Best books read in 1997 (listed alphabetically by author)
- Ambrose, Stephen E. Undaunted Courage
- Atkinson, Kate. Behind the Scenes at the Museum
- Byatt, A.S. Possession: A Romance
- Dorris, Michael. A Yellow Raft in Blue Water
- Finney, Jack. Time and Again
- Gaines, Ernest J. A Lesson Before Dying
- Mistry, Rohinton. A Fine Balance
- O'Connell, Carol. Stone Angel
- Smiley, Jane. A Thousand Acres
- Walker, Mary Willis. Under the Beetle's Cellar
Honorable Mention
- Duncan, David James. The Brothers K
- Guterson, David. Snow Falling on Cedars
- Høeg, Peter. Smilla's Sense of Snow
- King, Laurie R. A Grave Talent
- Mitchard, Jacquelyn. The Deep End of the Ocean