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Unputdownable: 17 books I read in 24 hours or less (because they were just that good)

a stack of hardcover books on a windowsill next to a white coffee mug

Every once in a while, I pick up a book that’s so compelling I just can’t put it down until I reach the last page. It’s unputdownable! Sometimes it’s because the book is flat-out amazing; sometimes it’s because the book is good enough and the plot is amazing.

Unputdownable books, for me, have certain qualities: great characters, strong narrative drive, a premise that hooks me. The writing is often strong (though “serviceable” will suffice, if you know what I mean), and it can’t be so dense or challenging that I can’t read it while I’m sleepy, or mentally exhausted.

 

The second category for the 2017 Reading Challenge—for those of you who want to put the “oomph” back in your reading life—is “a book with a reputation for being unputdownable.” Why? Because it’s fun.

(Update: while this was a category from 2017 we have an evergreen reading challenge that you can get at any time.)

Need ideas for this category? I polished off each of these 17 books in 24 hours or less, because I couldn’t put them down: 

Some links (including all Amazon links) are affiliate links. More details here.

Unputdownable Books
The Sea of Tranquility

The Sea of Tranquility

Author:
I blew through this novel from my YA summer reading list, even though it's almost 400 pages. If you loved Eleanor & Park, it's not a read-alike, but the two stories have enough in common to make this a safe bet. More info →
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Sleeping Giants

Sleeping Giants

Author:
I never, and I mean never, would have picked this up on my own, and was surprised to love it. It’s a sci fi novel whose premise is pretty out there: it begins with a little girl falling through the earth and landing in the palm of a gigantic metal hand. Flash forward a few decades, and scientists begin to discover more body parts all over the globe. That's wild, right? But with its interesting structure and strong narrative drive, it works. I hear the full cast audio recording is terrific. More info →
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The Thousand Dollar Tan Line: a Veronica Mars Mystery

The Thousand Dollar Tan Line: a Veronica Mars Mystery

Author:
The story starts ten years after Veronica's high school graduation, a few months after the movie left off. Veronica is called in to investigate when a girl disappears from a Spring Break party, but it soon becomes apparent this is no ordinary missing persons case, and Veronica is quickly pulled back into Neptune's seedy underworld. This wasn't high literature or anything, but it was so much fun (and had such good narrative drive) I didn't want to stop until I knew how it ended. More info →
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A Fall of Marigolds

A Fall of Marigolds

Author:
I know a lot of Susan Meissner fans, and many of those readers cite this one as their favorite. The action goes back and forth in time between two women, a century apart, who are linked by a beautiful scarf and by their unlikely survival in two devastating tragedies in New York City. Meissner's tone makes this an easy, enjoyable read despite the tough subject matter, making it easy to polish off in a day. More info →
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The Likeness

The Likeness

Author:

In the second of Tana French's Dublin Murder Squad series, which can be read in any order, detective Cassie Maddux is pulled off her current beat and sent to investigate a murder. When she arrives at the scene, she finds the victim looks just like her, and—even more creepy—she was using an alias that Cassie used in a previous case. The victim was a student, and her boss talks her into trying to crack the case by impersonating her, explaining to her friends that she survived the attempted murder. The victim lived with four other students in a strangely intimate, isolated setting, and as Cassie gets to know them, liking them almost in spite of herself, her boundaries—and loyalties—begin to blur. A taut psychological thriller that keeps you guessing till the end.

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Good as Gone: A Novel of Suspense

Good as Gone: A Novel of Suspense

Author:
I devoured this in one sitting. Usually I don't think the premise sells the book, but this one does: Julie was kidnapped from her own home when she was thirteen, and eight years later, the mystery is unsolved. Her family assumes the worst but can't be sure. Then one day, the doorbell rings, and it's Julie. But as she settles in to her new, old family, inconsistencies begin to emerge in her story. Why would she lie? Is it really her? I couldn't resist turning the pages until I found out for myself. More info →
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Rules of Civility

Rules of Civility

Author:
This Gatsby-esque novel plunges you into the streets of Manhattan, circa 1938. Young secretary Katey Kontent and her roommate Evelyn meet handsome Tinker Gray by chance. The girls vie for his affection—until one impulsive decision changes everything. A beautifully drawn story of wealth and class, luck and fate, love and illusion. This novel pulls several shocking plot twists, and I definitely didn’t see that ending coming. More info →
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Dark Matter

Dark Matter

Author:
This fast-moving, cinematic thriller begins when the protagonist is kidnapped on his way home from meeting a friend, and is asked a strange question by his strangely familiar captor: "Are you happy with your life?" What The Martian did for space exploration, Dark Matter does for physics, and it works. Imagine the zaniness of Ready Player One, minus the video games or nostalgia trip. More info →
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What Alice Forgot

What Alice Forgot

Author:
Moriarty's works are compulsively readable: whenever I get my hands on a new one I inhale it in two days. Alice is 29, expecting her first child, and crazy in love with her husband—or at least she thinks she is, but then she bumps her head and wakes up on the gym floor, to find that she’s actually a 39-year-old mother of 3 who’s in the middle of divorcing the man she’s come to hate. She doesn’t know what’s happened to her these past 10 years, or who she’s become. She’s about to find out. I spreed through this like it was the fluffiest chick lit, but found myself mulling over its themes for weeks after I finished. More info →
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Maybe in Another Life

Maybe in Another Life

Imagine a happier Sliding Doors, with less cheating and more cinnamon rolls. When Hannah moves back to her hometown of Los Angeles, she spends a night on the town with an old friend. The decision she makes at the end of that night changes her life, and in alternating chapters, we find out exactly how. Like many Taylor Jenkins Reid books, this one is compulsively readable, but serious themes lay beneath the surface. More info →
What She Knew

What She Knew

Author:
In this contemporary psychological thriller, a British single mother gives her 8-year-old son permission to run ahead a little on their evening walk in the park ... and he disappears, without a trace. MacMillan invites the reader to come along on the hunt for the boy, alternately focusing on police procedure and family drama. The tight writing and sharp execution made this hard to put down. I've seen a lot of comparisons to The Girl on the Train, but instead I'd recommend this one for Tana French fans (although it's much tamer on gore and language.) More info →
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Tell Me Three Things

Tell Me Three Things

Author:
I loved this book. A girl-next-door type suddenly finds herself in an elite California prep school, and has to figure out how to navigate this new privileged world while still grieving her mother's death. When she gets an email from an unidentified boy who calls himself "Somebody Nobody" offering to be her spirit guide to her new school, she doesn't want to say yes—but she really needs his help. A sweet and fun teen romance, but also a pitch-perfect portrayal of the grieving process. More info →
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I Let You Go

I Let You Go

It's trendy these days for every suspense novel to have a "shocking plot twist!" but this tightly-crafted novel makes your jaw drop time and again, without feeling gimmicky or manipulative. I was stunned as I slowly came to see that the story wasn't about what I thought it was about at all, and THAT is what you'll be burning to talk about. On a dark, rainy night, a mother lets go of her son's hand for just an instant. The devastating accident sets the plot in motion. Part police procedural, part domestic suspense, with the ring of authenticity, no doubt thanks to Mackintosh's own 12 years as a police officer. This is an emotional roller coaster of a book. (Sensitive themes ahead, so mind your triggers.) More info →
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Jane Steele

Jane Steele

Author:
Jane Eyre lovers, you can relax: while Faye—and her heroine, Jane Steele—draw serious inspiration from Jane Eyre, it's not a retelling. Instead, it's delightfully meta: our titular narrator tells us the inspiration to write down her story came from "the most riveting book titled Jane Eyre." This Jane is a wise-cracking, whipsmart, unconventional young woman who rebels against Victorian convention, but she has a heart of gold. Numerous winks to the original make this tons of fun for Brontë fans: Jane becomes a governess, there's a stand-in for Mr. Rochester, and of course, something important is locked away in an attic. Perfect for readers who love plucky Victorian heroines, like you'd find in Deanna Raybourn novels. More info →
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The Forgetting Time

The Forgetting Time

Author:
This was a summer reading guide top 5 pick. Janie knows her 4-year-old son Noah is not like other children. He's terrified of water. He asks for his "other mother." And he always, always wants to go home—even when he's in his very own bed. But one night, thanks to a late-night bourbon-fueled internet session, Janie stumbles upon the work of an eccentric scientist, and begins to confront the possibility that her precious son not only lived a previous life, he'd been murdered in it. You don't have to buy the premise to find this a satisfying read. More info →
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You Will Know Me

You Will Know Me

Author:
Abbott has a reputation for writing nail-biters but this is the first of her work I read. In her newest release, she builds her domestic suspense around an elite teen gymnast—an excellent backdrop for a creepy mystery because in this high-stakes world people will stop at almost nothing to get what they want. Abbott kept me guessing the whole way through: just when I thought I had the mystery figured out, she pivoted again. Recommended reading for fans of Mary Kubica and Gillian Flynn. More info →
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Eleanor & Park

Eleanor & Park

Author:
I finished this one on a weekday afternoon when I was supposed to be working, because all I wanted to do was finish this book. It’s a novel about teenagers, in love, but I suspect it's more for the adults who survived the teen years than the teenagers living through them. The framing makes all the difference to this one: pay attention to the way Rowell cites Romeo & Juliet. It matters. More info →
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What books did YOU find completely unputdownable? 

P.S. Why it’s so hard to put down the book and go to bed already.

Unputdownable: 17 books I read in 24 hours or less (because they were just that good)

795 comments

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  1. Emily says:

    I found Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier soo hard to put down. Also, pretty much anything by Liane Moriarty is bound to have me glued to the couch until I’m finished it!

    • Mary Jo Maisto says:

      Definitely agree that Daphen Du Maurier is amazing! Did you read her book “House on the Strand”?

    • Briget says:

      I just commented elsewhere but wanted to add to this – my most unputdownable book was “When She Woke” by Hillary Jordan. It’s set in the U.S. in the near-but-undefined-future, in a part of the country (most of it) that is harshly conservative. There are no jails, but criminals are detained and given a drug that dyes their skin various neon-bright colors: yellow for misdemeanors, red for murder, purple for child molesters, and so on. Abortion is murder, so the protagonist awakens dyed a bright neon red and is then released – with her damning skin – back into society. The book explores much more than that premise – I’ll leave you to find out what. I could NOT stop reading this until the end.

  2. I’m in the middle of Dark Matter now and I definitely could have finished it in one sitting if I had peace and quiet for a day! Little toddlers make those one sitting reads quite difficult at the moment and I miss them.

    Totally agree about You Will Know Me too!

  3. Jeanne says:

    Such a great list! I’m with you on I let you go. I read until 4am to finish it. So it was awesome when my 3 kids (9months – 6) woke up an hour later. Interested in reading the Blake Crouch now – I liked his Wayward Pines trilogy.

  4. I am a middle school teacher, so I will definitely agree with you on Eleanor and Park! I also really enjoyed Rowell’s Fangirl. I just read Rebecca Stead’s Good-bye Stranger in one day because I just had to see what happened.

    • Meredith says:

      You should try books by YA author Ruta Sepetys. They’re absolutely amazing. I have loved every one I have read. She usually takes a rather obscure historical event and brings it to life.

      • Anna says:

        Yes Ruta Sepetys’ book “Between Shades of Gray” was sooo good! Now that book I actually could not put down. Read it in three days on the beach in Miami. The book was so good that I refuse to watch the movie because I don’t want the movie to ruin all the characters and scenes how I imagined them.

  5. Ashley Thompson says:

    Hmmm I’m usually so on board with you but I disagree with so much on this list! I hated sleeping giants — I found the characters to be insufferable, the dialogue unrealistic, and the captains log form of storytelling really hard to get into. And maybe in another life and Eleanor and park were two that I abandoned about a third of the way through, which I almost never do. Dark matter was going to be next up on my TBR, but now I’m questioning that choice?

    • Anne says:

      I’m not saying I always loved these endings or that the books made my lifetime faves list, but a pleasant afternoon? YES.

      Are you looking for books with a little more literary style? If so, I might be questioning Dark Matter, too. (We should be talking about this on the podcast!)

      • Ashley Thompson says:

        It’s like you read my mind — every week, I listen and wonder what you would recommend I read next!

        literary… maybe? I don’t know that would be my top descriptor…. I love novels with magical prose that suck you into their world — the magicians, the night circus, station eleven, and bel canto are a few of my favorites. But I also feel like I have a lot of topics I avoid — nothing too gory or rape-y, can’t really handle kids getting cancer (or really anything bad happening to kids). I like a good thriller but usually get frustrated with their predictably. I love quirky characters (Lianne Moriarty, Kevin Kwan), but I still have to understand why they’re making their choices. And I occasionally enjoy more sci fi / time travel / ya type stories (11/22/63, ready player one, lunar chronicles).

