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Final Round Now Open—Last Chance to Vote in the 2014 Goodreads Choice Awards!
Posted by Jessica on November 17, 2014
Announcing Your Finalists! »
Posted by Jessica on November 17, 2014
Announcing Your Finalists! »It's time for the Final Round of the 2014 Goodreads Choice Awards! Readers cast more than 2.1 million votes for their favorite books in the Opening and Semifinal Rounds, and now we've narrowed the field to just 10 finalists in each of 20 categories. See what books made the cut—and it's your third and final chance to place your vote for the best books of the year!
Congrats to the Goodreads Choice Finalists, who range from decorated authors like Margaret Atwood and Michael Lewis to first-time novelists like Jessie Burton and Pierce Brown. In Best Fiction, Rainbow Rowell and David Mitchell are duking it out alongside other much-beloved writers. The eclectic group of books in Best History & Biography includes profiles of Michael Jordan, Sally Ride, Joss Whedon, and ancient Egyptian queen Hatshepsut. In Best Science Fiction, Hugh Howey and John Scalzi are joined by several write-in nominees, including Jamie McGuire and Edan Lepucki. Best Young Adult Fiction is filled with fan favorites such as Jennifer L. Armentrout, E. Lockhart, and Stephanie Perkins. And don't forget to measure your funny bone by voting in Best Humor, a category packed with star power including Amy Poehler, Lena Dunham, and Neil Patrick Harris. View all the finalists and vote!
The Final Round polls close November 24, and winners will be announced December 2. Don't miss this last chance to vote for the best books of 2014!
Goodreads on Kindle E-readers Just Got Even Better! (U.S., Canada, & Australia)
Posted by Suzanne on November 14, 2014
After we launched Goodreads on Kindle e-readers, one of the requests we heard most from readers was, “When will we be able to share progress updates?” Starting today, the answer is now! This is just one of the many features now available on the new Kindle, the Kindle Voyage and the second generation Kindle Paperwhite, in the United States, Canada and Australia.
For all of you clamoring for the ability to add a book to your Goodreads shelves, we haven’t forgotten you either. Just go to your Kindle device library and tap and hold on any book to shelve it on Goodreads.
Being able to see what your friends think of a book – and which of your friends are reading a book - is one of the most popular features on Goodreads. Now you can not only see your friends’ reviews but also their ratings, shelves and progress updates on any book on Goodreads on your Kindle e-reader.
The updated version of Goodreads is available in a free, over-the-air software update delivered automatically on the new Kindle, the Kindle Voyage, and the second generation Kindle Paperwhite in the United States, Canada, and Australia in the coming weeks. Can’t wait? You can also visit www.amazon.com/kindlesoftwareupdates to download it.
We don’t have details to share about other Kindle e-readers or introducing Goodreads on Kindle to members of other countries at this time, but our goal is to provide the Goodreads on Kindle experience to as many of our members as possible. In the meantime, other options to consider are Goodreads on our iPhone/iPad app or our Android app, available from the Amazon Appstore for Android or from Google Play.
Posted by Suzanne on November 14, 2014
After we launched Goodreads on Kindle e-readers, one of the requests we heard most from readers was, “When will we be able to share progress updates?” Starting today, the answer is now! This is just one of the many features now available on the new Kindle, the Kindle Voyage and the second generation Kindle Paperwhite, in the United States, Canada and Australia.
For all of you clamoring for the ability to add a book to your Goodreads shelves, we haven’t forgotten you either. Just go to your Kindle device library and tap and hold on any book to shelve it on Goodreads.
Being able to see what your friends think of a book – and which of your friends are reading a book - is one of the most popular features on Goodreads. Now you can not only see your friends’ reviews but also their ratings, shelves and progress updates on any book on Goodreads on your Kindle e-reader.
The updated version of Goodreads is available in a free, over-the-air software update delivered automatically on the new Kindle, the Kindle Voyage, and the second generation Kindle Paperwhite in the United States, Canada, and Australia in the coming weeks. Can’t wait? You can also visit www.amazon.com/kindlesoftwareupdates to download it.
We don’t have details to share about other Kindle e-readers or introducing Goodreads on Kindle to members of other countries at this time, but our goal is to provide the Goodreads on Kindle experience to as many of our members as possible. In the meantime, other options to consider are Goodreads on our iPhone/iPad app or our Android app, available from the Amazon Appstore for Android or from Google Play.
Semifinal Round Now Open—2nd Chance to Vote in the 2014 Goodreads Choice Awards!
Posted by Jessica on November 10, 2014
Semifinal Round Now Open for Voting! »
Posted by Jessica on November 10, 2014
Semifinal Round Now Open for Voting! »From Anna Quindlen and Veronica Roth to Arianna Huffington and Jason Segel! These authors and many more have advanced to the Semifinal Round—thanks to your support. More than 1 million votes were cast in the Opening Round of the 2014 Goodreads Choice Awards for almost 14,000 different books! We've now added the top five write-ins in each category as official nominees, bringing the total to 20 nominated books in each of 20 categories. Congratulations to all of our nominees!
