves Drama Boy by Faith Erin Hickssource (opens in a new tab)
  5. I'm Kinda Chubby and I'm your Hero: Volume 1 by Noresource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Insomniacs After School: Volume 1 by Makoto Ojirosource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Is Love the Answer? by Uta Isakisource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Mage and the Endless Unknown by S. J. Millersource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Magical Girl Incident: Volume 1 by Zero Akabanesource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Not-sew-wicked Stepmom: Volume 1 by Mo9Rangsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. The Hills of Estrella Roja by Ashley Robin Franklinsource (opens in a new tab)
  12. The Illustrated Guide to Monster Girls: Volume 1 by Suzu Akekosource (opens in a new tab)
  13. The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Munizsource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Your Forma: #1 by Mareho Kikuishisource (opens in a new tab)

Best Teen Nonfiction

  1. 83 Days in Mariupol: A War Diary by Don Brownsource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Quantum Life: My Unlikely Journey From the Street to the Stars by Hakeem M. Oluseyisource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Accountable: The True Story of A Racist Social Media Account and the Teenagers Whose Lives It Changed by Dashka Slatersource (opens in a new tab)
  4. America Redux: Visual Stories From Our Dynamic History by Ariel Aberg-Rigersource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Impossible Escape: A True Story of Survival and Heroism in Nazi Europe by Steve Sheinkinsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. In Limbo by Deb JJ Leesource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Killing the Wittigo: Indigenous Culture-based Approaches to Waking Up, Taking Action, and Doing the Work of Healing : A Book for Young Adults by Suzanne Methotsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Monstrous: A Transracial Adoption Story by Sarah Myersource (opens in a new tab)

Los mejores libros en español

  1. Abuelos by Ariel Andrés Almadasource (opens in a new tab)
  2. Benita y las criaturas nocturnas by Mariana Llanossource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Día de muertos: números = a day of the dead counting book by Duncan Tonatiuhsource (opens in a new tab)
  4. El barrilito mágico de Papá by Jesús Trejosource (opens in a new tab)
  5. El día del agua by Margarita Englesource (opens in a new tab)
  6. El español es la lengua de mi familia by Michael Genhartsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. El pañuelo amarillo by Donna Barba Higuerasource (opens in a new tab)
  8. El pulpo se escapa by Maile Meloysource (opens in a new tab)
  9. El viaje de Yenebi a la escuela by Sendy Santamariasource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Los monstruos juegan...a contar! by Flavia Z. Dragosource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Martina tiene muchas tías by Emma Otheguysource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Mi hermano está lejos by Sara Greenwoodsource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Nigel y la luna by Antwan Eadysource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Noche antigua by David Bowlessource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Nuestra piel: una primera conversación sobre la raza by Megan Madisonsource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Nuestro techo es azul by Sara E. Echeniquesource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Que tu vida sea deliciosa by Michael Genhartsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Valiente como un león by Erika Mezasource (opens in a new tab)
  19. ¡El cucuy también tiene miedo! by Donna Barba Higuerasource (opens in a new tab)