        Thoughts? Would I love or hate Dark Matter?

        • Anne says:

          Theory: Dark Matter is the kind of book that non-sci fi readers like myself enjoy, exactly because I *haven’t* seen it all/read it all/been through every possible sci fi plotline twenty times. The serious sci fi fans I’ve talked to have been underwhelmed by it.

          (Or I could just say: it’s short! it’s fast! give it a shot! 😉 )

        • Susan Clark says:

          Ashley- I would highly recommend “The Sparrow” by Mary Doria Russell – it’s pretty amazing and unlike anything I ever read! And I do not even consider myself a Science Fiction fan! – Sue

          • Joan B says:

            Oh, yes, The Sparrow is wonderful. With a framework of science fiction, it’s truly about how people cope with differences, how people can be deceived or manipulated, and how we define a society, especially one with religious beliefs. The writing is elegant, and the concept is intriguing. There is a second book that continues with the story began in The Sparrow.

  6. Halle says:

    Clare Mackintosh’s second book, I See You, was so good and I absolutely could not put it down until I found out what happened. I will gobble up anything she writes from now on.

  7. Christine says:

    Louise Penny! Even though part of me wants to read her books slowly so that I can enjoy them longer, I raced through them. I read A Great Reckoning in a day. Started at 11AM and finished at 11PM.

    • Betsy says:

      Totally agree! I just love Gamache, and I’m always holding my breath when he gets into trouble. I have to keep reading to make sure he’s ok! 😉

  8. Thanks to your recommendation when I was on WSIRN, I read ‘Sleeping Giants’ and also could not put it down. It made a 9-hour train ride evaporate. I also loved ‘Jane Steele,’ and I just got a Kindle deal on ‘Tell Me Three Things’ — can’t wait to read that! But it’s going to be a while… I’ve never read any Neal Stephenson and the World War II plot thread in Cryptonomicon made me think it might be a good fit for me. I’m 20% into the 1100 pages, and I’m loving it. But it’s going to be about two weeks (three?!) until I’m ready for a new book.

  9. Sarah D. says:

    I’ve read the Susan Meissner book, but the rest are new to me. Would you say any of the rest are pretty squeaky clean when it comes to language?

    • Anne says:

      At first I thought you meant Susan Meissner’s other books—in which case, you’d be set. For SQUEAKY clean language, I think you’d be good with Jane Steele. And while many of the others are not terribly salty, “squeaky” is not a word that would apply.

      • Sarah D. says:

        Thanks! Yes, the second one is what I meant. 🙂 I’ve read pretty much every book Susan Meissner has written and enjoyed just about all of them.

  10. Bryanna says:

    I agree with What She Knew but I was a little disappointing in the ending. It definitely had me staying up passed bedtime though!

  11. Felicity says:

    This year’s Newbery Award winner, The Girl who Drank the Moon, was wonderful. It took me more like 2 days, but it was so hard to put down. It is so beautifully written and I loved so many of the characters. It’s a fairy story that features good and evil, misrepresentation, a 12 year old girl, witches, magic, a dragon, a swamp monster, a bereaved mentally unstable mother and a hero. Very suspenseful second half of the book. Highly recommend!

  12. Brandyn says:

    I really didn’t like “In the Woods”. I don’t mind a flawed MC, but I need to be able to root for them and I like mysteries to be wrapped up. Is “The Likeness” enough of a departure that I should give it a shot?

    • Meronym says:

      “The Likeness” is my favorite in the series and I have read it twice. It is partly about the aftermath of “In the Woods,” but only for Cassie. It was more psychological than the first one, and Cassie is a great protagonist. It almost has a supernatural ghost story sort of feel, but it isn’t a ghost story at all, if that makes any sense.

  13. Laura says:

    Your “breezy novels” from the 2014 summer reading guide were ALL hard to put down! The Rosie Project, What Alice Forgot, Someday someday maybe, Where’d You Go Bernadette?, and Attachments. Loved them

  14. Janice says:

    I’m so glad you included Tell Me Three Things! I read it late last year and it’s been gnawing at me to read it again because it made me so happy. I love your list (and your awesome blog) and these are all on my TBR list!

  15. Michelle says:

    I crave books that pull me in, make me forget the outside world. Full immersion, heck yea. One that comes to mind immediately is The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. Also (and for completely different reasons) The Storied Life of AJ Fikry, as well as Mr Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore.

    On a totally unrelated note (but because these are books I reread), Goodreads now has an easy way to mark rereads without an exceptionally convuluted way of adding editions (that someone pointed out to me just days ago). It’s explained on their website. If you have added editions, or noted number of times read previously, they have taken this into account.

  16. Wow, great list! I’ve read 5: What Alice Forgot, A Fall of Marigolds, I Let You Go, The Likeness, and Dark Matter. Really enjoyed them all, but I’m physically incapable of one-sitting reading anymore— but I used to when younger!

    An eclectic group of books, lol. I also have 3 on my “wishlist” already. The other ones I’ve heard of, but maybe I should give them another look. Thanks for sharing a fun list with us 🙂

  17. Carol says:

    Homegoing was a 24 hour book for me! Such a great family saga throughout the years. The beginning stories were shocking and heartbreaking.

  18. Two books that I’ve read in the last week that were hard to put down: The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbough and Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. Both of these were well written and I couldn’t put them down. I had to know how they ended! (Heads up – Big Little Lies has a lot of strong language in it.)

  19. Holli Petersen says:

    Right now I’m reading Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg. I LOVE it! Sometimes shifting perspectives can be distracting, but in this one, I find it keeps the pace up and makes it up-put-downable.

  20. Christina says:

    Bless you for this list! I am emerging from new-baby fog and I needed a jump start back into reading. This post did the trick. Thanks, my favorite blogger! 🙂

  21. Amy says:

    Thanks for this. I’ve been reading a lot of nonfiction, which, while interesting, is rarely un-put-down-able. I did feel that way about Sue Klebold’s memoir, though. I forget the title, but she’s be mother of one of the Columbine shooters.

  22. Carol Ann says:

    I’m going to have to read A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner! I’m excited to know you liked it so much. I read one of her other novels, Secrets of a Charmed Life, and loved it. Have you read it, too?

  23. Kitty Balay says:

    My Reading Challenge “unputdownable” book was All The Light We Cannot See. I didn’t get through it in 24 hours, but I couldn’t focus on anything else until I finished it. The narrative and the characters are so compelling, that I didn’t really think about how well it was written until after I had finished it and had time to reflect. I kept discovering the brilliance of the themes as I thought more and more about it. It filled up my head so much that I couldn’t start another book for a few days and, even then, I needed a “palate cleanser.” Lessons from Madame Chic was a feel-good, no plot choice. Rules of Civility is one of my favorite books, What Alice Forgot is fantastic. Tell Me Three Things and I Let You Go are waiting on my kindle!

    • Janice says:

      All the Light We Cannot See is one of my favorite books of all time! I don’t usually read books twice, but this one I reread a few years after the first read. I loved the writing, imagery, character development; I loved it all, again, after the second read.

  24. Chris says:

    I just finished I Let You Go. I am glad I kept reading. I rarely don’t finish as book (already had a DNF early this week) but I was going to stop this one too as I didn’t want to keep reading about a mother grieving…glad I kept with it and stayed up late to do so!! Dark Matter is in my library wait list already too.

  25. Brenda Guerrero says:

    I am so happy to see the Sea of Tranquility, I LOVED that book. I know its old but I would put the twilight series on this list, especially the first book.

  26. Rebecca Sichmeller says:

    Summer at Tiffany by Marjorie Hart is my favorite 4th of July memory- the day I sat out on the patio in the gorgeous sunshine and read that book beginning to end!

  27. Amanda says:

    My favorite unputdownable book is I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson. With alternating points of view and a plot that weaves together in unexpected ways, you won’t be able to leave jt once you start. Most recent unputdownable that I’ve read was Behind Closed Doors. The pacing and need to know that everything will be okay will make you race through it, though the subject matter may leave you wanting to put it down.

  28. Jennifer says:

    I recently read Small Great Things. I couldn’t put it down. It ripped my heart out, made me angry, made me cry…so many emotions! It left me questioning so many things about myself.

  29. DanielleD says:

    Mine was Where We Belong by Emilie Griffin. I love everything she writes, but that one never left my hands until I turned the last page. Oh, and tickled to see a Sliding Doors reference. Loved that movie. One more in-put-downable: The Heartbreaker by Susan Howatch

  30. SoCalLynn says:

    I chose What Alice Forgot for this category, not expecting to like it very much. But I did! I read it every chance I could get. I have Rules of Civility on my stack next, after I finish Angle of Repose.

      • SoCalLynn says:

        I guess I have good taste! I am loving everything by Wallace Stegner, but I have been putting off reading Angle of Repose because I know I will just want to curl up on the couch and read until I finish it, but I am too, too busy right now. I am only about 75 pages into it. We are leaving on a trip on Tuesday so I plan to read it on the plane for hours. <3

  31. Kim Holloway says:

    I loved The Rabbit Back Literature Society by Pasi Ilmari Jääskeläinen and Lola M. Rogers so much I could not put it down. Sleeping Giants by Sylvain Neuvel and Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple were two others I read in a day. One author no one has mentioned so far is Sharyn McCrumb, who writes books set in northeast Tennessee (where I live). I read her latest Prayers the Devil Answers in one day last summer.

  32. Brianna Santellan says:

    Jane Eyre is my favorite book. Period. Jane Steele was one of my absolute favorite books of 2016. It was so much fun! I loved all the callbacks to Eyre. The story was vibrant and just different enough from Eyre that I wasn’t constantly comparing the two. I am constantly recommending it to people. Love it, love it, love it.

  33. D says:

    Glad to see I Let You Go on this list. I listened (on actual CD’s) in the car, usually reserved for my daily commute. Reader, I DROVE AROUND on my lunch break just to listen to the ending. I dreamed of the characters the night before I finished the book.

  34. Sheryl says:

    I have just finished Stir by Jessica Fechtor . – My broken brain and the meals that brought me home. She honestly shares her fears and feelings after a brain aneurysm at age 28. As the Wall Street Journal says of this small book: ‘”a recipe for living a life of meaning.”

    Before that l read Belgravia by Julian Fellowes who created Downton Abbey. It felt like a Jane Austen -lite- book and was great fun.

  35. Allison says:

    Love this post! I’ve requested everything I can at my public library. Any thoughts if Dark Matter might be an appropriate read for high school students?

    • Nanci Byers says:

      Allison–I would hand it out to high schoolers, although probably 16 and older. I read it last summer and it was compelling, although I did not understand much of the science. 😉 Lots of ethical and scientific topics for discussion. It does contain murders in the story.

  36. Allison says:

    I’m in an unputdownable dry spell, and I want to read ALL of these! The only one I’ve read is Eleanor & Park, which is wonderful. I’ve been on kind of a high-literature kick for a while, and while I appreciate those novels, many of them don’t really have that unputdownable feel. I’d hoped The Girl on the Train would be my palate cleanser after hearing all the hype, but I was kind of disappointed–maybe because it just couldn’t live up to the hype at this point.
    Thanks for this and other lists–I love your blog and have been digging into archives these past few days!

  37. Courtney C says:

    I actually just finished “Tell Me Three Things” about 20 minutes ago, and came to MMD to decide on my next read (despite my long TBR stack!). I really enjoyed it — and it literally took me 24 hours. I adored “Rules of Civility”, and have recommended it to so many friends (for what it’s worth, I also loved “A Gentleman in Moscow”, but for different reasons — it was definitely a quieter book).

    “Before The Fall”, “A Man Called Ove”, and “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society” were three other ‘unputdownable’ books for me (all based on recommendations from WSIRN). I’ve also been devouring the Inspector Gamache stories from Louise Penny, but I deliberately take my time with them so that I can savor their coziness. They’ve actually inspired me to seek out other mystery series, and I stumbled across the Commissario Brunetti series by Donna Leon which are set in Venice; the first is “Death at La Fenice”, and the combination of the protagonist Brunetti and the lush descriptions of Venice had me hooked.

    • Michelle says:

      I had a hard time getting into Guernsey. I was so frustrated because I knew so many people that loved it, and ‘on paper’ it was a perfect fit for me. Finally I got it on Audible and that was the key. I ‘binge listened’ to the book and could not have loved it more, even getting my husband into it since it was the weekend. 🙂

    • Anne says:

      I keep meaning to start that Donna Leon series. Readers with good taste keep mentioning it in the same breath as books I love—especially Louise Penny. Thanks for the nudge!

  38. Lots of yes to The Forgetting Time and Sea of Tranquility. Ones I flew through: Monstrous Beauty by Elizabeth Fama (really good YA about mermaids – it works!), Last Chance Summer by Morgan Matson, and anything by Jenny B. Jones or Sarah Addison Allen.

