Book List

20 Best Books To Read in January

FICTION

ÆDNAN

by Linnea Axelsson ; translated by Saskia Vogel

A sharp-edged tale in verse of colonial suppression, resistance, and survival. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

BEAUTYLAND

by Marie-Helene Bertino

A heartbreaking book that staggers with both truth and beauty. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

THE DJINN WAITS A HUNDRED YEARS

by Shubnum Khan

A ghost story, a love story, a mystery—this seductive novel has it all. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

HOW WE NAMED THE STARS

by Andrés N. Ordorica

Told with authenticity and compassion, this unconventional love story redefines notions of fraternity. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

THE ASCENT

by Adam Plantinga

A meat-and-potatoes thriller, sure—but they're delicious meat and potatoes. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

HARD BY A GREAT FOREST

by Leo Vardiashvili

An unforgettable aria to a lost homeland, full of anger, sorrow, and longing. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

INFECTIOUS GENEROSITY

by Chris Anderson

A joyful road map away from a polarized, selfish society to the hopeful, humane place where we should be. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CURRENT EVENTS & SOCIAL ISSUES

WHAT WE'VE BECOME

by Jonathan M. Metzl

A powerful, convincing effort to reframe the discussion around gun control and its discontents. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

JOHN LEWIS

by Raymond Arsenault

An exemplary biography of an exemplary person, essential to the history of the Civil Rights Movement. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

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  • The Kirkus Star

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  • The Kirkus Prize

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