A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated on Mar. 04, 2025
We looked up the highest-rated books on Goodreads so you don't have to! Here are the top picks from the book-review site to help you meet your resolution to read more.
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If your goal is to read more, or if you are a voracious reader on the hunt for an undiscovered gem, you’ve come to the right place. The sheer volume of content out today can be overwhelming, and you don’t want to pick up just any old book—you want to make sure it’s worth your time. We’ve done the homework for you by consulting one of the most popular book recommendations and review sites to curate a list of the highest-rated books on Goodreads.
Here’s how we put the final lineup together: To establish a thoroughly vetted list of the best books you should read, we selected stand-alone books with at least 10,000 ratings on Goodreads. We also weeded out those with just one five-star review to make sure that the majority of readers were in love with the selection. To further whittle down the list and compare apples to apples, we excluded books in series, though many of them are highly rated. (We’re looking at you, Harry Potter, Fourth Wing and pretty much anything by Brandon Sanderson!)
The result is a robust roster of books that have been widely reviewed and are highly recommended by many, many readers. Whether you have a specific book genre in mind or simply want to pick up something you haven’t read yet, our list has your next good read.
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Goodreads rating: 4.7
Genre: Memoir
During the Brock Turner rape trial, she was known simply as his an anonymous victim. But in her 2019 memoir, Chanel Miller not only reveals her name but also takes back her story. A painful but powerful read, Know My Name compells readers to truly see the victims of sexual assault—to know their names and know they matter. The book was an instant bestseller when it released, and critics sang its praises. But if you need more proof that this book belongs on your bookshelf, consider that it earned the distinction of a New York Times Readers’ Choice Best Book of the Century.
Goodreads rating: 4.64
Genre: Middle grade fiction
When Fighting Words was published in 2020, the aptly named novel, now a highest-rated book on Goodreads, was a force to be reckoned with. The spirited story of two sisters whose innocence is jeopardized by their incarcerated mother’s boyfriend is a true nailbiter. When older sister Suki attempts suicide, 10-year-old Della’s life spirals out of control … until she realizes she may have to dig deep to summon her inner strength. A Newbery Honor Book and one of the best books for young readers that deals with trauma, this coming-of-age novel is one of grit, self-conviction and bravery.
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Goodreads rating: 4.64
Genre: Historical fiction
Set against the backdrop of World War II comes a love story for the ages, which is probably why it’s one of the highest-rated books on Goodreads with over 1.7 million ratings. Viviane, a young mother and wife, must care for and protect her daughter when her soldier husband heads out to defend their homeland. Meanwhile, her rebellious 18-year-old sister wages a battle of her own as she struggles with choosing love or staying true to her beliefs. This sweeping 2015 tale is perfect for readers who enjoy getting caught up in a drama book, but it’ll also satisfy those with a penchant for period romance. With a staggering 1.7+ million reviews to date, The Nightingale has found a captive audience.
Goodreads rating: 4.63
Genre: Nonfiction
As a young lawyer, Bryan Stevenson took on a case that would change his life—and the life of the man he represented. His client, Walter McMillian, was a death-row inmate who said he’d been condemned for a murder he didn’t commit. The story that follows is one of injustice, courage and mercy. It’s a takedown of the American justice system that has earned Stevenson comparisons to Nelson Mandela and the hero attorney in To Kill a Mockingbird. As author John Grisham said in a review of Just Mercy, “Not since Atticus Finch has a fearless and committed lawyer made such a difference in the American South.”
Goodreads rating: 4.62
Genre: Historical fiction
The latest novel from Hannah—and her second book to make our list—turns the tables on the conventional war hero by spotlighting Frankie, a 20-year-old nursing student who makes a bold move to join the Army Nurse Corps in 1960s Vietnam. While the action centers on her leaving home and finding her way through the unwelcoming environment of a war-torn country, this immersive story of one woman’s perseverance serves as a beacon of strength. The Women was widely acclaimed as one of the best books of 2024, winning the hearts of readers and becoming one of the highest-rated books on Goodreads with over a million ratings.
Goodreads rating: 4.61
Genre: Inspirational fiction
Young and old voices intertwine in this heartwarming story of a centenarian and a 10-year-boy diagnosed with a terminal defect. Armed with a list of the top five things the boy wants to do before he dies, the two set out to accomplish the goals before time runs out for both of them. The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride, published in 2018, showcases how the most unlikely friendships can reap the most surprising rewards. The first in a three-book series, this inspirational book leaves much to contemplate about the quality of the life we live—and the legacy we leave behind.