  39. Diana says:

    Well this list was dangerous to my TBR list! Eleanor & Park was definitely a quick read for me too, stayed up until 3am (with a 15 month old who didn’t sleep in!) to read in one sitting!

  40. Melanie says:

    I spent last Friday night happy reading Maybe in Another Life. It’s not a 5-star book, but it certainly was an enjoyable read. I also loved the reading experience of I Let You Go.

    If you’re looking for delightful 84, Charing Cross Road and The Red Notebook are similar enough to make a good pairing and short enough that both could be read within 24 hours.

    I’m sleep deprived this week because I stayed up way to late re-reading The Snow Child. Oh how I love that book!

  41. Tami Martine says:

    A Man Called Ove was my most recent unputdownable. LOVED IT! I haven’t read any on this list, which made me happy Reading this also made me realize I should be going home to read, instead of hanging out in my classroom on a Friday afternoon. 🙂 Taking care of me, now.

  42. Jamie says:

    All the Sarah Addison Allen books I’ve read can definitely be in the unputdownable category. They aren’t suspenseful at all, so it’s not the drive to find out what happens next that keeps me going. It’s more the comfort of a familiar story but told with a twist of magic and a hint of whimsy that makes me devour them in such a short time.

  43. Donna says:

    I also read You Will Know Me and I Let You Go in 24 hours! Other books
    I just couldn’t put down:
    Fractured by Catherine McKenzie
    I See You by Clare Mackintosh
    These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf
    Find Her by Lisa Gardner
    Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight
    A House in the Sky by Amanda Lindhout

    Thanks for sharing!

  44. I think Gone Girl may be an obvious pick here, but I’d also add Dangerous Girls by Abigail Haas, which I tend to recommend as an “if you loved Gone Girl” book. It’s a YA book based on the Amanda Knox case, about a girl on spring break with friends who’s accused of her best friend’s murder.

  45. Amy says:

    Whistling Past the Graveyard by Susan Crandall and The Wonder by Emma Donoghue. The former because it was reminiscent of To Kill A Mockingbird and the latter because I really just wanted to know what happened!!

  46. Drea says:

    Bones & All by: Camille DeAngelis. I read this last year it was amazing. The book I read just yesterday in one day was the new JD Robb novel Echoes in Death. But, I’ve been reading this “in death” series for 14 years so, tend to devour them when they come out.

    • Judi says:

      I also love The Death series, but I have listened to all of them. If you haven’t ever listened to one I highly recommend it. The reader is awesome and she has done every one in the series.

    • Laura says:

      I’m actually reading naked in death right now the first book. I didn’t know it had 44 books but I’m really liking the first book.

  47. Leigh says:

    Two non fiction books I couldn’t down:
    Juniper, the girl who was born too soon by Tom and Kelley French and No Biking in the House Without a Helmet by Melissa Faye Greene

    • Anne says:

      I keep hearing great things about Juniper. I heard the author speak last year (and LOVED that episode of RadioLab) but haven’t read it yet. I don’t know the Greene book—thanks for the rec.

      • Leigh says:

        The Greene book is not new-I read it years ago, but obviously it stuck with me! It is laugh out loud funny at times. I remember trying to read aloud some parts to my family and being unable to because I was laughing so hard!

        Juniper lives up to all the hype it’s getting. So well written (both of her parents are award winning journalists), and so compelling.

  48. Donna says:

    If you’re looking for more…Robert Charles Wilson’s Last Year, Chris Pavone’s The Travelers, Christopher Buckley’s The Relic Master, and Catherine Banner’s The House at the Edge of Night. In the order I listed, I’d call them science fiction/time travel, suspenseful thriller, humorous historical fiction, and a generation-spanning literary drama.

  49. Megan Nilsen says:

    I have “What She Knew” sitting on my bedside table. Now I’m really ready to dive in!! “A Walk Across the Sun” was absolutely unputdownable for me. Great fiction that reads like John Grisham, but sheds light on an important, tough topic of sex-trafficking. Don’t let the theme scare you. This is well written and very good. Also!! I loved Amy Matayo’s “The End of the World.” Excellent. OH! Jodi Picot’s, “Small Great Things.” I couldn’t start a book for quite a while after that one because I just kept chewing on it and couldn’t let it go.

    • Phyllis the book-a-holic says:

      I love John Grisham, so thanks for the Across the Sun recommendation. I listen to audio books all the time so I can still cook, clean up, and take my dogs for a walk while still getting my book fix. I’ll look for that one, as well as several others in this whole article.

  50. Angie says:

    Your post came at THE perfect time– we are leaving soon for a quick get away and I needed to load my Kindle. I bought 8 of the books you recommended. I already read 6 of the ones you suggested and loved them so I’m confident these new picks will be perfect for beach reading!!

  51. Nanci Byers says:

    I just finished this at 3am this morning: If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo. An #ownvoices title, it won the 2016 Stonewall Award in the YA category. The Stonewall Book Awards are given annually to English-language works of exceptional merit relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience. This book is eye-opening and important to read. I loved Amanda and felt her emotions were wrenching and understandable. of the Species by Mindy McGinnis, Audible with 3 different narrators. Brutal story with believable characters. Not for the faint of heart. This book received at least 6 starred reviews from different library journals and ended up on a few Best Books of 2016.

    I also loved A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner. It is very special.
    Dark Matter is definitely unputdownable. I read Sleeping Giants, it was just ok for me.

    Good as Gone, Maybe in Another Life, What Alice Forgot, The Sea of Tranquility, all have been added to the TBR list but,

    I am going to start The Likeness by Tana French in a few minutes!

    Thanks again Anne!

    • Sarah "Also Literate" Peden. says:

      Excuse me, that seems rather unkind and uncalled for. Readers do not judge other readers. The point is not that we are reading “hard” books, but that we are reading. Have you never been so engrossed in a book that you do not move from the couch all day? If not, I am very sorry for you indeed. Even a “hard” book, can be read in a day if the reader can commit the time. How are we supposed to define this elusive state of “hardness”. Is it in the length of the sentences? The number of pages? The thoughts within? Even the simplest of prose can contain the most challenging of ideas. I am all for challenging and pushing oneself to greater heights of reading, but not at the cost of tearing others down. Have fun with your “hard” books this weekend. I hope they bring you as much enjoyment as my assortment will provide me!

    • Anne says:

      But … but … Ethan Frome! Night! Narrative of the Life of an American Slave! The Metamorphosis! The Old Man and the Sea! Heart of Darkness! The Awakening! The Little Prince! Henry James!

      It’s true that I’ve included narrative-driven contemporary works in this list, and will we still be reading them in a hundred years? Perhaps, but I wouldn’t take that bet. But some amazing authors through the centuries have written works that they hoped and prayed and intended their audiences would consume quickly (whether by reading or listening), in a day or two (aka 24 hours) or even in one sitting.

    • Leigh says:

      I read to be entertained, to escape, or to be edified. Easy or hard? Fast or slow? Doesn’t matter to me. Reading is reading.

      Also, I think the more one reads the faster one becomes at reading and comprehension, so one can perhaps read a “hard” book quite quickly.

  52. Coleen Nieto says:

    I have a couple of these books right now! They’ve been patiently waiting for me to get to them! Great list – the only downside is my Amazon wish list is getting bigger all the time!

  53. Raeann says:

    The Likeness is my favorite Tana French book. Hands down. A series that I just gobbled up was/is the Foreigner series by CJ Cherryh. It is SF but not…It is about clashing cultures, language vs communication and loyalty/friendship in unexpected places. It is my go to when I can’t find anything to read from the library/Audible/Kindle.

  54. Pam Bilger says:

    I just finished “Lucky Boy” by Shanthi Sekaran, and I could not put it down until I finished it. The subject matter — illegal immigration, parental rights versus adoptive parents’ rights, are so timely right now (not just politically, but socially). I am choosing this book for my April book club selection, because it will definitely make for a terrific discussion.

  55. Kathy says:

    What a fun post topic! I’ve read five of the books you mentioned, thanks to you :), and I completely agree that they were all unputdownable. I poured through Rules of Civility on a cross-country flight, and Tell Me Three Things during a rainy Saturday afternoon “nap” (I planned on napping after reading a couple of chapters!). You Will Know Me and Good as Gone both had me guessing, and continuing on to find out the truth. What Alice Forgot had me guessing the whole time as well, and I LOVED it –I think it’s my favorite of the ones listed here. Regarding Tell Me Three Things, I definitely feel like it was one that I might be a bit embarrassed to say I’ve read (for the high school drama) — isn’t there a reading challenge category for that? — but I agree that the grieving process was spot on and I loved that the author had others see the main character as stronger than she thought she was. And wouldn’t we all want a secret, special friend who could hold our hand through such things?

    • Barb says:

      Kathy…. please read what YOU want to read. Reading is personal… so personal. I’ll bet you if you think about the people in your family or think about your friends, they all read different books. They might recommend something you love and then again, they might recommend something and you would look at it and say to yourself, that really isn’t for me.

      That’s why we librarians have to know our books..and get to know our customers so we can match the two.

      Just fyi…if you haven’t heard about it, the American Library Association also announces the ALEX awards every year at their Mid-winter conference ..along with the Printz, the Newbery, the Caldecott, etc. (there are 19 awards categories in all).
      The Alex awards go to ten books written for adults that are considered great crossover books into the YA world.

      Here’s a link to the winners announced a few weeks ago:
      http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2017/01/yalsa-announces-2017-alex-awards

      • Phyllis the book-a-holic says:

        Great comment, Barb! I agree that everyone should read what makes them happy, or at least they like it for other reasons, if it’s not a “happy” type book.

  56. Carol says:

    I read Small Great Things in 24 hours…..couldn’t put it down! ….and re “Literate’s” comment…..it was quite a thoughtful read dealing with difficult and challenging issues…..the read was life changing

    • Julie says:

      Same here, Carol! It challenged so many of my beliefs-about MYSELF! I can’t stop thinking about it. It was painful but in a good way. I passed it on to my Mom, who now can’t sleep because she can’t put it down. It’s not a “hard” read in the way that “Literate” may be thinking, but there are many ways for a book to be hard. I am so glad I read this one and hope the lessons I learned stick with me as well as continue to develop. Love, LOVE this list!

    • Mary Jo Maisto says:

      Great book that I highly recommend. Read it this year as part of my 2017 PopSugar Reading Challenge!

  57. Steph says:

    I just saved a bunch of these picks, so thank you. Also, I need to say that The Sea of Tranquility is absolutely nothing like Eleanor and Park with the exception of the two main characters starting off as unlikely friends. Not sure where you saw that comparison. And TSOT blows E&P away.

  58. I love this list, and have added all but 2 to my TBR! I just devoured Tana French’s first two Dublin Murder Squad novels this past week. You’re right that the premise of The Likeness should be tough to swallow, but because I trust this author so wholeheartedly after In The Woods, I didn’t care one bit. She has become a fast favorite.

    • Mary Jo Maisto says:

      Tana French is one of my favorites, too. I read the first two Murder Squads and agree that The Likeness is a little farfetched, but it captivated me none the less. Just let go and enjoy the ride. You won’t be disappointed!

  59. Ashley V says:

    Oh boy, now I have to request some of these at my library! What is the content like in You Will Know Me and Good as Gone? I really can’t stand an abundance of profanity, but I’m able to handle suspense and a little gore. I read Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris and Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen pretty quickly, though the other books by Dessen didn’t quite grab me.

  60. Christina says:

    You have to read Bird Box by Josh Malerman, I am not usually a fan of books that scare me but this book I could not put down!!! It was so good! And I love Tana French, I couldn’t put down In The Woods, The likeness, Her whole series is soooo good! I love your list! Now I know what to get next time I go to the Library, Thank you!!!!

  61. Caitlin Mallery says:

    Okay, I want to know if it was just me, but when I read “Rules of Civility” I felt like there were some historical inaccuracies, mostly to do with clothing, but also with how the main character would approach certain situations. It felt too modern at times for the a 1930s setting (there was one mention of a woman being out and about in tight jeans, which would have a been a major fashion faux pas and not even how jeans were made!). I enjoyed the story, but every once in a while something like that detail would jump out at me, and unfortunately its the main thing I remember about it and kind of makes me worried about reading “Gentleman in Moscow.”

    • Anne says:

      Towles has said that he values story over historical accuracy (although he was specifically referencing Moscow at the time, not rules.)

      However: I think sometimes authors painstakingly check their facts, much more than we give them credit for. An author friend wrote a book with a reference to polyester thread being used in the 1930s, and it’s the #1 thing she gets emails about on that book. Google says it didn’t exist then, but Google is wrong this time. That may not be the case here, but it did open my eyes to how my general impressions of a time period aren’t always correct, and how Google is wrong sometimes, too.