The competition in Best Fiction has only gotten stiffer, with Ian McEwan and Rene Denfeld joining the ranks. Two debut authors, Mary Kubica and Laura McHugh, garnered enough write-ins to join the battle in Best Mystery & Thriller alongside heavy hitters like Lee Child and David Baldacci. Another newcomer, Erika Johansen, has earned her stripes in Best Fantasy, where she faces established bestsellers Robin Hobb and Anne Bishop. OKCupid founder Christian Rudder and essayist Leslie Jamison are among the new nominees in Best Nonfiction. And fan favorites such as Leigh Bardugo and Maggie Stiefvater have rounded out the roster in Best Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction. View all the Semifinalists »
Don't wait to vote, because your favorites need your help to make it into the Finals. The Semifinal Round closes November 15, and then only 10 books in each category will advance to the Final Round, which launches November 17!
Vote for the best books of 2014! »
Ask Alicia Keys, George W. Bush, Amanda Palmer, Neil Gaiman, and Many More Authors a Question!
Posted by Patrick on November 06, 2014
One of the most common questions authors get from their readers is, "What inspired you to write your book?"
But what if the author isn't just a writer, but a Grammy award-winning R&B singer-songwriter?
Or a performer who delivered one of the most-watched TED talks this year?
What if the author is the 43rd President of the United States?
Over the next few weeks, we're looking forward to seeing what you'll ask the likes of Alicia Keys, Amanda Palmer, Neil Gaiman, George W. Bush, who are all taking questions on Goodreads as part of Ask the Author!
Readers, get ready for in-depth answers that tell you more about their personal lives and their work as writers, as well as, of course, what inspired them to write their books!
She earned five Grammys for her debut album, Songs in A Minor. Now the R&B singer-songwriter is venturing into the world of children's books with a magical fairytale about a young Native American girl from the 17th century.
The 43rd President of the United States has written a biography of the 41st President of the United States... who also happens to be his father, President George H. W. Bush.
You've probably seen Amanda Palmer's now-famous TED Talk about the Art of Asking. She asked for $100,000 and received over $1.2 million via Kickstarter to finance her indie rock album. Her book, The Art of Asking, tackles the challenges of the changing rules of exchange in the 21st century.
Neil Gaiman is the author of numerous bestselling books, including The Sandman comic books, the novel American Gods, and the children's book Coraline. He and Amanda Palmer were married in 2011, and in celebration of the publication of Amanda's new book, The Art of Asking, Gaiman and Palmer will be answering questions in a special Goodreads group.
We've seen some amazing exchanges since we launched the Ask the Author program, and continue to explore and share the many answers that are now on the site. Check out Maggie Stiefvater discussing how to juggle her art and being a parent, Khaled Hosseini on writing as an expat, and what Richelle Mead likes to do for fun.
There are thousands of authors taking questions on Goodreads right now. So jump on in! You can ask authors a question directly from their profile page, and you will receive an email and a notification on Goodreads if your question is answered. Be sure to follow the authors to see all their answers! To see who else is answering questions this month, check out our list of featured authors answering questions.
So, what will you ask your favorite author?
Ask away!
Posted by Patrick on November 06, 2014
One of the most common questions authors get from their readers is, "What inspired you to write your book?"
But what if the author isn't just a writer, but a Grammy award-winning R&B singer-songwriter?
Or a performer who delivered one of the most-watched TED talks this year?
What if the author is the 43rd President of the United States?
Over the next few weeks, we're looking forward to seeing what you'll ask the likes of Alicia Keys, Amanda Palmer, Neil Gaiman, George W. Bush, who are all taking questions on Goodreads as part of Ask the Author!
Readers, get ready for in-depth answers that tell you more about their personal lives and their work as writers, as well as, of course, what inspired them to write their books!
We've seen some amazing exchanges since we launched the Ask the Author program, and continue to explore and share the many answers that are now on the site. Check out Maggie Stiefvater discussing how to juggle her art and being a parent, Khaled Hosseini on writing as an expat, and what Richelle Mead likes to do for fun.
There are thousands of authors taking questions on Goodreads right now. So jump on in! You can ask authors a question directly from their profile page, and you will receive an email and a notification on Goodreads if your question is answered. Be sure to follow the authors to see all their answers! To see who else is answering questions this month, check out our list of featured authors answering questions.
So, what will you ask your favorite author?
Ask away!
Announcing the Nominees of the 2014 Goodreads Choice Awards! It's Time to Vote!
Posted by Jessica on November 03, 2014
Vote now in the Opening Round! »
Posted by Jessica on November 03, 2014
Vote now in the Opening Round! »All year you've been devouring books and rating them on Goodreads. Some of your favorite authors have released new blockbusters. Some quiet debuts have become smash hits. And now it's all reflected in the nominations for the 2014 Goodreads Choice Awards—the only major book awards decided by readers!
How did we arrive at the 15 different nominees in 20 categories ranging from Fiction to Fantasy to Food & Cookbooks to Young Adult Fiction? Lots and lots of numbers! Instead of relying on experts or judges, we analyzed statistics from the 275 million books added, rated, and reviewed on Goodreads in 2014.
We're so excited to congratulate all of the nominees! There are some epic match-ups in this year's list. In Best Memoir, the riveting true stories range from Esther Earl, the inspiration for teen bestseller The Fault in Our Stars, to North Korean defector Jang Jin-Sung. Mystery & Thriller has heavy hitters, with Stephen King going against "Robert Galbraith" (a.k.a J.K. Rowling). In History & Biography, it's basketball god Michael Jordan versus an unlikely opponent, President Calvin Coolidge. Best Fiction, one of our most-watched categories, is anyone's game, with debut authors like Nadia Hashimi and Mira Jacob ready to take on established masters like Marilynne Robinson, Haruki Murakami, David Mitchell, and Margaret Atwood. And double props to our double nominees, who include Roxane Gay, Gene Luen Yang, and B.J. Novak!
