The Best Books I Read in 2024

I’ve devoured every Rufi Thorpe novel since her magical debut, but this spicy summer release absolutely floored me this year. It’s daring, it’s unexpected, and it’s unforgettable. If you’re ready for a bold, brutally honest portrait of navigating teenage pregnancy and financial hardship, you won’t find a more compelling story than this one.

At just nineteen, Margo’s life takes a sharp turn when she becomes a single mom with no support, turning to an OnlyFans account as her unlikely lifeline.

What Thorpe documents is a savvy woman who realizes her storytelling power as she navigates building a fanbase, all while rendering some of the most relatable scenes of new motherhood that I've read. Thorpe’s raw depiction of motherhood—the car seat struggles, the stomach flu battles—hit me in the gut with their relatability.

More importantly, the father-daughter relationship that builds out in this novel makes it an absolute must-read. I'm so excited to see this adapted for screen with Nick Offerman & Elle Fanning taking on the roles of these quirky leads.

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This was the shortest novel I read this year, but packed a memorable punch to be included in this year's best books of the year list.

In a quaint English village, Helen Cartwright’s days blur into one another—a widow marking time with routines so repetitive they’ve become a kind of ritual, preparing for the inevitable.

But then, life finds a way to nudge her gently awake—a mouse. Small, whiskered, and seemingly insignificant, this uninvited visitor burrows its way into Helen’s careful existence, setting off ripples she couldn’t have anticipated.

With a clever and satisfying twist, readers will discover more to Helen than meets the eye. To say too much would spoil the joy of uncovering these revelations, but suffice it to say that Helen's unexpected bond with her tiny companion holds profound meaning. I loved every minute of this one!

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I never expected The Wedding People to offer the kind of escape I needed as I have struggled through a year of grief and loss in my own life. But somehow, this book did exactly that—offering me an unexpected sense of hope in my dark season.

Phoebe's story begins with her planning to end her life, weighed down by infertility, a broken marriage, and the death of her beloved cat. Yet, the luxurious inn she checks into for her final goodbye turns into the backdrop for an astonishing journey when she finds the whole place was supposed to be booked for a wedding party.

Phoebe is thrust into unexpected preparations for this lavish wedding and is surrounded by quirky characters who interrupt her intended solitude and give her new purpose in her difficult season.

I was charmed by the author's banter and dialogue between her characters. Much like Sipsworth, it showcases that life can throw us an unexpected lifeline even in the darkest times. I can't wait to read this with you for our 2025 book club year!

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This is Rob Hart's best novel yet, but it has flown far too under the radar and deserves more attention!

This cinematic thriller blends the intensity of John Wick with the dark humor of Barry. It’s no wonder the movie rights were snapped up by Steven Spielberg's team for an upcoming feature film.

The world’s deadliest hitman, Pale Horse, has left behind a life of violence to join a support group for reformed assassins, only to find himself pulled back into danger when a mysterious assailant comes for him.

This redemption story had me hooked from page one with its heart-pounding action, gasp-worthy twists, and laugh-out-loud moments. It was a joy to host Rob on the Book Gang podcast this year, and I'm so happy to hear that a second book is being planned for readers.

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What Happened to Nina? hooked me with its missing-person premise but completely surprised me by revealing Nina’s fate early in the story, shifting the focus to the aftermath of tragedy and the complex dynamics within her family after the disappearance.

This gripping thriller isn’t just about the mystery—it’s a thoughtful exploration of media frenzies, true crime exploitation, and how public perception can forever alter the lives of those at the center of a scandal.

The parents’ opposing perspectives, caught between protecting a guilty or innocent child, add incredible depth and nuance to this story. With its rich character development and thought-provoking themes, this novel kept me turning pages and has undoubtedly sparked many powerful book club discussions.

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Ellie Black vanished during a motel party, and when she returned two years later—bloody, malnourished, and refusing to talk—I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what happened to her.

Detective Chelsea Calhoun, haunted by her sister's disappearance, is determined to uncover the truth. When forensics returns with a pivotal detail on the evidence collected, the reader embarks on a heart-stopping page-flipping ride to unlock the dark mystery behind these missing girls.