  62. Michelle says:

    I just finished When Breath Becomes Air. You will need a few tissues for this. This is about a young doctor who is diagnosed with lung cancer. I couldn’t stop reading.

    Also, read Trevor Noah’s book Born A Crime. Simply amazing how he became such a big star of a great show.

  63. Natalie says:

    Thank you Anne for this wonderful post!!! I loved every single suggestion and can’t wait to read each one!! Your the best!!! One of the books I read recently that I couldn’t put down was the, “Queen of the Tearling” series by Ericka Johansen. There are three books in this series, each one I loved and devoured.

  64. Linda says:

    None of these are my cup of tea. When I read I am relaxing and being scared or having a palpitating heart just doesn’t equate with relaxation.

  65. Laurel says:

    I just started Deborah Crombie’s new book “Garden of Lamentations” last night…. I stayed up way too late reading it! I’m glad we have a huge snowstorm on the way. I can sit and read the day away! I love her Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James series.

  66. Denise says:

    I read Good As Gone last night in under five hours! Thanks for the recommends, I can’t wait to start another – I’ve got my book club this week so I’m waiting until after to start our next book.

  67. Beth Wadsworth says:

    I am excited to try some books on your list. I love Unputdownable books. I have started listening to Audible while I cook and drive and am reading way more than I used to. Excited to try a few of yours. Last year I read “A Man Called Ove” by Frederick Backman. It was probably my favorite of the year. Am currently reading and am very moved by “Small Great Things” by Jodi Picoult. I am trying to savor it because I only get 1 book a month on Audible, but will probably fly through it like I did last month with “The Invention of Wings” by Sue Monk Kidd. Both of these last two have a common thread and I feel entertained and dare I say, educated at the same time. All three of these are excellent.

    • Michelle says:

      If you are struggling with only one audiobook a month, hoopla has a good selection available and you can access them through your local library!

      • Halle says:

        I was just going to suggest checking with your library for downloadable audiobooks. My library has a great selection, it’s easy to use, and supplements by Audible subscriptions very well.

    • Phyllis the book-a-holic says:

      Beth, I was extremely happy to discover that there are now several apps that are free that allow you to check out audio books from the library. They seem to accept any library card in the country. That allows me to listen to many more books than I could afford to otherwise. Overdrive is my favorite of these that I’m aware of, but for some reason, hoopla has some books that Overdrive doesn’t, and I’m using the same library card. Check them out.

  68. Audrey says:

    I just finished Every Heart is a Doorway by Sranan McGuire in two nights. Would have been one but one but it was during the week and I had work. Such a fun read.

  69. Beth says:

    You should read any/all of Heather Gudenkauf’s books (The Weight of Silence, These Things Hidden, One Breath Away, Little Mercies, and Missing Pieces – due out July 2017). It won’t even take you 24 hours to read these – they are incredible!!

  70. Michelle says:

    Not novels, but I found Boys In The Boat and Unbroken to be similarly compelling! Races, long odds, war, shark attacks, and starvation.

  71. Tory says:

    I’m not sure if it’s a good thing or a bad thing that I’ve read almost all of these! I just checked and my library doesn’t have any of the others on audio, so they will have to wait. I love a good nail biter!

    • Traci Powers says:

      I agree! The reporter frustrated me to no end but that didn’t keep me from finishing and enjoying this book.
      As for different likes, I recommend most anything by Neil Gaiman, especially The Ocean at the End of the Lane, Neverwhere or The Graveyard Book. They are different than books listed here, but a fun escape to worlds only imagined.

  72. SusanB says:

    Earlier last year I had this happen with The Legacy by Katherine
    Webb. I ended up staying up all night because I could not put it
    down.

  73. Roxana says:

    I love all Neal Shusterman! His newest book Scythe, YA dystopian adventure did not disappoint. Set in a society where death, war, hunger have been conquered…His Unwind trilogy are my favorite dystopian novels. I read Scythe in less than two days!

  74. Rose says:

    I could never read a real book in 24 hours no matter how good it was. Too many kids to give me that kind of nice quality time with a book. I’m happy to be on track and slighlty ahead with my 1 book a week challenge. Between a book club and my random book selections I’m doing quite good on reading goals. I’m going to add some of yours to my list!

    • Jess says:

      I completely agree with the Nightingale being an amazing book. I’m not into history but this book was so good I actually learned about that time period while reading a great book. Another one that I would say was just as good and in this category of historical fiction is The Orphan Train. Happy reading!

      • Linda Powers says:

        I just finished To the Bright Edge of the World, which is historical fiction about the exploration of Alaska in the late 1800’s. It is a very well-crafted book and fun reading. It is also a very good book for a book group discussion

  75. Doris Abramson says:

    TY so much to all the contributors–have added these titles to my list as well as some of the other suggestions. I loved Twenty Years by Allison Winn Scotch and The Hideaway by Laura Denton.

    • mom2triplets04 says:

      Colleen Hoover is my favorite author. However, just be warned she writes about unhealthy relationships so some people may not like her books.

  76. Angie S. says:

    The Shack! We were on vacation a few years ago and it was a suggestion on my kindle. I read the synopsis and wasn’t sure. I was raised catholic and religion is such a touchy subject!! I thought it might be “too deep” for a vacation read. But I bought it!!! Read it in less than 24 hours. Beautiful book. Very touching. Gave me a new perspective on my faith!! Sad but beautiful. And Defending Jacob! Sucked me in and I couldn’t put the book down!! Thank you for the blog!!!

      • Melinda Marks says:

        One of my favorites. It triggered the best discussion we’ve ever had at book club. It’s one of the first books I mention when someone asks for a recommendation.

      • Angie S. says:

        I was reading it at work and i would finish a chapter and so oh he did it. I’d finish another chapter and say no no he couldn’t of done it!! I drove my co-workers nuts!

      • Charity Anderson says:

        Completely agree. I started reading Defending Jacob on the flight to our D.C. Spring Break vacation, and literally ended up sitting in the Museum of Natural History reading because I HAD to finish it.

  77. Lisa says:

    Same kind of different as me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. It’s an amazing story and is coming to theaters in October of this year. Check it out before you see the movie. AMAZING!

  78. Brenda says:

    The Nazi Officers Wife. For me this was beyond belief, I was half way through the book before I realized it was a true story. We have no concept of what people went through during WW2. I couldn’t put it down

  79. Mya says:

    the lack of diversity in this list makes me a little sad. there are great books out there written by POC that are just as “unputdownable” 🙂

    • Laura says:

      I always forget about that author yup loved what I read. Still alice was so good and inside the obriens was also good. I still need to read her Anthony book.

  80. Caet says:

    I had this happen recently with “how i lost you” – a mystery of a woman who was jailed for murdering her infant son in a postpartum psychosis – at least that’s what they told her. Then things start appearing, and the crown prosecutor disappears, and she’s forced to figure out what really happened.

  81. Dominique says:

    I have recently fallen in love with Susanna Kearsley. LOVE every one one of her books that I have read so far (approximately 6 of them since Christmas) but my absolute favourite was The Rose Garden.

  82. Sarah says:

    I blew through Patrick Ness’ Chaos Walking trilogy! YA isn’t always my thing, but his books are full of on-the-edge-of-your-seat action while also providing plenty of meaty topics to chew on. They’re all too long to read in 24 hours but still definitely worthwhile!

  83. Judy H. says:

    I thought I’d take a Friday night and Saturday to read Susan Meissner’s A Fall of Marigolds. I forgot about going to sleep and finished the book around 2:30 a.m.
    I loved it so much, I read it again on Saturday! What a great story! I’d never read any of Susan Meissner’s work before. I’ve since read 2 more and have a new one to start today.

  84. Brittany says:

    Awesome list! And “Good as Gone” is free on Kindle for Amazon prime members. It’s already been delivered to my kindle! I know what I’m doing tonight 🙂

  85. Jennifer says:

    Susan and the Sunflower by James Huffman, Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls, and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain.

  86. Shelli says:

    I recommend”The Kind Worth Killing” by Peter Swanson. I have trouble finding a book that I can’t put down. That was one of them!

  87. Kymberley says:

    Perhaps it would have been worthwhile listing the number of pages for each book.

    I have read a lot of books that I wanted to keep reading but they were too thickl to finish in a day.

  88. Judy Beckert-Jones says:

    Almost anything by Diane Chamberlain; especially The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes. Also an all time favorite for me is Midwives by Chris Bohajalian

  89. Pam Cedrone says:

    “You” by Caroline Kepnes; Followed up by “Hidden Bodies” by Caroline Kepnex. Story of a stalker/serial killer obsessed with finding love. He even makes you feel a little sorry for him.

  90. Rosa Lee Pack says:

    I’ve written two such books that are un-put-down-able (so my readers have said) and in the process of writing my third. May I send you a complimentary copy? I’d love to be added to your list. My first book is titled, “Mayor of Nut Valley—Managing Life’s Nonsense” and my second “More Nut Valley Nonsense.” Both are nonfiction. I’ve been told they are written in the same vain as George Lucas’s, “American Graffiti”….

  91. Marie Lambe says:

    Anything by Elena Ferrante. I could not put down the Neopolitan novels. The story of Lila and Elena through the years was captivating. Also, Fredrik Backman’s A Man Called Ove. Another one that I just could not put down.

  92. Joyce Harmon says:

    Replay, by Ken Grimwood. Came out in the 1980s, but I reread it recently and it still holds up. “What if you could live your life over again? And again? And again? And again?”

    I read this the first time when I was supposed to be studying for a final the next day; I intended to read a couple chapters, but read the whole thing and never did get any studying done. After the final (which I did well on, whew!) I went home and read Replay all over again.

  93. Joanne says:

    A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini – as a Canadian, I wanted to understand more about life and struggles for women (and men) in Afghanistan. I finished it feeling informed, empathetic and inspired. One of my best reads in my entire life.

  94. Danielle Royalty says:

    Sea of Tranquility, yes!!!!
    I recommend Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult. Every single one of her books is INCREDIBLE (so, naturally, I recommend them all), but this particular piece is so moving, so beautiful, so full of knowledge, and so “jaw-dropping.” I can’t say it enough… read this book!

    • Julie says:

      Danielle-I agree about Jodi Picoult. Her books haven’t all necessarily been my favorites ever, but they have all been un-put-down-able!!! I have pulled some all-nighters because of her-so much fun!

  95. Taylor says:

    To go along with the Jodi Picoult theme of these last few comments, I read the entirety of Small Great Things yesterday. It was incredibly riveting and eye-opening – it provides a sharp acknowledgement of contemporary racism and its effects. It was phenomenal.

  96. Diane Menchhofer says:

    Kristen Hannah’s The Nightingale is a great book. Best I’ve read in a long time. Look forward to books on your list!

  97. Brandyn says:

    I agree that there is value in reading books by authors from a wide variety of backgrounds. That said accusations and shame rarely achieve the desired result – they are more likely to make people defensive than affect change.

    Additionally, I’ve read several books by POC since I started listening to Anne’s podcast that I hadn’t heard of elsewhere or that Anne’s description made me pick up immediately.

    Maybe instead of a throwaway judgemental comment, you could have offered some options?

    • Heidi Massey says:

      You know what? You and Laura are exactly right. I should have responded differently. With less of a throwaway comment, and more along the lines of attempting to be helpful. Thank you for pointing that out. I won’t respond a whole lot to all the other kinds of comments about skin color not mattering. I thought about doing so, but realized I probably wasn’t going to change anyone’s mind. However, suffice it to say that this “colorblindness” is called erasure. When we choose to erase race from the conversation, we have a default to whiteness. It means that People of Color are excluded. In terms of suggested titles, I will happily provide some. I saw that Joanne suggested A Thousand Splendid Suns which is a great read. I will get back with some others. Thanks again for the suggestion. I appreciate you taking the time to respond.

    • Heidi Massey says:

      Here are some books by authors of color that fit this blog post theme. If I find more, I’ll share those as well.
      The Mothers by Brit Bennett
      Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
      Difficult Women by Roxane Gay (LOVE her!)
      Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
      Ruby by Cynthia Bond
      Happiness, Like Water by Chinelo Okparanta
      The Sellout by Paul Beatty
      Anything by Octavia Butler (Sci-Fi)
      Anything by Jhumpa Lahiri

      • Brandyn says:

        I’m still the 25th hold out of 4 copies for Difficult Women:( Once the audio version comes out I’ll probably go ahead and buy it.
        Here are a few YA recs
        Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon (and I’ve heard her recent release is even better, but again library hold)
        The Living by Matt de la Pena
        My Heart and Other Black Holes by Jasmine Warga

        • Heidi Massey says:

          I just listened to this podcast with Roxane Gay on Sooo Many White Guys. It was absolutely delightful. If you haven’t heard it yet, maybe that will sustain you until you get to number 1 on the list. (Not sure if we can post URLs in a comment or not…) http://www.wnyc.org/shows/whiteguys
          Thanks for the additional recs. Hope others chime in as well. I have some serious reading to do. And I’m still working on Americanah…somehow I missed that in 2013, when all my friends were reading it. Not a 24 hour read–but well worth the time.

