Best Books of the Year
Menu

Goodreads · award year

Goodreads Choice Awards 2020

The 2020 Goodreads Choice Awards went to Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid (Debut Novel), House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas (Fantasy) and The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (Fiction), with winners in 17 more categories. 399 books were nominated across 20 categories.

Winners

Debut Novel

  1. Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reidsource (opens in a new tab)

Fantasy

  1. House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maassource (opens in a new tab)

Fiction

  1. The Midnight Library by Matt Haigsource (opens in a new tab)

Food & Cookbooks

  1. Modern Comfort Food: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook by Ina Gartensource (opens in a new tab)

Graphic Novels & Comics

  1. Heartstopper: Volume Three by Alice Osemansource (opens in a new tab)

Historical Fiction

  1. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennettsource (opens in a new tab)

History & Biography

  1. Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkersonsource (opens in a new tab)

Horror

  1. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garciasource (opens in a new tab)

Humor

  1. Strange Planet by Nathan W. Pylesource (opens in a new tab)

Memoir & Autobiography

  1. A Promised Land by Barack Obamasource (opens in a new tab)

Middle Grade & Children's

  1. The Tower of Nero by Rick Riordansource (opens in a new tab)

Mystery & Thriller

  1. The Guest List by Lucy Foleysource (opens in a new tab)

Nonfiction

  1. Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynoldssource (opens in a new tab)

Picture Books

  1. Antiracist Baby by Ibram X. Kendisource (opens in a new tab)

Poetry

  1. Dearly by Margaret Atwoodsource (opens in a new tab)

Romance

  1. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentroutsource (opens in a new tab)

Science & Technology

  1. A Life on Our Planet: My Witness Statement and a Vision for the Future by David Attenboroughsource (opens in a new tab)

Science Fiction

  1. To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolinisource (opens in a new tab)

Young Adult Fantasy

  1. The Queen of Nothing by Holly Blacksource (opens in a new tab)

Young Adult Fiction

  1. Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedosource (opens in a new tab)

Nominees

Debut Novel

  1. A Burning by Megha Majumdarsource (opens in a new tab)
  2. Axiom's End by Lindsay Ellissource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomassource (opens in a new tab)
  4. How Much of These Hills Is Gold by C Pam Zhangsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Luster by Raven Leilanisource (opens in a new tab)
  6. My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russellsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. One to Watch by Kate Stayman-Londonsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Raybearer by Jordan Ifuekosource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Real Life by Brandon Taylorsource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuartsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewartsource (opens in a new tab)
  12. The First Sister by Linden A. Lewissource (opens in a new tab)
  13. The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Darésource (opens in a new tab)
  14. The Henna Artist by Alka Joshisource (opens in a new tab)
  15. The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jennersource (opens in a new tab)
  16. The Year of the Witching by Alexis Hendersonsource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Valentine by Elizabeth Wetmoresource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weidensource (opens in a new tab)
  19. You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hoglesource (opens in a new tab)

Fantasy

  1. A Deadly Education by Naomi Noviksource (opens in a new tab)
  2. Age of Empyre by Michael J. Sullivansource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Battle Ground by Jim Butchersource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorsesource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Peace Talks by Jim Butchersource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Piranesi by Susanna Clarkesource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Rhythm of War by Brandon Sandersonsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Smoke Bitten by Patricia Briggssource (opens in a new tab)
  9. The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewartsource (opens in a new tab)
  10. The Burning God by R.F. Kuangsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. The City We Became by N.K. Jemisinsource (opens in a new tab)
  12. The Empire of Gold by S.A. Chakrabortysource (opens in a new tab)
  13. The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vosource (opens in a new tab)
  14. The Girl and the Stars by Mark Lawrencesource (opens in a new tab)
  15. The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klunesource (opens in a new tab)
  16. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwabsource (opens in a new tab)
  17. The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrowsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. The Trouble With Peace by Joe Abercrombiesource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Wintersteel by Will Wightsource (opens in a new tab)