Must-Read Books: Biography & Memoir

  1. A Living Remedy: A Memoir by Nicole Chungsource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Man of Two Faces: A Memoir, A History, A Memorial by Viet Thanh Nguyensource (opens in a new tab)
  3. An Amerikan Family: The Shakurs and the Nation They Created by Santi Elijah Holleysource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Anansi's Gold: The Man Who Looted the West, Outfoxed Washington, and Swindled the World by Yepoka Yeebosource (opens in a new tab)
  5. August Wilson: A Life by Patti Hartigansource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Better Living Through Birding: Notes From A Black Man in the Natural World by Christian Coopersource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Class: A Memoir by Stephanie Landsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Cosmic Scholar: The Life and Times of Harry Smith by John F. Szwedsource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Don't Think, Dear: On Loving & Leaving Ballet by Alice Robbsource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Doppelganger: A Trip Into the Mirror World by Naomi Kleinsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Dyscalculia: A Love Story of Epic Miscalculation by Camonghne Felixsource (opens in a new tab)
  12. George: A Magpie Memoir by Frieda Hughessource (opens in a new tab)
  13. How to Say Babylon: A Memoir by Safiya Sinclairsource (opens in a new tab)
  14. King: A Life by Jonathan Eigsource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Liliana's Invincible Summer: A Sister's Search for Justice by Cristina Rivera Garzasource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Mott Street: A Chinese American Family's Story of Exclusion and Homecoming by Ava Chinsource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Ordinary Notes by Christina Elizabeth Sharpesource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Owner of A Lonely Heart: A Memoir by Beth Nguyensource (opens in a new tab)
  19. The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and A Dangerous Obsession by Michael Finkelsource (opens in a new tab)
  20. The Country of the Blind: A Memoir at the End of Sight by Andrew Lelandsource (opens in a new tab)
  21. The People's Hospital: Hope and Peril in American Medicine by Ricardo Nuilasource (opens in a new tab)
  22. The Talk by Darrin Bellsource (opens in a new tab)
  23. The Young Man by Annie Ernauxsource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Thunderclap: A Memoir of Art and Life & Sudden Death by Laura Cummingsource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Waiting to Be Arrested at Night: A Uyghur Poet's Memoir of China's Genocide by Tahir Hamut Izgilsource (opens in a new tab)
  26. While You Were Out: An Intimate Family Portrait of Mental Illness in An Era of Silence by Meg Kissingersource (opens in a new tab)
  27. You Could Make This Place Beautiful: A Memoir by Maggie Smithsource (opens in a new tab)

Must-Read Books: Fantasy, Horror & Sci-Fi

  1. A House With Good Bones by T. Kingfishersource (opens in a new tab)
  2. After the Forest by Kell Woodssource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldreesource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Camp Damascus by Chuck Tinglesource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Chlorine: A Novel by Jade Songsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Holly: A Novel by Stephen Kingsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Immortal Longings by Chloe Gongsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Ink Blood Sister Scribe: A Novel by Emma Törzssource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Lone Women: A Novel by Victor LaVallesource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Mister Magic: A Novel by Kiersten Whitesource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Monica by Daniel Clowessource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Monstrilio by Gerardo Sámano Córdovasource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Our Share of Night: A Novel by Mariana Enriquezsource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Out There Screaming: An Anthology of New Black Horror by Jordan Peele and John Joseph Adamssource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Sisters of the Lost Nation by Nick Medinasource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Starling House by Alix E. Harrowsource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Starter Villain by John Scalzisource (opens in a new tab)
  18. The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi: A Novel by Shannon Chakrabortysource (opens in a new tab)
  19. The Deep Sky by Yume Kitaseisource (opens in a new tab)
  20. The Fragile Threads of Power: A Novel by Victoria Schwabsource (opens in a new tab)
  21. The Future: A Novel by Naomi Aldermansource (opens in a new tab)
  22. The Reformatory: A Novel by Tananarive Duesource (opens in a new tab)
  23. The September House by Carissa Orlandosource (opens in a new tab)
  24. The Water Outlaws by S. L. Huangsource (opens in a new tab)
  25. The World Wasn't Ready for You: Stories by Justin C. Keysource (opens in a new tab)
  26. These Burning Stars by Bethany Jacobssource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Thornhedge by T. Kingfishersource (opens in a new tab)
  28. To Shape A Dragon's Breath by Moniquill Blackgoosesource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Translation State by Ann Leckiesource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gilligsource (opens in a new tab)
  31. Victory City: A Novel by Salman Rushdiesource (opens in a new tab)
  32. White Cat, Black Dog: Stories by Kelly Linksource (opens in a new tab)
  33. Witch King by Martha Wellssource (opens in a new tab)

