Best Books of 2024!
Tis’ the season for wrap-ups! While I love seeing everyone’s Spotify lists, I’m far more intrigued by what people read! Goodreads actually offered a “wrapped” this year, but I’ve been making my own since 2021. Given how much I put into these yearly posts (I used to do them on instagram before moving to the blog), I’m pretty sure it’s 100% self indulgent. But also, I love helping people find books they love, so maybe you’ll be tempted to check out some of the ones on this list!
I think I’m getting a lot pickier when it comes to my ratings and reviews. If you’re seeing a book on this list, it means I gave it at least 4 stars, but overall my average rating dropped from a 4.4 to a 4.1. I can think of two factors for this, the first being that I’m just reading more, so I’m being exposed to higher and higher levels of written craftsmanship. The second is that I’ve been writing a lot this year, as well as reading a lot about writing and story-crafting, which automatically makes me raise a lot more red flags than I used to.
Stats wise, I’ve read 62 books this year as opposed to 71 last year. My goal on Goodreads is always 52 but that’s fake. I want to hit at least 70 every year. Obviously that didn’t happen this year and I’m not going to beat myself up about it because it’s not about the numbers!
But here are some more of them anyways.
This year, my goal was to read more new authors of color than new white authors. As of writing this I’ve read 56 authors total, 35 of them new. Of those new authors, 18 of them are authors of color. I barely hit my goal, but I’m happy I did. I discovered so many great writers this year and have several sequels and/or new series lined up for my 2025 tbr. I’m most excited for Girl Giant and the Jade War by Van Hoang, The Floating World by Axie Oh, and Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler.
I don’t share all this as some sort of morality flag— in fact, I see it as an accountability tool that helps me seek out a bookshelf that’s intentionally colorful. Minority writers are chronically underrepresented in publishing, making it necessary to seek out diverse books. It’s especially important to read non-white authors in this upcoming year, particularly non-white histories. An increase in books bans could mean that we don’t know how much longer those books could be on the shelves. I’m grateful to all the authors I read this year, but especially the authors of color, who continue to fight through a system that devalues them. Story has a unique power to help us understand, and I find books a most effective tool in learning the lived reality of others.
Next year, my goal is to read more books by authors of color than books by white authors. Depending on if we make a big international move, it might be hard, as I’ll be doing A LOT of rereads (esp of childhood favs) to try and figure out which books to take. But you know, through God all things are possible so jot that down.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Middle grade came out with a strong hand this year! I read the first 3 Vanderbeekers books (Karina Yan Glasser), a feel good series akin to the Penderwicks but set in NYC. When You Trap a Tiger (Tae Keller) was the perfect blend of heartfelt magical realism, and Magnolia Wu Unfolds it All (Chanel Miller) was delightfully funny. Minor Mage (T. Kingfisher) was perfectly funky with a lot of depth, and Kiki’s Delivery Service (Eiko Kadono) was every bit as magical as the Ghibli movie. Amari and the Despicable Wonders (B.B. Alston) was a worthy third addition to the beloved series, and Girl Giant and the Monkey King (Van Hoang) was a Percy Jackson-esque mashup of Chinese and Vietnamese mythology that is equal parts entertaining and informative.
I felt like my YA reads last year were really weak, but I was pleasantly surprised at what I read this year! Phoebe’s Diary (Phoebe Wahl) was both touching and an illustrative feast for the eyes. Raybearer (Jordan Ifueko) had some of the most interesting world-building I’ve read in a while, and The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea (Axie Oh) had such a richly described setting. Squire (Nadia Shammas and Sara Alfageeh) was a timely and gripping graphic novel, and The Firekeeper’s Daughter (Angelline Boulley) kept me on the edge of my seat with its heart-pounding twists and turns. Sheine Lende (Darcie Little Badger) was an excellent companion to Elatsoe, and I’m still thinking about the yellowjackets-esque intensity of The Grace Year (Kim Liggett).