Of course, with hundreds of thousands of books published in 2014, no nominee list could cover everything. We also accept write-in votes during the Opening Round to ensure that you can vote for exactly the book you want!
You have three chances to vote. The Opening Round lasts until November 8. Vote now to make sure your favorite books make it into the Semifinals (November 10 - 15) and Finals (November 17 - 24).
Vote for the best books of 2014! »
What's the "It" Book of 2014?
Posted by Suzanne on October 30, 2014
In 2013, it was arguably The Goldfinch.
In 2012? Gone Girl, for sure.
"It" books. They're the ones that we pass along, that we hope our friends have read so that we can discuss and debate. Love them or hate them, we can't stop talking about them!
So we had to find out: What is this year's "It" book?
The best part of being book nerds here at Goodreads is that we have the data to answer these sorts of questions!
We set a few limitations:
From there, we looked at the most-searched books on Goodreads and, after much number crunching, here's the top "It" book candidate for 2014 … so far!
We Were Liars by 2008 National Book Award finalist, E. Lockhart, reminds us a little of Gone Girl (the "It" book for 2012). With an unreliable narrator and a story full of secrets, it's a book that you can only discuss with people who have already read it! Goodreads member, Giselle, describes it as "an incredible, heartbreaking read that really messes with your mind until the very end."
Of course, the year is not yet over and there are several other contenders for the crown!
Fresh off her success with Best Young Adult Fiction in last year's Goodreads Choice Awards, Rainbow Rowell switched to a more adult theme for Landline – a story about a marriage in trouble. Goodreads member, Ariel, says "This was a really different read, and I realized when finishing it that a big part of that is because it is NOT Young Adult. The cover looks it, Rainbow Rowell writes young adult, but this is adult and it shows. It's darker, it's more realistic, and it's less idealistic. And that's not bad at all, but it's sadder. The book started off harsher and the pay off wasn't as extravagant. All of that in mind, this book was wonderful."
According to Anthony Doerr, the title of his book, All the Light We Cannot See, "is a metaphorical suggestion that there are countless invisible stories still buried in World War II." Shortlisted for the 2014 National Book Awards, it follows the lives of a young, blind French girl and a young German soldier. Goodreads member, LeeAnne, says, "This book has the most hauntingly beautiful prose I've ever read. It is brimming with rich details that fill all five senses simultaneously. It is full of beautiful metaphors that paint gorgeous images. I didn't want this book to end, but I couldn't put it down."
Continuing with the theme of lies that runs through several of the other contenders this year, Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty somehow manages to make you laugh out loud while dealing with some very serious issues. Goodreads member, Nancy, says "Liane Moriarty has done it again – written a book that kept me up way too late because I couldn't put it down. She has a knack for creating characters who are so believable they could easily be someone you know. Big Little Lies is a story of parents acting badly. It is also a smart and witty story about the real lives of children, teens, friends, husbands, wives, second wives, and exes. … Along the way you discover some of the dangerous little lies that people tell just to be able to face the day."
And, finally, a shout out goes to a book that came out in January but just keeps on going strong in searches on Goodreads:
Being selected as an Oprah's Book Club pick clearly gave The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd a major push early on, but this book has continued to stay in our top searches month after month thanks to a high average rating of 4.23 stars. In some ways, this has the makings of another The Help, which stayed on the bestseller lists for years. Goodreads member, Britany, says "I was not expecting this book to grab my heartstrings and pull the way it did. It was unexpected, fresh, and interesting. I literally read this book in two sittings and wasn't ready for it to end when it did."
Any other contenders? We're so glad you asked. Out of the books published in September, these four are off to an amazing start in searches on Goodreads:
Looking for more ideas? We'll get an even clearer answer about the best books of 2014 with this year's Goodreads Choice Awards. Voting opens on Monday, November 3rd and we're looking forward to seeing which books you loved the most this year!
Which book is the "It" book of 2014 for you and your friends?
Posted by Suzanne on October 30, 2014
In 2013, it was arguably The Goldfinch.
In 2012? Gone Girl, for sure.
"It" books. They're the ones that we pass along, that we hope our friends have read so that we can discuss and debate. Love them or hate them, we can't stop talking about them!
So we had to find out: What is this year's "It" book?
The best part of being book nerds here at Goodreads is that we have the data to answer these sorts of questions!
We set a few limitations:
- To account for the fact that interest statistically skews high in the first couple of months after publication, we only looked at books published between January and August.
- To ensure that we identified the books with the most sustained buzz, we looked at the average number of searches per month.
- To ensure that we weren't just seeing books that were benefiting from being part of a popular series, we only looked at standalone titles.
From there, we looked at the most-searched books on Goodreads and, after much number crunching, here's the top "It" book candidate for 2014 … so far!
We Were Liars by 2008 National Book Award finalist, E. Lockhart, reminds us a little of Gone Girl (the "It" book for 2012). With an unreliable narrator and a story full of secrets, it's a book that you can only discuss with people who have already read it! Goodreads member, Giselle, describes it as "an incredible, heartbreaking read that really messes with your mind until the very end."
Of course, the year is not yet over and there are several other contenders for the crown!
