Whether you love fiction or non-fiction, sci-fi or cookbooks, young adult books or true crime, you'll find the very best books of 2019 right here at ThriftBooks! As you ring in the new year, celebrate with these picks handselected by our staff.
Literature & Fiction
Non-Fiction
Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Romance
True Crime
Cookbooks
Teen & Young Adult
Children's
Discover the Best Books of 2019: Award Winners, Critically Acclaimed, and Fan Favorites
If you’re looking to buy the best books of 2019, you’re in the right place. This collection brings together the top rated books of 2019, spanning powerful novels, acclaimed nonfiction, award-winning titles, and standout debuts. Whether you’re catching up on recent favorites, searching for hidden gems, or hoping to find 2019 books for sale at great prices, our curated selection makes it easy to explore must-reads from an unforgettable year in literature.
Why 2019 Was a Remarkable Year for Books
2019 was packed with literary brilliance, from bestselling fiction to bold new voices and thought-provoking nonfiction. Many books released this year went on to become 2019 Booker Prize winners, National Book Award finalists, and book club sensations. Choosing from such a rich year can feel overwhelming—so we’ve grouped the best novels of 2019 list into helpful categories to guide your next great read.
Essential Literary Fiction: Critically Acclaimed & Award-Winning Books of 2019
- Girl, Woman, Other: Winner of the 2019 Booker Prize, Bernardine Evaristo’s inventive novel interweaves the lives of twelve British women with grace and wit. It’s essential reading for anyone interested in powerful, contemporary narratives.
- The Nickel Boys: Colson Whitehead’s searing, unforgettable story of two boys at a brutal reform school is a Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winner, offering a profound look at injustice and resilience.
- The Dutch House: Ann Patchett’s elegant family saga, a National Book Award finalist, traces the bonds and betrayals of siblings over five decades, making it a favorite among literary fiction fans.
- Olive, Again: Pulitzer winner Elizabeth Strout returns to her beloved character Olive Kitteridge in this moving portrait of aging, small-town life, and human connection.
- On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous: Ocean Vuong’s debut novel, lauded for its lyrical beauty and emotional honesty, explores family, identity, and the immigrant experience in America.
- Where Reasons End: Yiyun Li’s quiet, profound meditation on grief and motherhood was one of the most talked-about books of the year for its emotional depth.
- The Topeka School: Ben Lerner’s ambitious novel examines masculinity, politics, and language in late-90s America, landing it on many best novels of 2019 lists.
Unforgettable Debuts: Fresh Voices That Shaped 2019
- Queenie: Candice Carty-Williams delivers a sharp, funny, and poignant debut about a young woman navigating love, career, and identity in London.
- A Woman Is No Man: Etaf Rum’s powerful exploration of generational trauma in a Palestinian-American family became an instant book club favorite and an important addition to 2019 debut novels.
- Mostly Dead Things: This darkly comic debut by Kristen Arnett explores family, grief, and taxidermy in small-town Florida, standing out for its originality and wit.
- On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous: Ocean Vuong’s first novel is a poetic coming-of-age story that quickly earned its place among the best debut fiction of the year.
Must-Read Book Club Picks: Stories That Spark Conversation
- An American Marriage: Tayari Jones’s moving novel explores love, loyalty, and justice as a couple is torn apart by wrongful incarceration, making it a top-rated book of 2019 for reading groups.
- Daisy Jones & The Six: Written as an oral history, Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novel about a fictional 1970s rock band became a sensation for its immersive storytelling and unforgettable characters.
- Mrs. Everything: Jennifer Weiner’s sweeping historical novel follows two sisters across decades of change, exploring women’s roles in America with heart and humor.
- The Last Romantics: Tara Conklin’s multi-generational family saga is a moving meditation on memory, art, and the bonds that hold us together.
- Nothing to See Here: Kevin Wilson’s quirky, heartfelt novel about children who burst into flames is a surprising and delightful read that’s perfect for sparking lively discussion.
Historical Fiction & Stories Inspired by True Events
- The Giver of Stars: Jojo Moyes brings Depression-era Kentucky to life through the story of women librarians delivering books on horseback, blending adventure, friendship, and history.
- The Dutch House: Spanning five decades, this novel explores family dynamics against the backdrop of a mysterious mansion, making it a standout in historical fiction.
- Red at the Bone: Jacqueline Woodson’s lyrical novel moves between generations to uncover the impact of history on one Brooklyn family.
- The Nickel Boys: Inspired by real-life events, this award-winning book is essential for readers interested in American history and social justice.
Contemporary Fiction: Relationships, Identity, and the Modern World
- Normal People: Sally Rooney’s internationally acclaimed novel deftly explores the complexities of love and friendship from adolescence through early adulthood.
- Machines Like Me: Ian McEwan’s speculative fiction asks big questions about humanity, ethics, and technology in an alternate 1980s London.
- Grand Union: Zadie Smith’s vibrant story collection captures the humor, contradictions, and beauty of contemporary life.
- The Man Who Saw Everything: Deborah Levy delivers a surreal, time-bending novel that explores memory and identity, ideal for readers who love literary puzzles.
Genre Standouts: Mystery, Drama, and Speculative Fiction
- Stay and Fight: Madeline ffitch’s debut is a fiercely original tale about unconventional family, survival, and community in rural Appalachia.
- Lost Children Archive: Valeria Luiselli’s innovative novel blends road trip, documentary, and social commentary as it follows a family journeying across America.
- Machines Like Me: This imaginative novel stands out among 2019’s speculative fiction for its thought-provoking premise and emotional resonance.
How to Find and Buy the Best Books of 2019 at ThriftBooks
Searching for used best books of 2019? ThriftBooks makes it easy to find 2019 books for sale in a range of formats and conditions—so you can enjoy top rated books of 2019 at great value. Our collection includes:
- 2019 Booker Prize winners and National Book Award finalists
- Best novels of 2019 list—literary, historical, and contemporary fiction
- Noteworthy 2019 debut novels and short story collections
- 2019 nonfiction bestsellers and acclaimed memoirs (browse our full nonfiction section for more)
Shopping used means you can discover these acclaimed books for less, and many are available in like-new condition. If you’re building a home library or searching for a thoughtful gift, buying the best books of 2019 from ThriftBooks is a sustainable and affordable choice.
Reader’s Checklist: Top Picks from 2019 You Shouldn’t Miss
- Normal People – A contemporary classic exploring young love and class divides.
- The Nickel Boys – A harrowing, important story based on true events.
- Daisy Jones & The Six – A vibrant, music-infused tale you won’t forget.
- Olive, Again – The return of a beloved character from a Pulitzer winner.
- Girl, Woman, Other – A Booker Prize-winning celebration of diverse voices.
Find Your Next Great Read from the Best Books of 2019
Still not sure where to start? Consider your reading goals and interests:
- For award-winning books of 2019, check out Girl, Woman, Other, The Nickel Boys, and The Dutch House.
- If contemporary relationships and social themes appeal to you, try Normal People, Queenie, or Red at the Bone.
- Love historical fiction? Don't miss The Giver of Stars and The Last Romantics.
- Prefer innovative storytelling? Explore Lost Children Archive and Grand Union.
- For family dramas, look at Mrs. Everything, A Woman Is No Man, and The Dutch House.
From used best books of 2019 to pristine first editions, our collection is designed to help every reader discover something unforgettable. Find your next favorite today, and enjoy the very best books 2019 had to offer—at prices you’ll love.
