Giving and receiving a compliment can go a long way, especially if you’re an author touting the work of a fellow writer! From mystery to memoir, these books cover every genre by critically acclaimed writers. See a few of our favorite compliments between one author and another, from Sandra Cisternos to Julia Alverez, Taylor Jenkins Reid to Andy Weir, and many more.

“Kathryn Schulz has a singular way of turning a familiar idea around and around until it becomes cosmic, geological, wondrous. In Lost & Found she turns a memoir of love and death into an exploration of the way chance becomes fate and grief intertwines with gratitude. To read her is to be quietly amazed at hidden depths and histories—as if you were to discover a map of a continent written in the palm of your hand.”

— Jia Tolentino, author of Trick Mirror

“A novel so seamless, that follows its path with such consequence, that even minor deviations seem loaded with meaning. Wonderful.”

— Karl Ove Knausgaard, author of The Morning Star

“Warm, fuzzy, and ridiculously cute, The Fastest Way to Fall is the perfect feel-good read. Britta is an absolute breath of fresh air, and Wes is everything I love in a romantic lead. It’s been weeks since I read this book, and I still smile every time I think about it. If you’re looking for a novel that feels like a hug, this is it!”

— Emily Henry, author of People We Meet on Vacation

“Andy Weir proves once again that he is a singular talent. Project Hail Mary is so fascinating and propulsive that it’s downright addictive. From the first page as Ryland wakes up not knowing who or where he is, I was hooked.”

— Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of Malibu Rising

“I was moved to tears, not of sadness but of joy. The sisters Mirabal continue to live as long as women like Julia Alvarez are brave enough to tell their story.”

― Sandra Cisneros, author of Martita, I Remember You

“A rapturous exploration of Black genius . . . Whether heralding unsung entertainers or reexamining legends, Hanif Abdurraqib weaves together gorgeous essays that reveal the resilience, heartbreak, and joy within Black performance. I read this book breathlessly.”

— Brit Bennett, author of The Vanishing Half

“Bath Haus is riveting: a gripping thriller about how quickly a life can unravel after a single bad decision. P. J. Vernon deftly reminds us that the terrifying traumas from childhood are often but a prelude to the nightmares we will walk into as adults. This book is stylish, smart, and scary as hell.”

— Chris Bohjalian, author of Hour of the Witch

“I loved every one of these vibrant, sharply-observed stories that explore the complexities of friendship, love, lust, youth and identity. Jean Chen Ho’s writing is spiky, surprising and funny, suffused with wit and sadness. On top of all that, she writes about southern California with specificity and insight, mapping corners of it that I haven’t seen before in fiction. A striking debut from a very talented writer.”

— Charles Yu, author of Interior Chinatown