Best paperbacks to read now including a 'cult phenomenon' everybody is reading

Best paperbacks to read now including a 'cult phenomenon' everybody is readingThe Mirror's book critic with a PhD in literature selects essential UK paperbacks. From the cult phenomenon Butter to the Booker-shortlisted Perfection, here are the books to read nowNewsAimée Walsh Columnist and U35 Deputy Editor10:35, 17 Apr 2026View 5 ImagesPaperbacks selected by The Mirror's book critic for you to read nowForget the hardback hype and those eye-watering price tags - these brilliant novels have finally landed in paperback, and they’re worth every penny of your commute.‌As a critic who usually spends my days searching for the best new fiction, I’ve done the hard graft for you, sifting through the spring piles to find the stories that actually deliver.‌These books are all about bold, sensory storytelling that tackles our modern anxieties head-on. Whether it is a deep dive into historical ambition or a sharp look at our digital obsessions, these books offer a truly immersive experience.‌From the surgical take-down of the "perfect" Instagram life to a Japanese noir that’s as dark as it is delicious, these five picks are the absolute cream of the crop. Grab them before everyone else does.Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins ReidView 5 ImagesAtmosphere by Taylor Jenkins ReidREAD MORE: Dua Lipa celebrates the soul of storytelling for a decade of the International Booker PrizeREAD MORE: The Radio 2 Book Club Award 2026 shortlist in full as Sara Cox names the eight finalistsReid has shifted gears from her previous Hollywood-glam novels to produce a work of significant literary weight.‌Set against the backdrop of the 1980s space race, Atmosphere follows Joan Goodwin’s pursuit of the stars while anchored by the heavy gravity of earthly loss. It’s a beautifully written exploration of ambition and the physics of the human heart.Butter by Asako YuzukiView 5 ImagesButter by Asako YuzukiButter is a cult phenomenon that you need to read! This Japanese bestseller is...