        • Heidi Massey says:

          People are loving this Facebook post and all the great shares. SO many amazing books. Thanks for inspiring it:
          (Americanah has been mentioned 3 times–tho I’m not sure that is anywhere near a 24 hour read–maybe)
          Anything by Jesmyn Ward
          The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
          Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler
          Parable of the Talents by Octavia Butler
          Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
          White Teeth by Zadie Smith
          The Color Purple by Alice Walker
          Are Prisons Obsolete? by Angela Davis
          All About Love: New VIsions by bell hook
          Invisible Man, Got the Whole World Watching by Mychal Denzel Smith
          The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
          The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin (Person recommended pretty much anything the author writes)
          How to Slowly Kill Yourself and Others in America by Kiese Laymon (Said it was her best read in all of 2016)
          As someone said on the Facebook post, that is one badass list. And folks can alternate, if they choose, to take in more of the richness of writers in America. Thanks to those who are actually open and interested in doing this. I hope you find some great reads on all these lists.

  98. Dale says:

    Great list! I added a few to my “to read” pile. Check out Lisa Genova’s books. She wrote “Still Alice” but ALL of her books are fantastic if you like medical fiction. I can never put her books down and tend to reread them!

  99. Cassidy says:

    I loved the book All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven. It’s one of those books where I leaves you stunned and you just want to curl up in a ball when you finish it. I highly suggest it!

  100. Brandyn says:

    I finished “The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms” by N K Jemisin last week and it was enthralling – best fantasy I’ve read in ages.
    I feel like I recommend this every time I comment here, but “Everything I Never Told You” by Celeste Ng is riveting – luckily because I started it the day that it was due back to the library.

  101. Sandman says:

    I totally agree Sarah D. If a book sounds good I read it. The color of the author never even crosses my mind! I read for the story!

  102. Criss Forshay says:

    I used to not note the author’s skin color or gender either, but then I realized how homogeneous my reading lists were, and how boring. I was reading the same ideas over and over. I pay more attention to the authors I choose now, and my reading lists is much healthier because of it–and my world view more complete.

    • Heidi Massey says:

      (I promise this is my very last comment. I’m done now! )
      And how smart you are, Criss! I just tripped over this post that listed 34 books by Women of Color. And from that piece:
      “If you don’t care: oh, where to start. A xenophobic, misogynistic fascist is president; hate is ascendant; and it’s easiest to forget the shared humanity of people whose lives we haven’t tried imagining. Studies show, for instance, decreased homophobia among Americans who have so much as watched a bit of Will & Grace. Inclusion has real consequences.”
      Here’s the post: https://electricliterature.com/34-books-by-women-of-color-to-read-this-year-581eda906a76#.nyigfnhwk

  103. Kirbi says:

    A few years ago I read The secret keeper by Kate Morton and loved it!! Well written and suspenseful right to the final chapter.

  104. Lisa says:

    My all time favorite is September by Rosamunde Pilcher. Like most of her books it makes one long to be in the Scottish countryside. More of a character study than a driving plot. Also excellent was Shell Seekers. Love this author. ❤

  105. Amy Goldstein says:

    Yes! I also loved Tana French’s The Likeness. I think her The Secret Place is just as good. Both are about friendship–it seems to be what she does best.

  106. Casey says:

    “Calling me home” by Julie Kibler. This novel managed to break my heart then patch it up only to make my heart get back in the ring for round two. I read this books years ago and still I recommend it to everyone. Definitely one of those that touch your heart and linger near your soul.

  107. Lynn Bass says:

    Couldn’t put down “My Name is Lucy Barton” by Elizabeth Strout. I love the author’s voice… It’s was if she was having a conversation with me and sharing her insights humbly. Portrayed complicated people with kindness.

  108. Steph says:

    I just read “The Book of Speculation” by Erika Swyler in less than a day. It’s a really interesting book that flips back and forth between time periods, but it’s not confusing or tedious at all. I couldn’t wait to figure out the ending!

  109. Patty Heilman says:

    I loved “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman
    I laughed out loud, cried and could not put down. Also listened to the audiobook.

    • Jackie Rogne says:

      Frederik Backman is a magical writer! Loved ‘A Man Called Ove’ and “Britt Marie was Here.” I am starting “My Grandmothers Asked Me to Tell you She’s Sorry.” (or something like that). I cannot stop thinking about Ove!

  110. Malinda Pitts says:

    I loved Ready Player One and Armada, both by Ernest Cline. Where’d You Go, Bernadette? is another fabulous read. 🙂

  111. M.B.Victoria says:

    I just came across this page from someone that shared this on Facebook, and boy I must say I am so happy to have stumbled upon that link and your blog! What a homey and cozy feel you have here, and I will be sure to check your entires day after day.

  112. Jeanie Williams says:

    The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls. The writing style and the story of this memoir make it absolutely un-putdownable. Love. This. Book.

  113. Cathy says:

    The Girl in the Train – Paula Hawkins. And several years ago,
    The DaVinci Code – Dan Brown. I began this book at 8am on a Sunday and read straight through ’til midnight to finish !

  114. Hilary says:

    You are right-on about these – I read 3 of them in the last 5 days! And have another to pick up at the library tonight. Whenever I need a suggestion of what to read, I always find many good options here ?

  115. Robin says:

    I was like this with Summer Sisters by Judy Blume. I didn’t want to even go out dancing cause I wanted to stay at home and finish this book. I recommend it to everyone!

  116. Alona Morning says:

    What a great list! Not only were half of these book already on my list, but almost all of these books are written by women!

  117. patricia haraki says:

    Just finished Juliet Marilliers trilagy Shadowfell,Raven Flight,and the Caller….its for young adults. a realy good read ,she writes adult book also.

  118. Kristy Griffin says:

    Montana Sky by Nora Roberts, What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day by Pearl Cleage, anything by Kate Morton. Also loved The Red Tent, The House We Grew Up In, and anything by Jodi Picoult!

  119. Patricia Anderson says:

    Great list! i have read 3 on the list and they are hard to put down. I would add these to the list: The Atomic Weight of Love by Elizabeth Church and The Sleepwalker by Chris Bojalian.

  120. Donna Lachance says:

    Love this list – great books for my daily walks in the woods. I used your link to buy four books on Audible, and put many of the others I haven’t already read on my wish list. Hopefully that means you get credit for recommending them.

  121. Helen Hollis says:

    David McCoullough’s book, The Johnstown Flood. Written in 1968. I found it at a thrift store. Compelling historical account.

  122. Auntie_M says:

    May I recommend Just Mercy, by Dorothy Van Soest? Available via bookstores or Amazon. Amazing story of a family on a journey of grief and healing. Perhaps the best description is given by Sister Helen Prejean, C.S.J., author of Dead Man Walking:
    A heart-wrenching and ultimately redemptive family drama of forgiveness, destiny, and the true nature of justice. This family drama is a must-read that teaches us about the true nature of justice and our very humanity.”
    I read this book within 4 hours! I was left breathless by the end. Not only was this an amazing read, it revolutionized my life, as well

  123. Lori says:

    I could not put down The Bookshop on the Corner by J. Colgan and Murder at the Brightwell by A. Weaver! Looking forward to the others in this series.

  124. Lee Ann Jaeger says:

    Just finished “New of the World”, by Paulette Jiles in an afternoon. I was surpised when I loked up that I wasn’nt in 1870 Texas.

  125. Robin Schamber says:

    The Gifting by K.E. Ganshert. I got it free from Amazon but will definitely be buying the other books in the trilogy.It’s YA human vs spirit realm. Think Frank Peretti or Stephen King but not as heavy.

  126. I rarely sit down and read a book in one sitting but yesterday I almost finished The Dry. I think you recommended this book on one of your podcasts. You said Reese Weatherspoon bought the movie rights before it even went to press.

    Random question: Have you been watching Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies on HBO? Our book club had this as a book choice and I couldn’t finish it, but the show on TV is pretty good although our rated.

  127. Stefanie says:

    Great list, read 3 on this list and put 3 more on hold at the library. My 24 hour reads are always Michael Connelly and Karin Slaughter

  128. Jane Dillon says:

    Michal’s Destiny, Roberta Kalen – about a young Russian Jewish woman prior to the Holocaust.
    Yellow Crocus, Laila Ibrahim – historical fiction about a Southern black woman working for wealthy Plantation owners.
    The Secret Life of Dresses, Erin McKean – a truly lovely story.
    The Ice Princess, Camilla Lackberg – Crime fiction – LOVED SO MUCH I read the next 2-3 books in the series one after another. Could not put down!

  129. Meg Hoffman says:

    I just finished a debut “novel” (it’s actually a true family story, but reads like a novel) called “We Were The Lucky Ones”. It’s a meticulously researched, gripping novel about a Jewish family with 5 adult children scattered all over Europe trying to survive the holocaust. I devoured it- and I don’t use that type of recommendation often! It was published just last month- February 2017- so it’s hot off the press. I got it from my library and can’t stop talking about it.

  130. Ashley says:

    I read Chevy Stevens’ new thriller, Never Let You Go, in 24 hours. And although it took me a little longer than that, because of work, I tore through The Royal We, too.

  131. Karen Johnson-Nieuwendijk says:

    My lasted 24 hour book was A Dog’s Purpose. Haven’t seen the movie but the book was a page turner and a bit of a tear jerker at times. Loved it so much I don’t want to see the movie as it would destroy the pictures I have of it in my mind.

  132. Allison Bell says:

    I read The Secret Wife by Gill Paul and The Book That Matters Most by Ann Hood this weekend. Couldn’t.put.them.down.

  133. Kelly says:

    I’m not a reader, but secretly wish I was. Something that I cannot stand is when chapters alternate between different characters points of view. Can anyone recommend a good book that doesn’t do that?

    • Luna says:

      I’m not a fan of this writing style either – it interrupts the story too much in my opinion. You should try Dolores Claiborne by Stephen King….there are no chapters and it’s told in one long story by Dolores. It’s not typical weird/horror King – just a really good story that is hard to put down! An oldie but a goodie.

  134. Vickie M says:

    Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, Storyteller by Jodi Picoult, Orphan Train by Christina Baker Cline, Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay – all riveting reads, couldn’t put them down!

  135. Linda Pugh says:

    “Orphan Train” by Christina Baker Cline set me on a path through ALL of her books. Each has been memorable.
    The book that has affected me most recently was “Small Great Things” by Jody Picoult. Took me longer than 24 hours because frankly, it often made me uncomfortable. Very timely subject matter, exploring racism and white supremacy with an unforgettable story. Months later… I am still pondering this book.

  136. Brenda Webb says:

    My favorite book of all time is “Unbroken.” Everyone who has never been touched by a War in some way should read this book. It will leave you with a respect for our Military.

    • Beth says:

      I loved Unbroken! I couldn’t put it down. It took me longer than 24 hours to read because It was a long book and I’m a slow reader but it was a page turner. I couldn’t believe all that happened to one person.

  137. Annie says:

    Love,Water,Memory by Jennie Shortridge. Reading this was a wonderful way to get lost in a weekend spent turning pages!

  138. Karolyne says:

    My favorite unable to put it down is The Proud Breed by Celeste DeBlasis. Have read it at least 10 times and shared with many friends over the years. Reading again this weekend.

    • Cindy says:

      Oh my. I Love, love, love the Proud Breed.
      I too have read many times and passed along to friends.
      I currently have two hard copies one to keep and one to give away.
      I loved it so much, I named my shephatd malamute mix breed dog Sombra after Tessa’s wolf. I called her Sombrawolfdog.

  139. helen says:

    Two pages turners are 1)The couple Next Door by Shari Lapena and 2) We need to Talk about Kevin by Lionel Shriver. Both excellent in their own right.

  140. Linda says:

    For a fast paced psychological thriller, I love “One Man’s Poison” by Tom Langdale. The ending is so totally unexpected! It’s available on Amazon and on kindle.

  141. Allison says:

    Natchez Burning by Greg Iles is amazing!!! I didn’t read it in 24 hours (it’s 800 pages), but I couldn’t put it down!!! It was fantastic. It’s part of a trilogy. I’m currently reading the third book and I’m obsessed!!!

  142. Cindy says:

    Your suggestions, and those in the comments, have helped me put my summer reading list together!! I’m a full time college student and can’t wait to read for the sheer pleasure ?

  143. amy says:

    I read Jodi Picoult’s “Leaving Time” and felt it was un-put-downable … UNTIL the end… then I wanted to throw it across the room.

