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What Should You Read Next? Here Are the Best Reviewed Books of the Week

Featuring new titles by leslie jamison, phillip b. williams, sarah ruiz-grossman, and more.

Leslie Jamison’s Splinters , Phillip B. Williams’ Ours , and Sarah Ruiz-Grossman’s A Fire So Wild all feature among the Best Reviewed Books of the Week.

Brought to you by Book Marks , Lit Hub’s home for book reviews.

1. Ours by Phillip B. Williams (Viking)

3 Rave • 2 Positive Read an excerpt from Ours here

“…a vast and rapturous feat of fabulism … This is a 19th-century historical epic created with both a vivacious enthusiasm for folkloric traditions and a deep contemplation of what it means to be freed from the violent machine of slavery in the U.S. … Williams has a voice that soars across each page, breathing life into his dazzling array of characters–the lovers and the malcontents, the queer and the mystical, the brazen and the cautious.”

–Dave Wheeler ( Shelf Awareness )

2. The Variations by Patrick Langley (New York Review of Books)

2 Rave • 1 Positive • 1 Mixed

“Langley is a mesmerizing guide to Selda’s music and the fantastical world of the hospice, a ‘variously demonized, patronized, scorned, venerated, vilified, and today largely ignored and near-bankrupted institution.’ This is exquisite.”

–Publishers Weekly

3. A Fire So Wild by Sarah Ruiz-Grossman (Harper)

1 Rave • 2 Positive • 1 Mixed Read Sarah Ruiz-Grossman’s list of books for the climate apocalypse here

“As the characters’ paths twine with fervor, Ruiz-Grossman’s engaging tale offers a vivid exploration of modern-day disparities within the timeless and universal search for belonging and self-determination.”

–Leah Strauss ( Booklist )

1. Splinters by Leslie Jamison (Little Brown and Company)

6 Rave • 4 Positive • 2 Mixed Listen to an interview with Leslie Jamison here

“This one is slimmer, less digressive, more focused on Jamison’s singular experience [than The Recovering ]. But it, like its predecessor, makes a particular life ramify more broadly in intriguing and poignant ways … About the bewildering nature of new motherhood, the implosion of Jamison’s marriage, parenting solo, dating as a single mother, coping with illness and lockdown. But it is also about storytelling … Though this well of grief and guilt is not dramatized, it is not unglimpsed. Jamison writes around the hole in her story, and we can feel the gravity of its pull in her presentation of herself … Her ferocious honesty, her stringent refusal to sugarcoat, her insistence on inhabiting and depicting moments in all their evanescence and incandescence make her one of the most compelling and trustworthy memoirists we have.”

–Priscilla Gilman ( The Boston Globe )

2. Out of the Darkness: The Germans, 1942-2022 by Frank Trentmann (Knopf)

“Terrifically insightful … There is so much telling detail in the story: the fluent legal nonsense, the struggle with authority, the inner psychological conflict, all tacitly overshadowed by the recent memory of the Third Reich … This book runs to 838 pages, but barely a word is wasted. Trentmann is a skillful and unflashy storyteller with flickers of gentle irony.”

–Oliver Moody ( The Times )

3. Strong Passions: A Scandalous Divorce in Old New York by Barbara Weisberg (W. W. Norton & Company)

2 Rave • 3 Positive • 1 Mixed

“Riveting … Weisberg reassembles the story with the clear determination to treat both sides equally, and without leering … She cloaks the jagged facts of the case in the soft trappings of their social backdrop to soften their impact. Nevertheless, sharp edges pierce the velvet veil … By letting public and private records reanimate this vivid chapter of the past, Weisberg tells a story that fiction could not touch.”

–Liesl Schillinger ( The New York Times Book Review )

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The 13 Best Book Review Sites and Book Rating Sites

Knowing where to buy books can be challenging. So, here are the best book review sites to help you avoid buying books that you'll regret reading.

Nobody likes to spend money on a new book only to face that overwhelming feeling of disappointment when it doesn't live up to your expectations. The solution is to check out a few book review sites before you hit the shops. The greater the diversity of opinions you can gather, the more confidence you can have that you'll enjoy the title.

Which book review and book rating sites are worth considering? Here are the best ones.

1. Goodreads

Goodreads is arguably the leading online community for book lovers. If you want some inspiration for which novel or biography to read next, this is the book review site to visit.

There's an endless number of user-generated reading lists to explore, and Goodreads itself publishes dozens of "best of" lists across a number of categories. You can do a book search by plot or subject , or join book discussions and reading groups with thousands of members.

You can participate in the community by adding your own rankings to books you've read and leaving reviews for other people to check out. Occasionally, there are even bonus events like question and answer sessions with authors.

2. LibraryThing

LibraryThing is the self-proclaimed largest book club in the world. It has more than 2.3 million members and is one of the best social networking platforms for book lovers .

With a free account, you can add up to 200 books to your library and share them with other users. But it's in the other areas where LibraryThing can claim to be one of the best book review sites.

Naturally, there are ratings, user reviews, and tags. But be sure to click on the Zeitgeist tab at the top of the page. It contains masses of information, including the top books by rating, by the number of reviews, by authors, and loads more.

3. Book Riot

Book Riot is a blog. It publishes listicles on dozens of different topics, many of which review the best books in a certain genre. To give you an idea, some recent articles include Keeping Hoping Alive: 11 Thrilling YA Survival Stories and The Best Historical Fiction Books You’ve Never Heard Of .

Of course, there's also plenty of non-reading list content. If you have a general affinity for literature, Book Riot is definitely worth adding to the list of websites you browse every day.

Bookish is a site that all members of book clubs should know about. It helps you prep for your next meeting with discussion guides, book quizzes, and book games. There are even food and drink suggestions, as well as playlist recommendations.

But the site is more than just book club meetings. It also offers lots of editorial content. That comes in the form of author interviews, opinion essays, book reviews and recommendations, reading challenges, and giveaways.

Be sure to look at the Must-Reads section of the site regularly to get the latest book reviews. Also, it goes without saying that the people behind Bookish are book lovers, too. To get a glimpse of what they’re reading, check out their Staff Reads articles.

5. Booklist

Booklist is a print magazine that also offers an online portal. Trusted experts from the American Library Association write all the book reviews.

You can see snippets of reviews for different books. However, to read them in full, you will need to subscribe. An annual plan for this book review site costs $184.95 per year.

6. Fantasy Book Review

Fantasy Book Review should be high on the list for anyone who is a fan of fantasy works. The book review site publishes reviews for both children's books and adults' books.

It has a section on the top fantasy books of all time and a continually updated list of must-read books for each year. You can also search through the recommended books by sub-genres such as Sword and Sorcery, Parallel Worlds, and Epic Fantasy.

7. LoveReading

LoveReading is one of the most popular book review sites in the UK, but American audiences will find it to be equally useful.

The site is divided into fiction and non-fiction works. In each area, it publishes weekly staff picks, books of the month, debuts of the month, ebooks of the month, audiobooks of the month, and the nationwide bestsellers. Each book on every list has a full review that you can read for free.

Make sure you also check out their Highlights tab to get book reviews for selected titles of the month. In Collections , you'll also find themed reading lists such as World War One Literature and Green Reads .

Kirkus has been involved in producing book reviews since the 1930s. This book review site looks at the week's bestselling books, and provides lengthy critiques for each one.

As you'd expect, you'll also find dozens of "best of" lists and individual book reviews across many categories and genres.

And while you're on the site, make sure you click on the Kirkus Prize section. You can look at all the past winners and finalists, complete with the accompanying reviews of their books.

Although Reddit is a social media site, you can use it to get book reviews of famous books, or almost any other book for that matter! Reddit has a Subreddit, r/books, that is dedicated to book reviews and reading lists.

The subreddit has weekly scheduled threads about a particular topic or genre. Anyone can then chip in with their opinions about which books are recommendable. Several new threads are published every day, with people discussing their latest discovery with an accompanying book rating or review.

You'll also discover a weekly recommendation thread. Recent threads have included subjects such as Favorite Books About Climate Science , Literature of Indigenous Peoples , and Books Set in the Desert . There’s also a weekly What are you Reading? discussion and frequent AMAs.

