7 Books That Surprised Me With How Good They Were

In a world overflowing with books, it's easy to become jaded—assuming the best reads are only the most hyped, most reviewed, or most recommended by bestseller lists. But every now and then, we stumble upon a book that exceeds all expectations. These are the hidden gems, the underdogs, or even the classics we didn’t expect to enjoy—but ended up reshaping our thinking, moving us deeply, or entertaining us beyond belief.

Below is a list of 7 books that surprised me with how good they were. Whether you're a seasoned reader or someone just looking for your next great read, these titles will not disappoint.

1. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library is a deeply introspective novel that explores regret, mental health, and the meaning of life through a uniquely imaginative premise. Nora Seed, facing despair, enters a liminal library where each book represents a different life she could have lived. What could’ve been a gimmick becomes a profound exploration of choices and acceptance. With lyrical prose and emotional depth, Haig masterfully bridges philosophical ideas with everyday emotion. The surprise lies in how much comfort, insight, and hope the book offers—especially for those struggling with identity or depression. It’s not just fiction; it’s an emotional lifeline.

2. Educated by Tara Westover

Tara Westover’s memoir Educated astonishes with its raw honesty and emotional intensity. Raised in an isolated, survivalist family that rejected formal education and medical care, Westover didn’t attend school until age 17. Her journey—from rural Idaho to earning a Ph.D. at Cambridge—is as inspiring as it is harrowing. The book is more than an academic success story; it’s a deeply personal struggle with family, belief systems, and self-invention. Westover’s voice is elegant and unflinching, and the psychological depth of her story leaves a lasting impact. What’s most surprising is how literary and universal her personal story becomes.

3. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Project Hail Mary is an extraordinary blend of hard science and heartfelt storytelling. Ryland Grace wakes up alone on a spaceship, his memory gone, and slowly discovers he’s on a desperate mission to save Earth. What begins as classic space survival morphs into a deeply emotional friendship with an alien named Rocky—one of the most original and touching relationships in science fiction. Andy Weir balances technical problem-solving with humor and vulnerability, making the science accessible and the stakes intensely human. The book’s emotional core is what truly surprises, elevating it far beyond a typical sci-fi thriller.

4. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Narrated by Death with haunting beauty, The Book Thief delivers a story that lingers. Set in Nazi Germany, it follows young Liesel Meminger, who finds solace in stealing books and sharing stories amidst the horrors of war. The narrative voice is poetic, often philosophical, and the characters—especially Liesel and her foster parents—are vividly rendered with warmth and sorrow. What surprised us most was the novel’s tone: lyrical yet dark, tender yet brutal. It’s a powerful meditation on words, love, and mortality. Far from a typical WWII story, it’s an emotional masterpiece that respects young readers while speaking profoundly to adults.

5. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

Shoe Dog defies expectations of a typical business memoir. Phil Knight, co-founder of Nike, offers a refreshingly candid, often vulnerable look into the chaos and triumph of building a global brand. From importing Japanese running shoes to battling near bankruptcy, Knight recounts the risks, conflicts, and emotional toll of entrepreneurship. His writing is sharp, reflective, and surprisingly literary, infused with humor and humility. What’s most surprising is the focus not on profit, but on purpose—how belief in a dream can fuel relentless perseverance. It’s an inspiring story not just for entrepreneurs, but for anyone chasing something bigger than themselves.

6. Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

Fredrik Backman’s Anxious People masquerades as a quirky hostage comedy but delivers a moving exploration of human vulnerability. A failed bank robbery leads to a bizarre standoff with unsuspecting hostages—all carrying secrets, pain, and untold stories. Backman weaves humor with heartbreak, making every character multidimensional and empathetic. The surprise lies in how much emotional truth he extracts from such an absurd premise. His compassionate portrayal of anxiety, grief, and human connection creates a deeply healing reading experience. Backman doesn't just tell a story—he holds up a mirror to remind us we’re all a little anxious, and that’s okay.

7. Quiet by Susan Cain

Susan Cain’s Quiet shatters the cultural myth that success is synonymous with extroversion. With rigorous research and compelling storytelling, Cain explores how introverts think, work, and thrive—often in environments designed against them. She interviews psychologists, educators, business leaders, and artists, uncovering how introversion influences leadership, creativity, and relationships. What surprised us is how empowering and transformative the book feels. Rather than “fixing” introversion, Cain celebrates it as a superpower. Her message resonates deeply in a noisy, fast-paced world, offering validation and practical strategies for introverts—and essential understanding for everyone else.

Conclusion

What unites all these books is the element of pleasant surprise. None of them were just what we expected—they were more. More honest, more moving, more thought-provoking, and more unforgettable. Some came with little fanfare, others were already popular but proved far deeper than their covers suggested.

We encourage every reader to stay curious, keep exploring, and be open to the unexpected. Because often, it’s the book we almost didn’t read that leaves the deepest impact.