Margaret Atwood, Stephen King, Rick Riordan among winners of Goodreads' best books of 2019
![Portrait of Mary Cadden](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/970d5f435eca8537f688321a3f2efb06f65ef3cc/c=0-100-600-700/local/-/media/2018/11/09/USATODAY/USATODAY/636773766477133656-mcadden.png?width=48&height=48&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Read any good books lately? Well the readers of Goodreads have.
For the 11th year, Goodreads has compiled its list of best books of the year in the Goodreads Choice Awards. More than 4.6 million of the more than 90 million users voted on their favorite reads for 2019 in 20 categories, including fiction, nonfiction, mystery, fantasy, horror and young adult.
“It’s the biggest thrill to present the winners of the Goodreads Annual Choice Awards, the only major book awards decided by readers," says Danny Feekes, managing editor of Goodreads.com. "It’s been such a delight to see what has resonated with our readers this year.”
Several rounds of voting began in early November, with books initially chosen by Goodreads and, in later rounds, write-in options from members. In the final round, nominees were whittled down to 10 books (from 20) in each category, and members voted on each category's winner.
The best books of the year, according to Goodreads members are:
Check out: USA TODAY's weekly Best-selling Booklist
Best fiction book
"The Testaments" by Margaret Atwood
One of the winners of this year's Booker Prize, the book begins 15 years after Offred stepped into the unknown in "The Handmaid's Tale." According to Atwood, "everything you've ever asked me about Gilead and its inner workings is the inspiration for this book."
More:Sequel to 'The Handmaid's Tale,' Margaret Atwood's 'The Testaments,' well worth the wait
Best mystery & thriller book
"The Silent Patient" by Alex Michaelides
Alicia Berenson’s seemingly perfect life comes to a halt when she shoots her fashion-photographer husband in the face five times and then stops speaking completely. Why?
Best historical fiction book
"Daisy Jones & The Six" by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The novel follows Daisy Jones from huge success with her band in the 1970s to their eventual breakup. Reese Witherspoon's book club selected the book as its March 2019 pick.
Best fantasy book
"Ninth House" by Leigh Bardugo
Galaxy “Alex” Stern has been offered a free ride to Yale due to her magical ability to see ghosts.
More:'Shadow and Bone' author Leigh Bardugo makes adult debut in dark fantasy 'Ninth House'
Best romance book
"Red, White & Royal Blue" by Casey McQuiston
Alex Claremont-Diaz, the son of the American president, develops a relationship with Henry, the Prince of Wales.
Best memoir & autobiography book
"Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love" by Jonathan Van Ness
Best known as the grooming expert on the Netflix series "Queer Eye," the hairdresser and personality, Van Ness pens his memoir and shares stories of growing up gay in a small Midwestern town and transforming pain into self-acceptance and positivity.
More:Jonathan Van Ness reveals he's HIV-positive, opens up about past sexual abuse in memoir
Best science fiction book
"Recursion" by Blake Crouch
A neuroscientist and a New York City cop are the world’s only chance of defeating a new scourge known as False Memory Syndrome.
Best history & biography book
"The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper" by Hallie Rubenhold
Many books have been written about Jack the Ripper; this one looks at the five women he killed – Polly, Annie, Elizabeth, Catherine and Mary-Jane – and tells their stories.
Best graphic novels and comics
"Pumpkinheads" By Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks
Deja and Josia are seasonal best friend who must face the realization that this is their last season together at the pumpkin patch.
Best horror book
"The Institute" by Stephen King
Twelve-year-old genius Luke Ellis gets whisked away in the middle of the night and taken to the Institute, where psychic kids are being held captive to save the world.
More:Stephen King's new novel 'The Institute' mines familiar ground with psychic kids in duress
Best poetry book
"Shout" by Laurie Halse Anderson
A poetry memoir from the author of "Speak," featuring personal stories and reflections written in verse.
Best debut novel
"Red, White & Royal Blue" by Casey McQuiston
Alex Claremont-Diaz, the son of the American president, develops a relationship with Henry, the Prince of Wales.
Best humor book
"Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets & Advice for Living Your Best Life" by Ali Wong
Written as a series of letters to her daughters, the comedian writes of her youth, sexual exploits and her life as a wife and mother.
More:Ali Wong talks parenthood, gets vulnerable before release of uproariously funny book, 'Dear Girls'
Best science & technology book
"Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs?: Big Questions from Tiny Mortals About Death" by Caitlin Doughty
Funeral director Caitlin Doughty answers questions about death, dead bodies and decomposition from kids.
Best food & cookbooks
"Antoni in the Kitchen" by Antoni Porowski
A collection of simple recipes from the "Queer Eye" food and wine expert that includes personal anecdotes.
More:'Queer Eye' host Antoni Porowski dishes (get it?) on new cookbook, love and Taylor Swift
Best nonfiction book
"Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals" by Rachel Hollis
The author, podcaster, motivational speaker and mom of four encourages readers to live their life to their full potential.
More:5 powerful, butt-kicking tips from Rachel Hollis' new book 'Girl, Stop Apologizing'
Best young adult fiction book
"Five Feet Apart" By Rachael Lippincott
Teens Stella Grant and Will Newman fall for each other despite the fact that health issues cause them to stay apart.
Best young adult fantasy & science fiction book
"The Wicked King" by Holly Black
Jude must align herself with the wicked king, Cardan, to protect her brother in this sequel to "The Cruel Prince."
Best middle grade & children’s book
"The Tyrant’s Tomb" by Rick Riordan
Apollo finds himself having to face an evil trio of Roman emperors as he reclaims his godly powers in the fourth book in "The Trials of Apollo" series.
Best picture book
"A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: The Poetry of Mister Rogers" by Fred Rogers and Luke Flowers
An illustrated collection of 75 songs from "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" and "The Children's Corner."
Exclusive cover reveal:First look at Mister Rogers picture book bio, 'Hello, Neighbor!'
A list including all the final nominees can be found here.