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Mass Market Paperback Edition

The Results Are In!

After an exciting round of matchups, our Mass Market Edition of ThriftBooks Novel Knockout has come to a close. From beloved classics to reader-favorite page-turners, this year’s bracket brought together some unforgettable contenders.

Take a look at the winning title, revisit the competition, and explore the books that made this year’s showdown one to remember.

The Hobbit
by J.R.R. Tolkien
Novel Knockout Champion

The Hobbit Claims the Crown

Crowned the Mass Market Paperback Champion in this year's Novel Knockout, The Hobbit has been selected by our customers as a standout favorite—rising above the competition through its enduring story and lasting impact.

Since its publication in 1937, The Hobbit has introduced readers to a richly imagined world that helped shape modern fantasy. The mass market paperback edition has played a meaningful role in that legacy, offering an accessible and familiar format that has found its way onto bookshelves for generations.

For many, this edition represents a first encounter with Tolkien’s work or a well-loved copy returned to over time. Its recognition as the Novel Knockout Champion reflects not only the strength of the story itself, but the lasting connection this particular format has created with readers across decades.

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Post it and tag @ThriftBooks to show it off!

Missed Voting This Year?

Voting for Novel Knockout takes place through our email campaigns. If you missed out this year, make sure you’re signed up so you can join the fun next time!

Our Personalized Recommendations & Promos emails are how we share voting access, exclusive deals, and all kinds of fun bookish updates with our customers.

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It’s a great way to stay connected, discover your next great read, and be part of a community that loves books as much as you do.

Join in the Mass Market Madness!

Small books. Big impact. — This month, we're turning the spotlight on the fast-paced, pocket-sized favorites that readers can't resist. From edge-of-your-seat thrillers to swoon-worthy romances and unforgettable classics, these mass market paperbacks prove that great stories don't need a big format to stand the test of time.

See our amazing selection

Novel Knockout 2026 FAQs

What is Novel Knockout?
Novel Knockout is our epic book-to-book showdown where stories go head-to-head for the ultimate title! This fan-favorite competition has been played with our customers over the years — and while it’s been a little while, we’re thrilled to bring it back. As always, our customers decide the winner. You cast the votes, you move the books through the bracket, and you crown the champion.
How can I participate?
It’s easy! If you’re signed up for ThriftBooks marketing emails, you’ll receive everything you need to cast your vote each round. Just click, choose your favorite book, and help it advance to the next bracket.
What books will we be voting on?
The bracket features 16 incredible titles ready for an unforgettable showdown. Explore the full lineup by genre below:
Mystery & Thriller
  1. And Then There Were None
  2. Killing Floor
  3. The Shining
  4. The Godfather
Classics
  1. 1984
  2. The Outsiders
  3. Pride and Prejudice
  4. To Kill a Mockingbird
Sci-Fi & Fantasy
  1. The Hobbit
  2. The Hitchhiker's Guide
  3. A Game of Thrones
  4. Dune
Romance
  1. Outlander
  2. Vision in White
  3. The Duke & I
  4. Wuthering Heights
Do I have to make a purchase to submit a vote?
Nope! Voting is completely free. Novel Knockout is all about fun, friendly competition, and celebrating great books. Of course, if you discover your next favorite read along the way… we fully support that journey.
Do I need to have an account in order to vote?
Yes — you’ll need a ThriftBooks account to receive voting emails and participate. The bonus? You’ll also unlock access to exclusive promotions, personalized recommendations, our ReadingRewards program, and even our BuyBack program. It’s a win-win.
When will the winner be announced?
The official Novel Knockout champion will be crowned on April 8th! Until then, keep checking the Novel Knockout page to see which books are advancing and which matchups are heating up.
How does my vote count?
Every vote matters! We tally all submissions behind the scenes, and each account gets one vote per round. So choose wisely — your favorite book could go all the way.
I just signed up for your emails so I can vote. When will I start receiving Novel Knockout emails?
If you’re subscribed to Recommendations & Promos , you’ll begin receiving voting emails as soon as the next day during an active voting period. Voting emails are only sent while voting is open, and past voting emails can’t be resent — so be sure to keep an eye on your inbox!
Are there prior Novel Knockouts I can look at?
Absolutely! Take a look at previous competitions and champions — you might rediscover a favorite or find a hidden gem you’ve been meaning to read.
What days will voting emails be sent out?
Voting emails are sent on scheduled matchup days throughout each round of Novel Knockout. On those days, you’ll receive an email featuring the head-to-head matchup and the opportunity to cast your vote. Be sure you’re subscribed to ThriftBooks Recommendations & Promos emails and keep an eye on your inbox so you don’t miss a round.
Round 1 Matchups
  • March 18: Outlander vs. Vision in White
  • March 19: The Duke & I vs. Wuthering Heights
  • March 20: The Hobbit vs. The Hitchhiker’s Guide
  • March 21: A Game of Thrones vs. Dune
  • March 23: 1984 vs. The Outsiders
  • March 24: Pride and Prejudice vs. To Kill a Mockingbird
  • March 25: And Then There Were None vs. Killing Floor
  • March 26: The Shining vs. The Godfather
Round 2 Matchups
  • March 27: Outlander vs. Wuthering Heights
  • March 28: The Hobbit vs. A Game of Thrones
  • March 30: 1984 vs. To Kill a Mockingbird
  • March 31: And Then There Were None vs. The Shinig
Round 3 Matchups
  • April 3: Outlander vs. The Hobbit
  • April 4: To Kill a Mockingbird vs. And Then There Were None
Championship Matchup
  • April 6: The Hobbit vs. To Kill a Mockingbird
Which book does ThriftBooks think will win?
We think every book is a winner — but the real power is in your hands. We can’t wait to see which story you crown as this year’s Novel Knockout Champion!
Check back soon to see who won these rounds!
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