Adult always tends to be hit-or-miss for me; the things that don’t hit REALLY don’t hit. But this year I can give a few mentions. I’m happy to report that The Bell Jar (Sylvia Plath) was just as compelling as my first experience read through (in 10th grade). I laugh at myself for it, but I’m always surprised when there’s a reason a classic is a classic. I liked A Prayer for the Crown-Shy (Becky Chambers), even if it didn’t quite grip me as tight as first novella. The Wisteria Society for Lady Scoundrels (India Holton) was an excellent read if you like regency romance and matter-of-fact magic in your books. Practicing the Way (John Mark Comer) was a convicting and inspiring easy theology read (one of my few non-fiction books from this year), and Funny Story (Emily Henry) continues Henry’s streak of fun, flirty, fluffy romances. I debated whether or not I wanted to indict myself with this one, but I included it on my Goodreads so I’ll admit to it on here: I am a Dramione stan and allow myself one (1) fanfiction a year. This year I read Draco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love and you know what? It was awesome! The plot was compelling enough to stand on its own and the romantic tension was spilling off my screen. What can I say? I’m a sucker for enemies-to-lovers. Klara and the Sun (Kazuo Ishiguro) was a gently human sci-fi that is reminiscent of Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go, and as I write this, I’m in the midst of All My Knotted-Up Life: A Memoir (Beth Moore). It’s proving to both powerful and touching, but I expected nothing less.
WHEW! That’s a lot of honorable mentions, but it was a good reading year! I’d happily recommend the reads listed in this category, but for the books that stuck in my brain like the remnants of caramelized cinnamon sugar on molars, I present to you…
THE BEST OF THE BEST
Middle Grade
The Beatrice Prophecy — Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Sophie Blackall
I love the simplicity of DiCamillo’s writing— she says so much with so few words. Blackall’s illustrations are icing on the cake. Great for fans of DiCamillo’s other work (particularly The Tale of Despereaux) and The Inquisitor’s Tale.
This Was Our Pact— Ryan Andrews
An absolutely breathtaking graphic novel about friendship and making difficult choices. The art is stunning and the whole thing positively seeps magic. Great for any fans of graphic novels, child and adult alike.
Everything Sad is Untrue — Daniel Nayeri
How do I describe this book? Part memoir, part folktale, all heart-wrenching. Nayeri’s prose is gorgeous and his story is powerful. I love the way everything was woven together, each strand preciously crafted to create something beautiful. It’s definitely an upper middle grade read, or a great choice for parents to read with their kids. Be prepared to cry.
Made in Asian America: A History for Young People — Erika Lee and Christine Soontornvat
Based on Lee’s adult book, Made in Asian America, this version for younger readers is an excellent example of using intimate stories to tell a compelling history. The whole book is comprehensive, well written, and engaging for readers of all ages. The way Lee and Soontornvat introduce big concepts like racism and imperialism is particularly effective and understandable for kids.
Young Adult
Divine Rivals + Ruthless Vows — Rebecca Ross
An interesting inclusion, because I did rate these both at 4s! But that was honestly on technicalities — overall, this duology had such a rich atmosphere, an interesting plot, and what’s probably one of the best romances I’ve read in YA in a long time. Think WWI, but with greek-mythology inspired magic, valiant journalists, and lots of pots of tea. I think fans of the whimsical romance in The Night Circus would really enjoy this duology.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes — Suzanne Collins
I could write an essay about how chronically misunderstood The Hunger Games is as a series. I could write a separate essay about how chronically misunderstood Katniss is as a character. I could write ANOTHER essay about how the general, low-quality YA dystopian influx of the 2010s tarnished the public view of The Hunger Games because other authors were taking what they thought were the fundemental parts of the series (the love triangle [there isn’t actually a love triangle!!], the districts, the big bad government) and just said “cut to fit;” all while ignoring the actual themes that made the series successful!!!!
But you aren’t here for that.
ANYWAYS, my takeaway from this book is that Collins continues to slay. Snow’s character is well-written enough to have the reader constantly hoping he makes different decisions, even though we know exactly where he’s going. It’s a masterclass in writing an unlikable protagonist.
Age 16 — Rosena Fung
A graphic novel covering three generations of women. Moms and daughters, this one is for you. I turned the last page and absolutely wept. Besides being a powerful story, the use of color within the art is particularly effective.
Eliza and Her Monsters — Francesca Zappia
About a girl who’s accidentally made a webcomic sensation, her life online, and the reality around her. This book feels like such a realistic portrayal of teen life and romance within the structure of a fantastical situation. Great for fans of Fangirl!
Adult
Tress of the Emerald Sea— Brandon Sanderson
Baby’s first Brandy Sandy! The Princess Bride, but Buttercup goes after Westley. It’s worth noting that although this is technically shelved in adult, I think it’s totally suitable for teens! Definitely something I would have enjoyed in high school, but equally enamoring for adults!