Ellie and Chelsea both have compelling backstories, and both are deeply flawed. The story is riveting and enthralling, from a detective who pushes too hard to get answers to a girl who went to the brink psychologically in ways that forever alter her.

I was thrilled to have Emiko Jean on the Book Gang podcast, but even more delighted that we got a spoiler-filled bonus episode to discuss her brilliant plot twist. If you connected with Detective Calhoun like I did, you'll be excited to hear that this is the first in a planned police procedural series for her readers.

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Loigman’s tribute to her husband’s great-grandmother, a pharmacist from Fordham College in 1921, shines through in this delightful, magical Jewish historical fiction novel.

Augusta, a former pharmacist, spent her childhood assisting her father, who was the town’s keeper of secrets and remedies. But when her mother unexpectedly dies, the dynamics of her household change, and her Aunt Esther steps in with unconventional methods of healing that lean toward the magical.

These homeopathic remedies, including her famous chicken soup, create both miraculous and disastrous results, leading to familial tensions.

Now in her eighties, Augusta—still full of fire and spirit—finds herself at a retirement community where Irving, the love of her life, has been living for years. Their reunion brings laughter, heartwarming moments, and a deep dive into their past, revealing the secrets behind their decades-long separation.

Dare I say, I look forward to these years when I read stories like these? This was a sheer delight.

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It’s no secret I loved The Wishing Game, but Meg Shaffer has somehow crafted an even more magical and cozy story with her latest novel. This enchanted tale, inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Flies, is an atmospheric love letter to the beauty of West Virginia, with a portal to another world and a mystery that kept me spellbound.

When two boys, missing for years, suddenly reappear seemingly unscathed, their return feels like a fairy tale—but as the story unfolds, it delves into the darker themes of where they’ve been and what binds them to this world.

Shaffer captures the magic of books with such heart, calling them "the strongest magic there is," and this book truly embodies that sentiment.

I'm so happy to hear that Meg is working on another homage to our childhood favorites to complete this trio of stories celebrating the books we loved as kids. What a joy to have celebrated her twice on Book Gang as her cozy fantasy career has blossomed.

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Monstrilio is a hauntingly original tale that explores the depths of grief, love, and the monstrous sides of our humanity. I now count this character-driven story among my favorite horror novels of all-time.

After Magos loses her eleven-year-old son, Santiago, she takes an unthinkable step—keeping a fragment of his lung, which begins to grow into a carnivorous creature she mothers in secret.

Told through four perspectives, including the creature’s own, this literary horror novel is unsettling, atmospheric, and profoundly moving. Córdova’s masterful storytelling pushes boundaries with moments that are both provocative and deeply chilling, making it a wild yet unforgettable read.

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This horror novel offers an electrifying and satirical dive into the cutthroat world of Hollywood, making it a standout in my book stack this year. I'm grateful for this book recommendation from my friend Joe at the Professional Book Nerds Podcast, who is bringing his best horror novels to a future Book Gang podcast episode.

Misha, a gay screenwriter finally basking in the glow of an Oscar nomination, faces a chilling ultimatum: kill off the queer characters in his hit series "for the algorithm" or jeopardize his career.

His refusal sets off a chain of terrifying events, with literal monsters from his horror movie past coming to life. As these monsters are deeply tied to his childhood memories, it's a premise that feels more haunting as you understand each of these character's layers.

The novel examines the struggle against an industry and society that seeks to erase one’s identity, emphasizing the prevalence of gay trauma over joy. Surprisingly heartwarming for a horror novel, I think it's a great gateway story if you are new to the genre.

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Reading The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois was nothing short of transformative.

Jeffers masterfully weaves together two timelines that seem distant at first but ultimately reveal their deep connections, showing how trauma and abuse ripple throughout generations. I went into this eight-hundred-page journey knowing little of what to expect, and it left me shaken in the best way.

The novel examines the legacies of enslaved people, land theft, and the erasure of childhood innocence, all while exploring the nuances of Black and Indigenous experiences.

What truly struck me was how Jeffers explores the consequences of colorism and the privilege I hadn't even considered before reading this book. It’s a haunting and beautiful portrayal of American history that, for me, expanded my understanding in ways I never expected.