For more social media-like platforms, check out these must-have apps for book lovers .

10. YouTube

YouTube is not the type of place that immediately springs to mind when you think of the best book review sites online.

Nonetheless, there are several engaging YouTube channels that frequently offer opinions on books they've read. You’ll easily find book reviews of famous books here.

Some of the most notable book review YouTube channels include Better Than Food: Book Reviews , Little Book Owl , PolandBananasBooks , and Rincey Reads .

Amazon is probably one of your go-to site when you want to buy something. If you don’t mind used copies, it’s also one of the best websites to buy second-hand books .

Now, to get book reviews, just search and click on a title, then scroll down to see the ratings and what others who have bought the book are saying. It’s a quick way to have an overview of the book’s rating. If you spot the words Look Inside above the book cover, it means you get to preview the first few pages of the book, too!

Regardless of the praises or criticisms you have heard from other book review sites, reading a sample is the most direct way to help you gauge the content’s potential and see whether the author’s writing style suits your tastes.

12. StoryGraph

StoryGraph is another good book review site that's worth checking out. The book rating is determined by the site's large community of readers. Key in the title of a book you're interested in and click on it in StoryGraph's search results to have an overall view of its rating.

Each book review provides information on the moods and pacing of the story. It also indicates whether the tale is plot or character-driven, what readers feel about the extent of character development, how lovable the characters generally are, and the diversity of the cast.

13. London Review of Books

The London Review of Books is a magazine that covers a range of subjects such as culture, literature, and philosophy. Part of its content includes amazingly detailed book reviews. If you feel that most modern book reviews are too brief for your liking, the London Review of Books should suit you best.

You'll gain insight into the flow and themes of the story, as well as a more thorough picture of the events taking place in the book.

Read Book Reviews Before You Buy

The book review sites we've discussed will appeal to different types of readers. Some people will be more comfortable with the easy-to-interpret book rating systems; others will prefer extensive reviews written by experienced professionals.

Although it’s easy to be tempted by a gorgeous book cover, it’s always best to have a quick look at the book reviews before actually buying a copy. This way, you can save your money and spend it on the books that you’ll be proud to display on your shelves for a long time. And check out recommendations, as well, to help you find what's worth reading.

Join Discovery, the new community for book lovers

Trust book recommendations from real people, not robots 🤓

Blog – Posted on Wednesday, Apr 03

How to write a book review in 3 steps.

If the idea of reading for free — or even getting paid to read — sounds like a dream come true, remember that it isn’t a pipe dream. There are many places aspiring book reviewers can read books for free, such as Reedsy Discovery — a new platform for reviewing indie books. Of course, if you’re giving serious thought to becoming a book reviewer, your first step should be learning how to write a book review. To that end, this post covers all the basics of literary criticism. Let’s get started!

The three main steps of writing a book review are simple:

• Provide a summary: What is story about? Who are the main characters and what is the main conflict? 
• Present your evaluation: What did you think of the book? What elements worked well, and which ones didn’t? 
• Give your recommendation: Would you recommend this book to others? If so, what kinds of readers will enjoy it?

You can also download our free book review templates and use it as a guide! Otherwise, let’s take a closer look at each element.

Pro-tip : But wait! How are you sure if you should become a book reviewer in the first place? If you're on the fence, or curious about your match with a book reviewing career, take our quick quiz:

Should you become a book reviewer?

Find out the answer. Takes 30 seconds!

How to write a review of a book

Step 1. provide a summary.

Have you ever watched a movie only to realize that all the good bits were already in the trailer? Well, you don’t want the review to do that. What you do want the summary to do is reveal the genre, theme, main conflict, and main characters in the story — without giving away spoilers or revealing how the story ends.

A good rule of thumb is not to mention anything that happens beyond the midpoint. Set the stage and give readers a sense of the book without explaining how the central issue is resolved.

Emily W. Thompson's review of The Crossing :

In [Michael] Doane’s debut novel, a young man embarks on a journey of self-discovery with surprising results.

An unnamed protagonist (The Narrator) is dealing with heartbreak. His love, determined to see the world, sets out for Portland, Oregon. But he’s a small-town boy who hasn’t traveled much. So, the Narrator mourns her loss and hides from life, throwing himself into rehabbing an old motorcycle. Until one day, he takes a leap; he packs his bike and a few belongings and heads out to find the Girl. Read more...

Here are a few more reviews with well-written summaries for you to check out. The summary tend to be the longest part of the book review, so we won’t turn this post into a novel itself by pasting them all here: Le Cirque Navire reviewed by Anna Brill, The Heart of Stone reviewed by Kevin R. Dickinson, Fitting Out: The Friendship Experiment reviewed by Lianna Albrizio.

Non-fiction summary tip: The primary goal of a non-fiction summary is to provide context: what problems or issues has the book spotted, and how does it go about addressing them? Be sure to mention the authors of the title and what experience or expertise they bring to the title. Check Stefan Kløvning’s review of Creativity Cycling for an example of a summary that establishes the framework of the book within the context of its field.

Step 2. Present your evaluation

While you should absolutely weave your own personal take of a book into the review, your evaluation shouldn’t only be based on your subjective opinion. Along with presenting how you reacted to the story and how it affected you, you should also try to objectively critique the stronger and weaker elements of the story, and provide examples from the text to back up your points.

To help you write your evaluation, you should record your reactions and thoughts as you work your way through a novel you’re planning on reviewing. Here are some aspects of the book to keep in mind as you do.

Your evaluation might focus heartily on the book’s prose:

Donald Barker's review of Mercenary : 

Such are the bones of the story. But, of course, it is the manner in which Mr Gaughran puts the bones back together and fills them with life that makes “Mercenary” such a great read. The author’s style seems plain; it seems straightforward and even simple. But an attempt at imitation or emulation quickly proves that simple it is not. He employs short, punchy sentences that generate excellent dialogue dripping with irony, deadpan humour and wit. This, mixed with good descriptive prose, draws the characters – and what characters they are – along with the tumultuous events in which they participated amidst the stinking, steaming heat of the South American jungle, out from the past to the present; alive, scheming, drinking, womanising and fighting, onto the written page.

You can give readers a sense of the book by drawing comparisons to other well-known titles or authors:

Laura Hartman's review of The Mystery of Ruby's Mistletoe :

Reading Ms. Donovan’s book is reminiscent to one of my favorite authors, Dame Agatha Christie. Setting up the suspects in a snowbound house, asking them to meet in the drawing room and the cleverly satisfying conclusion was extremely gratifying. I can picture Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot nodding at Ms. Donovan saying “Well done!”

Not everyone’s tastes are the same, and you can always acknowledge this by calling out specific story elements in your evaluation: 

Kevin R. Dickinson's review of The Heart of Stone :

Whether you enjoy Galley’s worldbuilding will depend heavily on preference. Galley delivers information piecemeal, letting the characters, not the author, navigate the reader through Hartlund. A notable example is the magic system, an enigmatic force that lacks the ridge structures of, say, a Brandon Sanderson novel. While the world’s magical workings are explained, you only learn what the characters know and many mysteries remain by the end. Similar choices throughout make the world feel expansive and authentic.

Non-fiction evaluation tip: A book’s topic is only as compelling as its supporting arguments. Your evaluation of a nonfiction book should address that: how clearly and effectively are the points communicated? Turn back to Stefan’s critique for an example of a non-fiction critique that covers key takeaways and readability, without giving away any “big reveals.”

Step 3. Give your recommendation 

At the end of the day, your critique needs to answer this question: is this a book you would (or wouldn’t) recommend to other readers? You might wrap up by comparing it to other books in the same genre, or authors with similar styles, such as: “Fans of so-and-so will enjoy this book.” 

Let’s take a look at a few more tips:

You don’t need to write, “I recommend this book” — you can make it clear by highlighting your favorable opinion:

Following in the footsteps of Jack Kerouac and William Least Heat-Moon, Doane offers a coming of age story about a man finding himself on the backroads of America. Doane’s a gifted writer with fluid prose and insightful observations, using The Narrator’s personal interactions to illuminate the diversity of the United States.

