Last Updated on September 26, 2024 by Taylor
The year is more than halfway over, so I figured it was a good time to share the absolute best books I’ve read in 2024 so far! Some of my favorite reads were predictable (like The Women by Kristin Hannah, an author I love), but many were written by new-to-me authors. There’s nothing better than discovering a new favorite author, am I right?!
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The Best Books I Read in 2024
I’m focusing on fiction books in this list, with a range of genres – from historical fiction to mystery, contemporary fiction, and beyond. I like to switch up the genres I read often, to keep things fresh (and to find new types of books I didn’t know I’d love).
I’m hoping to upload my Goodreads data to the StoryGraph app soon, because I love how they break down your reads into different moods/vibes.
So far, I’m actually a few books ahead of my 2024 Goodreads reading goal, so I’m pretty pumped about that! (Of course, I care more about the enjoyment of reading than the number of books I read, but it’s nice that I’ve been able to prioritize reading more this year compared to the past two years.)
And now, the main event! Here are my favorite reads of 2024 so far:
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Genre: Historical Fiction
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This story follows a young woman who joins the Army Nurse Corps during the Vietnam War. It shines light on the forgotten sacrifices of women during the war.
Frankie McGrath comes of age during a turbulent time for her country: the 1960s. When her brother is shipped off to war, Frankie decides to leave behind her sheltered life and enlist as a nurse.
I absolutely loved this book! Kristin Hannah is a favorite author of mine already, and I’m happy to report this was a solid 5-star read.
(This was one of my picks for the best book club books to read in 2024! Here are some helpful book club discussion questions for The Women.)!
My rating: 5 stars
Here are my favorite Kristin Hannah historical fiction books!
James by Percival Everett
Genre: Historical Fiction/Literary Fiction/Retellings
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This reimagining of the American literary classic The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn tells the story from Jim’s perspective.
It follows the events of the novel we know – the treacherous river rafting down the Mississippi River and beyond – but with fresh eyes and an important new take on a beloved character.
This story was incredibly poignant and clever at the same time. The way certain plot points were given a new perspective, the way unexpected things happened but fit perfectly with the narrative – it was all so well-written and emotionally-charged. A riveting read that I highly recommend to everyone!
My rating: 5 stars
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
Genre: Mystery/Historical Fiction
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Say hello to one of my favorite books of the summer (and the entire year)! It’s a historical mystery set in the 1970s at a summer camp in the Adirondack Mountains.
When a teenage girl goes missing at summer camp – the daughter of the camp’s owner, in fact – tensions flare between the rich family that owns the camp (the Van Laars) and the blue collar community that serves them.
Even stranger, this isn’t the first time one of the Van Laar children has gone missing. The girl’s older brother disappeared sixteen years ago, when he was a young boy.
This engrossing story is the perfect blend of emotional character study and twisty mystery plot, with plenty of tension and family drama mixed in. It features dual timelines, multiple POVs, and complex characters, with two intertwined mysteries at its core.
This story had a literary feel but was also such a page-turner! I couldn’t put it down. It was a solid 5-star read for me and I recommend it to everyone.
It would make a perfect mystery book club pick (especially for summer or early fall), with themes ranging from coming-of-age, class, and the complexity of family. Here’s a book club guide for The God of the Woods, with discussion questions and a character list!
My rating: 5 stars
A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher
Genre: Dark Fantasy/Retellings
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This enchanting novel is a dark retelling of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale (The Goose Girl). I didn’t know the story going into it, but that didn’t matter at all!
It’s about a teenage girl who has a powerful sorceress for a mother, but her mother hides her magic and only uses it to get what she wants. She intends to marry a rich man in order to further her place in society – and she finds a perfect hapless target.
The story had a perfect balance of real-world/historical vibes and fantasy elements, and I think even those who don’t typically read fantasy will enjoy this!
I loved the characters, the manor settings, and the eerie hints of magic. Highly recommended. (Side note: my mom also read it and really liked it!). Now I can’t wait to read more of T. Kingfisher’s backlist.
My rating: 4.5 stars
(I read an advanced gifted copy of this book from the publisher. My thoughts are my own.)
There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak
Genre: Historical Fiction
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This richly-told historical fiction story feels like a woven tapestry, combining history, science, and the human experience into one interconnected tale.
We follow the lives of three characters (living at different times): a young historian – fascinated by ancient Mesopotamia – who grew up in poverty in London, a Yazidi girl growing up along the river Tigris, and a young woman – a scientific researcher focusing on water – living on a houseboat in London in 2018.
All these characters are somehow connected through the central theme of water – a single raindrop, two rivers, and a painful yet hopeful history that the water never forgets.