The Threads of Power — VE Schwab
VE Schwab the writer you are! I love Schwab’s atmospheric, borderline poetic prose. I was a little nervous to re-enter the world of ADSOM, but I so love the way Schwab has expanded on the different Londons, adding new characters and re-visiting the old.
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store — James McBride
A fascinating piece of historical fiction has McBride weaving together the fates of the Jewish and Black communities in a small northeastern town. Touching characters abound, each with their own complexities and flawed hearts.
Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands— Heather Fawcett
As delightful as the first book, this installment sees Emily’s relationship with Wendell grow and deepen, yet never does it get in the way of her work. I love Emily’s narration and her unique way of seeing the world.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow — Gabrielle Zevin
Something contemporary and literary, yet the inclusion of video games as a common theme makes the whole of Zevin’s novel feel slightly fantastical. But don’t worry if you’re not a video game lover: I’m not either, yet still adored this book. It feels familiar and fresh, all at the same time.
The Farseer Trilogy — Robin Hobb
What can I say about this series that hasn’t already been said? If you know me, you know I love me some political fantasy, and the Farseer trilogy checks every box. Follow FitzChivalry Farseer as he navigates life as the royal bastard and also an assassin. Discover that he is just several trauma coping mechanisms in a trench coat. Cry, probably. Fair warning: these books are INTENSE! But in my opinion, it’s worth it.
The Midnight Library — Matt Haig
I think Haig wrote this for people like me, who cry every Christmas when they watch It’s a Wonderful Life. That’s about as much as I want to give away, but I started this when I was quite sad with my life, and finished it with a renewed sense of delight.
Kindred — Octavia Butler
Woof. My first Octavia Butler and it’s easy to see why she’s so highly regarded. From her prose to the story, Kindred was a masterclass in effective, powerful writing. Every time Dana was wrenched back to the plantation, my heart tore. Butler does not damper the realities of the Antebellum south, nor does she pull punches with any of her characters.
I try not to harp on books I didn’t enjoy, but again, this is a self-indulgent wrap-up so I let myself reveal my worst read of the year. I loved the first Crescent City book and was ok with the second, even with that ending. But this third book is my least fav of the entire Maasverse. Unfortunately, I think it was all the weaknesses of the series reaching a breaking point to create a convoluted, nonsensical story, characters boiled down to their troupes, and a magic system that wouldn’t hold up with the slightest breeze. The prose was so clunky and the dialogue was so stiff. At this point, the only series I’ve kept is TOG— ACOTAR and CC went to a local used bookstore, where I hope someone can read and enjoy them more than I did.
I don’t think of myself as a hater, but I’m weary of booktok driven romantasy that’s just three troupes trapped in a trench coat. I felt it with Fourth Wing (I wrote a scathing review on GR that I still stand by) and felt it with the third CC book. No hate if you liked those books— many people do! I think there’s a place on the bookshelf for most everything, and I definitely like my fantasy and my romance. Not everything has to be a high-brow, breathtaking read! But boiling a book down to fit the popular troupe of the week isn’t a sustainable long-term model for telling stories.
Best of the best is once again a difficult category— there were strong contenders across the board. Overall, I have to go with my Robin Hobb introduction, aka The Farseer Trilogy. I’m on deck (iykyk) for The Liveship Traders Trilogy and am excited to dive in in the new year! There’s good reason everyone recs these— they’re a slow, intense read but worth every moment.
Categorically, I’m giving it to Everything Sad is Untrue for middle grade, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes for YA, and a true split between Tress of the Emerald Sea and The Fragile Threads of Power for adult. So if you take any recs from me, I’m standing strong behind these.
As always, here’s a little art inspired by one of my favorites! I was in the mood to just draw a bunch of faces, so behold my indulgence!
(I put Burrich and Nighteyes right next to each other because I’m P E T T Y)
Obviously, I’m usually a traditional media girlie, but with all the holiday travel, this guy came together in Procreate. I enjoyed most of the characters in this series (Hobb has a talent for deeply complex characters), but I think Kettricken is one of my favorites. I hope to see more of her come Tawny Man.
That’s all for 2024! Whether you read 1 book or 100, I hope you had an excellent year of reads! And let me know what your favorite books of 2024 are!