17 Underrated Books That Deserve More Attention
Some books linger under the radar for no good reason, hidden gems waiting to be plucked from the shelves and appreciated for all their wit, wisdom, and warmth. These aren’t just any page-turners—they’re stories that’ll surprise you with their brilliance, charm, and depth. If you’re looking to branch out and find a read that hasn’t been on every bestseller list, here’s a list of 17 underrated books that deserve a spotlight and a cozy spot on your bookshelf.
1. Stoner by John Williams
This novel isn’t about what you might think. Stoner is a quiet masterpiece chronicling the life of a humble English professor, William Stoner, whose story feels as vast and epic as any grand adventure. It’s about failure, love, duty, and the strange nobility of just existing. Written with a deeply human touch, the book turns the mundane into the profound, revealing life’s tragedies and triumphs in equal measure. It’s heartbreaking in a way that’s somehow both ordinary and unforgettable.
2. Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin
Baldwin’s Giovanni’s Room is a slim, beautifully written book that tackles themes of love, identity, and shame with masterful precision. It’s a tale of forbidden love and self-discovery set in 1950s Paris. The story centers around an American man’s romance with an Italian bartender, exploring inner conflicts with both grace and tragedy. Baldwin’s writing glows with intensity, making every page feel like poetry. This book is often overshadowed by his other works but is well worth a read for anyone looking to be challenged and captivated.
3. The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Dark academia owes a lot to this moody, atmospheric thriller about a group of classics students with a penchant for murder. Told in hindsight, The Secret History follows the moral unraveling of the narrator and his elite friends as they spiral out of control. It’s cerebral, tense, and deliciously dark, full of characters who are flawed but fascinating. While not completely unknown, it deserves even more fans because it’s as gripping today as it was when published in the ’90s. Perfect for anyone who wants an intellectual thriller that’s more than skin-deep.
4. The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov
Imagine the devil comes to Moscow in the 1930s and causes a glorious ruckus—that’s The Master and Margarita. Bulgakov’s novel is surreal, satirical, and just a little chaotic, blending dark humor and philosophical musings with supernatural elements. It’s not a straightforward read, but that’s part of its charm. The book offers a wild ride, critiquing politics, love, and the nature of good and evil with wit and absurdity. It’s an under-the-radar classic, but one you won’t forget.
5. Passing by Nella Larsen
Long before people were openly talking about race, Nella Larsen wrote Passing, a haunting novel about two women who “pass” as white but take vastly different paths in life. Set during the Harlem Renaissance, it explores complex themes of race, identity, and friendship with a modern sensibility that feels ahead of its time. Larsen’s prose is crisp, her insights cutting, and her characters richly nuanced. It’s short but powerful, and it feels strikingly relevant today.
6. Tenth of December by George Saunders
George Saunders is a master of the short story, and Tenth of December is a shining example of his quirky, empathetic storytelling style. Each tale offers a bizarre but heartwarming snapshot of humanity, capturing a range of emotions from absurd humor to soul-wrenching sadness. Saunders blends sharp social commentary with surreal twists, creating a collection that’s both profound and playful. This book may not always get the spotlight, but it’s a must-read for anyone who appreciates the art of the short story.
7. Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann
While this book might be written off as a guilty pleasure, Valley of the Dolls is a surprisingly deep examination of fame, addiction, and the pursuit of happiness. Following three women navigating the cutthroat world of showbiz, the novel explores the cost of ambition and the dark side of success. It’s campy, glamorous, and tragic, full of memorable characters and melodrama. Though popular in its time, it often gets sidelined in serious literary circles. It’s a fascinating look at fame that’s as relevant as ever.
8. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
This Spanish novel is a love letter to books themselves, a gothic mystery, and a romance all rolled into one. Set in post-war Barcelona, it follows a young boy who discovers a mysterious book and begins uncovering its author’s tragic story. Zafón creates an atmosphere rich with intrigue, transporting readers to a time and place so vivid you can practically smell the musty paper. This book may not be on everyone’s radar, but it’s a feast for any book lover.
9. The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach
More than a baseball novel, The Art of Fielding examines the complexities of friendship, ambition, and failure. Centering around a college baseball player whose potential collapse triggers a chain of events, it’s a story about striving and stumbling, told with warmth and humor. Harbach’s writing draws you in, making even the most unathletic reader invested in the game. If you enjoy character-driven stories with big hearts, this book deserves your attention.
10. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
This coming-of-age story set in early 1900s Brooklyn might look like a straightforward tale, but it’s a raw, tender exploration of poverty, resilience, and hope. The protagonist, Francie Nolan, grows up dreaming of a better life while navigating the harsh realities of her environment. Smith’s portrayal of struggle and aspiration feels timeless, capturing the universal yearning for something more. It’s a simple but powerful read, too often overlooked in modern discussions of classic literature.
11. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Americanah is a fresh, sharp look at race, immigration, and identity through the eyes of a young Nigerian woman who moves to America. Adichie’s wit and insight make the book both humorous and thought-provoking, taking on complex topics with grace and clarity. It’s part love story, part social commentary, and wholly engaging from start to finish. This novel deserves a louder shoutout for its brilliant perspective on the immigrant experience and modern life.
12. The Enchanted by Rene Denfeld
Set in a death row prison, The Enchanted is as dark as it sounds, but it’s also achingly beautiful and filled with empathy. Denfeld writes from multiple perspectives, including a prisoner, a death row investigator, and a guard, capturing the humanity of even the most condemned souls. It’s haunting, poetic, and full of unexpected moments of beauty. This is a tough but rewarding read that lingers in your mind long after you finish it.
13. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
A magical duel disguised as a circus? Sign us up. The Night Circus is an enchanting, slow-burn fantasy filled with rich descriptions, unique characters, and an atmosphere that’s as mysterious as it is mesmerizing. Morgenstern’s writing creates a world so vivid it practically shimmers off the page. While it has a cult following, it still deserves wider recognition for its creativity and charm. It’s an escape into wonder, perfect for anyone with a taste for the fantastical.
14. Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Hurston’s novel about a woman’s journey to self-realization is a classic that still feels fresh and empowering. Following Janie Crawford’s search for independence and identity, it’s a beautiful exploration of love, loss, and resilience. Hurston’s prose is lyrical, capturing both the beauty and brutality of life in the South. Though often studied in classrooms, it’s a story that deserves a wider audience for its emotional depth and poetic style.
15. A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
For anyone in need of a laugh, A Confederacy of Dunces is a satirical gem that’ll have you chuckling (or cringing) on nearly every page. Ignatius J. Reilly, the protagonist, is a pompous, eccentric character whose antics in New Orleans form a hilarious, absurd narrative. It’s a novel filled with outrageous characters and sharp wit, poking fun at human folly with skill and precision. This one’s a hidden classic that deserves every bit of its cult status.
16. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Eleanor Oliphant is awkward, socially isolated, and utterly hilarious in her observations about the world. This book dives into loneliness, trauma, and the slow process of healing, blending humor with serious themes in a way that’s both moving and entertaining. It’s a story about kindness, resilience, and the importance of connection, told through a character who’s as endearing as she is complex. A relatively recent release, it deserves even more love for its charm and humanity.
17. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
A.J. Fikry is a grumpy bookstore owner whose life takes an unexpected turn when a mysterious package arrives on his doorstep. This novel is a love letter to books, bookshops, and the power of literature to heal and transform. Zevin crafts a cozy, heartwarming tale full of literary references and quirky characters. It’s an uplifting read that celebrates the joy of reading, and if you haven’t picked it up yet, it’s high time to do so.