Despite his flaws, it’s a pleasure to accompany The Narrator on his physical and emotional journey. The unexpected ending is a fitting denouement to an epic and memorable road trip.

Add more punch to your rating by mentioning what kind of audience will or won’t enjoy the book:

Charleigh Aleyna Reid's review of The King of FU :

I would recommend this book to anyone who grew up in the 90’s and would like to reminisce about the time, someone who is interested to see what it was like to be a 90’s kid, or perhaps anyone who is looking for a unique, funny story about someone’s life.

Unless you found the title absolutely abhorrent, a good way to balance out a less favorable book review it to share what you did like about the book — before ultimately stating why you wouldn’t recommend the novel:

Nicola O's review of Secrets of the Sea Lord :

Overall, there are plenty of enjoyable elements in this story and fans of Atlantis and mer mythology should give it a try. Despite this, it does not rise above a three-star rating, and while I had some difficulty pinning down why this is, I concluded that it comes from a surprisingly unsophisticated vocabulary. There are a couple of graphic sex scenes, which is absolutely fine in a paranormal romance, but if they were removed, I could easily imagine this as an appealing story for middle-schoolers.

Non-fiction recommendation tip: As with fiction book reviews, share why you did or didn’t enjoy the title. However, in one of the starkest divergences from fiction book reviews it’s more important than ever that you mention your expectations coming into the non-fiction book. For instance, if you’re a cow farmer who’s reading a book on the benefits of becoming a vegetarian, you’re coming in with a large and inherent bias that the book will struggle to alter. So your recommendation should cover your thoughts about the book, while clearly taking account your perspective before you started reading. Let’s look once more at Stefan’s review for an example of a rating that includes an explanation of the reviewer’s own bias.

Bonus tips for writing a book review

Let’s wrap up with a few final tips for writing a compelling review.

• Remember, this isn’t a book report. If someone wants the summary of a book, they can read the synopsis. People turn to book reviews for a fellow reader’s take on the book. And for that reason...
• Have an opinion. Even if your opinion is totally middle-of-the-line — you didn’t hate the book but you didn’t love it either — state that clearly, and explain why.
• Make your stance clear from the outset. Don’t save your opinion just for the evaluation/recommendation. Weave your thoughts about the book into your summary as well, so that readers have an idea of your opinion from the outset.
• Back up your points. Instead of just saying, “the prose was evocative” — show readers by providing an actual passage that displays this. Same goes for negative points — don’t simply tell readers you found a character unbelievable, reference a certain (non-spoiler) scene that backs this up.
• Provide the details. Don’t forget to weave the book’s information into the review: is this a debut author? Is this one installment of a series? What types of books has the author written before? What is their background? How many pages does the book have? Who published the book? What is the book’s price?
• Follow guidelines. Is the review you’re writing for Goodreads? For The New York Times ? The content and tone of your review will vary a good deal from publication to publication.
• Learn from others. One of the best ways to learn how to write a great review is to read other reviews! To help you out with that, we’ve published a post all about book review examples .

Writing book reviews can be a rewarding experience! As a book-lover yourself, it’s a great opportunity to help guide readers to their next favorite title. If you’re just getting started as a reviewer and could use a couple more tips and nudges in the right direction, check out our comprehensive blog post on how to become a book reviewer . And if you want to find out which review community is the right fit for you, we recommend taking this quick quiz:

Which review community should you join?

Find out which review community is best for your style. Takes 30 seconds!

Finally, if you feel you've nailed the basics of how to write a book review, we recommend you check out Reedsy Discovery , where you can review books for free and are guaranteed people will read them. To register as a book reviewer, simply go here !

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New Cold Wars review: China, Russia and Biden’s daunting task

David Sanger of the New York Times delivers a must-read on the foreign policy challenges now facing US leaders

R ussia bombards Ukraine. Israel and Hamas are locked in a danse macabre. The threat of outright war between Jerusalem and Tehran grows daily. Beijing and Washington snarl. In a moment like this, David Sanger’s latest book, subtitled China’s Rise, Russia’s Invasion, and America’s Struggle to Defend the West , is a must-read. Painstakingly researched, New Cold Wars brims with on-record interviews and observations by thinly veiled sources.

Officials closest to the president talk with an eye on posterity. The words of the CIA director, Bill Burns, repeatedly appear on the page. Antony Blinken, the secretary of state, and Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, surface throughout the book. Sanger, White House and national security correspondent for the New York Times, fuses access, authority and curiosity to deliver an alarming message: US dominance is no longer axiomatic.

In the third decade of the 21st century, China and Russia defy Washington, endeavoring to shatter the status quo while reaching for past glories. Vladimir Putin sees himself as the second coming of Peter the Great, “a dictator … consumed by restoring the old Russian empire and addressing old grievances”, in Sanger’s words.

The possibility of nuclear war is no longer purely theoretical. “In 2021 Biden, [Gen Mark] Milley, and the new White House national security team discovered that America’s nuclear holiday was over,” Sanger writes. “They were plunging into a new era that was far more complicated than the cold war had ever been.”

As Russia’s war on Ukraine faltered, Putin and the Kremlin raised the specter of nuclear deployment against Kyiv.

“The threat that Russia might use a nuclear weapon against its non-nuclear-armed foe surfaced and resurfaced every few months,” Sanger recalls.

The world was no longer “flat”. Rather, “the other side began to look more like a security threat and less like a lucrative market”. Unfettered free trade and interdependence had yielded prosperity and growth for some but birthed anger and displacement among many. Nafta – the North American Free Trade Agreement – became a figurative four-letter word. In the US, counties that lost jobs to China and Mexico went for Trump in 2016 .

Biden and the Democrats realized China never was and never would be America’s friend. “‘I think it’s fair to say that just about every assumption across different administrations was wrong,” one of Biden’s “closest advisers” tells Sanger.

“‘The internet would bring political liberty. Trade would liberalize the regime’ while creating high-skill jobs for Americans. The list went on. A lot of it was just wishful thinking.”

Sanger also captures the despondency that surrounded the botched US withdrawal from Afghanistan. A suicide bombing at the Kabul airport left 13 US soldiers and 170 civilians dead. The event still haunts.

“The president came into the room shortly thereafter, and at that point Gen [Kenneth] McKenzie informed him of the attack and also the fact that there had been at least several American military casualties, fatalities in the attack,” Burns recalls. “I remember the president just paused for at least 30 seconds or so and put his head down because he was absorbing the sadness of the moment and the sense of loss as well.”

Almost three years later, Biden’s political standing has not recovered. “The bitter American experience in Afghanistan and Iraq seemed to underscore the dangers of imperial overreach,” Sanger writes. With Iran on the front burner and the Middle East mired in turmoil, what comes next is unclear.

A coda: a recent supplemental review conducted by the Pentagon determined that a sole Isis member carried out the Kabul bombing. The review also found that the attack was tactically unpreventable.

Sanger also summarizes a tense exchange between Biden and Benjamin Netanyahu, prime minister of Israel , over the Gaza war.

“Hadn’t the US firebombed Tokyo during world war two? Netanyahu demanded. “Hadn’t it unleashed two atom bombs? What about the thousands who died in Mosul, as the US sought to wipe out Isis?”

On Thursday, the US vetoed a resolution to confer full UN membership on the “State of Palestine”. Hours later, Standard & Poor’s downgraded Israel’s credit rating and Israel retaliated against Iran.

N ew Cold Wars does contain lighter notes. For example, Sanger catches Donald Trump whining to Randall Stephenson, then CEO of AT&T , about his (self-inflicted) problems with women. The 45th president invited Stephenson to the Oval Office, to discuss China and telecommunications. Things did not quite work out that way.

“Trump burned up the first 45 minutes of the meeting by riffing on how men got into trouble,” Sanger writes. “It was all about women. Then he went into a long diatribe about Stormy Daniels.”

Stephenson later recalled: “It was ‘all part of the same stand-up comedy act’ … and ‘we were left with 15 minutes to talk about Chinese infrastructure’.”

