Hundreds of thousands of new books are published every year. That’s good news and bad news for book lovers — there are so many choices, but that means you’re likely to miss a title or two. Here’s a look at the best books of 2015. Start reading now and you might catch up in time for 2016.
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Coates uses his own experiences to address the idea of race in America, both historically and in the present, in the form of a letter to his son. Probably the most important book released this year.
The Book of Aron by Jim Shepard
Shepard is amazing, yet one of the most widely underappreciated writers working today. He delivers another knockout with “The Book of Aron,” a heartbreaking story set in the Warsaw ghetto.
The Crooked Heart by Lissa Evans
A charming “Paper Moon”-ish story of a young orphan sent to live with a foster family during WWII, where he helps the matriarch run her scams while ultimately teaching her there is still kindness in the world.
Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff
A dazzling feat, “Fates and Furies” is the gorgeously written story of a marriage presented from both sides of the relationship, from its sudden start to its decades of accumulated secrets. President Obama called this his favorite book of 2015.
The Fishermen by Chigozie Obioma
Obioma’s remarkable debut novel centers around four brothers in a Nigerian village whose lives are disrupted by tragedy after they cross the town’s madman. A sad, beautiful story, steeped in superstition.
Girl at War by Sara Nović
Nović’s outstanding debut is about the Croatian civil war, told through the eyes of the citizens trying to lead their lives amidst a war they can’t escape, and one woman’s reflection on the fighting 10 years later.
The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins
Orphans living in a library are raised to be immortal by a man they call Father. When he goes missing, all hell breaks loose among the now-grown siblings, spelling disaster for humankind. This book is b-a-n-a-n-a-s.
Listen, Slowly by Thanhhà Lại
A young girl anticipating a summer of surfing and swimming is sorely disappointed when she instead has to spend her school vacation accompanying her grandmother to Vietnam in the hopes of discovering what happened to her grandfather during the war.
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
A giant novel about four college friends in New York City, centered around the one with the mysterious background. This is an emotionally difficult book at times, but the writing is amazing, and it’s worth it if you can stick it out. But trigger warnings all over the place.
Rutabaga the Adventure Chef by Eric Colossal
An adventurous chef takes his magic cooking pot in search of exciting ingredients, and makes friends along the way. Perfect for fans of “Bone” and “Zita the Space Girl.”
The Shore by Sara Taylor
Staggered back and forth through time, “The Shore” is comprised of stunning, and often brutal, interconnected stories surrounding the inhabitants of a group of small islands off the coast of Virginia.
Smaller and Smaller Circles by F.H. Batacan
Two priests are given the terrible task of finding out who is responsible for a series of brutal murders in the Philippines when it becomes apparent the police are not interested in solving the crimes. Father Gus and Father Jerome are a delightful detective team.
Sweetland by Michael Crummey
An achingly beautiful novel about a man who refuses to leave his home island, despite the government’s interest in purchasing the land, and the stories and ghosts that haunt his days there.
The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage: The (Mostly) True Story of the First Computer by Sydney Padua
Padua not only writes and illustrates the true story of Lovelace and Babbage, but also imagines a scenario in which their story turned out differently. This book is an epic nerd-purr.
Uprooted by Naomi Novik
So much fun! Novik completely upends the fairy tale genre with this fantastic story of a damsel — not in distress, but instead strong, clever, and capable of handling anything that comes her way. Such as being taken from her home and held prisoner in the dragon’s castle.
Welcome to Braggsville by T. Geronimo Johnson
A hilarious, cutting satire of race relations and political correctness, about four college students whose plans to protest a Civil War re-enactment go horribly, horribly wrong.
You Too Can Have a Body Like Mine by Alexandra Kleeman
Fantastically weird novel about A, who lives with her roommate, B, and dates C, in an unnamed suburban American town where cults and reality shows are sweeping the nation. So bizarre and so awesome.