Fiction

  1. A Burning by Megha Majumdarsource (opens in a new tab)
  2. American Dirt by Jeanine Cumminssource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Anxious People by Fredrik Backmansource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Big Summer by Jennifer Weinersource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Dear Edward by Ann Napolitanosource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Homeland Elegies by Ayad Akhtarsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. If I Had Your Face by Frances Chasource (opens in a new tab)
  8. In an Instant by Suzanne Redfearnsource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Luster by Raven Leilanisource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Migrations by Charlotte McConaghysource (opens in a new tab)
  11. My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russellsource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimoresource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Real Life by Brandon Taylorsource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reidsource (opens in a new tab)
  15. The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezisource (opens in a new tab)
  16. The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Darésource (opens in a new tab)
  17. The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandelsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasisource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Writers & Lovers by Lily Kingsource (opens in a new tab)

Food & Cookbooks

  1. 100 Cookies by Sarah Kieffersource (opens in a new tab)
  2. Dessert Person by Claire Saffitzsource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Dirt by Bill Bufordsource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Eat a Peach by David Changsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Evolving Vegan by Mena Massoudsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Falastin by Sami Tamimisource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Frontier Follies by Ree Drummondsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Gordon Ramsay Quick and Delicious by Gordon Ramsaysource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Magnolia Table by Joanna Gainessource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Nourish Me Home by Cortney Burnssource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Oh She Glows for Dinner by Angela Liddonsource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Ottolenghi Flavor by Yotam Ottolenghisource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Outlander Kitchen by Theresa Carle-Sanderssource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Skinnytaste Meal Prep by Gina Homolkasource (opens in a new tab)
  15. The Defined Dish by Alex Snodgrasssource (opens in a new tab)
  16. The Honeysuckle Cookbook by Dzung Lewissource (opens in a new tab)
  17. True Comfort by Kristin Cavallarisource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Vegetable Kingdom by Bryant Terrysource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Wine Girl by Victoria Jamessource (opens in a new tab)

Graphic Novels & Comics

  1. Almost American Girl by Robin Hasource (opens in a new tab)
  2. Basketful of Heads by Joe Hillsource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Check, Please! Book 2 by Ngozi Ukazusource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Dancing at the Pity Party by Tyler Federsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Fangirl, Vol. 1 by Sam Maggssource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Fangs by Sarah Andersensource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Fence, Vol. 4 by C.S. Pacatsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Harleen by Stjepan Šejićsource (opens in a new tab)
  9. I Will Judge You by Your Bookshelf by Grant Snidersource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Monstress, Volume 5 by Marjorie M. Liusource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Sapiens by David Vandermeulensource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Teen Titans by Kami Garciasource (opens in a new tab)
  13. The Adventure Zone Vol. 3 by Clint McElroysource (opens in a new tab)
  14. The Fire Never Goes Out by N.D. Stevensonsource (opens in a new tab)
  15. The Low, Low Woods by Carmen Maria Machadosource (opens in a new tab)
  16. The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyensource (opens in a new tab)
  17. The Sacrifice of Darkness by Roxane Gaysource (opens in a new tab)
  18. The Times I Knew I Was Gay by Eleanor Crewessource (opens in a new tab)
  19. When Stars Are Scattered by Omar Mohamedsource (opens in a new tab)

Historical Fiction

  1. A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allendesource (opens in a new tab)
  2. Betty by Tiffany McDanielsource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhonsource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Deacon King Kong by James McBridesource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrellsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffmansource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuartsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kiddsource (opens in a new tab)
  9. The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingatesource (opens in a new tab)
  10. The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmelsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. The Evening and the Morning by Ken Follettsource (opens in a new tab)
  12. The Henna Artist by Alka Joshisource (opens in a new tab)
  13. The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jennersource (opens in a new tab)
  14. The Mirror & the Light by Hilary Mantelsource (opens in a new tab)
  15. The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrichsource (opens in a new tab)
  16. The Paper Daughters of Chinatown by Heather B. Mooresource (opens in a new tab)
  17. The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghuesource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Utopia Avenue by David Mitchellsource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Where the Lost Wander by Amy Harmonsource (opens in a new tab)

