Fiction Books About Books
I have always loved the idea of books about books. When I started going through my list, I realized I had too many to put on one list! So, I decided to put all my favorite fiction books about books in one place.
Kirsten and I love reading books about books. There is something so special about this subgenre of books. This list includes only our favorite fiction books, but if you are looking for a little bit of everything, you can check out our ultimate list of books about books.
Books are such an important way to tell stories. In its own way, each of these books is a tribute to the art of storytelling and to the written word.
The Best Fiction Books About Books
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Best Fiction Book About Books
Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller- Jump to Section
Best Fiction Books About Book Stores
The Storied Life of A.J Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin- Jump to Section
Best Fiction Books About Publishing
Less by Andrew Sean Greer- Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Fiction Books About Books
Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books
Author: Kirsten Miller
Year: 2024
Genre: Fiction
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Beverly Underwood is on the school board, and Lulu Dean, her arch-nemesis, has made it her mission to rid the public library of inappropriate books. Instead, she creates her lending library filled with books that she feels are more appropriate.
However, she does not know that someone has replaced the books inside the dust jacket with literary classics, witch books, LGBTQ+ romances, and more. The truth comes out when Beverly and Lulu are running against each other for the town Mayor.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a book that deals with so many issues all through the lens of books. It is hilarious and laugh-out-loud without feeling empty. I wanted to yell and cheer for the characters. It is a wonderful must-read book.
Find this book in: Books About Books / Best New Fiction Books of 2024 / Books About Libraries and Librarians / Fiction Books About Books
Jane and Dan at the End of the World
Author: Colleen Oakley
Year: 2025
Genre: Fiction
More info: A Most Anticipated Book of 2025
Age Range:16+
Plot
Jane and Dan have been married for 19 years but their marriage is failing. Jane is pretty sure Dan is cheating on her as well. When the two go out for dinner at an upscale restaurant, they are taken hostage by a climate activist group.
The strangest part is that everything the terrorists do is directly out of Jane’s failed book which sold less than 200 copies. Only she and Dan know what is going to happen next so it is up to them to save everyone.
Why Jackie loves it
This book is such an interesting look at marriage while being hilarious at the same time. I laughed out loud at certain moments. It is also a look at parenthood and the changes that come as we get older and our kids get older as well.
Find this book in: March 2025 Book Releases / Fiction Books About Books
Hell of a Book
Author: Jason Mott
Year: 2021
Genre: Literary Fiction
More info: July 2021 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 15+
Plot
There are so many layers to this book that is a book about a fictional author and his book “Hell of a Book”. I can see why Jenna chose this book as her July 2021 pick.
The novel tells the story of Soot- a young black boy in a rural town. As we hear the story of Soot we also have the author talking to “The Kid”, a young black boy who may or may not be invisible.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, police brutality, child death
Why Jackie loves it
The description of the book does not do it justice. It is a powerful and poignant commentary on family, children, and the lengths that parents will go to to protect their children. This book is haunting.
Find this book in: Best Books of 2021 / Ultimate List of Contemporary Fiction / Best Read With Jenna Books / Read With Jenna Book Club List 2021 / Fiction Books About Books
Plot
This newest contemporary fiction book from Jamie Brenner is a departure from her previous books, which have all been set in coastal towns. This story takes place in a vineyard!
Three generations of women must come together to save the family home and livelihood by having the failing vineyard. This would not be an easy task on any day; they are also fighting against sexism and the belief that a woman’s role is elsewhere. Vivian, Leah, and Sadie must each confront their pasts and their own demons in order to come together.
Why Kirsten loves it
The intergenerational book club in this story was my favorite part! I loved the multiple layers of mother-daughter drama and the satisfying conclusion to all the women’s problems.
Find this book in: Fiction Books about Wine / Fiction Books About Books / Books About Book Clubs
Fiction Books About Book Stores and Libraries
The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry
Author: Gabrielle Zevin
Year: 2014
Genre: Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The recent death of his wife, bad book sales, and the recent robbery of a rare book is wreaking havoc on his life. But this tale of redemption and unexpected chances has a serious soul.
Trigger Warnings
Cancer, Suicide
Why Jackie loves it
This lovely story about a bookstore and its owner will capture your heart. A.J. Fikry is like a bookstore version of Ove in all the right ways, except A.J. is only in his thirties.
Find this book in: Books Like a Man Called Ove / Books About Bookstores / Fiction Books About Books / Books About Books
Plot
The story features a floating book apothecary whose owner can meet you and give you a story meant for your soul. When he needs to help his own soul, he sets his boat adrift on the Seine to see where it will take him.
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved every minute of this lovely contemporary fiction book. I read it before Jackie and am so glad that I was the one to recommend this book to her. The entire premise of this book is delightful.
