As we approach the end of 2019, it’s important to look back on the best books of 2019 and all the great times we had reading. No matter the genre, author or plotline, the year was packed with new releases for all kinds of readers and certainly did not disappoint. While we could sit here all day and tell you what our favorite books of the year were, we brought back the She Reads Awards for the second year in a row to learn more about the books you loved in 2019. Now that all the votes have been counted, we bring you the 2019 winners of the annual She Reads Awards – voted by our devoted and beloved readers.

Young Adult Winner

Juliet Takes A Breath by Gabby Rivera

YA writer Gabby Rivera brought readers a powerful novel in 2019 with Juliet Takes A Breath. A queer coming-of-age story, Gabby’s book was loved by Roxane Gay, Elizabeth Acevedo and Samira Ahmed in addition to devoted YA fans and online media outlets. This novel blends humor and humanity in a brilliant way.

Historical Fiction Winner

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Daisy Jones & The Six was everywhere in 2019 and topped ‘best of’ lists all across the internet. In addition to the endless praise and being awarded the best historical fiction book in the 2019 Goodreads Awards, this New York Times bestseller caught the attention of Reese Witherspoon. Currently being adapted as a series on Amazon starring Riley Keough as Daisy Jones, this fantastic book will be available to stream soon.

Romance Winner

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Debut author Casey McQuiston broke onto the scene this year with an LGBTQ+ romance that readers couldn’t stop talking about. This instant New York Times bestselling novel received major love from O Magazine, NPR and Vogue in addition to wonderful blurbs from some of our favorite authors: Taylor Jenkins Reid, Christina Lauren and Julia Whelan. Fans of this novel will be delighted to know that Casey is returning in 2021 with a brand new queer romance.

Thriller Winner

The Whisper Man by Alex North

The Whisper Man had a major debut in 2019, adding to Celadon’s catalog of terrifying thrillers. An instant New York Times bestseller, this book was loved by fellow thriller writer Alex Michaelides (The Silent Patient) stating, “The Whisper Man is the most unsettling thriller I have read since Jo Nesbø’s The Snowman. Much more than the sum of its parts, it is nightmarish and disturbing and, at the same time, a moving and life-affirming novel about fathers and sons, and grief, loss, and recovery.“ This book is a must-read for lovers of thrillers and horrific stories.

Nonfiction Winner

Wild Game: My Mother, Her Lover, and Me by Adrienne Brodeur

This unique memoir follows the life of Adrienne Brodeur and her mother’s scandalous affair. Beloved by People, NPR, O Magazine and a plethora of other online and print media outlets, this book found its way into the hearts of readers everywhere in 2019. A bookstagram favorite and a Book of the Month pick, this nonfiction read is one that will stick with you long after the final page.

*Disclosure: The links above are affiliate links. These picks are editorially selected, but if you purchase, She Reads may get something in return. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.