As a voracious reader and a connoisseur of literature, I must say that this collection of books is nothing short of a treasure trove for any bibliophile. Each book seems to have been meticulously crafted by authors who have not only mastered their respective genres but also brought their unique life experiences into the narrative.
A cozy blanket and a good book. It’s a regular activity for those looking to escape to another world. While it may seem like people are hustling and bustling more than ever, Publishers Weekly reports that people are still making time for reading. The publication used data from Circana BookScan, which noticed a 0.1% sales increase in print books from January to September 2024. The genre that is helping publishers and bookstores take home serious cash: fantasy. The same time period saw a 62% increase in unit sales for the genre.
Indeed, fantasy and romantic fiction are currently ruling the literary landscape, with several standout titles making it onto Looper’s list of the 15 best books of 2024. Yet, this is just a fraction of the remarkable books published this year. Here, you’ll find the top fiction books spanning various genres. Our selections are based on an analysis of Goodreads reviews, Publishers Weekly’s lists and critiques, USA Today’s Booklist, and the New York Times Bestsellers list. So, prepare your “to-be-read” pile and immerse yourself in the top 15 books of 2024.
The Women
Author: Kristin Hannah
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 471
Kristin Hannah has established herself as a prominent figure in historical fiction, with acclaimed works such as “The Nightingale” and “Firefly Lane,” which are based on real events. Her latest novel, “The Women,” has once again propelled her onto the New York Times Best Seller List, and it has remained there for over 40 weeks. In 1965, Frankie’s brother Finley is engaged in the Vietnam War. Moved by this, Frankie – a nursing student – decides to travel to Vietnam herself, providing care to troops as part of the Army Nurse Corps. Upon her return home, she encounters a changed world, facing scrutiny from those who wish the war had never taken place.
Hannah shared with Woman’s World her memories of being in elementary school and junior high during the war, recalling the demonstrations, marches, and widespread emotions towards the conflict. She also recalled the reception given to Vietnam veterans upon their return, an experience that left a lasting impression on her. This topic has always intrigued her and prompted her to delve deeper into it. The story could potentially be adapted for the silver screen, as Warner Bros. has acquired the film rights.
Just for the Summer
Author: Abby Jimenez
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Pages: 432
“Summer’s Bane” follows Emma, a nomadic nurse on a quest for true love. She feels doomed due to her pattern of ex-boyfriends swiftly finding happiness post-breakup with her. A Reddit search reveals she’s not alone in this romantic misfortune; Justin Dahl shares the same hard luck. They both hope that by indulging in a summer romance and parting ways, believing their soulmates are waiting nearby, they can finally lift their love curses.
For approximately twenty weeks during the summer, “Just for the Summer” remained on the New York Times Best Seller List. Moreover, Publishers Weekly bestowed one of their prestigious stars upon it. Their review stated that “Jimenez presents a compelling perspective on how childhood trauma can impact adult relationships, and skillfully maintains the narrative within the characters’ intricate and credible emotional landscapes.
The Hunter
Author: Tana French
Publisher: Viking
Genre: Crime Fiction, Suspense & Thriller
Pages: 467
The Hunter” serves as the sequel to Tana French’s 2020 novel, “The Searcher.” The narrative unfolds from three distinct viewpoints, starting with former detective Cal Hooper’s peaceful relocation to tranquil West Ireland. However, this serenity is soon shattered by the arrival of Trey Reddy’s father, which raises alarm as he comes accompanied by a new wealthy acquaintance. The trio embarks on a gold hunt that poses a threat to everyone involved, all while Trey pursues her own objectives.
As reported by The New York Times, “The Hunter” has been described as captivating, while NPR has chosen it as one of their top Fiction Reads for 2024. Author Louise French revealed to CrimeReads that she drew inspiration for the series by blending the atmosphere of a Western novel with elements of mystery. She also mentioned her plans for a potential third book in the Cal Hooper series.
The Songbird & the Heart of Stone
Author: Carissa Broadbent
Publisher: Bramble
Genre: Romantasy
Pages: 448
In the newest addition to the Crowns of Nyaxia series, we delve deeper into the history of Mische, a close confidante of Oraya and Raihn (whose romantic relationship and betrayal were pivotal in the first two books). This time, Mische takes center stage, revealing her transformation into a vampire and the aftermath of the prince who changed her. Additionally, she confronts a death penalty as a result of the prince’s passing.
In November 2024, Broadbent’s new book was published and quickly climbed to the third spot on the New York Times Best Seller List and debuted at number six on USA Today’s Booklist. This is her first book not self-published; instead, she opted for Tor Publishing Group’s Bramble imprint to distribute this latest thrilling tale. In an interview with Elle magazine, Broadbent expressed her delight that her readers are ready for the hot vampires, passionate kissing scenes, and the strange, disturbing dark magic involving necromancy, as these elements are all featured in the book.
