As the year draws to a close, many of us reflect on the books that have left a lasting impact. For avid readers and writers alike, the end of the year is an opportunity to share the literary treasures they’ve encountered, whether old favorites or discoveries. For authors, reading is not only a source of inspiration but also an essential part of honing their craft. In this article, we hear from 10 acclaimed authors who share the best books they read in the past year. From fiction to memoirs, these recommendations provide a diverse range of genres and themes, offering something for every reader.
- Colson Whitehead – The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Colson Whitehead, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys, has always been an advocate for powerful, thought-provoking narratives that challenge our understanding of history. This year, Whitehead cites The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates as one of his most memorable reads.
Coates’ debut novel blends historical fiction with elements of magical realism. Set during the era of slavery in America, the book follows Hiram Walker, a young man born into slavery who possesses the mysterious power of “conduction,” which allows him to manipulate water. Whitehead admires Coates’ nuanced exploration of freedom, family, and memory, noting that the novel’s lyrical prose and emotional depth left a lasting impression on him.
“I think Coates has written a hauntingly beautiful book,” Whitehead says. “The way he combines history with personal, mystical experiences is profound and eye-opening.”
- Maggie O’Farrell – The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Maggie O’Farrell, author of Hamnet and I Am, I Am, I Am, is no stranger to writing complex, emotionally resonant stories about the human condition. This year, she was captivated by The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, a novel that blends glamour, romance, and the darker side of fame.
The story follows Evelyn Hugo, a reclusive Hollywood icon who, in her later years, chooses to tell the truth about her tumultuous rise to fame and her seven marriages. O’Farrell praises Reid for her vivid characters and the way she seamlessly weaves together themes of love, identity, and self-preservation. “Reid’s storytelling is so compelling and dynamic,” O’Farrell explains. “You can’t help but be hooked by the mystery of Evelyn’s life and the secrets she’s hiding.”
- Leigh Bardugo – A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
Leigh Bardugo, the bestselling author of Shadow and Bone and Ninth House, recommends A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara as one of the most powerful and unforgettable books she’s read. This harrowing novel follows four college friends over several decades, with a particular focus on Jude, whose painful past continues to shape his adult life.
Bardugo admits that the book’s emotional intensity is overwhelming, but she appreciates Yanagihara’s unflinching portrayal of trauma and survival. “It’s a book that stays with you,” Bardugo says. “The way Yanagihara writes about friendship, pain, and healing is staggering. It’s not easy to read, but it’s one of those books that forces you to reflect deeply on the human experience.”
- Roxane Gay – The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
Roxane Gay, renowned for her bestselling works Bad Feminist and Hunger, picks The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead as a standout read from the year. In this novel, Whitehead delves into the horrors of a reform school in Florida during the Jim Crow era, inspired by the true story of a brutal institution that operated for over 100 years.
Gay admires Whitehead’s ability to blend historical fiction with emotional resonance, capturing the heartbreaking experiences of the boys trapped in the system. “Whitehead does an incredible job of showing the effects of institutionalized racism, and the way he balances the brutal realities with hope and redemption is masterful,” Gay reflects. “It’s a heartbreaking book, but it’s necessary to read.”
- Celeste Ng – Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
Celeste Ng, author of Little Fires Everywhere and Everything I Never Told You, was deeply impressed by Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid, a debut novel that takes on issues of race, privilege, and identity. The story revolves around Emira, a 25-year-old Black woman who works as a babysitter for a white family. When a misunderstanding at a supermarket leads to Emira being accused of kidnapping the child she’s watching, the story delves into themes of race, class, and personal agency.
Ng appreciates Reid’s sharp wit and the way she balances humor with social commentary. “It’s a brilliant book,” Ng says. “Reid captures the complexities of race and class in a way that is so nuanced and relatable. It’s both funny and poignant, and it tackles tough topics with empathy and insight.”
- Tana French – The Institute by Stephen King
Tana French, the author of In the Woods and The Likeness, is a fan of psychological thrillers and suspense novels, and this year, she was captivated by The Institute by Stephen King. In this chilling novel, a group of children with psychic abilities are abducted and taken to a mysterious institution, where they must fight for their survival.
French is drawn to King’s mastery of suspense and his ability to weave social commentary into his stories. “King is a master of suspense,” French says. “What really struck me about The Institute is how he creates a terrifying atmosphere while also making you care about the characters. It’s a thriller with a lot of heart and depth.”
- Matt Haig – The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Matt Haig, author of Reasons to Stay Alive and How to Stop Time, chose his book, The Midnight Library, as one of his favorite reads of the year. In this novel, the protagonist, Nora Seed, is given the chance to explore alternate versions of her life by visiting a magical library that exists between life and death.
Haig praises the novel for its exploration of regret, second chances, and the infinite possibilities of life. “I’m very proud of this book,” Haig says. “It’s a story that encourages readers to think about the lives they’re living and the choices they’re making. It’s about the infinite possibilities that exist in every moment, and the importance of embracing life as it is.”
- Zadie Smith – The Overstory by Richard Powers
Zadie Smith, the acclaimed author of On Beauty and White Teeth, recommends The Overstory by Richard Powers, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that explores the lives of several characters connected by their relationships to trees and the natural world. The book spans generations and weaves together themes of environmentalism, interconnectedness, and the fragility of life.
Smith admires Powers’ ability to craft a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally relevant. “It’s a stunning book,” Smith says. “Powers uses trees as a metaphor for the interconnectedness of all life, and he does so in a way that is both poetic and profound. It’s a book that makes you reflect on your place in the world.”
- Sally Rooney – Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Sally Rooney, author of Normal People and Conversations with Friends, enjoyed reading Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston, a contemporary romance novel that follows the romantic relationship between the First Son of the United States and a British prince. The novel combines humor, political intrigue, and an exploration of LGBTQ+ identity.
Rooney appreciates the novel’s charm and the depth of its characters. “It’s a heartwarming and fun book,” Rooney says. “McQuiston’s characters are lovable, and the story is both lighthearted and emotionally rich. It’s a perfect balance of romance and social commentary.”
- Yaa Gyasi – The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
Yaa Gyasi, author of Homegoing and Transcendent Kingdom, cites The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett as one of the standout books she read this year. The novel follows the lives of twin sisters who grow up in a small, segregated town in Louisiana. As they grow older, one sister chooses to live as a Black woman, while the other passes as white, leading to a rift that spans generations.
Gyasi is captivated by Bennett’s exploration of identity, race, and the complexities of family dynamics. “It’s a beautifully written book,” Gyasi says. “Bennett handles themes of race and identity with such sensitivity and nuance. It’s a book that makes you think deeply about the choices we make and how they shape our lives.”
The books these authors recommend offer a wide range of themes, genres, and styles, but all share a common thread: they are profound, thought-provoking, and unforgettable. Whether you’re drawn to literary fiction, psychological thrillers, or heartwarming romances, the best books of the year have something for every reader. By reading what these authors recommend, you’re sure to find your next great literary adventure. So, as you reflect on the year’s reading, take inspiration from these celebrated writers and dive into the books that have shaped their literary journeys.
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