Hey there, fellow bookworm, If you’re anything like me, your TBR (To Be Read) list is an ever growing beast. You’ve got the classics. The hyped up bestsellers. The ones BookTok won’t stop talking about. But sometimes, in the flood of new releases and must reads, some truly magical books slip through the cracks.
I’m talking about the seriously underrated gems, the books that never get the front table spotlight at bookstores, but leave a lasting imprint on your heart and mind. Books that quietly whisper their brilliance instead of shouting it. Books that deserve so much more love.
So, I’ve put together a list of 7 incredibly powerful, beautifully written, and criminally underrated books that every true book lover should read at least once. These aren’t your average recommendations, no “The Alchemist,” no “Atomic Habits.” Just unique, soul-stirring reads that might just become your next favorite. Ready to fall in love with reading all over again? Find more books to read on these posts.
The Most Overlooked Books of All Time: 7 Must-Reads for Discerning Readers.
1. “The Book of Delights” by Ross Gay
Genre: Essays / Memoir / Mindfulness
This is the kind of book that doesn’t just make you a better reader—it makes you a better human.
Ross Gay, a poet, set out to write a short essay every day about something that delighted him. The result is a year-long journey of quiet joys, unexpected laughter, deep humanity, and raw observations.
There’s no grand plot, no life-changing twist, just a reminder that wonder is everywhere. From the way strangers interact to the moment sunlight hits a window just right, The Book of Delights teaches you how to pay attention again.
Why book lovers will adore it: It’s poetic, reflective, and reminds us of the everyday magic in life. A perfect book to savor slowly, one essay at a time.
2. “The Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Genre: Literary Mystery / Gothic Fiction
This book feels like it was written for book lovers.
Set in post, civil war Barcelona, it follows a boy named Daniel who discovers a forgotten book in the mysterious Cemetery of Forgotten Books. As he searches for other works by the same author, he unravels a story full of secrets, tragedy, obsession, and buried history.
Zafón’s prose is lush and romantic. Every page oozes with atmosphere. It’s a novel about books, about stories, and about the people who protect them, even at great cost.
Why it’s underrated: Though it’s wildly popular in Spain and among literary circles, it still doesn’t get nearly the love it deserves in the mainstream reading world.
3. “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Genre: Nature Writing / Memoir / Indigenous Wisdom
This book is like walking barefoot in the forest with someone who’s equal parts botanist and poet.
Robin Wall Kimmerer, a Native American scientist and ecologist, weaves together stories of plants, ecology, and indigenous traditions in the most lyrical, loving language. It’s a book about reciprocity, about healing the Earth and ourselves by remembering our interconnectedness.
It doesn’t just teach you about plants. It makes you feel your relationship with nature. You’ll never look at a tree or your place in the world, the same way again.
Why book lovers need this: It’s a stunning example of narrative nonfiction done right. For readers who love both knowledge and beauty.
4. “The Ten Thousand Doors of January” by Alix E. Harrow
Genre: Historical Fantasy / Literary Fiction
This novel is a love letter to imagination.
In early 1900s America, January Scaller discovers a mysterious book that hints at the existence of doors to other worlds. As she uncovers more secrets, she realizes she may hold the power to rewrite her own story.
Harrow’s writing is lush, lyrical, and immersive. The book is a celebration of stories as living, breathing things, able to change the world and its people.
Why it deserves more love: Fans of The Starless Sea or Erin Morgenstern will adore this, but it still flies under the radar. It’s whimsical, powerful, and deeply emotional.
5. “The Soul of an Octopus” by Sy Montgomery
Genre: Nature / Memoir / Science
This one took me completely by surprise.
Sy Montgomery explores the intelligence, personality, and emotional depth of octopuses through her visits to aquariums and the friendships she forms with these incredible creatures. It’s a mind-expanding book that challenges the way we think about consciousness and connection.
Even if you’re not usually into science writing, you’ll be captivated by Sy’s wonder-filled storytelling.
Why book lovers should read it: It opens your heart and mind to a new way of seeing other species. It’s also a beautiful reminder of the power of curiosity and compassion.
6. “Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk” by Kathleen Rooney
Genre: Historical Fiction / Literary Fiction
Imagine an 85-year-old woman wandering New York City on New Year’s Eve, reminiscing about her dazzling career, heartbreak, and the ever-changing city around her.
Lillian is smart, sassy, reflective, and fiercely independent. Based on the real-life ad writer Margaret Fishback, she’s a literary heroine you won’t forget. The story unfolds slowly but beautifully, like a vintage photograph coming into focus.
Why this is a hidden gem: Rooney’s prose is quiet and profound, and Lillian is one of the most compelling female protagonists you’ll meet.
7. “The Invention of Morel” by Adolfo Bioy Casares
Genre: Sci-Fi / Philosophical Fiction / Latin American Literature
Now here’s one for the true literary adventurers.
Originally published in 1940, this Argentine novella influenced everyone from Jorge Luis Borges (who wrote the prologue) to modern sci-fi writers. It tells the story of a fugitive on a mysterious island who discovers a bizarre scientific phenomenon, one that challenges the nature of reality and memory.
It’s short, strange, and utterly thought-provoking. Think Black Mirror meets Kafka, wrapped in lush tropical imagery.
Why every book lover should read this: It’s a surreal, philosophical meditation on love, technology, and existence. An intellectual gem that rewards re-reading.
Final Thoughts: Reading Off the Beaten Path
There’s something so magical about discovering a book that hasn’t been overhyped or turned into a Netflix show (yet). A book that finds you, quietly, and becomes something deeply personal.
The seven books above may not sit at the top of every bestseller list, but trust me, they have the power to move, change, and awaken you in ways the most viral titles sometimes don’t.
So next time you’re looking to shake up your reading list, go off the beaten path. Find the weird, the wonderful, the whispered-about books. And maybe, just maybe, one of them will change you forever.
What’s the most underrated book you’ve ever read?