History & Biography

  1. 999 by Heather Dune Macadamsource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Black Women's History of the United States by Daina Ramey Berrysource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Agent Sonya by Ben Macintyresource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Begin Again by Eddie S. Glaude Jr.source (opens in a new tab)
  5. Countdown 1945 by Chris Wallacesource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Dead Famous by Greg Jennersource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Fight of the Century by Michael Chabonsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. His Truth Is Marching On by Jon Meachamsource (opens in a new tab)
  9. How the South Won the Civil War by Heather Cox Richardsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Humankind by Rutger Bregmansource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Killing Crazy Horse by Bill O'Reillysource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Overground Railroad by Candacy A. Taylorsource (opens in a new tab)
  13. The Address Book by Deirdre Masksource (opens in a new tab)
  14. The Deviant's War by Eric Cervinisource (opens in a new tab)
  15. The House of Kennedy by James Pattersonsource (opens in a new tab)
  16. The Lincoln Conspiracy by Brad Meltzersource (opens in a new tab)
  17. The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Wandering in Strange Lands by Morgan Jerkinssource (opens in a new tab)
  19. You Never Forget Your First by Alexis Coesource (opens in a new tab)

Horror

  1. Devolution by Max Brookssource (opens in a new tab)
  2. Houndings of Hell by Hunter Holmessource (opens in a new tab)
  3. If It Bleeds by Stephen Kingsource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Lakewood by Megan Giddingssource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Malorie by Josh Malermansource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforthsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clarksource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Secret Santa by Andrew Shaffersource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Survivor Song by Paul Tremblaysource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterricasource (opens in a new tab)
  11. The Bright Lands by John Framsource (opens in a new tab)
  12. The Ghost Tree by Christina Henrysource (opens in a new tab)
  13. The Hollow Ones by Guillermo del Torosource (opens in a new tab)
  14. The Hollow Places by T. Kingfishersource (opens in a new tab)
  15. The Loop by Jeremy Robert Johnsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  16. The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jonessource (opens in a new tab)
  17. The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrixsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. The Year of the Witching by Alexis Hendersonsource (opens in a new tab)
  19. World Departed by Sarah Lyons Flemingsource (opens in a new tab)

Humor

  1. #VERYFAT #VERYBRAVE by Nicole Byersource (opens in a new tab)
  2. A Very Punchable Face by Colin Jostsource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Becoming Duchess Goldblatt by Duchess Goldblattsource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Born to Be Public by Greg Maniasource (opens in a new tab)
  5. F*ck Your Diet by Chloé Hilliardsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. God-Level Knowledge Darts by Desussource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Is This Anything? by Jerry Seinfeldsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Make Russia Great Again by Christopher Buckleysource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Overstated by Colin Quinnsource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Shakespeare for Squirrels by Christopher Mooresource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Shit, Actually by Lindy Westsource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Solutions and Other Problems by Allie Broshsource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Squeeze Me by Carl Hiaasensource (opens in a new tab)
  14. The New One by Mike Birbigliasource (opens in a new tab)
  15. The Office by Andy Greenesource (opens in a new tab)
  16. This Is Major by Shayla Lawsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Trixie and Katya's Guide to Modern Womanhood by Trixie Mattelsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Wow, No Thank You. by Samantha Irbysource (opens in a new tab)
  19. You're Doing Great! by Tom Papasource (opens in a new tab)