Fresh off her success with Best Young Adult Fiction in last year's Goodreads Choice Awards, Rainbow Rowell switched to a more adult theme for Landline – a story about a marriage in trouble. Goodreads member, Ariel, says "This was a really different read, and I realized when finishing it that a big part of that is because it is NOT Young Adult. The cover looks it, Rainbow Rowell writes young adult, but this is adult and it shows. It's darker, it's more realistic, and it's less idealistic. And that's not bad at all, but it's sadder. The book started off harsher and the pay off wasn't as extravagant. All of that in mind, this book was wonderful."
According to Anthony Doerr, the title of his book, All the Light We Cannot See, "is a metaphorical suggestion that there are countless invisible stories still buried in World War II." Shortlisted for the 2014 National Book Awards, it follows the lives of a young, blind French girl and a young German soldier. Goodreads member, LeeAnne, says, "This book has the most hauntingly beautiful prose I've ever read. It is brimming with rich details that fill all five senses simultaneously. It is full of beautiful metaphors that paint gorgeous images. I didn't want this book to end, but I couldn't put it down."
Continuing with the theme of lies that runs through several of the other contenders this year, Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty somehow manages to make you laugh out loud while dealing with some very serious issues. Goodreads member, Nancy, says "Liane Moriarty has done it again – written a book that kept me up way too late because I couldn't put it down. She has a knack for creating characters who are so believable they could easily be someone you know. Big Little Lies is a story of parents acting badly. It is also a smart and witty story about the real lives of children, teens, friends, husbands, wives, second wives, and exes. … Along the way you discover some of the dangerous little lies that people tell just to be able to face the day."
And, finally, a shout out goes to a book that came out in January but just keeps on going strong in searches on Goodreads:
Being selected as an Oprah's Book Club pick clearly gave The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd a major push early on, but this book has continued to stay in our top searches month after month thanks to a high average rating of 4.23 stars. In some ways, this has the makings of another The Help, which stayed on the bestseller lists for years. Goodreads member, Britany, says "I was not expecting this book to grab my heartstrings and pull the way it did. It was unexpected, fresh, and interesting. I literally read this book in two sittings and wasn't ready for it to end when it did."
Any other contenders? We're so glad you asked. Out of the books published in September, these four are off to an amazing start in searches on Goodreads:
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Looking for more ideas? We'll get an even clearer answer about the best books of 2014 with this year's Goodreads Choice Awards. Voting opens on Monday, November 3rd and we're looking forward to seeing which books you loved the most this year!
Which book is the "It" book of 2014 for you and your friends?
Meet Our Updated iOS App!
Posted by Libby on September 24, 2014
This is a major update to our Goodreads iPhone and iPad app’s design and navigation. The apps are now iOS 8-ready, and feature a beautifully redesigned newsfeed and streamlined navigation to help you discover great books and share your reading with friends.
Download the updated app from the iTunes App Store to check out all the new features, and tell us what you think!
For our Android-loving members, we promise that we have not forgotten you! The team is working on an update. We know it’s been a long wait, so thank you for your patience. It’s coming!
Posted by Libby on September 24, 2014
This is a major update to our Goodreads iPhone and iPad app’s design and navigation. The apps are now iOS 8-ready, and feature a beautifully redesigned newsfeed and streamlined navigation to help you discover great books and share your reading with friends.
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Download the updated app from the iTunes App Store to check out all the new features, and tell us what you think!
For our Android-loving members, we promise that we have not forgotten you! The team is working on an update. We know it’s been a long wait, so thank you for your patience. It’s coming!
Now You Can Preview Books on Goodreads! (U.S. Members)
Posted by Suzanne on August 25, 2014
Don’t judge a book by its cover…judge it by what’s inside with our new Preview feature, which launches today! With Preview, you can sample the story before committing to the whole book. Now our U.S. members can get a taste of their next amazing read right on the Goodreads website.
Preview is easy to use. You’ll find the "Open Preview" button on the book page of any of the millions of titles that have a Kindle edition.
Click on the “Open Preview” button and a sample of the book will open up inside Goodreads, using the Kindle Cloud Reader. If you like what you see, you can add the title to your Goodreads “Want to Read” shelf. If you’re ready to buy, there’s a link to purchase it on Amazon, or you can use the links on the book page to other online retailers.
Preview is only available on the Goodreads.com website for members in the U.S. (You will need to be using Goodreads on your computer/laptop. It is not yet accessible in other countries, via mobile web, or our apps.)
Want to check out our new Preview feature? Read samples of our Best Books of August, a list of the best books of the month that Goodreads members are reading and loving.
Happy Previewing!
Posted by Suzanne on August 25, 2014
Don’t judge a book by its cover…judge it by what’s inside with our new Preview feature, which launches today! With Preview, you can sample the story before committing to the whole book. Now our U.S. members can get a taste of their next amazing read right on the Goodreads website.
Preview is easy to use. You’ll find the "Open Preview" button on the book page of any of the millions of titles that have a Kindle edition.
Click on the “Open Preview” button and a sample of the book will open up inside Goodreads, using the Kindle Cloud Reader. If you like what you see, you can add the title to your Goodreads “Want to Read” shelf. If you’re ready to buy, there’s a link to purchase it on Amazon, or you can use the links on the book page to other online retailers.