    YUP… one of those

  144. I see your ‘Rules Of Civility’ and raise you A Gentleman In Moscow. Same author. Stunningly beautiful prose,and I actually learned things about the Russian Revolution. I like this Second Towles better than Rules. Read it first, then immediate went to Rules which was “satisfying” by comparison.

    I Am Pilgrim was one of the most unputdownable books I’ve read lately.

    Lastly, who knew and, who knows why I was never obligated to read this despite loading up on As many Lits as possible as an undergrad- BUT — The Count Of Monte Cristo. OMG! Riveting. It’s been a couple of years now and I still think of it all the time.

    • Priscilla Davis says:

      A Gentleman in Moscow was my favorite book last year. Why isn’t Amor Towles more famous?
      I also loved the Count of Monte Cristo, but it’s been years since I read it. Have you started savoring Dickens yet?

      • Linda Hall says:

        I liked it but I liked his book “A Gentleman in Moscow” even more. One of my many favorites of last year.

  145. Dorothy Koontz says:

    Thanks for the recommendations. I’ve really liked a few of these. I’ll have to read the rest now. I just read “The Gentleman” by Forrest Leo in 24 hours (maybe less…) it was just so much fun! I wish there was more of it!

  146. Pingback: Cool Ass Links
  147. kathleen k Parker says:

    Read Malcolm McDowell’s “The Elementals,” written more than several decades ago. It is a classy classic horror story unlike anything you have ever read. Very well written and full of Southern lifestyles and elegance. He knows his setting well, too. This is one of the best and most unsettling books I have read. He is or was one of the ten or so masters of the genre.

  148. Katie says:

    Not sure how I stumbled across this post, but thanks! I had read a few of these and enjoyed them, so downloaded a couple of these as audiobooks and have loved them! My house is clean and I am happy 🙂

  149. susan hall says:

    Haha Katie. I only listen to books or I would never get anything done. I too, came across this site and am downloading as many books as I can.
    Listening to What She Knew, which someone on here recommended.

      • Ellen says:

        It is about a young woman out west in the days when horses were part of everyday life who helps people (really the horses) who have “problem” horses. It’s around WWI times but not about the war. She’s doing what’s not usual for a women of her times to do. She meets a lot of people and the experiences she has help her grow. She’s a character who is lovable but doesn’t know how lovable she is. She loves horses. It’s a little bit of a lady horse-whisperer. I think it’s touching, about her and how she is with the horses. You can check it out on Amazon. I like stories about horses and that surround horses or contain horses and stories about other times and stories about women who do things differently. I hope you give it a try!

  150. Ellen says:

    Well, and there is always Outlander by Diana Gabaldon which is now on DVD/film. But the books… until 3am reading for sure on the first 2 or 3 in the series. 🙂

    • Laura says:

      Unfortunately outlander took me months to read! I found them very slow reads and not one you can read in 24 hours. Even switching to audio it took me weeks to finish the book.

      • Cheryl says:

        How could any body call an “Outlander” book a slow read? Well, different strokes for different folks, I always say.

        • Laura says:

          Sorry it just didn’t keep my attention and found it hard to read hence my months to finish it! The first book was good but the 2nd book just dragged for me! I still need to read voyager but because the 2nd book was just meh for me I’m afraid I won’t like book 3. I’m actually liking the tv more than reading it. Sorry outlander fans

          • Outlander fan says:

            Hated the second book of the series…took me forever to finish. Finally, just skipped parts. The rest of the series is great. Many readers had some trouble with book 2 and stopped reading the series. They are missing out on a great epic story.

      • Ellen says:

        They are thick books…. that’s true. I found them very compelling…and hard to put down though, even then it does take more than a day to read. But I read the first one in about 3 days which is quick for a 600 page book! So I was responding to the “can’t put it down” part… 🙂 What one person likes doesn’t necessarily appeal to another or one can take in stride and another ponders over or needs time to process as she reads. That’s all ok. I loved them. But I don’t love murder mysteries. I did find a couple of titles on your list I will try though! So thanks! I always like to see what others put on their great reads list. Have your read any Jodi Picoult?

        • Laura says:

          Jodi picoult what I read were very good. I loved the storyteller that was the first one I read by her. Unfortunately the outlander book just didn’t keep my attention and was ok read for me. I did like the tv show though.

          • Angie S. says:

            I’ve read ALL of Picoults books! My Sisters Keeper is one of my all time favorites. So different from the movie. I love how all her books have a surprising twist!

          • Alyce says:

            The Storey teller was a great book! I just finished SmalGreat Things by the same author.I found it to be a good read. I have also been hooked on Jojo Moyes and enjoyes reading all the books I could find by her. If you enjoyed the Storeyteller, I found the book “Once We Were Brothers” BY Ronald Balson to be a great read about WWII

        • Jennifer Keith says:

          The first Outlander was amazing. To me, they got steadily worse and repetitive after the first one.

    • GAIL M LIPKA says:

      Outlander is one of those series of books that suck you in and won’t let you stop thinking about them well after you finished the last book. Diana Gabaldon became my favorite author and I can’t wait for her next book to be published.

  151. robyn says:

    Funny, I was able to put Dark Matter down. Here are some I couldn’t:
    Storied Life of AJ Fikry, The Night Circus, Water for Elephants, Shadow of the Wind (although I had to because it’s over 400 pages),Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

    • Angie S. says:

      I agree the Fault In Our Stars was great! Since you enjoyed that try Picoults My Sisters Keeper. It’s so much better than the movie! You will laugh you will cry!

      • Deb says:

        Yes! The whole series is amazing. If you get stumped by the Scottish slang, you can purchase a Outlander Dictionary (really there’s 1). Enjoy-It’s like traveling the globe and experiencing their diverse adventures.

      • Deb says:

        Have you read Memoirs of a Geisha? Compelling, tragic but so satisfying to read! I reread it every few years-so good! A classic. True story too.

  152. Kristin says:

    I find Chris Bojalian books to be 24-hour page turners for sure. My favorites are Midwives, The Double Bind, and most recently The Sleepwalker. They are though provoking, suspenseful, but very sophisticated and detailed. I also love that most of his books are set either in rural Vermont or the hip city of Burlington, VT.

  153. Sarah Katherine says:

    I just read The Wonder by Emma Donoghue in 24 hours and came to this post to see if it was on the list. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

  154. Kathy says:

    Redeeming Love by: Francine Rivers. It’s a book about Hosea and his wife Gomer. It is a beautiful picture of God’s LOVE for all of us

    • Carri says:

      Francine Rivers is my absolute favorite Christian writer! Her “Mark of the Lion” series is incredible as well.

  155. Stacy says:

    Books I have read in less than a day… The Firm, all of Alan Bradley’s Flavia deLuce mysteries, all of Jennifer Worth’s Call the Midwife series, Secret Life of Bees, and too many more to list! 😉

  156. Amy says:

    Read in 24 hours or less. Orphan Train (Christina Kline) and Dont you Cry (Mary Kubica). And any book by Laine Moriarty. Every one of hers I can never stop!! I have already read and completely agree with these that you put and cannot wait to read some in a day 🙂

  157. Lynn says:

    The Mutual Admiration Society by Lesley Kagan was lovely. I also couldn’t put down Neil Gaiman’s The Ocean at the End of the Lane, all of the Odd Thomas series by Dean Koontz,(who is usually much too wordy for me.) Though The City, also by Dean Koontz took a few days, it was an excellent read!

  158. Samantha says:

    I also loved Eleanor and Park as well as What Alice Forgot. My newest unputdownable was very long, but so good. Edgar and Lucy by Victor Lodato. I couldn’t stop reading it.

  159. ROXANNE STICKLER says:

    The Storied Life of AJ Fikry – one sitting, something I never do!
    The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society – re-reading; excellent book
    I’ve heard A Man Called Ove was an excellent book, but have not yet read it.

  160. Kara says:

    It looks like your article may have been grabbed by “Mike Vestil” you might want to contact some authorities.

  161. Gail says:

    The only one on the list that I read was Dark Matter…and I COMPLETLEY agree about it being Un-put-downable! Not even sure if I took a bathroom break.

  162. Irena McClain says:

    “Ordinary Grace” by William Kent Krueger and ” The Glass Castle” by Jeanette Walls were two that I read in less than 24 hours. Loved them!

    • Vicki Barton says:

      I also loved The Glass Castle – and her sequel book – Half Broke Horses, was just as good….

  163. Read any book by Edward Bunker.
    My list of authors:
    Rick Bragg
    Fredrik Bakman
    Richard Wright
    Mary Roach
    Annie Proulx
    AUTHORS I’VE READ RECENTLY AND ENJOYED TREMENDOUSLY
    Annie Dillard
    Larry Wolff
    Jenny Lawson( hilarious)
    Tana French
    Helen Simonson
    Robert Goolrick
    Edmund White
    Lee Child
    Edna O’Brien
    Jeanette Walls
    … and last but not least: “The Book of Strange New Things, by Michel Faber.

  164. Carleen says:

    I love Karen Kingsbury’s Angels Walking Series. Christian books. Once I finish up this series I plan to read some of her others, she has written many.

  165. Michelle P says:

    The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. By far my favorite read in a long time. Completely un-put-down-able
    Loved Ove as well!

  166. Lois Ann Porter says:

    Still Alice, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Small Great Things, Everything Everything

    • Becky says:

      Still Alice I read in one day- HAD to, I believed I was Alice! Had to get through to stop worrying and feeling scared, and every other emotion! Great book!

  167. Genna Haddad says:

    I just read What Alice Forgot and Big Little Lies – my first time reading Liane Moriarty and I am hooked. But my most favorite unputdownable book is Sarah’s Key! Read in 24 hours – I could not sleep until I finished it!

    • Kendra Morton says:

      I meant to add that I’m currently struggling with putting down “The Girl With All The Gifts.” ?

  168. Samantha Niemi says:

    I really really enjoyed “The Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All” by Alan Gurganus. It chronicles the life of a gal named Lucy, whose parents marry her off at 15 in the year 1899 to a 50 year old Civil War vet.

    • Shawn says:

      Favorite of all time. I started 23 years ago. The audible versions by Davinia Porter are amazing. My husband would never read them, but we are now listening to book 5.

  169. Emily Sullivan says:

    Aw I love this! I’m going to post the link to this in my fb book club (Betty Book Club). Not a traditional book club but one for chitchat about books being read! I haven’t read any of the books mentioned but have read a few by authors mentioned and loved them! Thanks!

  170. TiffanyS says:

    Love Liane Moriarty! Three Wishes, great, the Last Anniversary, great, the Husband’s Secret…all fascinating and wonderfully done. Last Anniversary has the best depiction of post-partum I’ve read.

  171. Allison says:

    I can’t put down books from Lauraine Selling… Especially the Red River of the North series and all the series that come after that! I’m waiting (impatiently) for the next book!!!

  172. Linda Schad says:

    Liane Moriarty’s books are all very, very simplistically enjoyable, sarcastic, and hilarious. I have read everything she has written but Three Wishes touched home for me the most followed by Big Little Lies.
    In the trend of historical fiction I like Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly, Irena’s Children by Tilar J. Mazzeo, Nightengale, All The Light We Cannot See, & Garden of Beast. Wonderful informative & enlightening novels by various authors. Nothing better than a good book.

  173. Marsha says:

    Anything by Charles Martin is awesome! “The Mountain Between Us” is also coming out as a movie in October.

  174. Kat says:

    Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler ❤️❤️❤️ I couldn’t stop crying as I read the last few chapters. What an incredible story!!!!

    • susan hall says:

      I listened to this book!! The readers were two women and did an unbelievable job. Not to mention that the story was incredible. I felt like I was in the car with them. Another incredible listen is Story Hour.

  175. Lissa says:

    Speak by Lauri Halse Anderson. My daughter had to read it for school. We ended up with an extra copy. I started reading it before I went to worked and finished it that night. Stunning read!

      • Linda says:

        I am reading Beartown, the latest book, read the first three and the short one on saying goodbye…had no problems with the others. This one is more difficult, the theme is much deeper than hockey, but all the hockey references slow me down!

    • Linda Hall says:

      I also loved the second and fourth books of his (Backman)…My Grandmother Said to Tell you She’s Sorry and Beartown. Loved Little Big Lies…and anything else by Moriarity. Just finished Hillbilly Elegy–a must read about a very poor segment of society. Also like The Girl in Cabin Ten. Read a lot lately as I’ve had asthma and been housebound. Love my books!

  176. Some books I could hardly put down:
    Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
    Lincoln in the Bardo by George Sanders
    Here I am by Jonathan Safran Foer
    A Book of American Martyrs by Joyce Carol Oates
    A Long Long Way by Sebastian Berry
    Almost by Elizabeth Benedict
    A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
    and The Magic Strings of Frank Presto by Mitch Albom

  177. Janet Vaughn says:

    One of my favorites was “The Time Traveler’s Wife”. It hooked me and I couldn’t put it down. BTW, there was also a movie made, and I was surprised at how good it was. Lots of details were left out, but whoever wrote the screenplay did an amazing job. Rare to find.