Must-Read Books: Fiction

  1. A Council of Dolls: A Novel by Mona Susan Powersource (opens in a new tab)
  2. Absolution by Alice McDermottsource (opens in a new tab)
  3. After the Funeral and Other Stories by Tessa Hadleysource (opens in a new tab)
  4. August Blue by Deborah Levysource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Beyond the Door of No Return by David Diopsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Big Swiss: A Novel by Jen Beaginsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Biography of X: A Novel by Catherine Laceysource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Blackouts: A Novel by Justin Torressource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Blood of the Virgin by Sammy Harkhamsource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Chain-gang All-stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyahsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Clytemnestra: A Novel by Costanza Casatisource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Crook Manifesto: A Novel by Colson Whiteheadsource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Day: A Novel by Michael Cunninghamsource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Dayswork: A Novel by Chris Bacheldersource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Dearborn: Stories by Ghassan Zeineddinesource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Death Valley: A Novel by Melissa Brodersource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?: A Novel by Crystal Smith Paulsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Empty Theatre: Or, the Lives of King Ludwig II of Bavaria and Empress Sisi of Austria (Queen of Hungary), Cousins, in Their Pursuit of Connection and Beauty Despite the Expectations Placed on Them Because of the Exceptional Good Fortune of Their Status as Beloved National Figures. With Speculation Into the Mysterious Nature of Their Deaths by Jac Jemcsource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Enter Ghost: A Novel by Isabella Hammadsource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Family Lore: A Novel by Elizabeth Acevedosource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Family Meal by Bryan Washingtonsource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Fat Time and Other Stories by Jeffery Renard Allensource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Girl Juice by Benji Natesource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Good Night, Irene by Luis Alberto Urreasource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Good Women by Halle Hillsource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Greek Lessons: A Novel by Kang Hansource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Hello Beautiful: A Novel by Ann Napolitanosource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Holler, Child: Stories by LaToya Watkinssource (opens in a new tab)
  29. House on via Gemito by Domenico Starnonesource (opens in a new tab)
  30. How to Build A Boat by Elaine Feeneysource (opens in a new tab)
  31. I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkaisource (opens in a new tab)
  32. In Memoriam by Alice Winnsource (opens in a new tab)
  33. Kairos by Jenny Erpenbecksource (opens in a new tab)
  34. Land of Milk and Honey: A Novel by C Pam Zhangsource (opens in a new tab)
  35. Let Us Descend: A Novel by Jesmyn Wardsource (opens in a new tab)
  36. Loot by Tania Jamessource (opens in a new tab)
  37. Lucky Red: A Novel by Claudia Cravenssource (opens in a new tab)
  38. Maame by Jessica Georgesource (opens in a new tab)
  39. Mobility: A Novel by Lydia Kieslingsource (opens in a new tab)
  40. My Work by Olga Ravnsource (opens in a new tab)
  41. North Woods: A Novel by Daniel Masonsource (opens in a new tab)
  42. Number Go up: Inside Crypto's Wild Rise and Staggering Fall by Zeke Fauxsource (opens in a new tab)
  43. Old God's Time by Sebastian Barrysource (opens in a new tab)
