Favorite Books of 2024
Curating a list of my favorite reads of 2024 was a struggle. Committing to a list of favorites was unbelievably difficult; it was my hardest annual reading wrap-up. I read so many excellent books this year, and narrowing down to a list of 10-12 was impossible. So, I'm presenting a list of my top 14 favorite reads and 22 runners-up! These books stirred something in me, spoke to me, changed my brain chemistry, and left me longing for more long after "The End." I hope they all find a way onto your reading list in the coming months. I'm confident they'll be favorites for you, too.
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Still Life
Sarah Winman
November 2021 | Penguin Putnam
No book has EVER moved me the way Still Life did. This reading experience was like none I've experienced before or since, solidifying it as my favorite book and reading experience of all time. Equal parts historical fiction + literary fiction plus a sprinkle of magical realism, Still Life is about the quiet magic of everyday life when surrounded by people, things, and places you love. It's pure magic.
What the Wind Knows
Amy Harmon
March 2019 | Lake Union
No book on this list made me sob as hard as What the Wind Knows. Amy Harmon's spectacular time travel novel reads more like a historical romance at times, but at heart, this book is a tribute to Irish culture and history. What the Wind Knows is a perfect book, in my opinion. So please, read it!
Rules of Civility
Amor Towles
June 2012 | Penguin
Rules of Civility is a love letter to New York and The Great Gatsby. If that appeals to you, you must read Rules of Civility. This coming-of-age novel offers a glimpse behind the glamourous curtain of wealth and power of the few in post-Depression Manhattan. I treasured every word of this read and will forever remember the characters within the pages.
In Memoriam
Alice Winn
March 2023 | Knopf
One of two queer WWI novels on this list, In Memoriam reads more like a classic Evelyn Waugh novel but with added emotional depth and feeling. At times, it reads like a war dispatch; this book is visceral, tense, timeless, and beautiful. In Memoriam is a masterpiece that deserves all the praise and honors received since publication.
The Sweet Blue Distance
Sara Donati
April 2024 | Berkley
Never in my wildest dreams did I expect an 800-page novel to be on my list of favorite books of 2024, but what do I know? As a lifelong fan of Westerns, The Sweet Blue Distance scratched my itch for adventure, romance, and natural beauty. Cultural elements added dimension, making this Western adventure romance one I'll never forget.
The Warm Hands of Ghosts
Katherine Arden
February 2024 | DelRey
I would use bleak, desperate, dark, reflective, and maddening words to describe this masterful historical fantasy. Set during WWI, The Warm Hands of Ghosts explores relationships at the deepest level and the lasting trauma of war. It is one of the most stirring novels on this list, exploring what it means to be human in an inhumane setting.
Take My Hand
Dolen Perkins-Valdez
April 2023| Berkley
Based on a true story, Take My Hand is a gripping historical account of human rights and social justice that shouldn't be missed. The author's powerful storytelling, paired with the immense gravity and depravity portrayed, made this book unputdownable. I'll never forget this novel and highly recommend it to anyone looking to diversify their reading.
The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard
Natasha Lester
January 2024 | Forever
From the first pages to the last, The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard evokes BIG emotions. Part family drama and part passionate romance novel, this book was much more than I expected. Full of glamour and high fashion, Lester perfectly blends action, history, beauty, chaos, and passion. This one is perfect for Daisy Jones fans!
The Briar Club
Kate Quinn
July 2024 | William Morrow
Quinn is a master historical fiction author, so it goes without saying that her latest, The Briar Club, was high on my TBR this year. Little did I know it would become one of my favorite Quinn novels to date! Unforgettable characters, a sentient house, murder, and recipes all work in this unique storytelling approach that helped elevate The Briar Club to the favorite books of the 2024 list.
Last House
Jessica Shattuck
May 2024 | William Morrow
Historical family sagas have a special place in my heart, and Last House is undoubtedly taking up space there. Never have geopolitics captured my attention the way they did while reading this multi-generational, multi-decade novel. The relationships between the characters are heartfelt, authentic, and relatable. It's a story of love, rage, humanity, and connection that I won't soon forget.
The Trouble with You
Ellen Feldman
February 2024 | St Martin's
The Trouble with You is hard to categorize. It's quiet, unassuming, ambling, and character-driven. At times, its magic is elusive and difficult to label. Steeped in grief, loss, and love, this Cold War political novel is full of heart and honesty. Everything from the lovely romance and family drama to the mother-daughter bond felt authentic and relatable.
The Lion Women of Tehran
Marjan Kamali
July 2024 | Gallery
Remarkable friendship stories like The Lion Women of Tehran are meant to be treasured for years. Every page contains childhood sights, smells, and sounds recognizable to anyone, regardless of background. As the characters age, things become more complicated, and political and moral struggles are abundant. This book does what I love best about historical fiction: it illuminates little-known historical events through the eyes of memorable characters.
Diva
Daisy Goodwin
January 2024 | St Martin's
The fictionalized account of Maria Callas, a true force of nature, better be good. Luckily, Diva delivers. This book sneaks up on you, quietly taking you into the confidence of the troubled singer and inviting you into her innermost circles. Toxic relationships, betrayal, loyalty, devotion, passion, and triumph all grace the pages of this inspiring novel. It's one I won't soon forget.
The Fisherman's Gift
Julia R Kelly
March 2025 | Simon & Schuster
One of my last novels of 2024, The Fisherman's Gift felt like I'd saved the best for last. Quiet and heartfelt, this study of grief, connection, and the healing power of hope and love is truly magical. Set in a small Scottish fishing village in 1900, Kelly's debut novel portrays village life through the eyes of compelling characters. I loved this book so much; I'm sure you will, too!
Runners Up
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