    • diana says:

      One of my all time favorites as well. I’ve read it three times now and still it brings such joy and tears and surprise, I can’t put it down.

    • Katiekat says:

      I loved this book, but hated the ending to the movie. I thought the ending of the book was perfection. I cried intensely.

  178. Karen Rosier says:

    – The Letter (Kathryn Hughes)
    – The Secret Wife (Gill Paul)
    – Dishonor (David Mike)
    – The Butterfly Garden (Dot Hutchinson)
    – Silent Child (Sarah A. Denzil)

  179. TJ says:

    The Power of One – Bryce Courteney
    Friday Night Knitting Club – Kate Jacobs
    A Prayer for Owen Meaney – John Irving
    The Fountainhead – Ayn Rand

    • EB says:

      Wow, three of the four you have above are also my all time favorites. I still miss PK and Owen! (I listen to my books, a long commute)

      • TJ says:

        I received it as a gift from someone who knew I loved to read but not sure what I liked to read. Same person gave me The Power of One. She is now my source of must have books.

      • TJ says:

        I received it as a gift from someone who knew I loved to read but not sure what I liked to read. Same person gave me The Power of One. She is now my source for must have books.

  180. Shannon Larsen says:

    Some great books on this list! Another author I breeze through because their just that good is anything by Jessica gadziala. Check out her stuff if you haven’t already!

  181. I loved “12 Million Black Voices” by Richard Wright,”The Prince of Frogtown” by Rick Bragg,”Stark” by Edward Bunker—ANYTHING BY EDWARD BUNKER—-“LOOK ME IN THE EYE” BY John Elder Robison. “Secrets of the Sideshows” by Joe Nickell, Britt-Marie Was Here, by Fredrik Backman.

  182. Brittany Wilkerson says:

    Shifting by Bethany Wiggins and The Dragon’s Price by Bethany Wiggins. Both are so good but I could not put Shifting down and I have a hard time getting into anything else.

  183. Suzanne Pinel says:

    The Art of Racing in the Rain
    You’ll need tissues for 1st chapter. If you love dogs, have ever been in love- you won’t put it down.

  184. diana says:

    The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern was so compelling that I read it for two days straight, hardly taking a moment to sleep!

  185. Cindy says:

    The book I couldn’t put down was and is, read it more than once, is Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. Oh to be loved like she was!!!

  186. Maryellen says:

    We were liers – E Lockert
    The Vanishing Year – Kate Moretti
    Behind Closed Doors – BA Paris
    The Stranger within & While you were sleeping – Kathryn Croft
    Don’t you cry- Mary Kubica

  187. Lola Black says:

    “What’s an Adult?: No One Knows Anything and We’re All Going to Die” by Emily Regan. She’s like a female David Sedaris, so funny and yet there’s a lot of depth. A fantastic read for anyone who suffers from imposter syndrome and feels like they’re only pretending to be a grown up. I couldn’t put it down, I absolutely loved it.

  188. Renee Henderson says:

    I raced through Inconceivable by Tegan Wren. It’s a royal romance…a perfect vacation/summer read. ???

  189. Kathleen Johnson says:

    Would these books be good for a 16yo? Mainly avoiding graphic sexual content and super strong language?

  190. Kim says:

    Can’t believe you didn’t have a Nicholas Sparks book on this list. Don’t think there is one that I wanted to put down and if I did all I could think about was getting back to it.

  191. Linda Hall says:

    Just finishing The Stars Are Fire by Anita Shreve. It is fiction based on a true happening…a horrific fire in 1947 that burned much of coastal Maine. Excellent book! I highly recommend it!

  192. Linda Myers says:

    Swans of Fifth Avenue
    Remember Me
    Girl on a Train, saw the movie first, book was awesome.
    Janet Evanovich – Stephanie Plum Series, have been reading this series for over 17 years, still makes me laugh out loud!
    All of Elin Hilderbran

  193. Cheryl Christians says:

    The first book I remember reading in one sitting was The Color Purple. I had bought it the day before and that Saturday morning I picked it up to read a bit while having my coffee. I absolutely could not stop reading…no chores done that day!

  194. Laurie says:

    Hi! I would love to try some of these books, but I was wondering if you can tell me which ones are “clean”. I don’t like graphic violence or sexual content. Are there some that don’t contain those things?

  195. Kristi says:

    Kroger has a blinking ad on your site that is driving me to comment about how FREAKING annoying it is. Horrible user experience, kick them off your ad program!

    But thanks for the list. I would buy a few of them but my eyes are blinked by the rapid blinking of the ad. I will come back later! Some of them sound good.

    • JOHANNA L ELDRIDGE says:

      You need an ad block plug in or at least I think that is the proper term-
      but I know EXACTLY what you are talking about and an add blocker allows you to control what is popping up or blinking or flashing or scrolling or flapping and squalling… and generally interfering with your ability to focus on the content that you wish to enjoy.
      I wish you well, content warrior! Consult any teenager if you need further description of the JOY that is AdBlock.

    • Trinity says:

      If you use Firefox, Ad Block Plus is an awesome ad blocker. Chrome has some good ad-ons as well for blocking ads, but I’m not sure what they are called. If you are using Explorer, don’t lol. Try Firefox or Chrome.

  196. Kathy Thomas says:

    One Second After and One Year After, by William R. Forstchen. Read each one in a day or less. Going to see what our library has from your list, I rarely buy books anymore.

  197. Cheryl says:

    I love “Pedaling Out of the Dark,” by Karen Hurley. It is a memoir about the author’s struggle with bipolar disorder, and how riding her bike across the country helped her. Her story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming.

    • Linda Hall says:

      I loved that one too! Some people in my book club had trouble keeping the characters straight but I enjoyed it.

    • Kelly says:

      though it was great too. My book club had a split experience with it as some couldn’t get past the length of it and gave up. But it was really interesting and well thought out.

      • Kristin C says:

        I just finished The Secret Keeper by Katie Morton. I loved it. I was hoping to grab another one of her books for my vacation but couldn’t decide which one. I am staying away from The Lake House based on the description.

  198. tifRN says:

    I loved Maude! I also liked The Mortician’s Wife. Another great and spooky read is Graveminder by Melissa Marr, and anything Alice Clayton reads is instantly devoured by me. Great list–What Alice Forgot is great. Try Last Chance Saloon, I think you’ll like it.

    • melanie says:

      Donna’s other books are great as well,,, especially The Manhattan Stories series. But,,, nothing compares to “Maude”!

  199. Megan says:

    I recently finished Dust Bowl Girls by Lydia Reeder which follows a small Oklahoma junior college’s women’s basketball team’s path to an AAU national championship. All of the women are dirt poor in the midst of the Great Depression. Many are Native American. It is a non-fiction book that reads like fiction. I appreciated the author’s mix of story-telling and bigger picture happenings in the world, particularly in regards to the role of sport in women’s lives.

  200. Alena says:

    I recently tried the book “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt. its an award winning book. I could not get past the first 60 pages. I tried I really really did, but every time I went to pick it up I was dreading it. I made it to page 60 and declared it a good attempt.
    On the flip side, years ago I read the book “Night Road” by Kristin Hannah. it was amazing, made me feel all the feels. I have recommended it countless times.
    I prefer fast paced books, something that keeps me coming back for more. I don’t just want a nice story. I love supernatural, because hey their not people so anything can happen, I like mystery and yes I’m a grown up and I like a little smut. I will try almost anything (except horror) as long as there are strong characters that I like (I hated both the main characters in “Gone Girl and therefore ended up hating the book), I want to laugh, be excited, cry, be mad and happy all wrapped up in one!

  201. Becky says:

    For all you who keep recommending Ove, I have to highly encourage you to read “The Curious Charms of Aurthur Pepper”. I LOVED Arthur, I had to wait a couple days to read another book after finishing because I just wanted to think about this book for a while and mourn the characters being over for me! I stayed up 2 nights way too late to read it just because I felt so good while reading the book.

  202. Karen says:

    Sister, Sister by Sue Forten was a great way to spend time on a plane. The Twilight Wife by AJ Benner was one that I couldn’t put down!

  203. Gigi Bradley says:

    The best book I’ve read recently is Fredrik Backman’s” My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry”

  204. Angela says:

    Layla Hagen- has a series about the Bennett family. Each book I have read in a day. It’s a romance but she invests u into the main characters and keeps you updated with the whole group. I love the series and each book individually

  205. Bonnie Jordan-Guarino says:

    The Rosie Project drew me in immediately, and The Paris Architect kept me thinking about it after it was finished. Loving Frank made me do some research. All great reads.

  206. Shelby Smith says:

    Bittersweet by La Toya T Haynes! Read in a day….unputdownable for sure. Love a good contemporary romance novel.

  207. Cheryl says:

    Thanks for the great list! Behind her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough was one of the best books I couldn’t put down and it had an amazing ending!

  208. Jackie says:

    Can’t wait to add some of these to my list! My most recent “couldn’t put down” wa It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover. A story that needed to be told, and made me second guess myself in how I’d react to being in an abusive situation. It truly moved me.

    • Charisse says:

      The “Night Circus” was really good too. I agree with you on so many of your books “What Alice forgot” was my favorite.

  209. Jody McLean says:

    Great read is 11/22/63 by Stephen King. Not a horror theme and totally compelling from start to finish.

  210. Vanessa Worrell says:

    Irena’s Children was an amazing read and I could not put it down. It’s history, but read like a novel. Loved this book.

  211. Amy says:

    I am just amazed anyone can finish a book in an afternoon!!! ?Takes me days and even weeks to finish even the most interesting books. You ladies are amazing

  212. Lori says:

    Goodness Falls by Ty Roth is a great one-afternoon read! One of my favorite books!
    We Were Liars by E. Lockhart is also an excellent book; I read it in two days.

  213. Kathleen O'Brien says:

    I read Of Sand and Ash and cant stop thinking about it. Beautifully written and both a romance and a history lesson.

  214. Kay says:

    I just read I am the messenger by Markus Zusak. It was such an interesting plot, and kept me thinking for days after I’d read it.

  215. Afoma says:

    Oooh this looks goood! I’ve read What Alice Forgot and Eleanor & Park and they were compulsive reads so I trust you! Haha. Will check some more on this list. Great post!

    afomaumesi.com

  216. Sally says:

    Susan Meissner (A Fall of Marigolds) is a new favorite author of mine. I read her book, “A Charmed Life” and I was hooked!! She does her research and weaves it beautifully into her story! A Fall of Marigolds is on my night stand, it’s my next book.

  217. Tricia says:

    They must all be good because my library was out of ALL of them! I did end up picking up another Susan Meissner book titled “Lady in Waiting” and it did NOT disappoint! It was so good I could not put it away! Loved these suggestions!

  218. Peter J Puleo says:

    Try reading: “Cop on the Scene: Life and Death on the Street” available on Amazon. Ride in the squad car from the comfort of your favorite reading chair.

  219. Dina says:

    Once you pick up “Gracie Wild Adventures” you will not only read it to the end but, you will want to read it again! It is a story about rescuing a baby wild blue jay and the family that raised and released him. He comes back everyday as the Mom has Ovarian Cancer. As the author says by the end you will wonder just who saved who! It is available on Amazon and kindle too.

  220. Sabrina says:

    Pick any A.G. Riddle book if you found that one sci-first intresting. His sci-fi novels have this awesome Clive Cussler feel to them and will definitely keep you in suspense.

  221. FVKarch says:

    Wanna quick read? Try “A Wish Facilitator’s Desire” by FVKarch — a very short fairy tale. Great for a quick read on a portable. A fun little tale about the adventures of a Wish Facilitator.
    Then, if you are feeling brave, try his “Ravings of an Internet Madman” also by FVKarch, but get the hard cover. You’ll want to fold down pages and underline things. It’s the transcription of a four-and-a-half hour conversation with a bizarre stranger who answers, well, everything. There’s history, physics, aliens, a love story so strong it brings men to tears, philosophy and in the end the answer to EVERYTHING. It’s very Zen. 🙂
    Self serving, I know, but I yam what I yam.

  222. Kenz says:

    Wow. You weren’t kidding! It’s 2 for 2 for me (Veronica Mars and Sea of Tranquility – I also added the second Mars book for added measure). You have excellent taste. Can’t wait to reas the rest!