  44. Open Throat by Henry Hokesource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Our Strangers: Stories by Lydia Davissource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Pineapple Street: A Novel by Jenny Jacksonsource (opens in a new tab)
  47. Pomegranate: A Novel by Helen Elaine Leesource (opens in a new tab)
  48. Promise: A Novel by Rachel Eliza Griffithssource (opens in a new tab)
  49. Ripe: A Novel by Sarah Rose Ettersource (opens in a new tab)
  50. Roaming by Jillian Tamakisource (opens in a new tab)
  51. Roman Stories by Jhumpa Lahirisource (opens in a new tab)
  52. Rouge: A Novel by Mona Awadsource (opens in a new tab)
  53. Same Bed Different Dreams: A Novel by Ed Parksource (opens in a new tab)
  54. Shubeik Lubeik by Dīnā Muḥammadsource (opens in a new tab)
  55. So Late in the Day: Stories of Women and Men by Claire Keegansource (opens in a new tab)
  56. Still Born by Guadalupe Nettelsource (opens in a new tab)
  57. Straw Dogs of the Universe: A Novel by Chun Yesource (opens in a new tab)
  58. Temple Folk by Aaliyah Bilalsource (opens in a new tab)
  59. Terrace Story: A Novel by Hilary Leichtersource (opens in a new tab)
  60. The Bee Sting by Paul Murraysource (opens in a new tab)
  61. The Berry Pickers: A Novel by Amanda Peterssource (opens in a new tab)
  62. The Covenant of Water: A Novel by Abraham Verghesesource (opens in a new tab)
  63. The End of Drum-time: A Novel by Hanna Pylväinensource (opens in a new tab)
  64. The Faraway World: Stories by Patricia Engelsource (opens in a new tab)
  65. The Five-star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrandsource (opens in a new tab)
  66. The Fraud by Zadie Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  67. The Great Reclamation by Rachel Hengsource (opens in a new tab)
  68. The Guest: A Novel by Emma Clinesource (opens in a new tab)
  69. The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBridesource (opens in a new tab)
  70. The House of Doors by Twan Eng Tansource (opens in a new tab)
  71. The Iliad by Homersource (opens in a new tab)
  72. The Last Animal by Ramona Ausubelsource (opens in a new tab)
  73. The Maniac by Benjamín Labatutsource (opens in a new tab)
  74. The Most Secret Memory of Men by Mohamed Mbougar Sarrsource (opens in a new tab)
  75. The New Life: A Novel by Tom Crewesource (opens in a new tab)
  76. The People Who Report More Stress: Stories by Alejandro Varelasource (opens in a new tab)
  77. The Postcard by Anne Berestsource (opens in a new tab)
  78. The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghuesource (opens in a new tab)
  79. The Sun Walks Down by Fiona McFarlanesource (opens in a new tab)
  80. The Unsettled by Ayana Mathissource (opens in a new tab)
  81. The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groffsource (opens in a new tab)
  82. The Vulnerables by Sigrid Nunezsource (opens in a new tab)
  83. The World and All That It Holds by Aleksandar Hemonsource (opens in a new tab)
  84. The Wren, the Wren: A Novel by Anne Enrightsource (opens in a new tab)
  85. This Other Eden: A Novel by Paul Hardingsource (opens in a new tab)
  86. Tom Lake: A Novel by Ann Patchettsource (opens in a new tab)
  87. Tremor: A Novel by Teju Colesource (opens in a new tab)
  88. Vengeance Is Mine by Marie NDiayesource (opens in a new tab)
  89. Wandering Souls: A Novel by Cecile Pinsource (opens in a new tab)
  90. Wednesday's Child: Stories by Yiyun Lisource (opens in a new tab)
  91. Wellness: A Novel by Nathan Hillsource (opens in a new tab)
  92. Whale by Myŏng-gwan Ch'ŏnsource (opens in a new tab)
  93. What Happened to Ruthy Ramirez by Claire Jimenezsource (opens in a new tab)
  94. What You Are Looking for Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyamasource (opens in a new tab)
  95. When Trying to Return Home: Stories by Jennifer Maritza McCauleysource (opens in a new tab)
  96. Witness: Stories by Jamel Brinkleysource (opens in a new tab)
  97. Y/N: A Novel by Esther Yisource (opens in a new tab)
  98. Yellowface: A Novel by R. F. Kuangsource (opens in a new tab)