Somewhere Beyond the Sea
Author: TJ Klune
Publisher: Tor Books
Genre: Fantasy, LGBTQ+
Pages: 416
Living a peaceful family life on Marsyas Island was an unexpected reality for Linus Baker, especially considering his initial assignment was investigating Arthur Parnassus’ orphanage in “The House in the Cerulean Sea.” However, Arthur has since become more than just a subject of interest; he is now Linus’ cherished companion, helping to nurture six extraordinary children in “Beyond the Sea.
Back in 2024, I dropped my heartfelt masterpiece titled “Somewhere Beyond the Sea”. This labor of love soared to the top of the New York Times Best Seller List and landed a strong second place on Publisher Weekly’s chart. In an interview with The Orange County Register, I shared that this story was penned as a triumphant tribute to my trans siblings, the queer community, and anyone who has ever felt unworthy or been made to feel so. It’s a beacon of hope for us all!
James
Author: Percival Everett
Publisher: Knopf Doubleday
Genre: Literary Fiction
Pages: 303
Readers familiar with literature might recognize Percival Everett as the writer who penned “Erasure,” which served as inspiration for the critically acclaimed film “American Fiction” in 2023. Now, Everett is captivating readers with his latest offering, “James.” This novel offers a fresh perspective on “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” telling the story from the viewpoint of James, a slave who hears rumors that he may be sold and taken to New Orleans. Desperate to stay with his family, James embarks on a struggle to maintain his loved ones’ unity. Meanwhile, Huck Finn is evading his father, leading both characters to intersect on an extraordinary journey.
James” has been honored with the National Book Award for fiction and was chosen as Barnes & Noble’s Book of the Year. Everett shared with Elle that he admired Twain’s novel and discussed his intention behind this book. He stated, “There are no flaws I am correcting; [‘James’] tackles aspects that Mark Twain could not have touched.
Funny Story
Author: Emily Henry
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 400
“An Unexpected Twist” focuses on Daphne, who finds herself at a crossroads after her fiancé Peter leaves her for his friend, Petra. In search of fresh beginnings, Daphne secures a position as a children’s librarian and contemplates sharing an apartment with Miles, a stark contrast to herself. However, their differences prove beneficial when they decide to pretend friendship in a subtle deception, leading others to assume that there might be romance blossoming between them.
Emily Henry has established herself as a go-to author for heartwarming literature, with books like “Happy Place” and “People We Meet on Vacation” making waves in the literary world. Her newest work, “Funny Story,” is currently leading the New York Times Best Sellers Hardcover Fiction list, and it’s set to be brought to life on the big screen by Lyrical Media and Ryder Picture Company.
House of Flame and Shadow
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Genre: Romantasy
Pages: 835
As a devoted fan, I’ve been swept away by Sarah J. Maas’s blend of thrilling adventures and a touch of the unexpected in her A Court of Thorns and Roses series. Now, she’s introduced another heroine to root for with her Crescent City series, starting with Bryce Quinlan delving into the mystery of her friend’s murder. The third book, “House of Flame and Shadow”, sees Bryce ensnared in another realm, yearning to return to Midgard. With each unyielding obstacle, the longing for her family intensifies, and her optimism fades as the one individual who could aid her is imprisoned.
This latest release is receiving widespread praise, even claiming the number one position on the New York Times Combined Print & E-Book Fiction Best Sellers list. Author Maas shared with Today that fans will need to be patient for the fourth book. “While it’s a bit of a wait on the airport taxiing line, I know who the story revolves around. I have a clear understanding of the major concepts and what I intend to transpire.
The God of the Woods
Author: Liz Moore
Publisher: Riverhead Books
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Pages: 490
“The God of the Woods” – this top-selling novel takes you back to the year 1975, specifically August, where a group of teenagers find themselves residing in the Adirondacks for the season. They immerse themselves in all the summer camp activities. However, tranquility is shattered when camper Barbara Van Laar goes missing. As a result, the camp and the surrounding community are pulling out all the stops to locate her. Her disappearance echoes the chilling event of her older brother’s vanishing 16 years earlier.
Liz Moore’s summer thriller novel has been a top seller on the New York Times Bestseller List for 20 weeks straight and is among NPR’s favorite books of 2024. To add to its recognition, Sony Pictures Television has obtained the rights to adapt it into a movie or TV series.
Our Evenings
Author: Alan Hollinghurst
Publisher: Random House
Genre: LGBTQ+, Historical Fiction
Pages: 496
Our Evenings” by Alan Hollinghurst presents the tale of a Burmese man growing up in England, who explores and accepts his sexuality amidst the backdrop of various decades. The narrative unfolds as he navigates through gay culture, starting from the 1960s, when the protagonist, Dave Win, is just a teenager attending an exclusive boarding school on scholarship. Readers journey alongside him as he grows into a gifted actor and encounters his former school bully, Giles Hadlow, whose connection proves to be a pivotal moment in Dave’s life.
