This list is based on the GoodReads Choice Awards, which are voted on by users every year! I am, however, going to make separate lists for them based on genre. I just feel like that provides another, maybe simpler, way to navigate them.
The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt
Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt investigates the sharp rise in youth mental health issues since the 2010s, linking it to the shift from play-based to phone-based childhoods driven by smartphones and social media. Drawing on extensive research, Haidt explores how this transformation has harmed adolescent development and offers clear, actionable solutions to help families, schools, and societies reclaim a healthier path forward. A vital, data-driven call to protect the well-being of today’s kids.
Poverty, By America by Matthew Desmond
Desmond argues that poverty persists in the U.S. because the wealthy benefit from it—through low wages, unequal policies, and hoarded opportunities. He calls for a collective moral reckoning and urges Americans to become “poverty abolitionists” to create a more just society.
Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience by Brene Brown
Brown explores 87 emotions and experiences that shape our lives, offering language, tools, and insights to foster deeper connection, understanding, and courage. Through research and storytelling, she empowers readers to navigate their inner worlds with clarity and compassion.
The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet by John Green
A heartfelt and thought-provoking collection of personal essays reviewing aspects of our human-shaped world—from comets to cartoons—blending memoir, science, and reflection with his signature wit and empathy.
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Ibram X. Kendi & Jason Reynolds
A remix of Ibram X. Kendi’s Stamped from the Beginning by Jason Reynolds, is a powerful, fast-paced book for young readers that explores the roots of racism in America—and how to recognize and challenge it today.
Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals by Rachel Hollis
A motivational guide that encourages women to ditch excuses, embrace ambition, and confidently pursue personal growth by owning their goals and potential.
I’ll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman’s Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer by Michelle McNamara
A gripping true crime account of the Golden State Killer and the author’s obsessive investigation into his crimes, blending meticulous reporting with personal passion to illuminate a terrifying chapter in American history.
How to be a Bawse: A Guide to Conquering Life by Lilly Singh
A funny, no-nonsense guide to achieving success through hard work, confidence, and resilience—told through bold advice and personal stories, with zero shortcuts or sugarcoating.
Hamilton: The Revolution by Lin-Manual Miranda & Jeremy McCarter
A behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking musical, blending the full libretto (with 200+ footnotes), interviews, photos, and stories that capture how Hamilton redefined Broadway and reclaimed American history for a new generation.
Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari
Blends Aziz Ansari’s humor with groundbreaking research on how dating and love have evolved in the digital age. Collaborating with sociologist Eric Klinenberg, Ansari explores why finding love today is more complex than ever, using interviews, surveys, and expert insights to explore how technology and changing cultural norms shape our romantic lives.
The Opposite of Loneliness: Essays and Stories by Marina Keegan
A posthumous collection of essays and stories by Marina Keegan, the talented Yale graduate whose viral essay of the same name captured the hopes and uncertainties of her generation. Published after her tragic death at 22, the collection showcases her insightful reflections on life, ambition, and the pursuit of meaning.
The Autistic Brain: Thinking Across the Spectrum by Temple Grandin
A cutting-edge look at the latest science of autism. Drawing on her personal experience and the latest research in neurology and genetics, Grandin explores new insights into the causes and treatments of autism, highlighting the importance of focusing on individual strengths and challenges. Through her own brain scans and interviews with scientists and advocates, she provides a transformative view of autism and its potential.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
Examines how society undervalues introverts, despite their significant contributions. Cain explores the “Extrovert Ideal” and how it has shaped culture, often at the expense of introverts’ strengths. Through compelling stories of successful introverts, the book advocates for recognizing the value of quiet, introspective individuals.
The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth: Popularity, Quirk Theory, and Why Outsiders Thrive After High School by Alexandra Robbins
Explores the dynamics of high school cliques and how students labeled as outsiders—nerds, Goths, and others—navigate social hierarchies. Robbins follows several students throughout the year, showing how being on the fringe can lead to future success, as society ultimately values individuality and diverse perspectives.
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