Must-Read Books: Mystery & Thriller

  1. Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoorsource (opens in a new tab)
  2. All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosbysource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Birnam Wood by Eleanor Cattonsource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Bright Young Women by Jessica Knollsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Drowning: The Rescue of Flight 1421 : A Novel by T. J. Newmansource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Happiness Falls: A Novel by Angie Kimsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. My Father's House: A Novel by Joseph O'Connorsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Night Will Find You by Julia Heaberlinsource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Pet by Catherine Chidgeysource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Reykjavík by Ragnar Jónassonsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Small Mercies: A Novel by Dennis Lehanesource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugentsource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumbsource (opens in a new tab)
  14. The Benevolent Society of Ill-mannered Ladies by Alison Goodmansource (opens in a new tab)
  15. The Golden Gate by Amy Chuasource (opens in a new tab)
  16. The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osmansource (opens in a new tab)
  17. The Last Remains by Elly Griffithssource (opens in a new tab)
  18. The Mystery Guest by Nita Prosesource (opens in a new tab)
  19. The Only One Left: A Novel by Riley Sagersource (opens in a new tab)
  20. The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallonsource (opens in a new tab)
  21. The Secret Hours by Mick Herronsource (opens in a new tab)
  22. The White Lady: A Novel by Jacqueline Winspearsource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutantosource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Whalefall by Daniel Kraussource (opens in a new tab)

Must-Read Books: Nonfiction

  1. A Day in the Life of Abed Salama: Anatomy of A Jerusalem Tragedy by Nathan Thrallsource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan's Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them by Timothy Egansource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Black AF History: The Un-whitewashed Story of America by Michael Harriotsource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Blood Memory: The Tragic Decline and Improbable Resurrection of the American Buffalo by Dayton Duncansource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution by Cat Bohannonsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Fear Is Just A Word: A Missing Daughter, A Violent Cartel, and A Mother's Quest for Vengeance by Azam Ahmedsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Fire Weather: A True Story From A Hotter World by John Vaillantsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Flee North: A Forgotten Hero and the Fight for Freedom in Slavery's Borderland by Scott Shanesource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Gator Country: Deception, Danger, and Alligators in the Everglades by Rebecca Rennersource (opens in a new tab)
  10. He/she/they: How We Talk About Gender and Why It Matters by Schuyler Bailarsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Judgment at Tokyo: World War II on Trial and the Making of Modern Asia by Gary J. Basssource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey From Slavery to Freedom by Ilyon Woosource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma by Claire Dederersource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell by Sy Montgomerysource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Opinions: A Decade of Arguments, Criticisms, and Minding Other People's Business by Roxane Gaysource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Our Migrant Souls: A Meditation on Race and the Meanings and Myths of "Latino" by Héctor Tobarsource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmondsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Quietly Hostile: Essays by Samantha Irbysource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Red Memory: The Afterlives of China's Cultural Revolution by Tania Branigansource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Rivermouth: A Chronicle of Language, Faith, and Migration by Alejandra Olivasource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Rough Sleepers by Tracy Kiddersource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Saving Time: Discovering A Life Beyond the Clock by Jenny Odellsource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Some People Need Killing: A Memoir of Murder in My Country by Patricia Evangelistasource (opens in a new tab)
  24. The 272: The Families Who Were Enslaved and Sold to Build the American Catholic Church by Rachel L. Swarnssource (opens in a new tab)
  25. The Burning of the World: The Great Chicago Fire and the War for A City's Soul by Scott W. Bergsource (opens in a new tab)
  26. The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubinsource (opens in a new tab)
  27. The Dictionary People: The Unsung Heroes Who Created the Oxford English Dictionary by Sarah Ogilviesource (opens in a new tab)
  28. The Great Displacement: Climate Change and the Next American Migration by Jake Bittlesource (opens in a new tab)
  29. The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel: Genius, Power, and Deception on the Eve of World War I by Douglas Bruntsource (opens in a new tab)
  30. The Parrot and the Igloo: Climate and the Science of Denial by David Lipskysource (opens in a new tab)
  31. The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History by Ned Blackhawksource (opens in a new tab)
  32. The Slip: The New York City Street That Changed American Art Forever by Prudence Peiffersource (opens in a new tab)
  33. The Story of Art Without Men by Katy Hesselsource (opens in a new tab)
  34. The Underworld: Journeys to the Depths of the Ocean by Susan Caseysource (opens in a new tab)
  35. The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder by David Grannsource (opens in a new tab)
  36. Thin Skin: Essays by Jenn Shaplandsource (opens in a new tab)
  37. This Is Not Miami by Fernanda Melchorsource (opens in a new tab)
  38. To Free the Captives: A Plea for the American Soul by Tracy K. Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  39. We Were Once A Family: A Story of Love, Death, and Child Removal in America by Roxanna Asgariansource (opens in a new tab)
  40. What An Owl Knows: The New Science of the World's Most Enigmatic Birds by Jennifer Ackermansource (opens in a new tab)
  41. When Crack Was King: A People's History of A Misunderstood Era by Donovan X. Ramseysource (opens in a new tab)

