Bookish friends, rejoice! It is finally time to celebrate arguably one of the best holidays. August 9th is Book Lover’s Day, and, in true Bookstr fashion, we just had to share our love of books! To celebrate, we’ve gone to Goodreads to look at the most popular books from the last ten years. Because there are so many different genres throughout literature, we’ve made it easier by showcasing the best books of each year and the genre they fall under. See how many books you have on your shelf already, or be prepared to buy some new books after this list!
Crying in H Mart
by Michelle Zauner
(2021, Memoir)
Michelle Zauner, best known as the guitarist and singer of Japanese Breakfast, released her memoir on April 20, 2021. She discusses growing up as one of the few Asian Americans at her school, the generational expectations from her mother, and reclaiming her Korean roots after her mother’s cancer diagnosis.
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You
by Jason Reynolds, Ibram X. Kendi
(2020, Nonfiction)
Jason Reynolds, YA author of All American Boys, and How to Be an Antiracist author Ibram X. Kendi come together to write a thought-provoking book on race, how we got here, and where we are heading. As a reimagining of Kendi’s Stamped, the two look at the racist history and ideas in America in hopes of creating a better and antiracist country.
Red, White & Royal Blue
by Casey McQuiston
(2019, Debut/Romance)
Casey McQuiston introduces readers to First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz and Prince Henry in her romance debut. When a confrontation between them begins to threaten American/British relations, they decide to give fake friendship a try. Before they know it, feelings are caught amidst presidential reelection, and the two must ask themselves how they want to be remembered in history. Amazon Studios has begun production on the novel’s adaptation.
Circe
by Madeline Miller
(2018, Fantasy)
After the success of Song of Achilles, Madeline Miller returned with Circe in 2018. After being banished by Zeus for her powers, Circe hones her skills in witchcraft by turning her rivals into monsters. Although she is independent, she finds herself in a fight with a powerful Olympian. In the end, it is up to her to choose where she believes she truly belongs.
The Hate U Give
by Angie Thomas
(2017, Young Adult)
In 2017, Angie Thomas wrote a powerful story about sixteen-year-old Starr, who lived between two different social worlds. Both came crumbling when her best friend, Khalil, is an unarmed victim of police brutality. With drug lords and police pressuring her, protests in Khalil’s honor hitting the streets, among other influences, Starr is the only one who knows what happened that night. The book was then later made into a major motion picture.
Cravings: Recipes for All the Food You Want to Eat
by Chrissy Teigen, Adeena Sussman
(2016, Cookbook)
TV host and author Chrissy Teigen, in collaboration with Adeena Sussman, created a cookbook full of food, heart, and flavor. Teigen shares favorite family recipes, including her husband John Legend’s fried chicken. She also details the importance and uses of different ingredients. For Teigen, food is more than just a meal.
The Girl on the Train
by Paula Hawkins
(2015, Mystery/Thriller)
Paula Hawkins delivers a riveting story about a woman named Rachel, who witnesses something shocking on her routine commute ride. The novel features the story of three women who are interconnected with each other through a traumatic event. The book was later adapted into a feature film starring Emily Blunt.
Lullabies
by Lang Leav
(2014, Poetry)
In a collection focusing on love and loss, Leav’s Lullabies is the perfect sequel to Love & Misadventure. Leav provides a musical journey through poetry. These poems connect and resonate with people at different stages of their life, especially for those going through their Interlude or Finale phase.
Doctor Sleep
by Stephen King
(2013, Horror)
Horror legend, Stephen King, returned to The Shining universe and released a terrifying sequel in 2013. Dan Torrence is still traumatized by his time at the Overlook Hotel, but his memories come flooding in when he meets Abra Stone, a twelve-year-old with an incredible gift. Dealing with his past, Abra’s future, and a quasi-immortal tribe, Dan must decide where he is in this war.
The Walking Dead
by Robert Kirkman
(2012, Graphic Novel)
This graphic novel continued a major franchise! Amid a zombie apocalypse, Rick Grimes is just trying to keep himself and his family safe. The entire series features an ever-changing cast of characters trying to find a new normal amongst the ruins of their world.
We hope you pick up a book, whether it be your favorite or one sitting on your TBR list, and celebrate! Want to see a few of the most anticipated sci-fi books for 2022? Click here!