While the content can be difficult—especially the graphic depictions of sexual trauma—the emotional depth and the way it reshapes the narrative of history is something I won’t forget.

This novel isn't just one of my top picks for the year; it’s likely to remain one of the most impactful books I’ll ever read in my lifetime.

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This backlist novel won the 2022 Lambda Literary Award for romance, luring readers to a struggling New England academy where the school's financial woes led to the introduction of Magdalene Nox as the school's new headmistress.

When Sam, a closeted teacher at the academy, realizes that the new headmistress is the woman she once shared a memorable tryst with, the tension between them builds amid the school's shifting values.

As the board attempts to return to its Puritanical roots, Sam and Magdalene's slow-burn love story unfolds, filled with angsty longing and yearning with a rich cast of misfit student characters who create a beautiful, found-family experience for the reader.

McKay's lush prose and the emotional depth of the relationship are complemented by Abby Craden's exceptional audiobook narration, which hooked me from page one. This is my favorite hidden gem from my reading year.

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At the heart of this gripping novel is Patch, a boy with one eye who finds solace in his childhood friendship with Saint.

Their bond is tested in the most harrowing way when Patch is kidnapped while trying to save a girl from a serial killer, setting off a decades-long journey filled with mystery as he chases redemption.

Whitaker perfectly captures the love between these two friends, but what enhances it is Patch's buoyant charisma, a well-developed cat-and-mouse game, wonderful side characters, a riveting police procedural, and a beautifully built angsty love triangle. 

Propulsive and page-turning, it is an enthralling friendship saga with a literary mystery crafted with enormous heart. Whitaker's restraint in storytelling allows this novel to feel rich and lean with its quick chapters, packing a punch for readers as they travel through the decades. This novel transported me in ways I never expected as a reader.

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I'll admit, the seven hundred-page count initially intimidated me, but once I started Wellness, I couldn't put it down. This novel perfectly suits readers who love meandering, character-driven stories with plenty of slice-of-life moments.

Hill’s portrayal of Jack and Elizabeth, a midlife couple navigating the complexities of marriage, is both charming and brutally honest. The only way to describe it is it felt like someone peeked in my underwear drawer to know that others felt this way at times.

Readers go on a journey through the ups and downs of their marriage, highlighting the circular arguments, parenting struggles, and occasional epiphanies that come with this stage of life.

But, what really made this book hit home for me, were its unusual side quests: the exploration of algorithms, wellness culture, and the impact of societal issues like the Ebola crisis effectively showcasing how things haven't changed much from 2014 to 2024 when it comes to our examination of viruses.

I loved the mixed media elements in the print copy including photographs, scientific journals, and even the unusual perspective of algorithms. While I adored The Nix, I’m convinced this novel was even better!

Childhood best friends turned rivals, Rosemary and Logan, reluctantly reunite in their thirties to fulfill the dying wish of their beloved high school teacher, Joe. Their cross-country journey, filled with hilarious mishaps, leads them to rediscover each other and themselves.

But what I loved the most about this enemies-to-lovers story is that it features two neurodivergent women whose neurodivergence looks different for each of them, an essential and illuminating detail. Rosemary's perfectionism and hyper-fixation can consume her to the point that she does not eat or care for herself, while Logan's neurodivergence presents as disorganization and poor planning. The road trip hurdles become numerous as they realize they each approach these challenges differently.

Cochrun blends hilarious comedy with meaningful reflections on aging, creating her most heartwarming and unforgettable story.

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Laura Hankin's debut romance novel is a delightful surprise that adds another layer to her versatile writing career.

This charming enemies-to-lovers romance follows Natalie and Rob who are assigned as maid-of-honor and best man at their best friends' wedding.

Their relationship takes a nose dive when Natalie discovers that Rob left a harsh one-star review on her debut novel setting off a parading lifetime of events where, despite their clashing personalities, they find themselves brought together at pivotal moments over the years for their friend's lives. It felt like all my favorite moments from When Harry Met Sally.

With witty banter and a cozy, rom-com feel, Hankin’s novel surpassed even my seasoned favorites from Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez this year.

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Monica Wood's new novel is pure magic, further solidifying her place as a master of storytelling. After falling in love with her heartwarming novel, One-in-a-Million Boy, I eagerly followed her career and was thrilled to discover this latest release.

