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12th Grade Reading List
Most 12th grade reading lists out there are predictable and dull, recycling the same ten or fifteen titles without much thought. This guide takes a different approach. Instead of sticking to a narrow Western canon, we’ve built a collection of books that truly changed literature and thought across continents; from Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment in Russia to Cortázar’s Hopscotch in Argentina, from Achebe’s Things Fall Apart in Nigeria to Kawabata’s Snow Country in Japan. This isn’t about showing off on a bookshelf, it’s about diving into books that challenge and expand how we see the world.
Most Anticipated Literary Fiction Books of Fall 2025
Dive into the most anticipated contemporary and literary fiction books of Fall 2025! From Thomas Pynchon's new novel Shadow Ticket, to Han Kang’s poignant We Do Not Part, this curated list blends rich storytelling with global perspectives. Expect lyrical prose, bold narratives, and translated gems that explore love, identity, and resilience. Discover your next must-read for the fall 2025 season!
George Saunders Wins 2025 National Book Award
George Saunders, the master of satirical yet heartfelt storytelling, has won the 2025 National Book Award for Distinguished Contributions to American Letters. From his unconventional journey—geophysical engineering to literary icon—to his genre-defying works like Lincoln in the Bardo and Tenth of December, Saunders redefines modern fiction. With his upcoming novel Vigil set for 2026, his influence continues to grow.
Labor Day Reading Guide: Stories from the Working Class
Global Labor Day reading guide featuring novels about workers’ struggles, resilience, and solidarity. Explore classic and international literature that highlights the lives of laborers, migrant workers, and peasant communities across history and continents.
Tennis Novels to read for the US Open Season
As the US Open ignites New York’s Flushing Meadows, tennis isn’t just about the electrifying rallies on court, it’s also a rich metaphor in world literature. From David Foster Wallace’s Infinite Jest to Álvaro Enrigue’s Sudden Death, this list explores how tennis becomes a stage for rivalry, ambition, love, and existential struggle. Discover the books that capture both the elegance and brutality of the game, perfect companions for the drama of the US Open season.
Modern African Literature: Key Authors, Themes, and Trends
Let's look into the vibrant world of modern African literature, where stories of resilience, identity, and innovation unfold against the backdrop of a dynamic continent. From Chinua Achebe’s groundbreaking Things Fall Apart to the Afrofuturist visions of Nnedi Okorafor, this in-depth exploration traces the evolution of African storytelling. Discover key authors, recurring themes like tradition versus modernity, and 21st-century trends shaping 2025’s literary scene.. This is your guide to post-colonial African novels.
Better Booklist’s top 10 French novels recently published in English
Read about the top recently published French novels translated into English, featuring books by Maylis de Kerangal, Hervé Le Tellier, and Nicolas Mathieu. From coming-of-age tales to Goncourt Prize winners, explore modern French literature that delves into art, identity, and societal change. Perfect for book lovers flexing their French lit taste
Siang Lu’s Ghost Cities Wins Australia’s 2025 Miles Franklin Literary Award
The 2025 Miles Franklin Literary Award celebrates Siang Lu’s Ghost Cities, a daring, satirical novel on diaspora and identity. Discover the six shortlisted books, including works by Brian Castro, Michelle de Kretser, and Winnie Dunn, and dive into the award’s rich history, past winners like Patrick White and Tim Winton, and bios of this year’s authors. Explore the best of Australian literature brought to you by Better Booklist!
The master list of most prestigious literary awards in the world
Let's talk about the world's most prestigious literary awards. Explore top book prizes from Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, and Oceania, featuring recent winners. Find your next great read on Better Booklist!
5 books similar to Catch-22 you should read
Discover 5 must-read books like Catch-22, featuring dark comedy and anti-war themes. From satirical novels by Jaroslav Hašek, Kurt Vonnegut, to Thomas Pynchon, and Vladimir Voinovich, each offering absurd humor and profound critiques of war and bureaucracy, these novels are perfect for fans of Joseph Heller’s classic..
Saul Bellow – a witty writer and a womanizer
I love Saul Bellow, the witty Nobel Prize-winning American novelist who in his soul-searching novels a la Herzog or Henderson, the Rain King tackled modern man's big life questions, all while his five marriages added a dash of romantic adventure to his intellectual escapades!