Fiction
From Sally Rooney’s Intermezzo to Alan Hollinghurst’s Our Evenings, Percival Everett’s James and a host of inventive debuts – Justine Jordan picks this year’s highlights in fiction.
Children’s books
Imogen Russell-Williams gets lost in a fox’s quest; plus snowman magic, a wily genie and cookery from around the world in new children’s fiction from Oliver Jeffers, Maggie O’Farrell and more.
Young adult books
Perilous journeys, a crocodile god’s curse, Lord of the Flies as a graphic novel and a new Holly Jackson mystery … Imogen Russell-Williams chooses five of the best books for teenage readers.
Crime and thrillers
Laura Wilson’s pick of the year’s page-turners, including a 25th outing for Ian Rankin’s Rebus, a return for John le Carré’s Smiley, and dark, disturbing encounters in the woods.
Science fiction and fantasy
From a post-apocalyptic dystopia to a brilliant time-travel debut, a far-future take on humanity and more – Adam Roberts picks five of the best science fiction and fantasy books.
Translated fiction
An indigenous epic, macabre short stories from Spain, Aztec adventures and a new novel from International Booker winner Lucas Rijneveld – five of the best books in translation picked by John Self.
Romance
Wedding mayhem, a story of lifelong love and fake‑relationship comedy are among Jenny Colgan’s top five romantic novels of the year.
Biography and memoir
Salman Rushdie’s account of his near-fatal stabbing, a 360-degree view of Queen Elizabeth II and Al Pacino’s rags to riches career are among this year’s most compelling personal histories, chosen by Fiona Sturges.
Science and nature
Life on Mars, the magic of trees, the genius of Marie Curie, and the moving story of a heart transplant are among the subjects to come under the microscope in this year’s best science books, chosen by Anjana Ahuja.
Sport
Tales of Ohio hoop dreams, Joseph O’Neill’s football-accented new novel and the effect of the climate crisis on sport are among Emma John’s top five sports books.
Ideas
Richard Dawkins’s greatest hits, the diaries of a sociopath and a history of the gut are among Steven Poole’s pick of the year’s best books about ideas.
Poetry
The joy of house parties, an email to an estate agent, tales from a billionaire’s dolls and Caleb Femi’s second collection are among Rishi Dastidar’s poetry books of the year.
Graphic novel
Arthurian legend, dark family secrets, monsters, princesses and a Russian detective in this year’s best graphic novels, chosen by James Smart.
Music
From stories of queer artists reshaping the pop landscape to an insider’s view of Tupac and Biggie, the highlights of a tuneful year are chosen by Alexis Petridis.
Food
From delicious Singaporean street food to everything you’ve ever wanted to know about capers, Bee Wilson picks five of the best food books of the year.
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