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of my favorite books set in Paris and also one of my favorite books ever. The idea of a literary apothecary plays a big part in what Beyond the Bookends aims to do- Match people with books!
Find this book in: Books Set in Paris / Books Set in France / Ultimate List of 35+ Feel-Good Books / The Ultimate List of Books About Books / Best Books in Translation / Books About Bookstores / Fiction Books About Books
The Bookshop on the Corner
Author: Jenny Colgan
Year: 2016
Genre: Fiction
More info: The Bookshop on the Corner #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This contemporary fiction book was the first book I read by Jenny Colgan and is different from her others. It is not centered around food but rather, books.
When Nina, a librarian, finds herself without a job, she embarks on a journey with a mobile bookshop in Scotland. There is nothing not to love in this sweet and cozy book.
Why Kirsten loves it
If you are ever in a reading slump, please pick up this story! I felt like I was with Nina, puttering around the lanes of Scotland in her bookmobile. The romance in the story was charming as well! This remains my favorite Jenny Colgan story.
Find this book in: The Best Jenny Colgan Books Ranked / Novels About Scotland / Books About Books / Books about Bookstores / British Books / Fiction Books About Books
Mr. Penumbra’s 24 Hour Book Store
Author: Robin Sloan
Year: 2012
Genre: Fiction
More info: Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore #1, New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This was a light and enjoyable magical realism book. When Clay takes a job in a bookstore, he thinks he will be selling books. He doesn’t realize that the “wayback” of the store is more like a library to an elite group of readers. Mr. Penumbra’s bookstore is exactly the type of store that you will never want to leave.
Why Kirsten loves it
This book was not what I was expecting. There was a lot more mystery and action than I thought and a little more magic as well. The characters developed and changed and the story moved quickly.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a book about a bookstore which is always something to love, but this book has puzzles to solve before you can understand why the bookstore is so special.
Find this book in: Books About Puzzles / Books About Bookstores / Books About Secret Societies
The Library of Lost and Found
Author: Phaedra Patrick
Year: 2019
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Age Range: 16+
Plot
When librarian Martha Storm finds a book of fairytales on her doorstep, she is intrigued so she opens it up. When she reads the dedication written to her by her grandmother who had died three years before the inscription, she is inspired to find answers. Martha uncovers secrets in her past that will change her life as she knows it.
Why Jackie loves it
This was such a fun read. It is part fiction and part mystery as Martha follows clues to her past. It was such an easy and quick book to read; I loved it.
Find this book in: Books About Libraries / Fiction Books About Books
Fiction Books About Publishing
Less
Author: Andrew Sean Greer
Year: 2017
Genre: Fiction
More info: Winner of the Pulitzer Prize
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range:16+
Plot
More about a writer than a book, specifically, this Pulitzer Prize-winning contemporary fiction LGBTQ book is full of heart. When Andrew Less gets an invitation to his ex-boyfriend’s wedding and his publisher drops his next book option, he decides to accept every literary event invitation for a year.
As he travels around the world, we are left rooting for him to sort out his life and begin again.
Trigger Warnings
Infidelity, homophobia
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a book about books you will not want to miss. Greer writes with such heart. This is not a book you will want to put down.
Find this book in: The Ultimate List of Books About Books / Fiction Books About Books
The Editor
Author: Steven Rowley
Year: 2019
Genre: Fiction
More info: Bestselling author of Lily and the Octopus and The Guncle
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
At its heart, this is a book about James Smale and his amazing and complicated relationship with his mother. When James finally sells his book and goes to meet his editor, it is none other than Jackie O.
She forces him to look into himself and answer the questions that he didn’t know to ask. This is one of those books that will stay with you.
Why Jackie loves it
I absolutely adored this book. Rowley is amazing at writing about complex relationships. The emotions are so clear and raw, that they jump from the page while the story builds quietly. This is such a great book club book because there is so much to discuss.
Find this book in: The Best Books of 2019 / Fiction Books About Books / Novels About Publishing
Expert Tip
If you love reading, then you will love these fiction books about books.
- Have a look at the book description. There are some great descriptions of the plot and why we liked these books. This can be a great way to help you pick a book you will love.
- Did Kirsten or Jackie read the book? This may be a good way for you to determine if you are going to like it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best fiction books about books?
This is a very hard question to answer since there are so many fantastic books in the subgenre. These are some books you must read.
1. Less by Andrew Sean Greer
2. The Storied Life of A.J Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
2. The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George
4. Lula Deans Little Library of Banned Books by Kristin Miller
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Epilogue
What is your favorite Book about Books? Did I include your favorite? If not, I would love another book to add to my TBR.
