Books · 2019
Dystopian Sequels, Booker Splits, and Modern Classics
In 2019, the literary world was defined by long-awaited dystopian follow-ups and historic award splits that celebrated diverse storytelling. From poignant debuts to razor-sharp social commentaries, readers embraced fiction that grappled with identity, power, and trauma.
- Margaret Atwood · Sci-Fi · Bestseller
The Testaments
Picking up fifteen years after the events of The Handmaid's Tale, Margaret Atwood's Booker Prize–winning novel reveals the inner workings of Gilead through three distinct female narrators.
- B. Evaristo · Literary · Award-Winning
Girl, Woman, Other
Bernardine Evaristo's Booker Prize–winning polyphonic novel follows twelve predominantly Black British characters whose interconnected lives span a century of UK history.
- Colson Whitehead · Literary · Awarded
The Nickel Boys
Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize–winning novel delivers a devastating portrait of racism and resilience at a brutal Florida reform school during the Jim Crow era.
- Ocean Vuong · Literary · Influential
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous
Ocean Vuong's poetic debut novel takes the form of a letter from a son to his illiterate mother, exploring family, trauma, class, and queer identity in modern America.
- Ted Chiang · Sci-Fi · Award-Winning
Exhalation
Ted Chiang's acclaimed speculative fiction collection weaves nine inventive short stories examining free will, memory, and technology's profound impact on humanity.
- Ann Patchett · Fiction · Bestseller
The Dutch House
Ann Patchett's sweeping, nostalgic novel charts five decades in the lives of two siblings inextricably bound together by their childhood home and shared family secrets.
- Tamsyn Muir · Fantasy · Breakout
Gideon the Ninth
Tamsyn Muir's wildly creative debut blends necromancy, dark humor, and swordplay in a space-fantasy murder mystery about a swordswoman guarding a brooding bone witch.
- Kiley Reid · Fiction · Bestseller
Such a Fun Age
Kiley Reid's sharp, compelling debut explores racial tension, privilege, and complicated motives following an unexpected incident between a young Black babysitter and her employer.
Enjoyed your trip back in time?