Trump wasn’t interested. Stephenson “could see that the president’s mind was elsewhere. ‘This is really boring,’ Trump finally said.”

On Thursday, in Trump’s hush-money case in New York, the parties picked a jury. Daniels is slated to be a prosecution witness.

Sanger ends his book on a note of nostalgia – and trepidation.

“For all the present risks, it is worth remembering that one of the most remarkable and little-discussed accomplishments of the old cold war was that the great powers never escalated their differences into a direct conflict. That is an eight-decade-long streak we cannot afford to break.”

New Cold Wars is published in the US by Penguin Random House

• Politics books
• US foreign policy
• US national security
• US military
• Biden administration

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How to Write a Book Review: The Complete Guide

by Sue Weems | 23 comments

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If you've ever loved (or hated) a book, you may have been tempted to review it. Here's a complete guide to how to write a book review, so you can share your literary adventures with other readers more often! 

You finally reach the last page of a book that kept you up all night and close it with the afterglow of satisfaction and a tinge of regret that it’s over. If you enjoyed the book enough to stay up reading it way past your bedtime, consider writing a review. It is one of the best gifts you can give an author.

Regardless of how much you know about how to write a book review, the author will appreciate hearing how their words touched you.

But as you face the five shaded stars and empty box, a blank mind strikes. What do I say? I mean, is this a book really deserving of five stars? How did it compare to Dostoevsky or Angelou or Dickens?

Maybe there’s an easier way to write a book review.

Want to learn how to write a book from start to finish? Check out How to Write a Book: The Complete Guide .

The Fallacy of Book Reviews

Once you’ve decided to give a review, you are faced with the task of deciding how many stars to give a book.

When I first started writing book reviews, I made the mistake of trying to compare a book to ALL BOOKS OF ALL TIME. (Sorry for the all caps, but that’s how it felt, like a James Earl Jones voice was asking me where to put this book in the queue of all books.)

Other readers find themselves comparing new titles to their favorite books. It's a natural comparison. But is it fair?

This is honestly why I didn’t give reviews of books for a long time. How can I compare a modern romance or historical fiction war novel with Dostoevsky? I can’t, and I shouldn’t.

I realized my mistake one day as I was watching (of all things) a dog show. In the final round, they trotted out dogs of all shapes, colors, and sizes. I thought, “How can a Yorkshire Terrier compete with a Basset Hound?” As if he'd read my mind, the announcer explained that each is judged by the standards for its breed.

This was my “Aha!” moment. I have to take a book on its own terms. The question is not, “How does this book compare to all books I’ve read?” but “How well did this book deliver what it promised for the intended audience?”

A review is going to reflect my personal experience with the book, but I can help potential readers by taking a minute to consider what the author intended. Let me explain what I mean. 

How to Write a Book Review: Consider a Book’s Promise

A book makes a promise with its cover, blurb, and first pages. It begins to set expectations the minute a reader views the thumbnail or cover. Those things indicate the genre, tone, and likely the major themes.

If a book cover includes a lip-locked couple in flowing linen on a beach, and I open to the first page to read about a pimpled vampire in a trench coat speaking like Mr. Knightly about his plan for revenge on the entire human race, there’s been a breach of contract before I even get to page two. These are the books we put down immediately (unless a mixed-message beachy cover combined with an Austen vampire story is your thing).

But what if the cover, blurb, and first pages are cohesive and perk our interest enough to keep reading? Then we have to think about what the book has promised us, which revolves around one key idea: What is the core story question and how well is it resolved?

Sometimes genre expectations help us answer this question: a romance will end with a couple who finds their way, a murder mystery ends with a solved case, a thriller’s protagonist beats the clock and saves the country or planet.

The stories we love most do those expected things in a fresh or surprising way with characters we root for from the first page. Even (and especially!) when a book doesn’t fit neatly in a genre category, we need to consider what the book promises on those first pages and decide how well it succeeds on the terms it sets for itself.

When I Don’t Know What to Write

About a month ago, I realized I was overthinking how to write a book review. Here at the Write Practice we have a longstanding tradition of giving critiques using the Oreo method : point out something that was a strength, then something we wondered about or that confused us, followed by another positive.

We can use this same structure to write a simple review when we finish books. Consider this book review format: 

[Book Title] by [book author] is about ___[plot summary in a sentence—no spoilers!]___. I chose this book based on ________. I really enjoyed ________. I wondered how ___________. Anyone who likes ____ will love this book.

Following this basic template can help you write an honest review about most any book, and it will give the author or publisher good information about what worked (and possibly what didn’t). You might write about the characters, the conflict, the setting, or anything else that captured you and kept you reading.

As an added bonus, you will be a stronger reader when you are able to express why you enjoyed parts of a book (just like when you critique!). After you complete a few, you’ll find it gets easier, and you won’t need the template anymore.

What if I Didn’t Like It?

Like professional book reviewers, you will have to make the call about when to leave a negative review. If I can’t give a book at least three stars, I usually don’t review it. Why? If I don’t like a book after a couple chapters, I put it down. I don’t review anything that I haven’t read the entire book.

Also, it may be that I’m not the target audience. The book might be well-written and well-reviewed with a great cover, and it just doesn’t capture me. Or maybe it's a book that just isn't hitting me right now for reasons that have nothing to do with the book and everything to do with my own reading life and needs. Every book is not meant for every reader.

If a book kept me reading all the way to the end and I didn’t like the ending? I would probably still review it, since there had to be enough good things going on to keep me reading to the end. I might mention in my review that the ending was less satisfying than I hoped, but I would still end with a positive.

How to Write a Book Review: Your Turn

As writers, we know how difficult it is to put down the words day after day. We are typically voracious readers. Let’s send some love back out to our fellow writers this week and review the most recent title we enjoyed.

What was the last book you read or reviewed? Do you ever find it hard to review a book? Share in the comments .

Now it's your turn. Think of the last book you read. Then, take fifteen minutes to write a review of it based on the template above. When you're done, share your review in the Pro Practice Workshop . For bonus points, post it on the book's page on Amazon and Goodreads, too!

Don't forget to leave feedback for your fellow writers! What new reads will you discover in the comments?

Sue Weems is a writer, teacher, and traveler with an advanced degree in (mostly fictional) revenge. When she’s not rationalizing her love for parentheses (and dramatic asides), she follows a sailor around the globe with their four children, two dogs, and an impossibly tall stack of books to read. You can read more of her writing tips on her website .

23 Comments

The Ice Dragon by George R.R. Martin is about a girl that shows no emotion befriending a ice dragon.

I chose this book based on the cover that had a little girl riding a ice dragon, and wondered what is about.

I really enjoyed the interaction the little girl had with the dragon.

I wondered how how the girl’s bond with the dragon.

Anyone who likes a coming of age story set in a fantasy will love this book.

Thanks for sharing your practice, Azure!

You’re welcome.

A interesting, at times perplexing, subject! And one on my mind lately,as I’ve agreed to do a few. I do enjoy giving reviews and am delighted when I can say, “This was a great book!” Or even, “I enjoyed this book.” It gets perplexing when I agree to review a book — and simply don’t like it. Then what to say? I hate to disappoint the writer but I’ve promised to give my honest opinion.

I’ve found some books mediocre and yet I see a dozen other reviewers saying “A great story!” Tastes do vary. But when there are obvious flaws I tend to skip all the best-friend-and-cousin reviewers and find the first person who says, “This writer has a problem with…” Usually there’ll be a number of reviewers who spot the same problems I do.

I like upbeat main characters, but not aggressive, belligerent, and/or self-centered ones. I like to meet in a story the kind of people I’d like to meet in real life— not people I’d avoid if possible. I recently read a book where the main character came across as insipid and the story only mildly interesting. Other reviewers said it was great and I know for this specific audience — readers who want a certain slant to a story — it was quite suitable. So I tried to cut the book some slack. Everyone has their limit as to how much blood and gore, smooching and snuggling, they are willing to read about.