Preview is only available on the Goodreads.com website for members in the U.S. (You will need to be using Goodreads on your computer/laptop. It is not yet accessible in other countries, via mobile web, or our apps.)
Want to check out our new Preview feature? Read samples of our Best Books of August, a list of the best books of the month that Goodreads members are reading and loving.
Happy Previewing!
Nine Standout Books of 2014...So Far!
Posted by jade on August 06, 2014
It's August, which means there's still time to fit in some summer reading! We took a look at the books that are topping Goodreads Want-to-Read charts and garnering 4.0-and-above average ratings to compile our list of the top tomes published this year in Fiction, Nonfiction, and Young Adult—three per category. These mighty nine offer up everything from tales of Wall Street excess to adventures with sexy, sarcastic demon hunters to the struggle of two women bound by history. The best part? They'll stay with you long after summer is over.
Have you been following our annual Goodreads Choice Awards? It's too soon to say for sure, but these favorites could be contenders! Which books are you hoping to see on the list of 2014 nominees this November? Tell us in the comments!
FICTION
The Invention of Wings
by Sue Monk Kidd (Goodreads Author)
Connie says, "When Sarah Grimke turned 11 years old in 1803, she was given [an enslaved girl named] Hetty (called 'Handful') as a birthday present…the book follows Sarah and Handful for 35 years through alternating chapters. By mixing fact and fiction, the author has created a moving story about the cruelty of slavery and the resilience of both the slaves and the abolitionists."
All the Light We Cannot See
by Anthony Doerr (Goodreads Author)
Angela says, "Parallel stories are told in alternating chapters of Marie Laure, a teenage French girl who has been blind since the age of six, and Werner, an intelligent, perceptive and sensitive German orphan who learns to fix radios and becomes noticed by the German army. Each of their stories will move you in their own right, but especially when their paths cross." Jenny adds, "I died a thousand times while reading this book. It is mysterious, heart-breaking, and just brilliantly beautiful. It deserves all the stars."
The Martian
by Andy Weir (Goodreads Author)
Mike (the Paladin) says, "The story of Mark Watney, how he gets stranded on Mars, how he survives or doesn't, is frankly fantastic. You want a suspenseful thriller, it's here. You want hard science fiction, it's here. You want a character-driven story, you got it. You want a plot-driven story, you got that, too…Mr. Weir…I don't know how you'll follow this one up, but I for one will be watching for your next novel."
NONFICTION
Flash Boys: A Wall Street Revolt
by Michael Lewis
Mal Warwick says, "Flash Boys tells the tale of the arcane and long-secret phenomenon known as high-frequency trading (HFT). The book reads like a thriller, showcasing the author's legendary writing talent. Like the best fiction, it's centered on people, not abstract processes or institutions, and the prose sings."
This Star Won't Go Out: The Life and Words of Esther Grace Earl
by Esther Earl
Mason Deaver says, "I know The Fault In Our Stars was dedicated and inspired by her, so I jumped at the chance to read this book. Let me tell you that you will not find a more heart-warming, tear-jerking story…this book gave me so much insight not only into the life of Esther, but also the life of someone living with cancer, someone who did not become her disease and instead chose to spend her unknown amount of time with friends and family."
Capital in the Twenty-First Century
by Thomas Piketty, translated by Arthur Goldhammer (Goodreads Author)
Marvin King says, "Holy smokes, this was a tour de force of political economy and economic history. Piketty explains why a tax on capital is so much preferable than taxes on income, the need for global cooperation and why inequality in America will only get worse unless policymakers address higher education affordability, tax policies, especially on inheritance, and minimum wage laws. A brutally long read, yet well worth the effort."
YOUNG ADULT
City of Heavenly Fire
by Cassandra Clare (Goodreads Author)
Aiman says, "Important note: Reading this book will surely evoke fits of of despair, but also fan-girling. Tread with caution…Cassandra Clare deserves a standing ovation for the beautiful world she has created, a tale not only of Shadowhunters and magical creatures, but [also] one of friendship, family, blood, pain, and loss. She brings new and extraordinary meaning to these ordinary words and binds them into something completely bedazzling."
The One
by Kiera Cass (Goodreads Author)
Ilana says, "When she was chosen to compete in the Selection, America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown—or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the end of the competition approaches, and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose—and how hard she'll have to fight for the future she wants."
Hollow City
by Ransom Riggs
Jon says, "Hollow City does an excellent job of creating a captivating, magical world and accompanying the plot with finely selected vintage photos…[it] is incredibly fast-paced with an interesting story that fans of Miss Peregrine's will absolutely love. With plenty of unexpected twists, Hollow City is quite frankly one of the best sequels I've read to date and it definitely surpasses its predecessor."
Posted by jade on August 06, 2014
It's August, which means there's still time to fit in some summer reading! We took a look at the books that are topping Goodreads Want-to-Read charts and garnering 4.0-and-above average ratings to compile our list of the top tomes published this year in Fiction, Nonfiction, and Young Adult—three per category. These mighty nine offer up everything from tales of Wall Street excess to adventures with sexy, sarcastic demon hunters to the struggle of two women bound by history. The best part? They'll stay with you long after summer is over.
Have you been following our annual Goodreads Choice Awards? It's too soon to say for sure, but these favorites could be contenders! Which books are you hoping to see on the list of 2014 nominees this November? Tell us in the comments!
