One of my favorite things about being a reader is talking about books—not just the ones I’ve read, but also the ones I’m excited to read next. My TBR (to-be-read) list is already far longer than I can realistically finish anytime soon, yet somehow it keeps growing. That’s the life of a book lover, isn’t it?
Recently, Goodreads released its list of the most-read books from this year’s Reading Challenge participants. Millions of readers around the world are tracking their reading goals, and I couldn’t resist taking a peek at which books have captured their attention so far. While I recognized many of the titles, I was especially interested in the books I haven’t read yet. What makes so many readers pick them up? Why are they recommending them to friends, discussing them online, and adding them to their favorites?
So instead of sharing books I’ve already read, I thought I’d do something a little different. These are the Goodreads favorites that immediately caught my attention and earned a spot on my ever-growing TBR. Here are the books I’m most excited to pick up—and why they piqued my interest.
Contemporary Fiction Pick: Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
“A high-profile "tradwife" influencer who fakes her idyllic homesteading life for millions of followers suddenly awakens in the brutal reality of 1855. Thrusted into the true pioneer lifestyle she preached, she must survive without modern amenities while questioning if this harsh existence is a divine test or an elaborate, sinister hoax.”
When I first came across Yesteryear, the premise immediately intrigued me. If you’ve followed my column for a while, you probably know I have a soft spot for stories centered on family relationships. Some of my favorite books explore the complicated ties that bind us together, and this sounds like exactly that kind of story. Add in a touch of mystery and historical intrigue, and it’s easy to see why this one found its way onto my list.
Historical Fiction Pick: Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s latest novel follows Joan Goodwin as she pursues her dream of becoming an astronaut during NASA’s space shuttle era in the 1980s. Alongside the excitement of space exploration, the novel explores friendship, ambition, and unexpected relationships during a transformative period in American history.
At this point, Taylor Jenkins Reid has become one of those authors I’ll read almost automatically. I’ve loved how she blends historical settings with compelling character-driven stories, and the idea of combining that talent with NASA and the space program sounds irresistible. This may be the book I’m most excited about on this entire list.
Mystery & Thriller Pick: Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Elston
Ashley Elston’s latest thriller centers on secrets, deception, and a mystery that refuses to stay in the past. As new information comes to light, old assumptions begin to unravel, forcing characters to confront truths they would rather leave buried.
While thrillers aren’t my most-read genre, I always enjoy finding one that keeps me guessing. I’ve heard great things about Ashley Elston’s ability to create page-turning mysteries, and the title alone makes me curious. This sounds like the kind of book that would have me saying, “Just one more chapter,” long after I should be asleep.
Romance Pick: The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros
After receiving a letter from her brother’s best friend, Ella finds herself navigating grief, love, and unexpected connections while raising her family and trying to move forward after loss.
I’ve never met a Rebecca Yarros reader who didn’t immediately warn me to prepare my emotions. The words “heartbreaking” and “emotional” seem to follow this book everywhere, which, admittedly, makes me want to read it even more. As someone who often gravitates toward stories about resilience, healing, and finding hope after grief, this sounds like a book that will completely wreck me—in the best possible way.
Science Fiction Pick: The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
This genre-bending novel imagines a government program that brings historical figures into the modern world. One civil servant is tasked with helping an explorer from the 1800s adapt to contemporary life, but what begins as an experiment soon becomes far more complicated.
Science fiction isn’t usually the first section I browse in a bookstore, but every once in a while, a premise comes along that’s too unique to ignore. Time travel, history, romance, and humor all wrapped into one story? I honestly can’t stop thinking about it. It sounds completely different from anything else on my shelves, and that’s exactly why I want to read it.
Memoir Pick: Strangers by Belle Burden
In this deeply personal memoir, Belle Burden explores identity, belonging, family relationships, and the connections that shape our lives. Through reflections on her own experiences, she examines what it means to search for understanding, acceptance, and a sense of home.
Some memoirs immediately grab my attention because they promise honesty and vulnerability, and Strangers feels like one of those books. I love memoirs that explore family, grief, healing, and self-discovery, and this sounds like it could be a thoughtful and moving addition to that category.
One of the best things about the reading community is discovering books through other readers. Sometimes all it takes is seeing a title appear again and again on recommendation lists, challenge updates, and favorite-book discussions to spark your curiosity.
Will I end up loving every book on this list? Probably not. But each one has captured my attention enough to earn a coveted spot on my TBR, and that’s where every great reading journey begins.
Have you read any of these Goodreads favorites? I’d love to know which ones lived up to the hype—and which books you’ve recently added to your own TBR. Email me at ihorton@whatsupmag.com and share your recommendations. You might just help me choose my next great read.