Memoir & Autobiography

  1. All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  2. Conditional Citizens by Laila Lalamisource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Everything Beautiful in Its Time by Jenna Bush Hagersource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Greenlights by Matthew McConaugheysource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Hollywood Park by Mikel Jollettsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. I Have Something to Tell You by Chasten Glezman Buttigiegsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Memorial Drive by Natasha Tretheweysource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Nobody Will Tell You This But Me by Bess Kalbsource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Notes on a Silencing by Lacy Crawfordsource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Open Book by Jessica Simpsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. The Adventurer's Son by Roman Dialsource (opens in a new tab)
  12. The Answer Is… by Alex Trebeksource (opens in a new tab)
  13. The Beauty in Breaking by Michele Harpersource (opens in a new tab)
  14. The Meaning of Mariah Carey by Mariah Careysource (opens in a new tab)
  15. The Rural Diaries by Hilarie Burton Morgansource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Too Much and Never Enough by Mary L. Trumpsource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Uncanny Valley by Anna Wienersource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Untamed by Glennon Doylesource (opens in a new tab)
  19. When Time Stopped by Ariana Neumannsource (opens in a new tab)

Middle Grade & Children's

  1. A Tale of Witchcraft... by Chris Colfersource (opens in a new tab)
  2. Ali Cross by James Pattersonsource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes by Roshani Chokshisource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Clean Getaway by Nic Stonesource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Efrén Divided by Ernesto Cisnerossource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradleysource (opens in a new tab)
  8. From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Markssource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Ghost Squad by Claribel A. Ortegasource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Here in the Real World by Sara Pennypackersource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Hollowpox by Jessica Townsendsource (opens in a new tab)
  12. King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callendersource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Lizzy Albright and the Attic Window by Ricky Timssource (opens in a new tab)
  14. One True King by Soman Chainanisource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorsesource (opens in a new tab)
  16. The List of Things That Will Not Change by Rebecca Steadsource (opens in a new tab)
  17. The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegatesource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Unlocked by Shannon Messengersource (opens in a new tab)
  19. We Dream of Space by Erin Entrada Kellysource (opens in a new tab)

Mystery & Thriller

  1. All the Devils Are Here by Louise Pennysource (opens in a new tab)
  2. And Now She's Gone by Rachel Howzell Hallsource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosbysource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Confessions on the 7 by Lisa Ungersource (opens in a new tab)
  5. First Girl Gone by L.T. Vargussource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Home Before Dark by Riley Sagersource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Long Bright River by Liz Mooresource (opens in a new tab)
  8. One by One by Ruth Waresource (opens in a new tab)
  9. The Boy from the Woods by Harlan Cobensource (opens in a new tab)
  10. The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turtonsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. The Night Swim by Megan Goldinsource (opens in a new tab)
  12. The Searcher by Tana Frenchsource (opens in a new tab)
  13. The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. Jamessource (opens in a new tab)
  14. The Wives by Tarryn Fishersource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Troubled Blood by Robert Galbraithsource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Unspeakable Things by Jess Loureysource (opens in a new tab)
  17. When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Colesource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weidensource (opens in a new tab)
  19. You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendrickssource (opens in a new tab)

Nonfiction

  1. Beyond the Gender Binary by Alok Vaid-Menonsource (opens in a new tab)
  2. Big Friendship by Aminatou Sowsource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Blackout by Candace Owenssource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies by Tara Schustersource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Clanlands by Sam Heughansource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Don't Overthink It by Anne Bogelsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Get Out of Your Head by Jennie Allensource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Here for It; Or, How to Save Your Soul in America by R. Eric Thomassource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolkersource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendallsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saadsource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Minor Feelings by Cathy Park Hongsource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Rage by Bob Woodwardsource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Reading While Black by Esau McCaulleysource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Tightrope by Nicholas D. Kristofsource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Trust by Pete Buttigiegsource (opens in a new tab)
  17. We Keep the Dead Close by Becky Coopersource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Why We Can't Sleep by Ada Calhounsource (opens in a new tab)
  19. You're Not Listening by Kate Murphysource (opens in a new tab)