FICTION
 |
 |
 |
The Invention of Wings
by Sue Monk Kidd (Goodreads Author)
Connie says, "When Sarah Grimke turned 11 years old in 1803, she was given [an enslaved girl named] Hetty (called 'Handful') as a birthday present…the book follows Sarah and Handful for 35 years through alternating chapters. By mixing fact and fiction, the author has created a moving story about the cruelty of slavery and the resilience of both the slaves and the abolitionists."All the Light We Cannot See
by Anthony Doerr (Goodreads Author)
Angela says, "Parallel stories are told in alternating chapters of Marie Laure, a teenage French girl who has been blind since the age of six, and Werner, an intelligent, perceptive and sensitive German orphan who learns to fix radios and becomes noticed by the German army. Each of their stories will move you in their own right, but especially when their paths cross." Jenny adds, "I died a thousand times while reading this book. It is mysterious, heart-breaking, and just brilliantly beautiful. It deserves all the stars."The Martian
by Andy Weir (Goodreads Author)
Mike (the Paladin) says, "The story of Mark Watney, how he gets stranded on Mars, how he survives or doesn't, is frankly fantastic. You want a suspenseful thriller, it's here. You want hard science fiction, it's here. You want a character-driven story, you got it. You want a plot-driven story, you got that, too…Mr. Weir…I don't know how you'll follow this one up, but I for one will be watching for your next novel."NONFICTION
 |
 |
 |
Flash Boys: A Wall Street Revolt
by Michael Lewis
Mal Warwick says, "Flash Boys tells the tale of the arcane and long-secret phenomenon known as high-frequency trading (HFT). The book reads like a thriller, showcasing the author's legendary writing talent. Like the best fiction, it's centered on people, not abstract processes or institutions, and the prose sings."This Star Won't Go Out: The Life and Words of Esther Grace Earl
by Esther Earl
Mason Deaver says, "I know The Fault In Our Stars was dedicated and inspired by her, so I jumped at the chance to read this book. Let me tell you that you will not find a more heart-warming, tear-jerking story…this book gave me so much insight not only into the life of Esther, but also the life of someone living with cancer, someone who did not become her disease and instead chose to spend her unknown amount of time with friends and family."Capital in the Twenty-First Century
by Thomas Piketty, translated by Arthur Goldhammer (Goodreads Author)
Marvin King says, "Holy smokes, this was a tour de force of political economy and economic history. Piketty explains why a tax on capital is so much preferable than taxes on income, the need for global cooperation and why inequality in America will only get worse unless policymakers address higher education affordability, tax policies, especially on inheritance, and minimum wage laws. A brutally long read, yet well worth the effort."YOUNG ADULT
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City of Heavenly Fire
by Cassandra Clare (Goodreads Author)
Aiman says, "Important note: Reading this book will surely evoke fits of of despair, but also fan-girling. Tread with caution…Cassandra Clare deserves a standing ovation for the beautiful world she has created, a tale not only of Shadowhunters and magical creatures, but [also] one of friendship, family, blood, pain, and loss. She brings new and extraordinary meaning to these ordinary words and binds them into something completely bedazzling."The One
by Kiera Cass (Goodreads Author)
Ilana says, "When she was chosen to compete in the Selection, America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown—or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the end of the competition approaches, and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose—and how hard she'll have to fight for the future she wants."Hollow City
by Ransom Riggs
Jon says, "Hollow City does an excellent job of creating a captivating, magical world and accompanying the plot with finely selected vintage photos…[it] is incredibly fast-paced with an interesting story that fans of Miss Peregrine's will absolutely love. With plenty of unexpected twists, Hollow City is quite frankly one of the best sequels I've read to date and it definitely surpasses its predecessor."
20 Moments that Changed History: A Reading List
Posted by Jessica on June 26, 2014
Sometimes a single event can alter the fate of millions. One hundred years ago this week, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, incited a diplomatic catastrophe in Europe. Just one month later, tensions would escalate into the First World War. To commemorate, we've chosen 20 pivotal moments from the last century, some inspiring and some disturbing, and paired each with a top-reviewed novel. If you're eager for more, also check out the links to Goodreads Listopias—book lists compiled by our members—beside each event.
What other moments have changed history? And what are the best books for further reading? Tell us in the comments!
Posted by Jessica on June 26, 2014
Sometimes a single event can alter the fate of millions. One hundred years ago this week, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, incited a diplomatic catastrophe in Europe. Just one month later, tensions would escalate into the First World War. To commemorate, we've chosen 20 pivotal moments from the last century, some inspiring and some disturbing, and paired each with a top-reviewed novel. If you're eager for more, also check out the links to Goodreads Listopias—book lists compiled by our members—beside each event.
What other moments have changed history? And what are the best books for further reading? Tell us in the comments!