In this novel, an unlikely friendship blossoms within a prison book club, where Harriet leads a group of spirited women through their book selections, often with hilarious results.

Though the women are not supposed to share personal information, one prisoner, once released, seeks out Harriet to help her rebuild her life. Together, they form an unexpected and powerful bond with a man who has every reason not to forgive her crime. As the story unfolds, readers are not only drawn into the prisoner’s backstory but also experience the transformative power of forgiveness.

Wood’s talent shines in her rich character development, detailed settings, and the way she breathes life into unusual hobbies and occupations for her characters. It would be universally loved by any reader. I'm so excited to share a book club meeting with Monica this month!

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Fern Brady’s memoir is a raw, hilarious, and deeply poignant exploration of her life after being diagnosed with Autism.

Announcing her diagnosis on Twitter with her signature wit—"Got diagnosed with autism this week. Told my dad who responded by asking what I had for dinner, so I guess this answers the question of which parent has it"—she garnered both positive and negative reactions.

Though she briefly withdrew from the conversation, opting not to make her diagnosis the focus of her life, she found herself diving deeper into the world of Autism-related content to understand the struggles that had always plagued her.

Known for her breakout role on Taskmaster, Brady’s comedic timing shines through even as she recounts the darker chapters of her life, from risky sexual situations and abuse to homelessness and stripping to survive. The memoir strikes a delicate balance between comedy and heartbreak, pulling readers through moments of survival and discovery.

Fern explores how her struggles, particularly her anger and emotional regulation, were tied to her neurodivergence—something that many autistic adults face but is rarely discussed.

Brady’s honesty in sharing how she navigates the chaos of her mind, the overwhelming rage, and her attempts to regulate after years of masking is eye-opening and powerful. I'm grateful for her perspective as a parent raising an Autistic child as it opened my eyes to many difficult moments my child faces every day.

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This was one of my most harrowing books of the year. Its intensity lingered in my dreams long after I closed the book's pages.

Drawing on her real-life experience as a litigator, Lee delivers a chilling debut about Jade, a young lawyer whose life unravels after a drunken ride home from a company party leads to devastating consequences.

When she wakes up with no memory of the events, she’s forced to piece together the fragments of her night, uncovering unsettling truths about herself, the man who brought her home, and the toxic corporate culture that surrounds her. As her career precariously rises, Jade struggles to stay silent to protect her newfound success.

Lee’s brilliance lies in her ability to portray the painful, messy nonlinear process of reclaiming one’s identity after trauma, capturing the anxiety, depression, and relational strain that often follows.

But these lessons were amplified by Jade's biracial Korean-Turkish identity, showcasing the cultural nuances that shape familial responses to trauma. I was riveted.

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Barbara Kingsolver's novel is a sweeping 548-page modern odyssey that captured my attention in a way I didn't expect. I devoured it quickly, even as I wanted to savor every word.

A bold homage to Charles Dickens's David Copperfield, Kingsolver infuses this novel with the rugged, defiant spirit of Appalachia, creating a memorable voice for her protagonist, Demon, who is orphaned by circumstance and tethered to a breathtaking yet brutal landscape.

The novel immerses readers in a labyrinth of problems—unhealthy foster care environments, the unyielding grip of poverty, and the opioid crisis that has ravaged the community.

Much like my experience with A Little Life, it's a relentless series of heartbreaking plot twists, but Kingsolver's storytelling has a magnetic pull. You can't help but wish for a better life for Demon and hope that, despite the odds, there might be a way for his story to turn around.

Kingsolver doesn't simply borrow from Dickens; she reinvents his themes, exposing the raw nerves of today's America. Through Demon's eyes, we are forced to confront our knee-jerk reactions to rural communities and examine the systems that fail so many. I'm so glad I finally read this one!

This was my year for tackling big books! After years of hearing rave reviews, I finally tackled Donna Tartt's sprawling debut, and it lived up to its reputation as a dark academia masterpiece.

Narrated by Richard, a poor and impressionable student drawn into an exclusive Classics program at a New England college, the novel explores the dark consequences of privilege from an outsider's angle.