Picture Books

  1. Bedtime Bonnet by Nancy Reddsource (opens in a new tab)
  2. Bird Hugs by Ged Adamsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Coronavirus by Elizabeth Jennersource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Dewdrop by K. O'Neillsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Grandma's Gardens by Hillary Rodham Clintonsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnessource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Julián at the Wedding by Jessica Lovesource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Just Like Me by Vanessa Brantley-Newtonsource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Sweet Child o' Mine by Guns N' Rosessource (opens in a new tab)
  10. The Cool Bean by Jory Johnsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. The Oldest Student by Rita Lorraine Hubbardsource (opens in a new tab)
  12. The Seed of Compassion by Dalai Lama XIVsource (opens in a new tab)
  13. The Serious Goose by Jimmy Kimmelsource (opens in a new tab)
  14. The World Needs More Purple People by Kristen Bellsource (opens in a new tab)
  15. Think Outside the Box by Justine Averysource (opens in a new tab)
  16. This Book Is Gray by Lindsay Wardsource (opens in a new tab)
  17. We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstromsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. We Will Rock Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higginssource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Wild Symphony by Dan Brownsource (opens in a new tab)

Poetry

  1. All Along You Were Blooming by Morgan Harper Nicholssource (opens in a new tab)
  2. Break Your Glass Slippers by Amanda Lovelacesource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Cast Away by Naomi Shihab Nyesource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Finna by Nate Marshallsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Home Body by Rupi Kaursource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Homie by Danez Smithsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. How to Fly in Ten Thousand Easy Lessons by Barbara Kingsolversource (opens in a new tab)
  8. On the Horizon by Lois Lowrysource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Poems for the End of the World by Katie Wismersource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Postcolonial Love Poem by Natalie Díazsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Romance or the End by Elaine Kahnsource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Sorry I Haven't Texted You Back by Alicia Cooksource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Sweetdark by Savannah Brownsource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Swimming Lessons by Lili Reinhartsource (opens in a new tab)
  15. The Girl and the Goddess by Nikita Gillsource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass by Lana Del Reysource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Whale Day by Billy Collinssource (opens in a new tab)
  18. What Kind of Woman by Kate Baersource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Without by Meg Johnsonsource (opens in a new tab)

Romance

  1. A Rogue of One's Own by Evie Dunmoresource (opens in a new tab)
  2. Beach Read by Emily Henrysource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hallsource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Emerald Blaze by Ilona Andrewssource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Hands Down by Mariana Zapatasource (opens in a new tab)
  6. In Five Years by Rebecca Serlesource (opens in a new tab)
  7. In a Holidaze by Christina Laurensource (opens in a new tab)
  8. One to Watch by Kate Stayman-Londonsource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Party of Two by Jasmine Guillorysource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Regretting You by Colleen Hooversource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsnersource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dadesource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Sweet Temptation by Cora Reillysource (opens in a new tab)
  14. Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbertsource (opens in a new tab)
  15. The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenezsource (opens in a new tab)
  16. The Switch by Beth O'Learysource (opens in a new tab)
  17. The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie Silversource (opens in a new tab)
  18. You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hoglesource (opens in a new tab)
  19. You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Dariasource (opens in a new tab)

Science & Technology

  1. Apocalypse Never by Michael Shellenbergersource (opens in a new tab)
  2. Breath by James Nestorsource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrakesource (opens in a new tab)
  4. How to Argue With a Racist by Adam Rutherfordsource (opens in a new tab)
  5. No Filter by Sarah Friersource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Owls of the Eastern Ice by Jonathan C. Slaghtsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Some Assembly Required by Neil Shubinsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. T-Minus AI by Michael Kanaansource (opens in a new tab)
  9. That Wild Country by Mark Kenyonsource (opens in a new tab)
  10. The Bird Way by Jennifer Ackermansource (opens in a new tab)
  11. The Book of Eels by Patrik Svenssonsource (opens in a new tab)
  12. The End of Everything by Katie Macksource (opens in a new tab)
  13. The Future We Choose by Christiana Figueressource (opens in a new tab)
  14. The Next Great Migration by Sonia Shahsource (opens in a new tab)
  15. The Story of More by Hope Jahrensource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Until the End of Time by Brian Greenesource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Vesper Flights by Helen Macdonaldsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Why Fish Don’t Exist by Lulu Millersource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Why We Swim by Bonnie Tsuisource (opens in a new tab)