Once I agreed to review a book and would have tossed it after the first chapter — for several reasons. A lot of “writer inserting facts for reader’s benefit”; teach/preach paragraphs; excess of description; attitudes of MCs. Once it’s live on seller’s sites like Amazon, what can you say? The one thing good it had going for it was the story line or theme. With a pro editor’s help it could have been a great story.

As for a review, one book I read lately was “A Clue for the Puzzle Lady” by Parnell Hall. It’s one of those “Stayed up half the night to finish it” books; I think anyone who likes a compelling cozy mystery would probably like it. Downside: I didn’t care for the “Puzzle Lady.” She’s a lush, hangs out at the bar getting sloshed. The upside: her sensible niece has a starring role —trying to keep her aunt on the straight-and-narrow and the mystery keeps you guessing until the end.

Christine, Thanks for sharing your insight! It sounds like you are approached often to review new books. It does make it tricky if it’s a request, especially outside your own preferences. Thanks for chiming in about your process, as I’m sure others will appreciate the perspective too. I’ll have to take a look at the Puzzle Lady– I do enjoy cozy mysteries. Sue

Here’s another cozy mystery book review in case you’re interested. I’m not approached by writers that often, but there are the Story Cartel, Book Bub and Goodreads, all sites where authors ask for review volunteers.

Reel Estate Ripoff by Renee Pawlish

The detective Reed Ferguson is a fan of Humphry Bogart, movie memorabilia of that era, and fancies himself a bit of a Sam Slade. Though not your super-sleuth, rather inept at times, he’s a likeable character. Told in first person, the story has a Philip Marlowe tone to it, but much tamer. Dialogue and story line are well done, the story well plotted and believable. I’d gladly read more stories about this particular gumshoe.

If you like cozy mystery books, I’ll send you a list later, Sue. Love them too and I’ve met many authors who write in this genre. Back on topic– you inspire me again to add some reviews to my Blog. I have been reading and writing many middle grade mysteries for a project! My latest favorite: “The World’s Greatest Detective” by Caroline Carson (who I hope to meet tomorrow in Arlington, VA!) My 12 year old grandson borrowed it and finished it before I could. “It’s the best mystery I ever read, Grandma! You’ ll never guess the ending with unpredictable twists!” What better review could we read. The target audience and I both highly recommend this 2017 mystery.

Adding it to my stack, Beth. Thanks!

Not wanting to sound life an idiot, but willing to risk it here among friends: What exactly is a cozy mystery?

Glad you asked! It’s a subgenre of mystery. The best examples of cozy mysteries are those by Agatha Christie. They usually avoid profanity, excessive gore/ violence, and sex. They focus more on the puzzle, sleuth, and their smaller world. Hope that helps!

Thanks, Sue.

Wonderful article. The first I have read by you. It especially gets those of us who don’t feel we have the formula down for review writing to be introduced to a form we can build upon with experience. You’ve kept it simple but you have given us the main ingredients needed for a good review. I printed this one off to look at the next few times I write reviews. Thank you.

Glad you found it helpful. Thanks for reading and commenting!

I haven’t gone into all this. It’s a matter of time, Joe. I gad about all over the place, not knowing where I am or where I’m going. Within weeks, I’ll be 87. I’ve books of my own that I’d like to see reviewed. Even sorting them out, however, even finding where any of them are, would be a time burden. You see the fix?

Hi Dave, You aren’t alone in feeling the press of time for getting your stories out into the world. May I gently offer this: start with finding and sorting one. If you can’t find it, write it anew. You’ve probably grown in time and perspective since you wrote the first draft, which will make for a stronger story. Good luck. I’m cheering you on!

This is an article for me, because I am happy to receive a rating. I haven’t sold many books. But, at least some thinks that it was worth the time to read. That was refreshing. And, I think I wrote two reviews, so far. It was on Amazon.com. Thank you.

You’re welcome!

Hi, Sue. Thanks for the helpful advice. I did a review on Amazon for the first of a 7-part thriller titled ‘Mosh Pit (The Rose Garden Incident)’ by Michael Hiebert. [Here it is.]

“5.0 out of 5 stars Advance copy review. By A fellow author on September 18, 2016 Format: Kindle Edition I Recommend This Book Strongly

I enjoyed reading this first part of the thriller. The author’s opening chapter/prologue was fast paced, and set me in the middle of the inciting incident along with two of the main characters. After that thrilling opening, I felt the ensuing chapters moved at a more leisurely pace, and was about to grade them as less praiseworthy when I watched a lecture by Brandon Sanderson on YouTube about building three dimensional characters and realised Michael Hiebert had done exactly that by introducing the reader to the minutiae of other characters who had parts to play in the development of the story. So, instead of cardboard cutouts of bland stock characters, the author shows us real people with real concerns that the reader can relate to.and actually care about. I look forward to reading the rest of this intriguing thriller, and highly recommend it to all lovers of well-written, and well-crafted thrillers.”

I also reviewed Part 2 of the series, but that review is too long to post here.

Footnote: The author, Michael Hiebert, was so pleased with my reviews, he recently asked me to beta-read a short story collection he plans to publish in November.

Great review, John! I like how you shared a bit of your process as a reader too, in recognizing what the writer was doing with their characterization. Thanks!

Thank you, Sue.

Five out of five stars When I picked up a copy of “The Girl with All the Gifts,” by M R Carey, at the used book store, I somehow had it in my head that it was a YA dystopian novel along the lines of “Divergent” or “The Hunger Games.” While I would definitely say that I was not right about that, I wouldn’t say that I was completely wrong. I was, however, completely unprepared for a zombie novel–which is a good thing, cause I wouldn’t have read it, and I’m glad I did. Think “The Walking Dead” meets (why do I want to say ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night”?) “Peter Pan.” I really enjoyed seeing things from, the main character, Melanie’s point of view. Her limited knowledge of her own situation was intriguing, to say the least (and probably why I thought of “The Curious Incident”). I was a bit disappointed when the POV changed to another character’s, but, as the novel progressed, I found myself sympathizing with nearly all the characters–with one exception, and I’ll leave that for you to ponder when you read it. I wondered how much of the science was real, but not enough for me to research it myself. Although, based on other reviews, I guess most of the science about the fungus is real. I also wondered about the fate of the remaining ‘lost boys’ of the cities. If you liked…. well, I don’t know. I’m not typically a fan of things zombie, so I don’t have a comparison, but the book was somewhat similar to “Divergent” and “The Hunger Games” in that the main character goes through a hellluva time and comes out the other side with a plan for her future.

“Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom is a true story about how one man found meaning in life when his doctors gave him a death sentence. Morrie was a college professor who passed on his new found wisdom in the last year of his life to a favorite student, the author, who chronicled his professor’s perspectives on death and dying.

I chose this book because of its philosophical topic, and because it is so well written that the words just jump off the page.

Knowing we are all mortal beings, I especially liked the insights, the tidbits of wisdom imparted by the dying man. Death is a subject that few, if any of us, ever talk about seriously with friends and family. The subject of death is verboten. We deny its existence. And, if we are religious, we pretend we will not really die, but we deceive ourselves and think we will live on in some afterlife existence for all eternity. But the professor, Morrie, learns some valuable life lessons from his impending death, and Mitch Albom was gracious enough to capture them in this short but eminently readable book.

I really liked the book because it is timeless. This true story will impart serious life lessons for all future generations, and will help us gain perspectives on our lives and the relationships with those we love the most.

R. Allan Worrell

Sue, I’ve been meaning to come back since this was first posted to tell you thanks for a great article. I seldom review books for alllllll the reasons you listed. This is a perfect tool and I’ll surely use it. Cathy

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The 13 best books we read in april 2024, ranked and reviewed.

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April marked the rise of spring — the quintessential “warm-ish” weather month where we’re beginning to use our facial SPFs and head outside. Perhaps, to read.

If you’re new here, I’m a full-time commerce reporter and product tester who has read more than 50 books in 2024 so far. That said, I love to read new titles, find hidden gems that are beloved by fellow readers and create monthly lists for Post Wanted shoppers to sort through and shuffle into their Amazon carts.

Naturally, this month had a handful of some of the buzziest new releases, some books on my TBR list (that’s to-be read, for short) and some happy-go-lucky plots that’ll make you feel good as the warm weather continues to rise.

