Booklist Reader

Published by Booklist, an imprint of the American Library Association. Booklist Reader features diverse book and audiobook recommendations, for readers and listeners of all ages. Filled with high-interest, themed lists that showcase books for your family or book discussion group.

From the Editor & Publisher

Booklist Reader

Top 10 First Novels • These superb and transporting debuts are set in Lagos, Seoul, Harlem, and the inside of a woman’s body.

The Essentials Top Twenty-First Century First Novels, So Far • What a shattering, sometimes inspiring century this has been, from 9/11 and the horrific wars that followed to record-breaking natural disasters intensified by climate change, the pandemic, assaults against democracy, the social-media revolution, Black Lives Matter, and #MeToo, to name but a few seismic events and movements. What sorts of first novels has the still-new twenty-first century inspired? These impressive and impactful debut works of general fiction published between 2000 and 2021 have won major prizes, landed on best-seller lists, galvanized book groups, inspired film and stage adaptations, and launched exciting literary careers.

The Essentials Exceptional Recent Poetry Collections • The celebrated poets in these substantial and powerful collections stretch traditional forms, from the waka to the sonnet, and invent new ones. They also explore diverse cultures and histories, including those of Puerto Rico and Vietnam, as well as the complexities of identities and sexualities. These poets are virtuoso, daring, passionate, and funny, their collections full of surprises and revelations sure to intrigue you whether you’re a poetry lover or wish you were.

Read-alikes Charles Dickens Reimagined • The indelible novels of Charles Dickens have inspired clever variations, including mysteries, that are set in his world, some even featuring the influential writer himself. But other reimaginings, some precise in their homage, like Barbara Kingsolver’s Demon Copperhead (review adjacent), others more loosely if clearly Dickensian, take a more comprehensive and profound approach.

The Book That Proved Indispensible

The Essentials Exceptional Debut Poetry Collections • These recent first collections by emerging poets explore questions of identity, desire, immigration, and transformation.

Reserve These Reads Adult • Get your hands on these hotly anticipated books, all out this month.

LIBRARY READS

Top 10 First Novels on Audio • Brilliantly voiced characters are the hallmark of these standout first novels.

Must Listen Poetry and Literature Collections on Audio • Listening to a poetry anthology on audio is a great way to dip your toe into poetry for the first time, after some time away, or as a way to learn about a new-to-you poet whose work you may want to read again. The collections here offer a range as some collections hearken back to childhood memories and will be fun to share with kids, while others offer insightful commentary on social struggles.

Listen-alikes Audiobooks for Young Poetry Lovers • In Odyssey Award Honor title The Poet X, Xiomara gives power to her thoughts by turning them into poems. Audiobooks are an ideal format for experiencing poetry and poetic thinkers, and these titles are bound to inspire young poets of all ages.

Top 10 First Novels for Youth • This past year was marked by a chorus of new, authentic voices, especially in the speculative-YA arena, as seen in these outstanding titles.

LIGHTNING Round 2022 Debuts • Short on time but need to meet 9 debut novelists in a series of rapid-fire Q&As? You’ve come to the right place.

A Conversation Zach Weinersmith and Boulet • You’re likely already at least somewhat familiar with Beowulf; it’s...