Goodreads rating: 4.57
Genre: Middle grade fiction
A crossover children’s book that appeals as much to kids as it does to adult readers, this delightful tale centers on three siblings in search of a forever family during World War II in England. The book’s title speaks to their fervent desire to find a mother figure, which takes them on a series of twists and turns as they bounce from one family to the next. First published in 2021, A Place to Hang the Moon will have readers rooting for the young trio, particularly when they come to meet a likely candidate.
Goodreads rating: 4.54
Genre: Historical fiction
A childhood promise exchanged between a young boy and girl is the premise of this 2019 novel set during World War II. When the pair—older and betrothed—are separated during the Nazi occupation of Poland, the likelihood of their once-bright future together hangs in the balance. Buried beneath the surface is a family secret that adds to the drama and further complicates their relationship. The Things We Cannot Say is an emotionally charged story that straddles the lines between hope and acceptance, dreams and reality. It’s a powerful read for diehard romantics, who will hang onto every word until the last page.
Goodreads rating: 4.53
Genre: Historical romance
At the heart of this titillating tale is a chocolate recipe that has been passed down within a Russian family throughout the 20th century. The treasured recipe is the key ingredient in a series of complex love affairs—not all of which are sweet. The Eighth Life, first published in 2014, has stood the test of time and satisfied readers’ appetite for grand romance. With six relationships playing out across more than 900 pages, this story delivers a steady diet of drama.
Goodreads rating: 4.51
Genre: Irish literature
What’s it like to question your identity when you’re not sure where you came from—or where you are headed? This engaging 2017 narrative takes readers on a decades-long journey with Cyril, an adopted Irish lad who struggles to find his place in the world. Through the lens of a thoughtful main character, The Heart’s Invisible Furies explores how friendship and family factor into one’s sense of self. This thought-provoking narrative, which spans the 1940s to the present, is both witty and heart-wrenching.
Goodreads rating: 4.51
Genre: Historical fiction
Coming to terms with the past is an eye-opening experience for Ailey, who spends her summers in Georgia with her extended family, whose roots trace back to Africa via the slave trade. The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois is a testament to Ailey’s struggles with race in American culture. Readers in search of storytelling that slowly pulls back the layers to reveal shocking details will gravitate toward this more than 800-page saga, which extends from the colonial slave trade to modern times. This 2021 book about racism was a favorite pick of both Oprah Winfrey and President Barack Obama.
Goodreads rating: 4.51
Genre: Christian romance
More than 30 years after its original publication in 1991, Redeeming Love continues to strike a chord with both romantics and people of faith. The California gold rush sets the scene for Angel, a woman who has lost all hope after a life of prostitution—until she meets Michael Hosea, an angel in disguise whose devotion to God allows her to see a brighter future. But when Angel begins to show signs of self-doubt that threaten their marriage, she is forced to face a greater truth. Even for fans who didn’t catch the 2022 film by the same name, this love story continues to be a must-read for those who appreciate romance novels, Westerns and Christian-based books all rolled into one.
Goodreads rating: 4.50
Genre: Science fiction
With a title that piques the interest of discerning readers, Project Hail Mary follows one man’s compelling journey way, way off course. The heart-pounding opener introduces readers to Ryland Grace, the lone survivor of a space mission, who must piece together everything that transpired during a long slumber. As the main character begins to understand the severity of his situation, Earth’s future hangs in the balance and the race-against-the-clock drama begins to unfold. For anyone longing for an action-packed science fiction book, this 2021 story fits the bill.
Goodreads rating: 4.49
Genre: YA fiction
Fulfilling the American Dream is at the heart of this poignant YA novel, which follows the path of two young Pakistani Americans, Sal and Noor, bound by family ties that threaten to unravel. When their aspirations don’t match up with their familial responsibilities, they struggle to look outside themselves for the answer. This story is a refreshing character study of two family members whose relationship is the catalyst for growth—but it also tackles some tough topics, such as abuse, prejudice and drug use. First published in 2022, National Book Award winner All My Rage speaks to teens desperately seeking independence without losing sight of their values.