RELATED : Best March books we read, ranked and reviewed

You’ll find the 13 books I read in April, each with initial thoughts, a brief summary and, of course, links to purchase the books ahead of your next book haul. Oh, and you’ll also find commentary on most titles and additional recommendations from the Amazon Book Editors .

“Friends in Napa” by Sheila Yasmin Marikar

As I’m headed to Napa at the end of this month, it was only fitting to pick up the “Friends in Napa” by Sheila Yasmin Marikar. If you love plots with “rich people problems,” this is filled with a juicy plot and an alluring setting that’ll make you keep reading. While it’s not the most suspenseful book I’ve read, it sure kept me on my toes.

Specifically, the story centers on six old friends who make their way to Napa Valley for a luxurious, escapist weekend of fine wine. Yet, old tensions surface during the three-night stay at the country-side mansion — and everyone has something to hide.

“Wedding Issues” by Elle Evans

Darling and light to read, “Wedding Issues” by Elle Evans is the epitome of a springtime read. I wholly enjoyed it, especially for its engaging characters and wonderful chapter-by-chapter flow. It doesn’t drag and holds a unique plot: competition for a bridal magazine cover.

When Olivia “Liv” Fitzgerald’s scheming aunt throws her into a bridal competition for Southern Charm’s cover — against her best friend, Leighton — there’s an unfortunate domino effect that soon unravels. After graduating from law school and balancing schemes of her own, this book is perfectly tied with a bow for any reader.

“How to Plot a Payback” by Melissa Ferguson

New in the rom-com space is “How to Plot a Payback” by Melissa Ferguson. With a dazzling cover that makes you want to curl up and read, this story unfolds successful screenwriter Finn Masters and his inevitable new colleague — his lifelong nemesis Lavender Rhodes, who just so happened to destroy Finn’s acting career.

Better yet, when he’s “plotting his payback,” Finn realizes he can spin Lavender’s character in completely new directions, possibly seeing his perpetual nemesis as entirely lovable. In short, it’s a fabulous enemies-to-lovers new title that’ll have you wanting more.

“The Age of Magical Overthinking” by Amanda Montell

As a huge fan of Amanda Montell’s “ Cultish ” title that explored modern-day cult-inspired throes in society — like SoulCycle and psychics — I couldn’t wait to crack open her latest, “The Age of Magical Overthinking.” Think of it as a collection of doctorate-level essays in an easily digestible form, expounding upon cognitive biases, empathy, anxiety and more. It was fascinating to read.

“Amanda Montell’s brilliant new book takes on the psychology of language, and how we use it to convince, connive, coerce and comfort ourselves and each other,” Lindsay Powers, senior editor of Amazon Books Editorial, told the New York Post. “It’s perfect if you’ve ever tossed around phrases like ‘magical thinking,’ ‘Mercury in retrograde’ or ‘The Secret.'”

Additionally, Montell deploys “whimsical to warlike” analogies (think: Taylor Swift, Disney adults, conspiracy theories) to explain why we all feel so overwhelmed, insecure and disoriented. “Reassuring, entertaining, endlessly quotable…after reading this ‘love letter to the mind,’ the world suddenly made more sense to me,” Powers added.

“Kismet” by Amina Akhtar

After devouring Amina Akhtar ‘s other two novels this year, “ #FashionVictim ” and “ Almost Surely Dead ,” I had to add “Kismet” to my list. After all, it’s a thriller about wellness set in Arizona, with “the smoothies, the secrets and the deliciously deadly impulses.” Seriously, Akhtar never misses on originality within her plot lines.

When lifelong New Yorker Ronnie Khan decides to start anew in Arizona, she meets her newfound bestie, socialite wellness guru Marley Dewhurst. Marley’s all about “finding her best self,” and then the novel takes a turn; when the glam gurus around town start turning up gruesomely murdered, Ronnie soon discovers that the mantra of wellness isn’t all too well at all, making this page-turner coming-of-age and extraordinarily brilliant.

“Annie Bot” by Sierra Greer

I don’t think I’ve ever read a book as unique as “Annie Bot” by Sierra Greer. As a top Book of the Month pick, I knew I had to order it and start flipping through it immediately. It’s about the relationship between a female robot and her human owner, exploring questions of intimacy, power, autonomy and control. Among all books on this list, the plot is so eye-opening, it sparks conversation . It’s the perfect book club pick.

“Provocative, chilling, and hypnotic, ‘Annie Bot’ feels more like prescience than sci-fi, and the Amazon Book Editors chose it as a Best Book of the Month,” Seira Wilson, senior editor of Amazon Books Editorial, told The Post. “Greer’s careful probing of humanity, empathy, power and freedom in the age of AI made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up just thinking about the questions she raises.”

And, like Wilson, this is a book that I want to talk about with everyone who reads it, and I want to give it to those who haven’t.

“The Husbands” by Holly Gramazio

As part of Read with Jenna’s book club , “The Husbands” by Holly Gramazio was a difficult start to get fully into but, once you get into it, you’ll be hooked. When Lauren returns home to her flat in London late one night, she’s greeted at the door by her husband, Michael. But, she isn’t married, even though her home decor and photos on her phone trace their marriage years back.

“‘The Husbands’ is a clever, funny, thought-provoking debut that the Amazon Editors selected as a Best Book of the Month,” Abby Abell, senior editor of Amazon Books Editorial, told The Post. “When you can try on husbands and lives like outfits, how do you know when to stop? This is the conundrum facing Lauren when she discovers that her attic generates an unlimited supply of husbands. This novel gets to the heart of the world we live in today, where we’re exposed to, and exhausted by, endless choices.”

“Forever Barbie” by M.G. Lord

For those still in their Barbie Era, the “Forever Barbie” by M.G. Lord is my only five-star read for the month of April (yes, I’m a pretty harsh critic). To sum it up, it’s a case study of the life of Barbie throughout the decades. Spoiler alert: you’ll learn about the rise of Bratz and a lawsuit that arose.

“I totally judged this book by its delightfully eye-catching bright pink cover,” Powers said. “‘Forever Barbie’ is a fun, and at times enraging, ride through history of the hugely-popular doll, not unlike the movie, which was one of my favorites last year. Written by a popular podcast host and professor, this book was re-released in March, just in time for the Oscars and Women’s History Month.”

“The Most Fun We Ever Had” by Claire Lombardo

Reese’s Book Club pick for the month of April is an oldie but a goodie: “The Most Fun We Ever Had” by Claire Lombardo.” It’s a *thick* book but worth it for a cozy, character-driven plot that’s weaves familial relationships well. I loved curling up on the couch with my weighted blanket to head into this cleverly written page-turner.

“I love an epic dysfunctional family saga, and this novel delivers tenfold,” Sarah Gelman, editorial director of Amazon Books Editorial, shared. “I had never considered that two intensely happy parents could (also) mess up their kids, but apparently it can happen, and I’m here for the ride.”

To debrief, Marilyn and David have a wonderful marriage, and have four daughters, all of whom are mid-crisis. It’s also a great read and perfect preparation for Lombardo’s upcoming “ Same As It Ever Was ,” which Gelman tells us “is also wonderful.”

“Table for Two: Fictions” by Amor Towles

If you love blast-to-the-past stories and something different to add to you reading pile, I can’t recommend “Table for Two: Fictions” by Amor Towles enough. Here, Towles shares some of his shorter fiction: six stories based in New York City and a novella set in Golden Age Hollywood.

“Amor Towles is one of the Amazon Book Editors favorite novelists; we named ‘ The Lincoln Highway ‘ the No. 1 Best Book of 2022, and both ‘ A Gentleman in Moscow ‘ and the ‘ Rules of Civility ‘ were Best Books of the Year when they published,” Al Woodworth, Senior Editor, Amazon Books Editorial, highlighted.

His latest is Woodworth’s favorite title of the month, as it’s filled with his signature wit, old-world atmosphere and beguiling characters “Readers will not be disappointed!” he added.