If you’re looking for a historical fiction novel that will teach you things you didn’t know while also entertaining you with emotional storytelling and complex characters, I highly recommend this one! Definitely one of my favorite reads of 2024 so far.
My rating: 5 stars
(I read an advanced gifted copy of this book from the publisher. My thoughts are my own.)
Real Americans by Rachel Khong
Genre: Literary Fiction/Historical Fiction
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From the award-winning author of Goodbye, Vitamin comes a multi-generational story about fate, identity, family, and choosing your own path.
This novel is told in three parts, each from the point of view of a different member of a Chinese-American family. It’s an interconnecting saga that spans decades, from communist China (during Mao’s regime) to present-day America.
Real Americans is a mix of contemporary and historical fiction, and it’s incredibly compelling. I personally loved it, and I definitely recommend reading it (if you haven’t yet)!
Here are book club questions for Real Americans to help fuel discussion, plus a quick recap of the story!
My rating: 4.5 stars
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Romance
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After years dreaming of traveling to the Cornwall Inn in Newport, Rhode Island, Phoebe Stone arrives – but without her husband, and feeling like she’s hit rock bottom in her life. And as it turns out, she’s the only guest at the hotel that isn’t there for a wedding.
After a chance encounter, she and the bride-to-be find themselves confiding in each other. In fact, they tell each other truths they wouldn’t admit to anyone else.
This is a story about how the connections we make with others – no matter how small or random they might seem – can have a huge effect on the paths our lives take.
This book surprised me (in a good way)! Going into it, I expected more of a light and bubbly summer read, and while it does have a summer vibe, it ended up really drawing me in, emotionally.
It’s packed with emotion, with a dark sense of humor and an intriguing cast of flawed yet (mostly) lovable characters. I loved the setting, too – it was its own character, in a way. The story took turns I wasn’t expecting, and I never wanted to put it down.
I really felt for Phoebe and wished I could reach into the story and give her a big hug. Lyla’s over-the-top wedding was also so entertaining to read about.
If you’re looking for a deeper summer read that will make you feel all the feels, I highly recommend this one!
(Here is a book club guide for The Wedding People with discussion questions!)
My rating: 5 stars
(I read an advanced gifted copy of this book from the publisher. My thoughts are my own.)
None Of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
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Popular podcaster Alix Summers meets a woman named Josie in a bar. Alix is drawn to Josie’s unsettling life story, and decides to make her a subject in her podcast series.
But shortly after Josie has entangled herself into Alix’s life, Josie disappears – and that’s when Alix really starts to discover Josie’s secrets.
I really enjoyed this twisty thriller!
My rating: 4.5 stars
Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman
Genre: Horror
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If you love horror novels that feel like watching a scary movie, you’ll love this book!
Incidents Around the House is Josh Malerman’s newest novel (author of the bestseller Bird Box).
It’s a quietly yet powerfully chilling story told from the perspective of a young girl. There’s a presence in her room that’s trying to befriend her, and it’s getting more and more persistent.
This was compulsively readable – nearly impossible to put down. The story’s format is unique, but that just adds to the creepy atmosphere even more. And the family dynamics between Bela (the main character) and her parents were just as compelling as the thing hiding in Bela’s closet.
If you’re a fan of emotionally-charged scary stories, I definitely recommend picking this one up!
Check out these other spooky new 2024 horror novels!
(I read an advanced gifted copy of this book from the publisher. My thoughts are my own.)
My rating: 4.5 stars
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
Genre: Literary Fiction/Romance
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At their family orchard in Michigan (during the summer of 2020), a mother tells her three daughters about her past romance with a famous actor – revealing truths that make them question everything they thought they knew about their mother and themselves.
I really enjoyed reading this story. It’s full of quietly beautiful, detailed writing that you just want to savor. You can truly sink into the story and feel like you’re living another life.
(Plus, the audiobook is read by Meryl Streep, which is another huge bonus!).
You can find my Tom Lake book club guide with book club questions here!
My rating: 5 stars
Listen For the Lie by Amy Tintera
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
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Years ago, Lucy was found wandering the streets, covered in blood. Despite her “golden girl” status in her small Texas town, everyone believed she killed her best friend.
But Lucy doesn’t remember a thing. Luckily for her, she isn’t convicted.
Now, a podcast decides to cover the story, forcing Lucy to relive her past in order to figure out what really happened that night.
This was such a fun thriller, and would make a great book club read – especially for mystery lovers and crime podcast fans! This novel was a breakout book of 2024, and is totally binge-worthy. I was hooked from the beginning, and finished it in a few days!
Here’s a list of Listen for the Lie book club questions, a character list, and more!
My rating: 4.5 stars
What are your favorite reads of 2024 so far? Do we have any in common?