Goodreads rating: 4.49
Genre: Literary fiction
I remember initially picking up this 2022 novel as somewhat of a skeptic. Having read Barbara Kingsolver’s Poisonwood Bible, I knew she was a master storyteller, but I wondered how she could take the harrowing world of Charles Dickens’s classic novel and adapt it with a contemporary voice. Her story does not disappoint, trading in the David Copperfield of Victorian England for the hills of Appalachia. A young boy experiences a life of poverty and addiction while struggling to find his place in a world where advancing beyond borders is a challenge in and of itself. The Pulitzer Prize winner Demon Copperhead is loved as much for its rich character development as it is for its bildungsroman format, which covers a character’s formative years.
Goodreads rating: 4.48
Genre: Historical romance
The quest for freedom sets the stage for an atypical love story set during the American Revolution. It charts the course of Deborah Samson, a Puritan forced into indentured servitude in colonial Massachusetts. When she enlists in the army disguised as a soldier 20 years later, Deborah is forced to face the harsh realities of life on the frontlines, while reckoning with surprising new feelings that have begun to emerge. Published in 2023, A Girl Called Samson is for readers interested in historical fiction with characters brave enough to defy convention, and for whom challenge translates to opportunity.
Goodreads rating: 4.48
Genre: Magical realism/thriller
America’s beloved horror novelist is at it again, this time setting his genre-defying tale in an isolated penitentiary where convicted killers await their fate. But when a new inmate arrives on the scene, his presence causes even the unshakeable among them to question his origin—and their own fates. Originally published in 1996 as a six-part serial, The Green Mile has mesmerized Stephen King fans with its exchange between a storied prison guard and its newest resident. The 1999 film, starring Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan in these respective roles, snagged several Academy Award nominations, including one for Best Picture.
Goodreads rating: 4.47
Genre: African American literature
Originally published in 2016, the internationally bestselling story of two half-sisters—one living in comfortable surroundings, the other enslaved and sent off to America—focuses on the stark realities that shape their existences. From 18th-century war-torn Ghana to the Civil War in the Deep South and, later, the Great Migration northward, ending in Harlem during the 20th century, Homegoing spans generations impacted by key historical movements that change the course of individual freedoms. Yaa Gyasi’s debut novel introduces a new writer’s voice to a rich canon of Black literature.
Goodreads rating: 4.47
Genre: Magical realism
Originally published in 2019 as Torto Arado, this Brazilian novel became an instant bestseller in its native country. Now translated for non-Portuguese-speaking readers and titled Crooked Plow, the book has more than 26,000 ratings on Goodreads, a testament to its global acclaim. This is the story of two sisters who discover a knife underneath their grandmother’s bed and soon learn the origin of its power. Bedlam ensues when they decide to taste the weapon’s metal, causing the tale to take a rather dark turn. Shortlisted for the International Booker Prize for 2024, Crooked Plow dives headfirst into themes of family and spirituality, set amid an impoverished Brazilian farming community.
Goodreads rating: 4.46
Genre: YA fiction
A single action can have a ripple effect, especially when that action is the fatal shooting of an unarmed teenager by a police officer. Such is the premise of The Hate U Give, a 2017 coming-of-age novel inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. Sixteen-year-old Starr is the main witness to her best friend’s murder, and this major injustice soon dominates national headlines. Starr is caught between two worlds: one of privilege and another of stone-cold reality. A 2018 film adaptation drew even more attention to this riveting read.
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At Reader’s Digest, we’ve been sharing our favorite books for over 100 years. We’ve worked with bestselling authors including Susan Orlean, Janet Evanovich and Alex Haley, whose Pulitzer Prize–winning Roots grew out of a project funded by and originally published in the magazine. Through Fiction Favorites (formerly Select Editions and Condensed Books), Reader’s Digest has been publishing anthologies of abridged novels for decades. We’ve worked with some of the biggest names in fiction, including James Patterson, Ruth Ware, Kristin Hannah and more. The Reader’s Digest Book Club, helmed by Books Editor Tracey Neithercott, introduces readers to even more of today’s best fiction by upcoming, bestselling and award-winning authors. For this piece on the highest-rated books on Goodreads, Pamela Brill tapped her experience as a seasoned journalist specializing in books and a regular contributor to Publishers Weekly to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing, and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
