Book List

20 Best Books To Read in April

FICTION

YOUNG MUNGO

by Douglas Stuart

Romantic, terrifying, brutal, tender, and, in the end, sneakily hopeful. What a writer. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

LITTLE FOXES TOOK UP MATCHES

by Katya Kazbek

A rich and moving look at a child in the midst of self-discovery. As dark as a Brothers Grimm fairy tale—and as magical. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

THE CANDY HOUSE

by Jennifer Egan

A thrilling, endlessly stimulating work that demands to be read and reread. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

SOME OF MY BEST FRIENDS

by Tajja Isen

Fresh and intelligent critiques of popular North American ideas about race and gender. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

CONSTRUCTING A NERVOUS SYSTEM

by Margo Jefferson

A dynamic, unflinchingly candid examination of the impacts of race and class on culture and the author’s own life. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

HELLO, MOLLY!

by Molly Shannon with Sean Wilsey

Equal parts funny and touching, a cut above most celebrity memoirs. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

HISTORY

BLOOD AND RUINS

by Richard Overy

A brilliant, mildly controversial interpretation of the history, conduct, and aftermath of WWII. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT

SCOUT'S HONOR

by Lily Anderson

Anyone with a yen for community service, particularly the martial sort, will be hot to sign up. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

THE LAST MAPMAKER

by Christina Soontornvat

An engrossing adventure with the feeling of a whole world to be explored. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

More Book Lists

The Magazine: Kirkus Reviews

Featuring 273 industry-first reviews of fiction, nonfiction, children’s, and YA books; also in this issue: interviews with Daniel M. Lavery, Charles King, Leah Johnson, and Isaac Blum; 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