If you’re a book lover, you’re probably well-acquainted with best seller lists and the most awarded books.

But, for one reason or another, many excellent books actually fail to make it to these lists while still being compelling and worthy reads. If you are curious or want to explore lesser known books, this post is for you! 

12 Underrated Books More People Should Read 

Check out this list of under-appreciated books that more book lovers should read. Some of these are written by well-known authors, but for whatever reason remain in the shadows of the authors’ more prominent works. Give them a try! 

1. Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata

This Newbery Medal-winning young adult novel follows the lives of two sisters, who are daughters of Japanese immigrants. In this story, you’ll find yourself immersed in one adversity after another thrown at this family. The book revolves around the Japanese concept of “Kira-Kira,” which means every cloud always has a silver lining.  

2. Spider in a Tree by Susan Stinton 

This novel tells the story of Jonathan Edwards, a theologian of the 18th century. Stinton effectively weaves a tale of faith while also exploring little details surrounding Edwards’ world—even something as inconsequential as, you guessed it, spiders. 

3. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein 

This interesting tale, told from the perspective of a dog, is also a story of growth, love, and strength. It explores the unexplainable bond between animal-lovers and their beloved pets. Despite its low number of awards, if you are an animal-lover or are curious about someone who is, you will surely love the descriptive language and emotional plot. 

4. Road to Memphis by Mildred Taylor 

After Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, readers can follow Cassie Logan’s struggles with being black in a white-led society in Let the Circle Be Unbroken. Finally, in this lesser-known continuation, Cassie is almost all grown up, but the stakes for being black and hurting a white man continue to escalate. In this heart-stopping novel, follow Cassie’s group as they try to help a black friend escape from being hanged. 

5. The Lost Prince by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Which book lover hasn’t heard of or read The Secret Garden and Little Lord Fauntleroy? But this novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett is an equally, if not more, compelling read, following the life of a family of loyal Samavians waiting to overthrow a cruel dictator. Stefan Loristan trains his son Marco for the time when he can be of use for a secret mission. 

6. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart 

This young adult novel follows the life of four gifted children who form “The Mysterious Benedict Society.” Constance Contraire, Kate Wetherall, Reynie Muldoon, and Sticky Washington set off on one adventure after another and solve problems other kid would only dream of. 

7. Money! Oh Money! by Eleanor Porter 

Although best known for the classic tale Pollyanna, Eleanor Porter actually wrote plenty more novels and short stories. This interesting look at how rich relatives can leave a legacy of wealth follows the side-splitting antics that occur when a rich bachelor decides to test the people he intends to include in his will—by showing up right in their midst as a witness to how they spend a big sum of money. 

8. A Long Fatal Love Chase by Louisa May Alcott 

Another famous classic writer, Louisa May Alcott is best known for her story of the four March sisters in Little Women and its sequels, Good Wives, Little Men, and Jo’s Boys. But in 1866, she penned this tale of Rose, a woman who leaves an abusive, mentally ill husband and tries to build a new life in a new city. 

9. Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis 

Better known for The Chronicles of Narnia and The Space Trilogy, C.S. Lewis wrote on the myth of Cupid and Psyche for his last completed novel. Told from the perspective of Psyche’s disfigured sister Orual, we explore Orual’s obsession with her sister and her consequent pain when Psyche is sent off to Cupid. 

10. The Wasp Factory by Iain Banks 

Scottish author Iain Banks takes a disturbing look into the thought process of 16-year-old Frank Cauldhame, who murdered three people for different reasons. 

11. Little, Big by John Crowley 

This fantasy, set in postmodern times, follows Smokey Barnable as he travels on foot to a fantasy location called Edgewood, where he will fulfill the prophecy of marrying Daily Alice Drinkawater. 

12. The Brendan Voyage by Tim Severin 

Skeptical of historical accounts of the Irish St. Brendan, who wrote about traveling to America by leather boat, Tim Severin and his team set out to prove whether it was possible the only way they know how: to recreate the boat using materials and techniques used in the 6th century AD. Can a vessel made of ox hides stitched in a patchwork over a frame of wood survive the Atlantic storms?

Finding Underrated Books to Enjoy 

Perhaps this is the best example of the old adage, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Or should we say, “Don’t judge a book by its awards”? In any case, getting connected with bookworm communities or groups is a great way of finding new books to read.

Alternatively, try out one of the books from this list, or explore other books written by someone whose work you’ve already enjoyed. Chances are, you will find a gem somewhere that you can’t resist sharing with your friends and family! 

Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comments below!

 

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