10 books by authors with a pen name or pseudonym

While Justice Sleeps

by Stacey Abrams

Knives Out meets The Pelican Brief in this page-turning political thriller. When Supreme Court Justice Howard Winn falls into a coma, his law clerk Avery Keene is stunned to learn he named her as the legal guardian tasked with handling his affairs. His angry family, fearful that she now may wield the Judge’s decisive swing vote, swiftly moves to strip her of her power. But Avery is determined to do her duty—and soon discovers a secret message from the Judge urging her to continue the dangerous secret investigation he began before falling ill. Relying on her eidetic memory and strong chess game to decode the Judge’s clues, Avery races to stay one step ahead of her pursuers and get to the bottom of a global conspiracy before it’s too late. A puzzle-like, propulsive read.

Becoming Duchess Goldblatt

When I had no idea what to listen to next after finishing my current read, I popped over to our What Should I Read Next Patreon community and asked for recommendations... which led me to this book, which had been halfheartedly lingering on my TBR for a while. I had been under the mistaken impression it was a comedy work, but nope, that was completely wrong. I plunged in, as advised, knowing little but definitely intrigued by the inclusion of Lyle Lovett as a narrator. (All I will say is: he plays himself.) Forgive me if you already know this, but this is a memoir, written by an anonymous author, who explains how and why she came to operate the pseudonymous twitter account @DuchessGoldblat. I LOVED it.

All About Love

by bell hooks

Author and social activist bell hooks was born Gloria Jean Watkins. Her pen name is her great-grandmother’s name and she used lowercase letters to honor her great-grandmother, whom she greatly admired, and to show that the work itself mattered more than the person who wrote it. In All About Love, she examines how our understanding about love often falls short. She invites readers to consider a different kind of love that lends itself to compassion, forgiveness, and peace in our personal and professional lives and in our communities and beyond.

All Creatures Great and Small

by James Herriot

The first in Herriot's autobiographical series about life as a country vet in Northern England. When Herriot lands a position with an eccentric owner of an existing veterinary practice at the tender age of 23, he learns to treat the animals that popular Yorkshire farms—which also involves a good bit of care for their colorful owners. A delightful collection that's easy to read one short story at a time.

Middlemarch

by George Eliot

Eliot's hefty masterpiece combines her "study of provincial life" with a close look at several young couples who fall (or think they fall) in love. Who will find lasting happiness, and who won't, and why? By focusing on the narrow disappointments and particular joys of this small community, Eliot cuts to the heart of human nature. A novel about love, happiness, and second chances.

Jane Eyre

by Charlotte Bronte

This groundbreaking classic is a gothic romance, mystery, and psychological thriller all rolled into one; its themes were astonishingly modern for 1847. If you never read it in high school, give it a try now. You’ll be kicking yourself for not reading it decades sooner. Those who have read it will spot its influence everywhere. We follow Jane Eyre from childhood to adulthood as she learns to speak up for herself and makes bold choices.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

by Maya Angelou

The haunting story of Angelou's childhood in the American South in the 1930s. If this is one you've been meaning to read, give the audio version a try: Angelou's lilting voice brings her powerful, touching story to life.

My Brilliant Friend (Neapolitan Novels Book 1)

by Elena Ferrante

This is the first installment of Ferrante’s Neapolitan Quartet, which revolves around the friendship between Elena and Lila. This book begins when the girls are in first grade and carries them through adolescence. I picked this up from my local bookstore's blind date with a book shelf: the bookseller had described it as "a masterpiece you probably haven’t read yet. (Three and a half years later, booksellers can no longer say that with confidence!) Originally written in Italian and beautifully translated by Ann Goldstein. (Hot tip: I LOVED this series on audio.)

My Not So Perfect Life

by Sophie Kinsella

People called this “A sparkling, witty novel about social media and the stories we tell ourselves." Jojo Moyes said, "Sophie Kinsella keeps her finger on the cultural pulse, while leaving me giddy with laughter. I loved it."

Into the Drowning Deep

by Mira Grant

From the publisher: "New York Times bestselling author Mira Grant, author of the renowned Newsflesh series, returns with a novel that takes us to a new world of ancient mysteries and mythological dangers come to life. The ocean is home to many myths, but some are deadly. . . Seven years ago the Atargatis set off on a voyage to the Mariana Trench to film a mockumentary bringing to life ancient sea creatures of legend. It was lost at sea with all hands. Some have called it a hoax; others have called it a tragedy. Now a new crew has been assembled. But this time they're not out to entertain. Some seek to validate their life's work. Some seek the greatest hunt of all. Some seek the truth. But for the ambitious young scientist Victoria Stewart this is a voyage to uncover the fate of the sister she lost. Whatever the truth may be, it will only be found below the waves. But the secrets of the deep come with a price."

10 books by authors with a pen name or pseudonym

While Justice Sleeps

Becoming Duchess Goldblatt

All About Love

All Creatures Great and Small

Middlemarch

Jane Eyre

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

My Brilliant Friend (Neapolitan Novels Book 1)

My Not So Perfect Life

Into the Drowning Deep

Find your next read with:

100 Book recommendations
for every mood

10 books by authors with a pen name or pseudonym

Find your next read with:

100 Book recommendations for every mood

100 Book recommendations
for every mood