1914
World War I begins with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
All Quiet on the Western Front
by Erich Maria Remarque
"Hailed as the best war novel ever, and it's easy to see why. World War I is described in such vivid non-glory that you are sucked into the story straight away and stay there for the next 200 pages." —Martine
More reading: 20 Riveting World War I Reads & Books on the Great War
by Erich Maria Remarque
"Hailed as the best war novel ever, and it's easy to see why. World War I is described in such vivid non-glory that you are sucked into the story straight away and stay there for the next 200 pages." —Martine
More reading: 20 Riveting World War I Reads & Books on the Great War
1920
American women get the right to vote, joining the worldwide women's suffrage movement
Sex Wars
by Marge Piercy
"How women lived and tried to fight for their rights in New York City. Some of the fascinating characters include: Victoria Woodhull, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Susan B. Anthony." —Lauren
More reading: Early Feminists & Women's Suffrage
by Marge Piercy
"How women lived and tried to fight for their rights in New York City. Some of the fascinating characters include: Victoria Woodhull, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Susan B. Anthony." —Lauren
More reading: Early Feminists & Women's Suffrage
1928
Penicillin discovered
A Fierce Radiance
by Lauren Belfer
"During World War II the need for this miracle drug became as important as any weapon...this is historical fiction at its best." —Zohar
More reading: Medicine and Literature
by Lauren Belfer
"During World War II the need for this miracle drug became as important as any weapon...this is historical fiction at its best." —Zohar
More reading: Medicine and Literature
1930
Mahatma Gandhi leads the Salt March in India in nonviolent protest of British rule
Midnight's Children
by Salman Rushdie
"If any novel could even come close to portraying India's vast cultural identity; that novel would be Midnight's Children...Rushdie can definitely conjure magic with his words." —Shayantani
More reading: Books About Gandhi: A Great Soul & Books About the Indian Subcontinental Partition
by Salman Rushdie
"If any novel could even come close to portraying India's vast cultural identity; that novel would be Midnight's Children...Rushdie can definitely conjure magic with his words." —Shayantani
More reading: Books About Gandhi: A Great Soul & Books About the Indian Subcontinental Partition
1944
Russian forces liberate the first Nazi concentration camp at Majdanek in Poland
Maus
by Art Spiegelman
"An incredible, transcendent comic story. You can feel the life in each page. All it took to create the most human Holocaust story ever told was to remove the humans altogether." —Aaron
More reading: Holocaust Books & World War II Fiction
by Art Spiegelman
"An incredible, transcendent comic story. You can feel the life in each page. All it took to create the most human Holocaust story ever told was to remove the humans altogether." —Aaron
More reading: Holocaust Books & World War II Fiction
1945
Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Black Rain
by Masuji Ibuse
"A stunning novel about the aftereffects—physical, social, emotional—of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima on the lives of those who lived there. Unsentimental and profoundly moving." —Leslie
More reading: Remember Hiroshima & Books About Nuclear Apocalypse
by Masuji Ibuse
"A stunning novel about the aftereffects—physical, social, emotional—of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima on the lives of those who lived there. Unsentimental and profoundly moving." —Leslie
More reading: Remember Hiroshima & Books About Nuclear Apocalypse
1960
During the "Year of Africa," 17 African nations declare independence from colonial rule
Half of a Yellow Sun
by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
"It is a story of war, love, ideals, compromise, loyalty, betrayal, and the culture of Africa...dramatic and haunting, a book you will not soon forget." —JoAnn
More reading: African Fiction & Books About Colonialism
by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
"It is a story of war, love, ideals, compromise, loyalty, betrayal, and the culture of Africa...dramatic and haunting, a book you will not soon forget." —JoAnn
More reading: African Fiction & Books About Colonialism
1960
FDA approves birth control pills and kicks off the sexual revolution
Diary of a Mad Housewife
by Sue Kaufman
"A book about a woman who has begun to go stir crazy, has anxiety, and wants to explore her sexuality...if you're a woman this is the kind of book that will make you think about your life." —Virginia
More reading: Counter-Culture of the 1960s & Best Feminist Fiction
by Sue Kaufman
"A book about a woman who has begun to go stir crazy, has anxiety, and wants to explore her sexuality...if you're a woman this is the kind of book that will make you think about your life." —Virginia
More reading: Counter-Culture of the 1960s & Best Feminist Fiction
1963
Martin Luther King, Jr. declares "I have a dream" during the March on Washington
The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman
by Ernest J. Gaines
"A modern masterpiece on the topics of race and social justice in America, an overarching story of black experience from the Civil War to Civil Rights, seen primarily through the experience of one woman." —Sean
More reading: Civil Rights Reading List & Best Black Historical Fiction
by Ernest J. Gaines
"A modern masterpiece on the topics of race and social justice in America, an overarching story of black experience from the Civil War to Civil Rights, seen primarily through the experience of one woman." —Sean
More reading: Civil Rights Reading List & Best Black Historical Fiction
1963
American president John F. Kennedy assassinated in Dallas
American Tabloid
by James Ellroy
"Playing loose and free with near-historical events and breathing twisted life into near-mythic figures—the Kennedys, Jimmy Hoffa, Castro, J. Edgar Hoover, Howard Hughes, the Mob, et al—Ellroy takes off on a joy ride of a novel." —Jeff
More reading: Best Books About the Kennedy Family
by James Ellroy
"Playing loose and free with near-historical events and breathing twisted life into near-mythic figures—the Kennedys, Jimmy Hoffa, Castro, J. Edgar Hoover, Howard Hughes, the Mob, et al—Ellroy takes off on a joy ride of a novel." —Jeff
More reading: Best Books About the Kennedy Family
1969
Apollo 11 lands the first humans on the moon
The Martian
by Andy Weir
"Mark Watney is left behind on Mars when his crew mates believe he is dead...this was an edge of your seat, nail biting, hand wringing, can't turn the pages fast enough book." —Susan
More reading: Astronauts and Space Travelers
by Andy Weir
"Mark Watney is left behind on Mars when his crew mates believe he is dead...this was an edge of your seat, nail biting, hand wringing, can't turn the pages fast enough book." —Susan
More reading: Astronauts and Space Travelers
1974
"Fathers of the Internet" Vint Cerf and Bob Kahn propose TCP/IP technology, making the Internet we know today possible
Neuromancer
by William Gibson
"A mind-bender of a read...it was ahead of its time. It coined the term 'cyberspace,' long before the Internet and other virtual technologies were integrated into everyday life...[and] inspired a generation of technophiles." —K.D.