Science Fiction

  1. A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor by Hank Greensource (opens in a new tab)
  2. Age of Deception by T.A. Whitesource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Agency by William Gibsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Axiom's End by Lindsay Ellissource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muirsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Hench by Natalie Zina Walschotssource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Network Effect by Martha Wellssource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Riot Baby by Tochi Onyebuchisource (opens in a new tab)
  9. The Book of Koli by M.R. Careysource (opens in a new tab)
  10. The End of October by Lawrence Wrightsource (opens in a new tab)
  11. The First Sister by Linden A. Lewissource (opens in a new tab)
  12. The Hidden Girl and Other Stories by Ken Liusource (opens in a new tab)
  13. The Last Emperox by John Scalzisource (opens in a new tab)
  14. The Mother Code by Carole Stiverssource (opens in a new tab)
  15. The New Wilderness by Diane Cooksource (opens in a new tab)
  16. The Relentless Moon by Mary Robinette Kowalsource (opens in a new tab)
  17. The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. The Vanished Birds by Simon Jimenezsource (opens in a new tab)
  19. Zoey Punches the Future in the Dick by David Wongsource (opens in a new tab)

Young Adult Fantasy

  1. A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brownsource (opens in a new tab)
  2. All the Stars and Teeth by Adalyn Gracesource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomassource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Chain of Gold by Cassandra Claresource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemisource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayronsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Fable by Adrienne Youngsource (opens in a new tab)
  8. Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoustsource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Legendborn by Tracy Deonnsource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyersource (opens in a new tab)
  11. Raybearer by Jordan Ifuekosource (opens in a new tab)
  12. Return of the Thief by Megan Whalen Turnersource (opens in a new tab)
  13. Starsight by Brandon Sandersonsource (opens in a new tab)
  14. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collinssource (opens in a new tab)
  15. The Extraordinaries by T.J. Klunesource (opens in a new tab)
  16. The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lusource (opens in a new tab)
  17. The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levensellersource (opens in a new tab)
  18. These Violent Delights by Chloe Gongsource (opens in a new tab)

Young Adult Fiction

  1. A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jacksonsource (opens in a new tab)
  2. Beyond the Break by Heather Buchtasource (opens in a new tab)
  3. Darius the Great Deserves Better by Adib Khorramsource (opens in a new tab)
  4. Felix Ever After by Kacen Callendersource (opens in a new tab)
  5. Furia by Yamile Saied Méndezsource (opens in a new tab)
  6. Grown by Tiffany D. Jacksonsource (opens in a new tab)
  7. Majesty by Katharine McGeesource (opens in a new tab)
  8. One of Us Is Next by Karen M. McManussource (opens in a new tab)
  9. Only Mostly Devastated by Sophie Gonzalessource (opens in a new tab)
  10. Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboisource (opens in a new tab)
  11. The Gravity of Us by Phil Stampersource (opens in a new tab)
  12. The Hand on the Wall by Maureen Johnsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  13. The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdarsource (opens in a new tab)
  14. The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnessource (opens in a new tab)
  15. This Is My America by Kim Johnsonsource (opens in a new tab)
  16. Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomonsource (opens in a new tab)
  17. Tweet Cute by Emma Lordsource (opens in a new tab)
  18. Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertallisource (opens in a new tab)
  19. You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnsonsource (opens in a new tab)

About the Goodreads Choice Awards

Reader-voted award first held in 2009. 2011-2025: every category's winner and final-round nominees from goodreads.com/choiceawards/<category>-<year>. 2009: winners only, from the live Goodreads poll pages (open write-in polls with no fixed nominee slate). 2010: winners only, from the archived official page (category pages are gone); the character categories Favorite Hero and Favorite Heroine are skipped. No vote counts are stored.

Organization: Goodreads. Years are award years, which can differ from publication years. Official site (opens in a new tab)

The most recommended books of 2020

Shares the most books with