ThriftBooks Staff Picks: Our Favorite Free Books

11 great titles we got for free—and so could you!

If you're looking for something good to read, you're in the right place. No one knows books better than our staff of certified book lovers! One of the best things about shopping at ThriftBooks is getting Free Book credits for gently used books. 

As staff members, we benefit from these same rewards. And lots of times, these free books turn out to be our favorites. As we like to say say, whether it's new—or just new to you—it's still a good story! Find your next read from this curated list of our favorite free books. 

Hotel Pastis by Peter Mayle 

"Peter Mayle’s books are like taking a vacation to the south of France. They’re charming, witty and will give you a good belly laugh at times. I’ve re-read all of his books several times and they’re my favorite titles to lend out to friends who are stuck in a reading rut."  

–Leslie L., Director of Research 

Inheritance by Nora Roberts 

"This title marks the beginning of a spooktacular trilogy, blending the eerie mystery of a haunted manor with love, romance, and just the right touch of the supernatural. At its heart, the story beautifully emphasizes the importance of family, friendship, and the bonds that carry us through even the most haunting of circumstances." 

–Olivia D.T., Customer Service Rep. 

Becoming and The Light We Carry, both by Michelle Obama  

"Aside from being an employee, I'm also a regular ThriftBooks shopper and was familiar with—and loved—the company before I ever became an employee. During a couple of Double Points Days, I earned two Free Book credits. With these, I was able to score both of these amazing books for free. I've been bragging about my win ever since!" 

–Brianna L., Customer Service Rep. 

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin 

"I spend a lot of time focused on goals, accomplishments, and what I need to do next, but accomplishing something doesn’t automatically make someone happy. I wanted to learn how to slow down and recognize what already brings joy and meaning to my life. For me, this book is about learning what happiness looks like in my own life instead of assuming I’ll eventually arrive there." 

–Crishawna V. Z., Production Manager 

Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn 

"This is a humorous read about four women who used to work as assassins for a secret agency.?Looking for some adventure after retirement, they set off for an all-expenses paid vacation only to find out they have been marked for termination by their former agency. They must learn to work together to outsmart and survive their attackers. This is the first book of two in the series." 

–Sandi R., Office Administrator 

Citizen Soldier by Steven E. Ambrose 

"Recently, I had the privilege to visit Omaha Beach, one of the two US landing beaches on June 6th, 1944, (D Day) when Allied troops landed on German-occupied France. In advance of that I snagged this account which covers that landing and the push through Normandy and into Germany. This stunning book, from one my favorite history writers, offers both readability and academic rigor." 

–Hugo M., Director, Enterprise Services 

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson 

"This is the book that put Sanderson on the map of top tier Sci-fi/Fantasy writers and got him the gig of finishing Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series. His writing style has me fully immersed for hours and I forget what time it is. While I was reading, I remember being fully engaged in theorizing where the story was going, but I could not guess what was coming next." 

–Matthew N., Collectible Receiver 

The Apartment by S. L. Grey  

"I loved this thriller because it toes the line between psychological and supernatural horror. The story is about a troubled married couple whose Paris vacation turns into a nightmare. It's super haunting at times and it's also a great commentary on how trauma affects relationships."? 

–Taylor P., Customer Service Representative 

Kristy's Great Idea: The Graphic Novel by Ann M. Martin and Raina Telgemeier 

"Oh, this was the best five bucks I never spent by a mile! Since they were born, I’ve used my book credits to stock up for my niece and nephew. I sent this to my niece when she was 8 years old and it was the one. She asked for the next and the next and now expects books when she sees me! She was reading Dawn on the Coast (last in the series) on Christmas Eve! Couldn’t ever use a free book better." 

–Amanda C., Content & Merchandising Specialist 

Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson  

"From the bestselling author of The Family Fang and Run for the Hills, this is a hilarious novel about an uninspired young woman who finds meaning in her life when she begins caring for two young children with a remarkable ability. I was thoroughly entertained by the oddball cast and the outrageous turn of events all underscored by a tenderhearted center."   

–Ashly S., Content & Product Data Specialist 

Flowers in the Attic by V. C. Andrews 

"Recently someone said to me that this juicy gothic novel was inspired by Wuthering Heights. I didn’t believe it and since I hadn’t read the book since I was a kid I thought I’d give it a try. I used my free book reward to get a copy and see if I could tell how the stories are intertwined. Are they, you ask? I’ll let you be the judge of that." 

–Carla S., Chief Financial Officer 

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Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon