Sometimes it can be difficult to find a new favorite author. One that you can pick up their next book and have full confidence that it’ll be a great book, too. I know, those authors are hard to come by. But I made a list of some of my favorite authors from the most common genres. Without further ado, here are the best authors in each genre (in my opinion).
*A quick disclaimer – There are many books out there that I enjoyed immensely, however, their authors did not make this list because of a few reasons. One, I’ve only ever read one of their books, either because they’ve only published one book, or I’ve just never gotten around to their other books, or I did try their other books and I didn’t enjoy them. The author of Year of Wonders comes to mind, Geraldine Brooks. I’ve also read two of her other books, March, and People of the Book and I didn’t find them anywhere near as good as Year of Wonders. So, she did not make this list.
Fiction
Chris Bohjalian
I first discovered Chris Bohjalian when I read Midwives, and I knew I had to read more of his books! The next few books I read were also written by Bohalian because I couldn’t get enough of his writing. But I learned an important lesson, (even though I still enjoyed his books) don’t read too many books by the same author in a row. They start to lose their appeal, as many authors seem to have similar storylines and characters throughout their books. Chris Bohjalian is still one of my favorite authors, but I know now to pace, not only his books, but books by other authors as well.
Lisa Genova
These are two of the saddest books I’ve ever read. I actually cried at the end of Every Note Played. Still Alice was the first one I read by Lisa Genova after I saw the movie. After I read the book, and learned that she had an upcoming release, I was sure to place a hold on it at the library. If you’re looking for heartfelt stories about Alzheimer’s or Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease), look no further than Lisa Genova. She’s exceeded every expectation with these two books, and I can’t wait to read more.
Historical Fiction
Madeline Miller
I’ve reviewed both Song of Achilles and Circe by Madeline Miller. And maybe they walk the line between historical fiction and myth, but Miller has been one of my favorite authors since I first read Song of Achilles. When she announced the upcoming release of Circe, I knew I had to get a copy! If you haven’t read either of her books yet and you enjoyed reading The Odyssey and The Iliad, you won’t be disappointed!
Eowyn Ivey
Two very different books, but set in a similar place. Both Snow Child and To the Bright Edge of the World take place in a wintery setting. I first read Snow Child, which I think is the better of the two and leans more toward fiction than historical fiction, and then To the Edge of the Bright World, but I think they’re both great. Whenever Eowyn Ivey announces another book, I’ll be sure to read it!
Tracy Chevalier
I love Tracy Chevalier’s way of taking a mundane time in history and making it magical. Who knew there could an intricate story behind Johannes Vermeer’s painting, “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” or some of the first female fossil-finders in Remarkable Creatures. I haven’t read more than these two books by Tracy Chevalier, but I plan to read more of her books in the future!
Science Fiction
Patrick Ness
I don’t consider myself an expert in science fiction by any means, and I certainly haven’t found many books in this genre that I enjoy, but Patrick Ness’ Chaos Walking Trilogy is probably my favorite science fiction series ever. If you’re interested, I wrote a review of the first book in the series, The Knife of Never Letting Go. I believe it is the strongest of the three, but the series is still great! Patrick Ness also writes books in other genres, and my other favorite book by him is A Monster Calls (I also reviewed it). I’m always excited to pick up a book by Patrick Ness, so be sure to check him out! Especially if you’re interested in science fiction.
Mystery
Jane Harper
The first book I read by Jane Harper was The Dry, and from there on out, I was hooked. When I heard she released Force of Nature and then The Lost Man, I knew I had to read them next. Jane Harper has a wonderful way of writing mysteries, making it so the ending is unpredictable but in a good way.
Horror
Jennifer McMahon
Both of these books literally gave me goosebumps. There are still scenes that I remember from both that make my skin crawl. If you’re looking for a great read to scare you and keep you staring into dark corners to make sure it’s just a chair and not some creature, then I highly recommend Jennifer McMahon. She has an amazing talent for scaring her readers! And I can’t wait to read more of her books.
Young Adult
Sarah Dessen
Sarah Dessen was my favorite author when I was in high school. And I’m proud to say I’ve read every single one of her books. I still read her newest releases, even though they’re not as relatable now that I’m no longer an angsty teenager. They just bring back those feelings of reading her books as a teenager and feeling like someone understood me. If you have a young adult daughter who wants to read more, but you’re not sure what to recommend, start with Sarah Dessen.
Ann Brashares
The author of the famous Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series, ending with Sisterhood Everlasting. You can’t go wrong with this series, or her other books, My Name is Memory and The Last Summer. They’re wonderful, feel-good novels to read, especially during summer.
David Levithan
The Every Day series introduces a unique idea that I think young adults might find especially fascinating, as the main character struggles to be with the one he loves. They even made a movie out of the first book!
Thriller
Riley Sager
Riley Sager walks a fine line between mystery and thriller. There is a sense of mystery in each book, but there is also an underlying sense of peril and edge-of-your-seat excitement. I first read Final Girls, and from there on out, I’ve’ been a huge Riley Sager fan. Every time Goodreads sends me an announcement about his new release, I always add it to my TBR list, and you should, too!
Now that you know the best authors in each genre (according to me), get out there and do some reading! I am very confident that each book by these authors will not let you down. And if you’re unsure, be sure to check out my reviews that I’ve already written for some of the books mentioned above!
If you enjoyed this article, be sure to share it! You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.