More reading: Best of Cyberpunk & Essential Computer History
by William Gibson
"A mind-bender of a read...it was ahead of its time. It coined the term 'cyberspace,' long before the Internet and other virtual technologies were integrated into everyday life...[and] inspired a generation of technophiles." —K.D.
More reading: Best of Cyberpunk & Essential Computer History
1976
The death of Mao Zedong ushers in a new period in Chinese politics
Waves
by Bei Dao
"Bei Dao shows you how living in China during the Cultural Revolution suppressed everyone: intellectuals, artists, thieves...all are bound together by fear, love, and pain." —Fazal
More reading: China's Best Banned Books & China's Cultural Revolution
by Bei Dao
"Bei Dao shows you how living in China during the Cultural Revolution suppressed everyone: intellectuals, artists, thieves...all are bound together by fear, love, and pain." —Fazal
More reading: China's Best Banned Books & China's Cultural Revolution
1979
The Iranian Revolution makes Ayatollah Khomeini the country's Supreme Leader
Censoring an Iranian Love Story
by Shahriar Mandanipour
"A darkly comic and profoundly touching story that weaves an intricate tale of love between the constraints of contemporary Iranian government and the cultural relationships between men and women." —Candice
More reading: Books About Iran
by Shahriar Mandanipour
"A darkly comic and profoundly touching story that weaves an intricate tale of love between the constraints of contemporary Iranian government and the cultural relationships between men and women." —Candice
More reading: Books About Iran
1989
Fall of the Berlin Wall
The Spy Who Came In from the Cold
by John le Carré
"There may be good guys and bad guys in the Cold War, but everyone is gray in the dark...read le Carré for a more literary thriller where spies actually act like spies, and believable human beings, and everyone is a little bit dirty." —David
More reading: Books About Berlin & The Former East Germany
by John le Carré
"There may be good guys and bad guys in the Cold War, but everyone is gray in the dark...read le Carré for a more literary thriller where spies actually act like spies, and believable human beings, and everyone is a little bit dirty." —David
More reading: Books About Berlin & The Former East Germany
1994
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa in the first post-Apartheid democratic election
The Heart of Redness
by Zakes Mda
"The parallel story of colonized South Africa of 150 years ago and post-apartheid South Africa...this is a book that you will devour because it's so well written, and yet it will stay with you." —Steph
More reading: Best South African Reads & Nelson Mandela Reading List
by Zakes Mda
"The parallel story of colonized South Africa of 150 years ago and post-apartheid South Africa...this is a book that you will devour because it's so well written, and yet it will stay with you." —Steph
More reading: Best South African Reads & Nelson Mandela Reading List
2000
The Netherlands passes the world's first bill legalizing same-sex marriage
Between Mom and Jo
by Julie Anne Peters
"[Teen] Nick is the product of Erin and Jo, a lesbian couple...Peters crafts strong characters and creates universal messages of love and family in this beautiful novel." —Reyn
More reading: Best LGBTQIA Literature & Books for Teens with LGBT Parents
by Julie Anne Peters
"[Teen] Nick is the product of Erin and Jo, a lesbian couple...Peters crafts strong characters and creates universal messages of love and family in this beautiful novel." —Reyn
More reading: Best LGBTQIA Literature & Books for Teens with LGBT Parents
2001
9/11 terrorist attacks
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
by Jonathan Safran Foer
"This is a book for anyone who has lost a loved one. This is a book for anyone who has survived a disaster. This is a book for optimists and pessimists and those in-between; in short, for everyone." —Eileen
More reading: 9/11 Related Books
by Jonathan Safran Foer
"This is a book for anyone who has lost a loved one. This is a book for anyone who has survived a disaster. This is a book for optimists and pessimists and those in-between; in short, for everyone." —Eileen
More reading: 9/11 Related Books
2003
Completion of the Human Genome Project
Oryx and Crake
by Margaret Atwood
"Set in a future where genetic engineering rules the world...a deeply philosophical book that raises numerous questions: Is there such a thing as a 'perfect human'?" —Tatiana
More reading: Genetics in Science Fiction & Genetics for Non-Scientists
by Margaret Atwood
"Set in a future where genetic engineering rules the world...a deeply philosophical book that raises numerous questions: Is there such a thing as a 'perfect human'?" —Tatiana
More reading: Genetics in Science Fiction & Genetics for Non-Scientists
2010
Beginning of the Arab Spring
The Yacoubian Building
by Alaa Al Aswany
"A tale that is as much about loss of innocence and coming of age in a world marred by corruption and poverty as it is about the forces that fuel the fires of revolution." —Amina
More reading: Best Middle East Fiction & Arab Spring
by Alaa Al Aswany
"A tale that is as much about loss of innocence and coming of age in a world marred by corruption and poverty as it is about the forces that fuel the fires of revolution." —Amina
More reading: Best Middle East Fiction & Arab Spring
