Booksology My reasons for these choices lie in three rough categories. Because I think they might win the award. Because I think they might be popular.
Start with the awards and the best possibilities.
Stag Dance: Novel & Story by Torrey Peters: Detransition, Baby was such a significant and popular hit, so I think this follow-up will have the opportunity to make the best list. Additionally, you get the multiplier of a short story.
Ten Incarnations of Rebellion by Vaishnavi Patel: Kaikeyi was another respected and popular title. (I just finished reading it last night and it’s great.)
Parabar by Brian Washington: I stole this choice from an episode of the podcast. Because reasoning makes sense to me. Brian Washington is a beloved literary fiction writer, so this is likely to attract critical attention.
Sunburn by Chloe Michelle Howarth: This is a UK release, currently available in North America, and feels like a cool girl book that could explode on Tiktok or make a best list.
Disappointed by Nicola Dinan: Bellies was on some big best lists in 2023, so I hope this does the same in 2025.
Emperor of Joy by Ocean Vuong: This is probably the safest bet for me in the award category, as Ocean Vuong is such a decorated literary writer.
So let’s talk about my choices for the Bestseller/Goodreads Choice Awards category.
Buriing bones in the midnight soil by Ve Schwab: Ve Schwab is a popular author and this is a book about toxic lesbian vampires. I couldn’t resist.
Vibe by Taylor Jenkins Reed: somehow, did I just find this to be a strange book? Obviously, Evelyn Hugo’s seven husbands were one of the most popular and famous queer books ever written, so this had to be included.
The Hungry Saint by Caitlin Sterling: I have a bumpy relationship with Caitlin Sterling’s book. One rated 5 stars. One rated 2 stars. But this medieval horror of the sufficient sound. I’m shocked if it’s not the first round of the Goodreads Choice Awards in the horror category at least.
The Keeper of Magic Things by Julie Leon: Cozy Fantasy is still very popular, and this looks like a perfect example. The small property teller did quite well, so I hope this follow-up follows in his footsteps.
And finally, there are some options I know that I’m probably not reasonable, but I’m rooting for them so I couldn’t stand cutting them.
Awakened by Ae Osworth: You can read my full review of this fantasy novel about the Transwitch’s deal to fight evil AI, but it’s enough to say it was a 5 star.
Pity for the Wild Girls: A Stories by Demree McGhee: This collection of short stories is perfect for fans of Carmen Maria Machado. It deserves to win awards and create a best list, but it comes from a small press so I don’t know if that should be a warning. Meanwhile, I got some multipliers as it is a debut short collection from an indie publisher.
