Book List

17 Books You Really Should Have Read by Now

FICTION

ATOMIC ANNA

by Rachel Barenbaum

As ambitious as a Greek tragedy and just as lyrical and unflinching. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

SCATTERED ALL OVER THE EARTH

by Yoko Tawada ; translated by Margaret Mitsutani

Who decides what’s authentic? Tawada will tell you that’s in flux and always has been. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

THE CHRISTIE AFFAIR

by Nina de Gramont

Devilishly clever, elegantly composed and structured—simply splendid. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

WHEN WE WERE BIRDS

by Ayanna Lloyd Banwo

A remarkable story that blends urban reality and Caribbean-infused magical realism. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

GOOD INTENTIONS

by Kasim Ali

An exploration of the ways that race and family ties may complicate or imperil romance even if everyone means well. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

BECOMING ABOLITIONISTS

by Derecka Purnell

An informed, provocative, astute consideration of salvific alternatives to contemporary policing and imprisonment. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

GOLD, OIL AND AVOCADOS

by Andy Robinson

An urgent eyewitness account of how culture and land are being destroyed by “a remorseless process of commodification.” Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

PLANET CLAIRE

by Jeff Porter

A haunting and thought-provoking consideration of death and “how utterly it rips apart our lives.” Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

FUCKED AT BIRTH

by Dale Maharidge

A sharp wake-up call to heed the new Depression and to recognize the humanity of those hit hardest. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

More Book Lists

The Magazine: Kirkus Reviews

Featuring 322 industry-first reviews of fiction, nonfiction, children’s, and YA books; also in this special Graphic Lit issue: interviews with Alison Bechdel, Denali Sai Nalamalapu, Raina Telgemeier & Scott McCloud, and Fred Fordham; and more

subscribe
  • kirkus star
  • The Kirkus Star

    One of the most coveted designations in the book industry, the Kirkus Star marks books of exceptional merit.

  • kirkus prize
  • The Kirkus Prize

    The Kirkus Prize is among the richest literary awards in America, awarding $50,000 in three categories annually.

Great Books & News Curated For You

Be the first to read books news and see reviews, news and features in Kirkus Reviews. Get awesome content delivered to your inbox every week.

Thank you!

Close Quickview