Must-Read Books: Romance

  1. A Dish Best Served Hot by Natalie Cañasource (opens in a new tab)
  2. An Island Princess Starts A Scandal by Adriana Herrerasource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Ana María and the Fox by Liana De la Rosasource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomonsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Forget Me Not by Julie Sotosource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarrossource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Happy Place by Emily Henrysource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Hello Stranger by Katherine Centersource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Knockout by Sarah MacLeansource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Long Shot by Kennedy Ryansource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwoodsource (opens in a new tab)
  12. One Summer in Savannah: A Novel by Terah Shelton Harrissource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Practice Makes Perfect: A Novel by Sarah Adamssource (opens in a new tab)
  14. The Art of Scandal by Regina Blacksource (opens in a new tab)
  15. The Fiancée Farce: A Novel by Alexandria Bellefleursource (opens in a new tab)
  16. The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charlessource (opens in a new tab)
  17. The True Love Experiment by Christina Laurensource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Wildfire: A Novel by Hannah Gracesource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Yours Truly by Abby Jimenezsource (opens in a new tab)

Our Favorite Books

  1. A Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan's Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them by Timothy Egansource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A House With Good Bones by T. Kingfishersource (opens in a new tab)
  3. A Living Remedy: A Memoir by Nicole Chungsource (opens in a new tab)
  4. A Renaissance of Our Own: A Memoir & Manifesto on Reimagining by Rachel E. Carglesource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Absolution by Alice McDermottsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. After the Forest by Kell Woodssource (opens in a new tab)
  7. All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosbysource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Big Swiss: A Novel by Jen Beaginsource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Birnam Wood by Eleanor Cattonsource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Black AF History: The Un-whitewashed Story of America by Michael Harriotsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Blood of the Virgin by Sammy Harkhamsource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Bright Young Women by Jessica Knollsource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomonsource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Camp Damascus by Chuck Tinglesource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Chain-gang All-stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyahsource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Chlorine: A Novel by Jade Songsource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Clytemnestra: A Novel by Costanza Casatisource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Crook Manifesto: A Novel by Colson Whiteheadsource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Dearborn: Stories by Ghassan Zeineddinesource (opens in a new tab)
  20. Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?: A Novel by Crystal Smith Paulsource (opens in a new tab)
  21. Don't Think, Dear: On Loving & Leaving Ballet by Alice Robbsource (opens in a new tab)
  22. Empty Theatre: Or, the Lives of King Ludwig II of Bavaria and Empress Sisi of Austria (Queen of Hungary), Cousins, in Their Pursuit of Connection and Beauty Despite the Expectations Placed on Them Because of the Exceptional Good Fortune of Their Status as Beloved National Figures. With Speculation Into the Mysterious Nature of Their Deaths by Jac Jemcsource (opens in a new tab)
  23. Enter Ghost: A Novel by Isabella Hammadsource (opens in a new tab)
  24. Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution by Cat Bohannonsource (opens in a new tab)
  25. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarrossource (opens in a new tab)
  26. Girl Juice by Benji Natesource (opens in a new tab)
  27. Good Night, Irene by Luis Alberto Urreasource (opens in a new tab)
  28. Happy Place by Emily Henrysource (opens in a new tab)
  29. Hello Beautiful: A Novel by Ann Napolitanosource (opens in a new tab)
  30. Holly: A Novel by Stephen Kingsource (opens in a new tab)
  31. I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkaisource (opens in a new tab)