“Just for the Summer” by Abby Jimenez

One of the most anticipated new book releases of April, without a doubt, was “Just for the Summer” by Abby Jimenez. I read “ Part of Your World ” and “ Yours Truly ” this year — both of which were five-star reads for me — and this one evoked that same, lovely writing style as her other two books. Plus, you can never get enough of Jimenez’s characters.

“‘Just for the Summer’ is in the running to be my favorite romance of the year — and it’s one of Amazon Books Editors Romance picks for April,” Kami Tei, senior editor of Amazon Books Editorial, shared. “If you’re into stories that take you on an emotional roller coaster in the best possible way, this one is for you. I laughed, cried, and gripped my heart from the tenderness of this more-than-a-romance love story.”

While I enjoyed Jimenez’s aforementioned two titles a bit more, this one was a delight in and of itself. And, a great beach read.

“Such a Lovely Family” by Aggie Blum Thompson

Perfect for fans of “Gossip Girl,” “Such a Lovely Family” by Aggie Blum Thompson is a grand foray into the lives of the rich and glamorous. As the cherry blossoms are in full bloom at the crest of Washington, D.C., the Calhouns are amid hosting their annual party to celebrate the best of the spring season.

While a hot-button party is what is expected with their beloved three children, nothing goes as planned. The kicker? A brutal murder in the middle of the celebration transforms the yearly gathering into a homicide scene, and all the guests into suspects. It was *riveting* and one of the fastest books you’ll flip through.

“The Divorcées” by Rowan Beaird

With a grabby summer-esque cover, “The Divorcées” by Rowan Beaird is a title I instantly wanted to devour. Eventually, I did just that, toward the end of the month.

Lois Saunders thought marrying the right man would cure her loneliness, but as pretty as her husband is on paper, she finds herself in a loveless marriage. However, in 1951, that’s hardly an acceptable excuse for a divorce — except in Reno, Nevada, where there’s a fleet of famous “divorce ranches.”

Finding herself there for six weeks, Lois eventually meets Greer, her daring friend that’s taking her new season of life to new heights. But, how much can she trust her, and how far will she go to “forge her independence?” This book was the perfect dose of fiction, suspense and historical undertones — a must-read, for sure.

Other April Books to read, per the Amazon Books Editorial team

“i cheerfully refuse” by leif enger.

“I Cheerfully Refuse” by Leif Enger is a new April title that the Amazon Books Editorial team named as one of their top recommendations. This sci-fi read centers om an aspiring musician who sets sail on Lake Superior in search of his departed, deeply beloved, bookselling wife. However, his quest for love grows both wider and wilder which, in turn, makes the title a buzzy new pick.

“This harrowing, but beautifully told, tale is a sly paean to books, language, love and the transformative power of receiving and extending kindness,” Erin Kodicek, senior editor of Amazon Books Editorial, shared with The Post.” It’s safe to say, she *cheerfully* endorses it.

“The Familiar” by Leigh Bardugo

“Leigh Bardugo has once again written a stunning novel that made the Amazon Book Editors’ list of the Best Books of the Month,” Wilson explained. “Rich with the atmosphere and intrigue of Renaissance Spain, The Familiar is an enchanting web of power, politics, love, magic and self-determination that held me in thrall until the final — perfect — denouement.”

“Nuclear War: A Scenario” by Annie Jacobsen

According to Powers, “ten trillion scream emojis are not enough to describe this Amazon Editors’ Best Book of the Month!”

In two sittings, she tore through this horrifying narrative that’s written like a thriller while being visceral and cinematic, like the big-budget blockbuster of Hollywood’s dreams (fitting that it was just optioned for a movie).

“Some books stick in your brain forever, and this is one of them; I can’t stop thinking about it — and talking about it — with everyone I know,” she added.

“Funny Story” by Emily Henry

“Emily Henry’s sparkling new romance, ‘Funny Story,’ is an Amazon Editors’ Best Book of the Month and an absolute delight,” Abell said. “It has all the trademarks we expect from Henry — charm, wit, beautiful scenery — the list goes on and on. But it’s also a departure from her previous books.”

Daphne and Miles don’t have a shared history, and Abell noted how it was joyful watching their journey as they discover each other for the first time. “This book is a feast for the senses (and the heart), and I didn’t want it to end,” she noted. Plus, it’s great for fans of her other titles, like “ Book Lovers ” and “ Happy Place ,” both of which I personally enjoyed.

“Lost Man’s Lane” by Scott Carson

“I was totally bowled over by this stunningly well-written mix of ‘90s nostalgia, coming-of-age tale and darkness on the edge of town story,” Vanessa Cronin, senior editor of Amazon Books Editorial, told The Post. “It’s perfect for fans of classic Stephen King.”

Specifically, this title surrounds the life of a sixteen-year-old-turned-private-investgiator who’s looking into the most shocking crime to unleash in Bloomington, Indiana: the classic tale of the local woman who vanished. However, his sharp memory unravels some accusations, and it spirals and builds up from there. It sounds ultimately suspenseful and page-turning, to say the least.

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Book Reviews

Looking for new ways to appreciate nature 2 new birding books may help.

Barbara J. King

Just as spring begins to show its annual gifts of rejuvenation — and as we celebrate Earth Day — two new books offer reflections on ways that watching birds can renew our joy in nature, and maybe even transform our lives.

In Birding to Change the World , environmental justice educator Trish O'Kane recounts lessons from birds that have galvanized her teaching and activism in Wisconsin and Vermont. And, hitting shelves Tuesday, novelist Amy Tan in The Backyard Bird Chronicles tightens the focus in describing and drawing the array of birds that visit her yard in California.

The author of The Joy Luck Club , The Valley of Amazement and other novels, Tan makes a glorious success of her first venture into non-fiction. The book consists of journal entries from 2017 through 2022 that recount her observations of the behavior of oak titmice, golden crowned sparrows, California scrub jays, Anna's hummingbirds and other birds, coupled with her drawings of them. The entire package is enchanting, all the more so because Tan peppers the pages with questions about what she is seeing.

Author Interviews

Amy tan didn't think 'the backyard bird chronicles' was publishable. clearly it was.

One day, from inside her house, Tan noticed a female house finch flying back and forth just outside the glass door, while looking directly at her. One feeder was full of seeds, and the bird sat there but did not eat. Another feeder nearby, devoted to highly favored sunflower seeds, was empty. "Could this bird possibly be signaling that I should refill its favorite feeder?" Tan wondered. She did refill it, and the finch "immediately went to the feeder and ate and ate and ate."

I love Tan's curiosity and openness to possibilities about birds, who are much smarter than often credited. (In keeping with this good message of hers, all the better to avoid "it" when referring to a bird individual, especially when the bird's sex is known.)

Another day, an unfamiliar bird showed up. Tan scrutinized the bird's markings and worked through the process of identification. "I went giddy in the brain," she remembers. "It was an American Tree Sparrow. But how could that be?" These birds are unexpected in California. Would the bird try to rejoin other American tree sparrows? Could the bird become disoriented and die?

"With both fiction and birds," Tan writes, "I think about existence, the span of life, from conception to birth to survival to death to remembrance by others."

When she began this project, Tan could recognize precisely three birds in her yard. Now, the count is 63 species. I deeply share her joy at this later-in-life learning curve: In 2023, I counted 43 bird species in our little patch of land in southeastern Virginia.

Tan's playful humor strays into outright anthropomorphism at times: "I want tourist junk food!" declares a baby crow she has drawn. This fanciful tone only brings extra warmth to a magnificently written and illustrated volume.

Author Trish O'Kane is entranced with American woodcocks. These birds resemble "a football with wings" and walk awkwardly on land. They rely heavily on earthworms as a diet mainstay. Their main call, termed peenting, is a "strange buzzing that sounds like a giant insect being squashed." In the air, they fly in intricate spirals.

Woodcocks, American bitterns, sandhill cranes, Canada geese, and catbirds are just some of the 134 bird species that inhabit Warner Park in Madison, Wisconsin, in addition to numerous species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Yet every July 4th beginning in the 1990s — long before O'Kane arrived in Madison to begin graduate school — the park had hosted a conflagration of fireworks and noise called Rhythm and Booms.

