Introduction
Finding a great book often feels like navigating a crowded bookstore aisle. Popular novels dominate the shelves, while hidden gems—creative, thought-provoking, and unique stories—often go unnoticed. With the sheer volume of books being published annually, it’s easy for literary masterpieces to fly under the radar.
If you’re a bibliophile eager to discover your next favorite book, this roundup of underrated books might just be what you’re looking for. From powerful memoirs to imaginative fiction, we’ve curated a list to broaden your horizons and help you uncover extraordinary reads that haven’t yet received the attention they deserve.
Criteria for Selection
You might be wondering how we identified the books on this list. Here’s what we considered to ensure a diverse and high-quality selection:
- Originality: The book brings new perspectives, concepts, or storytelling methods to the table.
- Writing Style: The author demonstrates exceptional skill in language, structure, and emotion.
- Impact: It leaves a lasting impression, prompting reflection and discussion long after the last page.
- Hidden Value: The book remains lesser-known despite its remarkable content and potential to attract a larger audience.
With these benchmarks in mind, we’ve unearthed books that are well worth your attention.
10 Underrated Books to Add to Your TBR List
1. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Set in a fantastical, magical circus, Morgenstern’s novel immerses you in lush descriptions and a romance entwined with rivalry. If you loved The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, this one deserves a spot on your bookshelf.
2. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
While it achieved some recognition, Doerr’s beautifully written novel about a blind French girl and a young German soldier during World War II deserves even more love. It’s as much a literary triumph as it is a gripping emotional story.
3. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
This reimagining of the Iliad through Achilles and Patroclus’s love story brims with poetic elegance. Powerful and heartbreaking, it’s a modern classic often overshadowed by mainstream historical fiction.
4. Educated by Tara Westover
Tara Westover’s memoir narrates her extraordinary escape from life in a secluded, survivalist family to earn a Ph.D. from Cambridge. It’s a compelling story of resilience, but it doesn’t get nearly the exposure it deserves for its inspiring message.
5. Beartown by Fredrik Backman
Backman’s small-town drama centers on hockey but dives deep into community dynamics, morality, and hope. Every layer of this book resonates with themes that are rich and universal.
6. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
A beautifully crafted historical novel exploring Ghanaian and African-American heritage, Homegoing deserves to be in more hands for its unique exploration of generational trauma and resilience.
7. Circe by Madeline Miller
This Greek mythology retelling centers Circe, the infamous enchantress of The Odyssey. With exquisite prose, Miller transforms this minor mythological character into a complex heroine of her own.
8. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
An emotional deep-dive into friendship, trauma, and healing, this novel isn’t for the faint-hearted but garners profound admiration from those who persevere through its intensity.
9. Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
This gripping account of nine Americans on their path to winning gold in the 1936 Berlin Olympics is a powerful true story of teamwork and grit. It offers inspiration for readers of all ages.
10. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Another Fredrik Backman masterpiece! This heartwarming story explores loneliness, connection, and the value of community in ways that will have you laughing and crying in equal measure.
Author Spotlight
What makes these books even more compelling is the talent and vision behind their creation.
- Erin Morgenstern (The Night Circus) uses her background as a multimedia artist to craft visually enchanting worlds—a notable influence on her narrative style.
- Yaa Gyasi (Homegoing) drew inspiration from her Ghanaian ancestry, aiming to connect readers with both individual and collective histories.
- Fredrik Backman (Beartown, A Man Called Ove) specializes in painting deeply emotional portraits of everyday life that evoke hope amid heartbreak.
These authors remind readers that great stories often stem from unique perspectives and rich personal experiences.
Reader Testimonials
Here’s what readers are saying about these hidden gems:
- “Backman’s characters in Beartown feel so real, I had to remind myself it wasn’t a true story. It’s one of the most moving books I’ve ever read!” – Emily S.
- “I didn’t know Greek mythology could feel this alive until I read Circe. Miller’s prose is pure magic.” – Jonathan R.
- “Tara Westover’s Educated changed the way I see education and resilience. Everyone should read this!” – Natalie L.
Testimonials like these underscore that these books may be underrated, but they are undoubtedly impactful.
Where to Find These Books
Excited to get started? Here’s where you can find these underrated treasures:
- Independent Bookstores: Check out stores like Powell’s or your local indie shop to support small businesses.
- Online Retailers: Visit websites like Bookshop.org or AbeBooks to explore a wide selection.
- Libraries: Your local library or online platforms like OverDrive are fantastic ways to read for free!
- Secondhand Options: ThriftBooks and BetterWorldBooks often have these gems at reduced prices.
Discover Something Unforgettable
Great books deserve great readers, and it’s time to shine a light on these underrated masterpieces. By venturing beyond the bestsellers list, you’re not just enriching your reading life—you’re also supporting unique voices and stories that deserve to be heard.
What underrated book have you fallen in love with recently? Share your recommendations in the comments! And if you’re ready to uncover even more hidden gems, start exploring today—for every bestseller, countless treasures await discovery.