  223. Brittany says:

    Every single book by Colleen Hoover! Her books are just that good! You walk away and you feel like you’re missing part of a movie or putting a pause on the good part in your life. She really drags you into them and connects you with the characters. (Ugly Love is also a TV series that was very well put together)
    Highly reccomend her books 🙂

  224. Tiffany says:

    I’m trying to pick one of these for my book club. Now I don’t know which one. But to add some others I’d agreee with Nightengale and also add The Girl Left Behind by Jojo Moyes and I loved Love, Rosie for a light and funny read.

  225. Paige says:

    I was excited to find this list- I have it on my fridge!
    So far I liked You let me go ( a lot!)
    And You will know me, enjoyed as well .
    for some reason, I seem to be in the huge minority on this one… But I could not finish Sea of Tranquility, I don’t know why-
    Maybe simply because I just like more of a suspenseful type of book? Plus I mostly listen on audio , so maybe that contributed.
    Seemed everyone loved that book but me.i gave up halfway or more through – will take a break –
    I got distracted and ordered
    Not a Sound,by Heather Gudenkauf which is very good so far, but then I will return to the list !
    Also Seabiscuit and The Art of Racing in the Rain are on my list !
    Thanks for the great ideas !!!

    • sheryl hamill says:

      Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders. I read it a few weeks ago, and now I want to re-read it slowly to savor it.

  226. Sara K says:

    I haven’t read any of these books (yet) and have no idea if they are of a single genre and my suggestions are completely out there..The only books, I have read, re-read, and re-read again are Patrick Rothfuss’ Kingkiller Chronicles – The Name of the Wind and The Wise Man’s Fear. Just love love love them

  227. Carol says:

    Fredrick Backman’s A Man Called Ove was my most recent can’t-put-it-down novels. I bought it for a plane ride; I was up early and thought I would read and sleep, but that was before I read the first chapter. Beautiful book! I finished it six hours later as we landed. I started telling my family all about it, only to find they had been passing around their copies to each other and friends.

  228. L Quinn says:

    I have read “You Will Know Me” and “What Alice Forgot”. “You Will Know Me” was ok, but not the page turner I expected.
    I could not put down “What Alice Forgot”. Loved it! I had already read Liane Moriarity’s “What The Husband Forgot”. These 2 books led me to reading everything that Liane Moriarty has published. Looking forward to the other books. I will load some on my Kindle.

  229. Mary Jo Maisto says:

    Liane Moriarity has become my new favorite author!!! Loved, loved “What Alice Forgot”! I listened to “The Husband’s Secret” in the car during a long trip. It was amazing, especially with the narrator’s Australian accent. Now I’m reading “Big Little Lies”. First chapter and I’m already hooked!!!

    • Paige says:

      I too just finished “What Alice Forgot ” and loved it too !
      Like you , I’m ready for another of hers . Which one did you enjoy more ?

  230. Paige says:

    I love this list and thanks for the feedback ,
    What Alice Forgot will be my next one ..
    I’m curious – I’m only listening to these on audiobooks currently , any input as to whether or not this makes the book less enjoyable / engrossing ?

    • susan hall says:

      Hi Paige, I only listen to books because I need to multitask. I listened to What Alice Forgot and loved it. I believe if the narrator is good it makes the book even better. The Story Hour is another must LISTEN, along with Calling Me Home. The reader in both these books are AMAZING!!

      • Paige says:

        sorry so late with the response , but thank you!! Very helpful and I will check those out as well. my book lists keep growing.

  231. Chris says:

    “Divinity and the Python” by Bonnie Randall really needs to be added to this list. Available through Amazon and well worth the read. My new favourite author.

  232. Cathy Guyer says:

    I’m excited about this list. It will become part of my summer reading list. Fans of Eleanor and Park should also read All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven. Just finished in 48 hours. It was that good. Also a YA novels that probably appeals as much to adults as teens. Thanks for the suggestions!

  233. Stacie Bartlett says:

    I just finished “The Life We Bury” by Allen Eskins is by far one of the best books I have read in some time! Read it in 24 hours.

  234. Linda says:

    Try reading Alexandria Rising by Mark Wallace Maguire. I couldn’t put it down once I started it. It’s an adventure thriller. You can find it on Amazon. It’s amazing!

  235. K. Lynn Denissen says:

    Orhan’s Inheritance by Aline Ohanesian- always beautiful, at moments heartbreaking (like whole body sobbing). I could not put this book down until I’d savored every word. Note: There is some difficult subject matter relating to genocide

  236. Sara says:

    I finished The Little French Bustro by Nina George. OMG it was so good . It’s a keeper. One to tetras every summer.

  237. Jess says:

    If you like Victorian romance but with strong female character, not your “typical” one, check out Jennifer McQuiston “What Happens in Scotland”.

  238. Rachel says:

    I loved What Alice Forgot and A Fall of Marigolds… I’m putting a few others from this list on hold at the library. 🙂

  239. Sheila S. says:

    I love books by Amy Harmon. I read Sand and Ash in about 8 hours. Most of the time it takes me less, depending on what’s going on in my life. Her characters are always amazing!

  240. Scout says:

    Loved this list! Working on a few of them as I write this comment, but mostly just excited to go out there and buy a few new ones, thank you for sharing!

  241. Mimi Miller says:

    Loved Rules of Civility! Amor Towles is a genius. Highly recommend A Gentleman in Moscow, sublime story and characters.

  242. Melanie Shoop says:

    All of the books that I have read by the author Sharon Sala I have had real problems putting them down until I am finished.

  243. Laura Leahy says:

    Ever read the Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell? It is AMAZING…. not necessarily un-put-down-able but seems to be similar in some sense to “Sleeping Giants,” or at least somewhat comparable…. When I finished it I spent a solid month pondering… both the book, and why I hadn’t read it sooner. For an un-put-down-able series check out the Mary O’Reilly Paranormal Mystery Series by Terri Reid. Super fun and engaging ❤

  244. John says:

    Dark Matter was fantastic! Thanks for the suggestion.
    Really liked What Alice Forgot up til the end. Then it got wonky.

  245. Nanci Byers says:

    Just finished The Traitor’s Kiss by Erin Beaty. Released May 2017. YA fantasy with adventure, a spirited heroine, and lots of fun! This is the 1st in a trilogy; #2 will be out May 2017!

  246. Larry Brady says:

    “Slaughterhouse Five” by Kurt Vonnegut was the first book I remember being unable to put down until I finished it. We were at some friends’ apartment senior year of college (’72-’73, can’t remember fall or spring semester). I think I had my roommates wait until I finished (I may have driven us there!). It was my intro to Vonnegut.

  247. Audra says:

    Provenance by Donna Drew Sawyer. I got blindsided so many times I read the book in two and a half hours. Also read Behind Closed Doors yesterday in one sitting. That one literally had me jumping out of my skin.

  248. Yvonne says:

    The Passenger by Lisa Lutz!! Came out last year but I just discovered it. The Passenger indeed – you become the passenger and this is one heck of a ride!!

  249. The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell is brilliant, it is one of my un-put-down-able Why I hadn’t read it much sooner I do not know. For another one of my un-put-down-able books check out Mary O’Reilly Paranormal Mystery Series by Terri Reid, another one coming soon.

  250. Liz says:

    24 hours or less. Except Moriarty: “Moriarty’s works are compulsively readable: whenever I get my hands on a new one I inhale it in two days”.

    LOL

  251. Denise P says:

    I have never read a book in 24 hours in my life!! I’m a slow reader. The only time I’m glued to a book is when I get to the exciting conclusion (if it’s very exciting), depending on the length of the book it’s the last 50-100 pages. Mary Stewart’s Nine Coaches Waiting did this for me (an oldie but goodie – LOVE Mary Stewart).
    Anyway, I haven’t read any of these books so I’ll put a few on the TBR list.
    PS I’m 2/3 of the way through A Gentleman in Moscow and love it so far.

  252. Mary Noel says:

    News of the World is the best book I read all year. When I finished, I wanted to buy a copy for everyone I know and shove it at them, saying, “Read this, please!” Highly recommended

  253. Patrick says:

    Angels and Demons by Dan Brown was like this for me. I read it non-stop this summer in any free time I had during and after my internship. A classic and fantastic book.

  254. Frank says:

    I just saved a bunch of these picks, so thank you. Also, I need to say that The Sea of Tranquility is absolutely nothing like Eleanor and Park with the exception of the two main characters starting off as unlikely friends. Not sure where you saw that comparison. And TSOT blows E&P away.

  255. Kristin says:

    I was excited to see Sleeping Giants on your list! Have you read the sequel? I might have liked it even more!

    I also read What She Knew very quickly.. I do not read a lot of thrillers but I really enjoyed that one!

    Great list!

  256. sha9ne says:

    Have read sea of tranquility like 100 times and can always pick it up on a day when the mood for moody teenagers hits….by the time its on this list the rest should be equally amazeballs…thank you for the list can’t wait to check it out

  257. Lauri D says:

    I just finished “Sourdough: A Novel” by Robin Sloan – I could not put it down! It is a quirky fun book that left me wanting more.

  258. Peggy says:

    My un-put-downable book was The Invisible Girls by Sarah Thebarge. I was just going to read a chapter or two but the intertwining of her personal story and her experience with helping these refugees that she met on public transportation was so compelling that I finally was able to shut of my light and go to sleep at 3 AM after finishing the book in one sitting. The book has made me look at refugees and the difficulties that they face in a whole new light.

  259. Tiffany says:

    I absolutely loved Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson. I started it a bedtime and finished about 4am. It’s a quicker paced Jane Austen. I already plan on reading it again! Your book taste is so similar to my own, it’s scary. Thank you for your recommendations! Reading keeps me sane! Hope you enjoy!

  260. Sheree says:

    Wow, there’s so many here I’ve never read, thank you for the recommendations!! I’d completely forgotten that there was a Veronica Mars book, I’ll have to pick that up – I loved the TV series, I’ve watched it a few times over 🙂

  261. YES- for Susan Meissner! I’m a huge fan of her work but haven’t yet read the book you mentioned, though it’s been on my “to read list” long enough. Looks like I’ll have to finally pick it up and dig in– thanks so much for the list!

  262. Linda Hall says:

    Really enjoyed The Great Alone, a novel about a family that goes to Alaska–but so much more than that. Woman in the Window was also a good read–a modern Rear Window. Very readable books.

  263. Tiffany says:

    I read “The Perfect Nanny” in less than 24 hours. Liane Moriarty’s “Madly Truly Guilty” was a quick read too as well as all of Fredrik Backman’s books despite being fairly long.

  264. Abby Charlton says:

    Holy Cow!!!
    I am halfway down this list and they have every one been unputdownable. Fantastic list!!
    Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

  265. Caley says:

    Great list! Thanks for the record:) so far I’ve read what Alice forgot (loved), dark matter (loved), and Veronica Mars (didn’t love as much as the others but still pretty good)

  266. Linda Hall says:

    Best book of the year was “Where the Crawdads Sing”. Also liked “Beartown” and “The Great Alone” Just finished “Beneath a Scarlet Sky”…a true story taking place in WWII Italy–excellent!

  267. Debbie Glade says:

    Where the Crawdad Sings by Delia Owens – I didn’t read it straight thru without stopping but read thru to the end when there were a lot of pages left – I think it was after midnight when I finished – I had to find out what happened and then couldn’t go to sleep because I wanted to talk to someone about it.

  268. Cathleen Pierce says:

    One of my6 all time favorites is “Cyteen” by C. J. Cherryh. I have to reread it about every 5 years. <3

  269. Carol Savedra says:

    “The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett is my latest “unputdownable” read. The ending was disappointing for me, because it felt unresolved, but the writing is beautiful and the story timely.

    I also loved “The Lincoln Highway” by Amor Towles, but I did not finish “A Gentleman in Moscow,” nor have I read “Rules of Civility.” Reading the comments of others makes me want to revisit “Gentleman” and add “Rules” to my bookshelf.

  270. Jennifer says:

    Jane Steele was a fast read for me and has become a top three. It’s SUCH a healthy read—healing in so many ways for me—and absolutely delicious to boot. Cannot recommend this one highly enough

  271. I’m a fantasy nerd, so when I began reading K.C. May’s Song of the Sea Spirit, the first book in The Mindstream Chronicles, I couldn’t put it down and quickly went to the next book, and the next, until I’d finished the series. I had read her Kinshield Legacy some years back and felt the same way about them. All last year I looked for books that were as deeply satisfying as this series. Right after that, I found another series that was unputdownable, and it combined Jane Austen’s characters with dragons. That series is by Maria Grace and is the Jane Austen’s Dragon series. There are 11 books in that series so far, plus a couple of extras, a short story collection and short novella. So, I’m extremely satisfied with my reading life this year. Can’t wait until Maria Grace publishes book 12. I’ve pre-ordered it.

  272. Leigh says:

    What Alice Forgot is one of my all time favorites! I can’t tell you how many copies I’ve bought on Ebay and sent to friends.

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