At this event, attended by 100,000 people, cannons were fired and five tons of fireworks exploded. Birds are known to feel "panic and even pain" from such thunderous noise; some abandon nests or even die of fright. Heavy metal residues from the fireworks soaked the park's soil.

This tradition outraged O'Kane, as did plans to further develop the park beyond its existing sports fields. With a background in environmental justice and investigative journalism, O'Kane recognized that Warner Park was at even extra risk because it bordered low-income neighborhoods; white folks in power weren't much concerned with nature opportunities for people of color. She oriented her dissertation around questions of social justice: Why couldn't a park in a lower-income neighborhood also be a protected place for wildlife?

O'Kane carried out interdisciplinary research; collaborated with local nature lovers to form an activist group called Wild Warner; and educated students from middle school to college age about the park. (A laudable endeavor, though I can't comprehend why O'Kane supported the process of teaching kids to fish since many fishes, like birds, have intricate social lives.)

Tirelessly working together, a team of park lovers brought evidence forward to local authorities about the ongoing harms to the park, including violations to the Clean Water Act and poisoning of the birds' environment — highlighting the delightful woodcocks who were eating the park's toxin-laced earthworms. The authorities listened: Rhythm and Booms was moved out of the park and damaged areas of the park were restored to prairie.

O'Kane's story is richer in scope than I can convey here. It begins in New Orleans at the time of Hurricane Katrina and ends in Vermont, where she teaches today. Her book is a beautiful love letter to local activism and especially to the birds who teach her so much. Canada geese, for example, "provided a perfect organizing and leadership model." As the geese flock in the air, they "synchronize their flapping and switch position constantly... It seems geese have found the solution to activist burnout."

Tan and O'Kane invite us to see the beauty of birds in our world and to act for their well-being. We need their voices in this spring's chorus.

Barbara J. King is a biological anthropologist emerita at William & Mary. Her latest book is Animals' Best Friends: Putting Compassion to Work for Animals in Captivity and in the Wild . Find her on X, formerly Twitter @bjkingape

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9 New Books We Recommend This Week

Suggested reading from critics and editors at The New York Times.

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I don’t know if humans will colonize other planets in your lifetime or mine — in their book “A City on Mars,” recommended this week, Kelly and Zach Weinersmith make a strong argument that the answer is no — but it’s still a fun mental exercise to dream about what books we might pack for the trip. Shakespeare, Dante, Milton, sure. Courtney Milan’s witty romance novel about misbehaving nobles, “The Marquis Who Mustn’t”? Why on earth not? That’s one of our picks this week, along with a host of other pleasure reading including a couple of good thrillers, this year’s winner of the National Book Award in fiction, a novel about a utopian society gone wrong and a celebration of the people who ensured that medieval manuscripts would not be lost forever to the ravages of time. Happy reading. — Gregory Cowles

A CITY ON MARS: Can We Settle Space, Should We Settle Space, and Have We Really Thought This Through? Kelly and Zach Weinersmith

Lighting out for the solar system is an appealing fantasy, but in this exceptional work of popular science, the authors suggest we shouldn’t give up on Earth just yet. Forceful, engaging and funny, it is an essential reality check.

“This book will make you happy to live on this planet — a good thing, because you’re not leaving anytime soon.”

From W.M. Akers’s review

Penguin Press | $32

KILL SHOW Daniel Sweren-Becker

Years after a tabloid TV crime show popularized the disappearance of a Maryland teen, a book about the case has been published — and it’s the novel we’re reading, an entertaining mystery and a bracing examination of how true crime has warped real-life investigations.

“A provocative reminder of how people behave differently, and often disastrously, when they’re in the spotlight. ... Pretty much everyone is harboring an unsavory secret, behaving unethically or pursuing a selfish agenda.”

From Sarah Lyall’s thrillers column

Harper | $27.99

THE CHRISTMAS GUEST Peter Swanson

In this twisty, pitch-black thriller, a diary takes us back to 1989, when its narrator is invited to spend Christmas with a sophisticated British classmate at her family’s Cotswolds manor. There she falls for her friend’s disreputable brother — even though everyone suspects him of murder.

“I defy you to stop reading. ... The book gets darker and more shocking as it goes along. The twist will make you rethink everything you’ve read before.”

Morrow | $19.99

THE MANUSCRIPTS CLUB: The People Behind a Thousand Years of Medieval Manuscripts Christopher de Hamel

Sumptuously illustrated, this account by an eminent scholar of a dozen makers, collectors and preservers of medieval manuscripts across the centuries combines expertise and intimacy, yielding a portrait of rarefied obsession and beauty.

“Lovingly written and lavishly illustrated. ... De Hamel sets aside his posture of well-earned expertise to gaze with the reader in ingenuous wonder at the work arrayed before him.”

From Bruce Holsinger’s review

Penguin Press | $50

THE HOUSE OF DOORS Tan Twan Eng

Inspired by W. Somerset Maugham’s sojourn to Malaya in the 1920s, Tan Twan Eng’s powerful third novel braids clandestine affairs, political maneuverings surrounding an independence movement and the scandalous trial of a woman accused of murdering a possible rapist.

“Will draw you into its mesh of secrets and subterfuge. ... Sets Maugham’s increasingly tense romantic relationship with his male ‘secretary’ against the clandestine infidelities of his hosts.”

From Alida Becker’s historical fiction column

Bloomsbury | $28.99

BLACKOUTS Justin Torres

Torres’s National Book Award-winning novel follows two queer people who are stuck in a mysterious institution, trading stories while also trying to fill in the gaps of a 1941 sexology text. Through their exchange, the novel explores what it means to be erased from the record.

“The supreme pleasure of the book is its slow obliteration of any firm idea of reality. ... Highlights what has been lost, forgotten or obscured, without finding, remembering or demystifying it in the process.”

From Hugh Ryan’s review

Farrar, Straus & Giroux | $30

THE NEW NATURALS Gabriel Bump

Mourning the loss of their newborn daughter and disillusioned with the world, the young Black couple at the heart of this novel start a subterranean utopian society, but tensions both internal and external soon threaten their dreams.

“Given the size of the thing it indicts — not only America, but the entirety of modern society — it’s a somewhat spectacular achievement that Gabriel Bump’s second novel, ‘The New Naturals,’ feels as fun as it does.”

From Omar El Akkad’s review

Algonquin | $27

THE MARQUIS WHO MUSTN’T Courtney Milan

Milan takes up a standard romance structure — the hero with a secret, and the heroine who’s getting too close to unearthing it — and shines a blinding light on it, effectively combining a tribute with a loving critique of the formula.

“This book is all about the difference between what feels safe and what’s actually right. ... As much a philosophical experiment as a piece of fiction.”

From Olivia Waite’s romance column

Independently published | Paperback, $15.99

ABOUT ED Robert Glück

Glück recounts his relationship with the artist Ed Aulerich-Sugai in this autobiographical novel, which is a memorial both to a lost loved one and to a period of queer history before AIDS: a moving story of a complicated romance.

“About the paradoxical impulse to simultaneously move on from those we’ve lost and enshrine them in our memories. ... Interweaves elements of biography, memoir, psychotherapy, philosophy and confession.”

From Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore’s review

New York Review Books | Paperback, $18.95

Explore More in Books

Want to know about the best books to read and the latest news start here..

Salman Rushdie’s new memoir, “Knife,” addresses the attack that maimed him  in 2022, and pays tribute to his wife who saw him through .

Recent books by Allen Bratton, Daniel Lefferts and Garrard Conley depict gay Christian characters not usually seen in queer literature.

What can fiction tell us about the apocalypse? The writer Ayana Mathis finds unexpected hope in novels of crisis by Ling Ma, Jenny Offill and Jesmyn Ward .

At 28, the poet Tayi Tibble has been hailed as the funny, fresh and immensely skilled voice of a generation in Māori writing .

Amid a surge in book bans, the most challenged books in the United States in 2023 continued to focus on the experiences of L.G.B.T.Q. people or explore themes of race.

Each week, top authors and critics join the Book Review’s podcast to talk about the latest news in the literary world. Listen here .