Drawn to a group of wealthy, charismatic students led by a morally ambiguous professor, Richard's desire to belong leads him down a dark path of escalating hedonism. As this group of students becomes quite obsessed with ancient Greek philosophy and rituals, they begin to enact the literature they discuss daily in their claustrophobic classroom.

But the consequences of their actions spiral out of control, unraveling their friendships as they discover more and more about each other's motives in this character-driven story.

Tartt's atmospheric storytelling and rich character development make this slow-burn mystery as rewarding as it is haunting. It's easy to see why this book has shaped the genre.

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I'm a little late to this poignant and moving exploration of sisterhood, but so glad I finally read it this year.

The story follows William, a young man scarred by his difficult childhood, who finds an unexpected haven in Julia, a college classmate whose ambition and warmth introduce him to her vibrant, close-knit family.

Through Julia, William becomes part of a group of sisters—each with unique traits—bringing him the affection and support he has always craved. However, as the ghosts of William's past resurface, they threaten to unravel the bond he has formed with Julia and her sisters, testing their connection and ability to stay united in the face of mounting challenges.

Napolitano masterfully delves into the complexities of mental illness and its impact on relationships, weaving a narrative that captures the beauty and messiness of human connections.

The story was emotionally charged, and certain moments, particularly around an art project that brings the characters together, left me teary-eyed with its beauty and moving cohesiveness to this story. I didn't want this story to end.

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I have been immersed in Kennedy Ryan's backlist novels, and this spicy romance was my favorite as it honors Black artists and the golden age of Old Hollywood.

The story follows Neevah, a talented but unknown Broadway understudy who finally gets her shot at the spotlight when the lead actress takes a break. In the audience is Canon, a Hollywood producer working on a biopic about a legendary Old Hollywood starlet. He quickly identifies Neevah as the perfect lead, but convincing the studio to take a chance on her is a challenge.

As she steps into the role, a forbidden romance blossoms between them, adding a layer of complexity to their already charged dynamic. But, Neevah's journey is fraught with personal struggles as she battles lupus, a chronic illness that's exacerbated by the stresses of her demanding role.

Ryan weaves a powerful narrative that delves into the physical and emotional toll of chronic illness, exploring how it affects Neevah's body, her career, and her relationships through the pages.

The author is known for her well-researched stories and this novel beautifully honors the Harlem Renaissance and the world of jazz, weaving in historical details like the groundbreaking Voodoo Macbeth production, which adds depth.

With a romance free of miscommunication tropes and third-act breakups, Reel has been my favorite book from Ryan so far! This novel won an Audie Award for Best Romance, but be aware that the spice level is off the charts!

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Amy Lin's deeply meditative memoir stunned me, reflecting on grief in unexpected ways.

When her husband collapses and dies unexpectedly during a half-marathon, Amy faces a relentless storm of loss, compounded by her own harrowing medical crisis just days later. During the isolating days of the pandemic, her journey through unthinkable pain and healing felt like an intimate conversation—raw, unflinching, and deeply human.

As someone hesitant to face heavy memoirs, I found this book to be a revelation, offering profound insights into how grief impacts the body, why it defies timelines, and how we can better support those mourning. This isn't just a story of loss; it's a guide for connection, empathy, and understanding.

So many readers reached out to share that the interview with Amy Lin was one of the most eye-opening conversations I've ever hosted on Book Gang. She talks through what is most helpful and what is most harmful when we show up for grievers, especially as young widows.

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Odran's start in the priesthood comes from a jarring loss when he is young. As his mom leans into her faith, she says God has chosen him for the priesthood and sends him to a seminary, which begins his four-decade journey in the church. While this training starts in an unusual place,  Odran finds the role suits him but discovers that other boys there aren't so lucky. 

Later as the Catholic church finds itself embroiled in a sexual abuse scandal, he begins to confront haunting memories within his past that force him to ponder in what ways he was a victim or an accomplice over his years in the priesthood. 

What Boyne does best in this novel is showcase a relatively innocent bystander to it all, becoming the media's punching bag when people associate all priests with these scandals.

While the reader waits for the inevitable reveals, Boyne thoughtfully showcases how we may not reckon with our memories until many years later. At times, this story had me weeping and deeply angry as we went through the complacency of those involved. It's a beautiful examination on faith.