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As the year is quickly coming to a close, let’s take a look at my favorite books of 2024.
What another great reading year. It started off so strong with Kristin Hannah’s The Women and there were so many other fantastic reads this year as well. I loved so many of the books I read. What was your favorite book you read this year?
It’s been a while since I put together a favorites list, but I thought this was the year to bring it back. I will say there are several high-profile 2024 novels that I still need to read, including James by Percival Everett; By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult and The Wedding People by Alison Espach. I will be getting to those reads very soon!
So this list covers the books I read from January 2024 to early December 2024. Featuring a mix of genres and subject matters, I feel each of these are wonderful selections for book clubs.
Let’s get to it!
The Women by Kristin Hannah
The Women by Kristin Hannah is one of the best books I read not only in 2024, but in years. I loved this novel, and can’t recommend it enough. This is an extraordinary novel about a woman’s experience working as a nurse during the Vietnam War.
It’s heart wrenching, impactful, moving and fantastic. I was sad to finish it because I wanted the experience of reading it for the first time again. A must-read.
Check out my full review here and book club questions here.
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
Oh this book is so good. It’s part literary thriller, revealing character study, a look at how power corrupts and much more. It truly is a stunning story that I still think about.
But it’s not an easy read. It covers not one, but two missing children, and the ramifications it has on the family and the larger community. There are some unsettling aspects that unfold. But the author Liz Moore handles her stories with care and respect.
Check out my full review here and book club questions here.
A Great Country by Shilpi Somaya Gowda
A Great Country by Shilpi Somaya Gowda is an impactful story about family, race and politics. This is the first novel I’ve read from Shilpi Somaya Gowda and I’m huge fan now!
Her writing is really well done and engaging. She created both an interesting sense of place and the characters felt unique and real. If you enjoyed Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng, this is a good choice for you.
Check out my full review here and book club questions here.
Funny Story by Emily Henry
I think Funny Story is my favorite Emily Henry story! It was so lovely. And actually funny! Sometimes I feel these rom-coms forget the ‘com’ but not with Emily Henry stories.
Funny Story is a fun and enjoyable story about the romance between two very different people. It’s about growing, evolving and learning to open up to new relationships and experiences. Highly recommend!
Check out my review here and book club questions here.
Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan
I’m such a big fan of Kevin Kwan’s books! I loved all the books in the Crazy Rich Asians series and also enjoyed his follow-up Sex and Vanity too.
And Lies and Weddings is right up there with Crazy Rich Asians—it’s so good! I’m surprised it didn’t get more buzz. It’s an engaging tale about the uber wealthy, but told in such a comedic and fun way. And there’s plenty of depth too. A great and just fun read all around.
Check out my review here and book club questions here.
The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman
The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman is such a heartwarming and wonderful story. It has it all—romance, family, friendships, and even some magical realism too.
The story combines two dynamic storylines: one in 1920s Brooklyn, and the other in 1980s southern Florida. Both felt extremely vivid but also quite distinct. It’s a great selection for book clubs, with much to discuss.
Check out my review here and book club questions here.
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter
This is my favorite holiday read of 2024— it is such an original and fun tale set during the holidays. It combines the best aspects of a locked-room mystery, with the delightful charm of a romance.
I very much enjoyed the main characters going in detective mode when a famous author goes missing, which also brought the two closer together too. Plus, it takes place during the holidays, and that was a fun touch as well.
Check out my review here and my book club questions here.
Happy reading!
