We’ve all been there. A book wins a major award, gets plastered all over social media, and suddenly—bam!—it’s the book everyone insists you have to read. But if you’ve ever picked up an acclaimed novel only to ask yourself, “Wait… am I missing something?”, you’re not alone.
So when The World’s Best Book Awards dropped this year’s list of Book of Excellence winners, I approached them with equal parts excitement and skepticism. I mean—award-winning is nice, but is it actually worth your time?
Here’s my honest, reader-first breakdown of five of the winners. Spoiler: some dazzled, some confused, and one totally stole my heart.
- Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Verdict: Still magic. Still worth it.
You might wonder: why is a book that came out ages ago getting a fresh round of praise? Simple—it holds up. Scratch that, it soars. Riordan’s first Percy Jackson novel isn’t just a lightning-fast adventure—it’s a love letter to misfits, myth, and growing up feeling a little “other.” Whether it’s your first time or a nostalgic reread, this one earns its spot. Timeless fun with soul.
If Greek gods, snarky teen heroes, and heartfelt lessons in loyalty appeal to you? Don’t skip it.
- Punch Line by Richard A. Danzig
Verdict: Funny, yes—but you might wince a little too.
Ever laughed and then immediately questioned yourself? That’s this book. On the surface, it’s a sharp satire about stand-up culture, but underneath? It’s poking at deeper discomforts—cancel culture, social masks, the cost of saying what others won’t.
Is it for everyone? Probably not. But if you like your fiction with edge, awkward tension, and a little meta self-awareness, this one’s a ride worth taking.
Just prepare to squirm between chuckles.
- Believe Nothing, Know Nothing by Jean-Claude Koven
Verdict: A vibe, not a plot. Proceed accordingly.
Do you need to understand every book you read? If so, maybe steer clear. But if you’re okay floating through existential fog, soaking in poetic weirdness, and asking yourself, “Wait… was that profound or nonsense?”—this book might hit you in that beautifully chaotic corner of your brain.
Some readers will call it genius. Others will say it’s a fever dream. Both might be right.
- The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall
Verdict: Like a warm hug in book form.
Don’t underestimate the quiet ones. In a sea of heavy-hitting drama and literary experimentation, The Penderwicks is a return to the kind of storytelling that feels… safe. Not boring—safe. Familiar. Comforting. The kind of book you want to curl up with on a rainy day with tea and no urgency.
It’s not trying to reinvent anything. It’s just being exactly what it is. And honestly? That’s refreshing.
- Golden by S.S. Turner
Verdict: More thoughtful than flashy—but worth the walk.
At first glance, it’s a man-in-the-wilderness tale. But the real journey? It’s internal. This is a meditative book, layered with themes of identity, belonging, and reconciling who we were with who we are.
It’s not a page-turner in the traditional sense—but if you’ve ever stood at a crossroads in your life and asked, “Now what?”, this book will resonate. Quietly powerful.
So… Why These Books?
These five titles were among the recent winners of the Book of Excellence—a key category in The World’s Best Book Awards, part of The World’s Best Awards by The World’s Best Magazine’s broader celebration of global creativity and culture. The awards aim to recognize books with originality, quality, and real-world resonance.
And while “award-winning” is a powerful label, this experience reminded me: no list or jury can decide what truly sticks with you. Sometimes the real magic isn’t in the prestige—it’s in the personal connection you make along the way.
Would I recommend all five? Not necessarily to everyone. But each one gave me something unexpected. And in a world full of predictable reads, that alone might be worth your time.
