I Read 68 Books In 2024 - THESE Were My Favorites
Favorite Books I Read In 2024
If 2024 was the year you wanted to dive into some incredible reads, then you're in luck! I’ve compiled my personal list of the best books that left a lasting impact, both in terms of storytelling and thought-provoking themes. From thrilling mysteries to heartwarming fiction, and even a few fantasy epics, these books had me turning pages well into the night. Let’s dive into my top picks that made 2024 such a memorable reading year! NOTE: These are in no particular order :)
The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager
Genre: Thriller, Mystery
If you're a fan of psychological thrillers, The House Across the Lake is a must-read. The story follows Casey, a famous actress who retreats to her family’s lake house to escape the chaos of her life. But she quickly becomes captivated by the lives of her neighbors, a seemingly perfect couple. What unfolds is a classic thriller with unexpected twists, memorable characters, and plenty of suspense. If you love a good mystery, this is one you won't want to miss.
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
Genre: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction
Tom Lake is a quiet, reflective novel about Lara, a former actress who recounts her younger years to her three adult daughters while they all gather at her family's cherry farm. As she reminisces about her past love with a famous actor, Peter Duke, the story weaves between past and present. With the soothing narration by Meryl Streep on the audiobook, this novel was an unforgettable experience. It’s a touching, introspective tale that delves deep into love, loss, and the unexpected paths life takes.
Divine Rivals & Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross (Letters of Enchantment Duology)
Genre: Fantasy, YA, Romance
For those dipping their toes into fantasy, the Letters of Enchantment duology is the perfect starting point. The story centers on Iris, a young journalist, who becomes entangled in a war between two gods. Divine Rivals focuses heavily on the romance between Iris and Roman, while Ruthless Vows shifts more towards the war's intricate politics and history. What’s unique about these books is their minimal world-building, which makes them perfect for beginners. For fans of romance and light fantasy, this duology will capture your heart.
Fourth Wing & Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
Genre: Fantasy, YA, Romance
If you haven’t heard of Fourth Wing yet, it’s time to catch up! A hit among readers, this series mixes the intensity of Game of Thrones, the survival spirit of The Hunger Games, and the magical world-building of Harry Potter. The first book, Fourth Wing, offers a captivating world full of dragons, magic, and high stakes. While Iron Flame didn’t quite live up to the first book for me—feeling long and a bit drawn out—it still holds its place in this list due to the strength of the world and the complex characters.
On Our Best Behavior by Elise Loehnen
Genre: Non-Fiction, Feminism
Elise Loehnen’s On Our Best Behavior is a fascinating deep dive into the seven deadly sins and how they intersect with the societal pressures women face to “be good.” Loehnen explores the expectations placed on women and how we navigate these cultural constructs. While the first half of the book was particularly captivating, the later chapters didn’t have the same impact for me. However, it’s still an important read for anyone interested in gender studies and societal norms.
The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood
Genre: Romance, Magical Realism
For romance lovers, The Love of My Afterlife is a delightful pick. It tells the story of Delphie, who unexpectedly dies and finds herself in the afterlife waiting room. There, she meets a man and feels an instant connection—but he’s not dead. What follows is a quirky, emotional story about second chances, love, and self-discovery. What I didn’t expect was how deeply I’d connect with the characters and how much this book would stay with me long after I finished it.
The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
The Husbands is a refreshing and unique twist on the genre. Lauren returns from a bachelorette party to find a man claiming to be her husband. This intriguing plotline leads her on a wild journey of self-discovery as she navigates the complexities of her life and relationships. This book kept me on the edge of my seat with its clever premise and unexpected turns.
Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle
Genre: Literary Fiction, Magical Realism
In Expiration Dates, Daphne lives with a strange condition: she receives a piece of paper detailing exactly how long her relationships with people will last. When she meets Jake, a man she feels deeply connected to, she’s forced to confront the ephemeral nature of love. This beautifully written book explores themes of destiny, love, and fate, offering a mix of romance and magical realism that makes for a thought-provoking read.
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
Genre: Literary Fiction, Thriller
R.F. Kuang’s Yellowface tackles serious themes of identity, appropriation, and the power dynamics in the literary world. When Athena, a successful author, dies unexpectedly, her jealous friend June steals her unpublished manuscript and passes it off as her own. The novel dives into the consequences of June's actions, exploring the complexities of race, ethics, and ambition. A chilling read, this book is a sharp commentary on the modern literary world and the blurred lines between cultural appreciation and appropriation.
Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
If you're looking for a book that dives deep into complex characters and moral dilemmas, Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufie Thorpe is a must-read. This contemporary novel follows 19-year-old Margot, who finds herself navigating the ups and downs of single motherhood after an affair with her English professor. With no job and no money, Margot turns to an unconventional online platform to support herself and her child. What sets this book apart is Thorpe’s exceptional ability to humanize her characters and make readers reflect on their own moral choices. The writing is emotionally rich and engaging, making this a standout in contemporary fiction.
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
Genre: Literary Fiction, Thriller
For fans of atmospheric, character-driven stories, The God of the Woods by Liz Moore will keep you hooked from start to finish. This novel tells the story of Barbara, a 14-year-old girl from a wealthy family who goes missing while attending a summer camp in the Adirondack mountains. The narrative unfolds from multiple perspectives, including Barbara’s family, the detective investigating her disappearance, and her campmates. The intertwining timelines reveal dark family secrets and the complex dynamics of privilege, loss, and mystery. If you enjoy slow-burn thrillers that explore family drama and deep psychological themes, this book is for you.
Honorable Mentions for 2024
While these books didn’t make the top of my list, they’re still worth checking out:
The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry
None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
Happy People Are Annoying by Josh Peck
The Ministry of Time by Kelianne Bradley
The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
Real Americans by Rachel Khong
The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza
Weyward by Emily Hart
Just Last Night by Mhairi McFarland
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
My 2025 Reading Goal
As for my 2025 reading goal, I’m setting my Goodreads target at 75 books. While I’d love to aim for 100, I want to keep reading fun and stress-free, so 75 feels like the right balance for me. I’ll continue to share my seasonal reading updates, so stay tuned for my upcoming winter reading wrap-up.
Share Your Favorite Books with Me!
I’d love to hear from you! Have you read any of the books I mentioned, or do you have other must-read recommendations for 2024? Drop your thoughts and book suggestions in the comments below! And, if you have a reading goal for 2025, let me know what your target is! Let’s continue the conversation and build an amazing TBR together.
Thanks for reading, and happy reading in 2025!