  32. In Memoriam by Alice Winnsource (opens in a new tab)
  33. Ink Blood Sister Scribe: A Novel by Emma Törzssource (opens in a new tab)
  34. Kairos by Jenny Erpenbecksource (opens in a new tab)
  35. King: A Life by Jonathan Eigsource (opens in a new tab)
  36. Lone Women: A Novel by Victor LaVallesource (opens in a new tab)
  37. Loot by Tania Jamessource (opens in a new tab)
  38. Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey From Slavery to Freedom by Ilyon Woosource (opens in a new tab)
  39. Mister Magic: A Novel by Kiersten Whitesource (opens in a new tab)
  40. Monica by Daniel Clowessource (opens in a new tab)
  41. Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma by Claire Dederersource (opens in a new tab)
  42. Monstrilio by Gerardo Sámano Córdovasource (opens in a new tab)
  43. My Father's House: A Novel by Joseph O'Connorsource (opens in a new tab)
  44. North Woods: A Novel by Daniel Masonsource (opens in a new tab)
  45. Old God's Time by Sebastian Barrysource (opens in a new tab)
  46. Our Migrant Souls: A Meditation on Race and the Meanings and Myths of "Latino" by Héctor Tobarsource (opens in a new tab)
  47. Our Share of Night: A Novel by Mariana Enriquezsource (opens in a new tab)
  48. Out There Screaming: An Anthology of New Black Horror by Jordan Peele and John Joseph Adamssource (opens in a new tab)
  49. Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmondsource (opens in a new tab)
  50. Quietly Hostile: Essays by Samantha Irbysource (opens in a new tab)
  51. Red Memory: The Afterlives of China's Cultural Revolution by Tania Branigansource (opens in a new tab)
  52. Roaming by Jillian Tamakisource (opens in a new tab)
  53. Rough Sleepers by Tracy Kiddersource (opens in a new tab)
  54. Saving Time: Discovering A Life Beyond the Clock by Jenny Odellsource (opens in a new tab)
  55. Sisters of the Lost Nation by Nick Medinasource (opens in a new tab)
  56. Temple Folk by Aaliyah Bilalsource (opens in a new tab)
  57. The Bee Sting by Paul Murraysource (opens in a new tab)
  58. The Burning of the World: The Great Chicago Fire and the War for A City's Soul by Scott W. Bergsource (opens in a new tab)
  59. The Covenant of Water: A Novel by Abraham Verghesesource (opens in a new tab)
  60. The Dictionary People: The Unsung Heroes Who Created the Oxford English Dictionary by Sarah Ogilviesource (opens in a new tab)
  61. The Faraway World: Stories by Patricia Engelsource (opens in a new tab)
  62. The Fraud by Zadie Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  63. The Great Displacement: Climate Change and the Next American Migration by Jake Bittlesource (opens in a new tab)
  64. The Guest: A Novel by Emma Clinesource (opens in a new tab)
  65. The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBridesource (opens in a new tab)
  66. The Maniac by Benjamín Labatutsource (opens in a new tab)
  67. The New Life: A Novel by Tom Crewesource (opens in a new tab)
  68. The Postcard by Anne Berestsource (opens in a new tab)
  69. The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallonsource (opens in a new tab)
  70. The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghuesource (opens in a new tab)
  71. The Rooster House: A Ukrainian Family Story by Victoria Belimsource (opens in a new tab)
  72. The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charlessource (opens in a new tab)
  73. The September House by Carissa Orlandosource (opens in a new tab)
  74. The Sun Walks Down by Fiona McFarlanesource (opens in a new tab)
  75. The Talk by Darrin Bellsource (opens in a new tab)
  76. The Underworld: Journeys to the Depths of the Ocean by Susan Caseysource (opens in a new tab)
  77. The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groffsource (opens in a new tab)
  78. The Vulnerables by Sigrid Nunezsource (opens in a new tab)
  79. The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder by David Grannsource (opens in a new tab)
  80. This Other Eden: A Novel by Paul Hardingsource (opens in a new tab)
  81. Thunderclap: A Memoir of Art and Life & Sudden Death by Laura Cummingsource (opens in a new tab)
  82. Tom Lake: A Novel by Ann Patchettsource (opens in a new tab)
  83. We Were Once A Family: A Story of Love, Death, and Child Removal in America by Roxanna Asgariansource (opens in a new tab)
  84. Whalefall: A Novel by Daniel Kraussource (opens in a new tab)
  85. What Happened to Ruthy Ramirez by Claire Jimenezsource (opens in a new tab)
  86. White Cat, Black Dog: Stories by Kelly Linksource (opens in a new tab)
  87. Y/N: A Novel by Esther Yisource (opens in a new tab)
  88. Yellowface: A Novel by R. F. Kuangsource (opens in a new tab)