The book “Our Evenings” was recognized as one of the best books of the year by multiple publications, such as The Washington Post and Kirkus Reviews. During an interview with British GQ, author Alan Hollinghurst shared his reasons for choosing to tell this story from a first-person perspective. He mentioned that since he was primarily writing from the viewpoint of someone who is racially different from himself, using the third person would imply assuming an omniscient authorial stance about the character. Instead, he believed the challenge and value of the project for him was to write it in the first person, which carries a sense of testimony but also leaves room for uncertainty due to the omission of not knowing everything.
Intermezzo
Author: Sally Rooney
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Genre: Literary Fiction
Pages: 454
As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but be captivated by Sally Rooney’s work that has made a significant impact on TV, with adaptations such as “Normal People” gracing our streaming platforms. Now, she’s back with another heart-wrenching novel, titled “Intermezzo.” This book revolves around two brothers, Peter who’s a lawyer in Dublin, and Ivan, a competitive chess player. Despite being siblings, they couldn’t be more different. Their shared grief over the loss of their father could potentially alter the trajectory of their lives. Amidst this sorrow, Peter is grappling with his feelings for an ex-girlfriend and a student, while a new woman is drawing Ivan closer.
Rooney mentioned to The Guardian that crafting a story centered around two male characters was quite different from her usual work, which often revolves around female relationships. She suggested that by being perceptive and analytical, one can grasp the intricacies of gender dynamics, regardless of one’s position within society. “Intermezzo,” published in September 2024, stayed on the New York Times Best Seller List for eight consecutive weeks.
The Rom-Commers
Author: Katherine Center
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Contemporary Romance
Pages: 336
Pursuing stardom in romantic comedy films is a dream for Emma Wheeler, serving as the inspiration behind Katherine Center’s novel “The Rom-Commers.” Emma has been tirelessly seeking her big break, and she feels that opportunity might have arrived when she’s given the chance to collaborate with renowned screenwriter Charlie Yates on rewriting a love story. However, his inexperience with the genre is evident in his script, which seems to teeter on the brink of failure. Charlie doubts the authenticity of love, but Emma aims to disprove him while showcasing her own screenwriting abilities.
The book titled “The Rom-Commers” has made it onto numerous notable lists, such as Barnes & Noble’s Top Books of 2024 and Amazon’s Best Books of 2024. This author’s work is already well-known in the film industry, as one of her books was adapted into a popular romantic drama on Netflix. In the realm of romantic comedies, she emphasized during the podcast “Houston Matters” that there is a crucial component she always requires. She stated, “I want there to be tension, but I don’t want the tension to overshadow the emotional core of the story. The tension should serve as a catalyst for the good parts and amplify their impact, making the enjoyable moments even more delightful.
The Boyfriend
Author: Freida McFadden
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense
Pages: 368
Freida McFadden consistently excels at writing gripping page-turners, with several of her books appearing on Looper’s list of top McFadden novels. Her latest work, “The Boyfriend,” is another heart-pounding mystery. Sydney Shaw is a solitary woman pondering if she’ll ever find true love. That changes when she encounters a flawless doctor. To Sydney, he seems impeccable. However, this seemingly perfect boyfriend enters her life at the same time as the police begin investigating a series of murders, including that of a young woman.
2024 Goodreads Choice Awards saw “The Boyfriend” nominated in the category of Readers’ Favorite Mystery & Thriller. Publishers Weekly showered it with high praise, labeling it as “jaw-dropping.” This novel continues McFadden’s renowned thriller style, making it an ideal introduction for those new to her writing.
The Bright Sword
Author: Lev Grossman
Publisher: Viking
Genre: Mythology, Fantasy
Pages: 673
In the story “The Bright Sword,” a young knight named Collum dreams of joining the esteemed ranks of King Arthur and his knights at Camelot, a place of unparalleled legend. However, upon embarking on his journey to the kingdom, he learns that the line between anticipation and actuality can often blur.
Based on Forbes, the novel “The Bright Sword” penned by Lev Grossman is highly recommended for reading in 2024. It has also been chosen as a New York Times Editor’s Pick and recognized as one of the Best Books of the Year by Kirkus Reviews and NPR, among other notable publications.
Long Island Compromise
Author: Taffy Brodesser-Akner
Publisher: Random House
Genre: Literary Fiction
Pages: 464
Forty years ago, Carl Fletcher was abducted and later released after his affluent family paid a substantial ransom, marking a pivotal point in their lives. The “Long Island Compromise” novel unfolds today, as Carl persistently seeks resolution from this past trauma, yet his kin remain unaware. In the meantime, his spouse tirelessly offers him emotional support. The children, on the other hand, grapple with individual challenges rooted in their father’s abduction. As the family members reflect upon their present situations, they explore how their wealth has influenced their current predicaments.
In an interview with Vogue, Taffy Brodesser-Akner discussed her perspective on trauma as it relates to her book “Long Island Compromise,” which was named one of the Best Books of the Year by The New Yorker. She explained that at the end of their shared journey, the characters recognize they never had a chance for success, and true healing starts when they acknowledge this reality. However, she also emphasized that acknowledging you may never fully heal is part of the healing process itself.
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2024-12-15 22:31