Our Favorite Books: Top 10

  1. Absolution by Alice McDermottsource (opens in a new tab)
  2. All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosbysource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Chain-gang All-stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyahsource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Hello Beautiful: A Novel by Ann Napolitanosource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Our Migrant Souls: A Meditation on Race and the Meanings and Myths of "Latino" by Héctor Tobarsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. The Great Displacement: Climate Change and the Next American Migration by Jake Bittlesource (opens in a new tab)
  7. The Talk by Darrin Bellsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder by David Grannsource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Tom Lake: A Novel by Ann Patchettsource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Yellowface: A Novel by R. F. Kuangsource (opens in a new tab)

About the Chicago Public Library Best of the Best

Lists come from CPL's yearly Best of the Best pages on chipublib.org (2014-2025), which link to staff lists on chipublib.bibliocommons.com; titles and authors were read from those BiblioCommons lists. Year is the year in the list name, which is the publication year of the books. Category is the BiblioCommons list name with the year removed (for example "Best Teen Fiction", "Best Books: Top Ten", "Must-Read Books: Fiction"). From 2023 the adult picks are "Our Favorite Books" plus genre "Must-Read Books" lists, all linked from the Best of the Best page. Top 10 lists repeat titles from the full adult list; both are kept as separate categories. For 2007-2013 there is no CPL year page that is still live; we used CPL's own BiblioCommons lists in the same series (teen fiction 2007-2013, teen nonfiction 2008, kids lists 2010-2013). For 2009 kids lists we used the archived chipublib.org Best of the Best page via Wayback; CPL titled that page "Best of the Best 2010" but it covers books of 2009, so it is filed as 2009, and its section names were mapped to the BiblioCommons style ("Picture Books" to "Best Picture Books", "Nonfiction" to "Best Nonfiction"). Award-winner, NatureConnections and Healthy Living sections were left out. 2006 is left out because no archived list for books of 2006 was found. Adult lists from 2013 and earlier were left out because they compile outside sources, not CPL picks. Authors are the catalog's main author put in first-last order; editors are used for anthologies. Translators are filled only for a few titles where the CPL catalog record credits one, so most translated books lack a translator. Where one list names two books from the same series (e.g. Ty's Travels: All Aboard! and Ty's Travels: Zip, Zoom!), the series and book title are joined with a dash so the catalog keeps them apart; catalog series tags such as "(I can read book, Book None)" are dropped.

Organization: Chicago Public Library. Official site (opens in a new tab)

The most recommended books of 2023