The Best Books I’ve Read in 2024 (So Far)
Obviously I had to do a post of the best books I’ve read so far in 2024. We’re halfway through another year (honestly, this one went by so fast), and I’ve had a great reading year thus far. My goal was to read one book a week and I am four books ahead of that goal (eep!). So, it’s not surprise that my list has a lot of good books 😉
Listed in the order I read them in (I think, I’ve been a little spacey lately and honestly didn’t feel like checking Goodreads to double check), these books have YA, mysteries, contemporaries, tons of romances, and even the odd nonfiction. This list also contains many new releases but also a lot of older books as well! Check out my favorite books of 2024 below!
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
I read this book in January and it was honestly such a sweet and wholesome read. It’s about this mother who used to work with and date a famous (but not at the time) movie star, and her daughters want to know the whole entire story without leaving anything out.
You get a lot of family values in this novel and the beautiful bonds between daughters and their mother. I seriously enjoyed this book (and it didn’t hurt that Meryl Streep narrated the audiobook). You can check out my full review here.
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
I just ventured into reading my first ever books by Sarah J. Maas this year and boy was I taken aback. The first book, A Court of Thorns and Roses, was seriously amazing, but the second one? Holy shit it’ll take your breath away. I can’t give any spoilers, but this series is basically about humans and faeries and romance and secrets and a lot of badassery. Read A Court of Mist and Fury now and thank me later.
Tell Me Everything by Erika Krouse
Here it is: my token nonfiction read of the year (this is actually the second one I’ve read, so I’m so proud of me). Tell Me Everything by Erika Krouse absolutely wrecked me. It made me want to scream. It made me want to throw the book across the room. More than anything, though? It made me want to make a difference.
This novel is basically about a private investigator who is investigating a rape culture at a popular football-driven college and how the players often can attack without consequence. Like I said, gut-wrenching.
Shark Heart by Emily Habeck
A very odd book, I must say, but unique in its execution, Shark Heart is a romance novel that brings you into a world where changing into an animal is their version of cancer. Like I said, very unique. The main character’s husband is transforming into a great white shark and it’s just beautiful in the way that you get to see how these human relationships are impacted when it comes to something that threatens the relationship as a whole. Beautiful, lyrical, and a really good read, you can read my full review here.
Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
Wow. Just wow. This is probably one of my top favorite mystery books now because it was just that good. Especially in audiobook. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook production because it is top tier.
This novel is basically about a girl who has been convicted by the court of public opinion (why are people so gross when it comes to judging??) that she killed her best friend. A podcaster comes to town and looks to prove her innocence. There’s a romantic subplot, voices in our main character’s head, and so many threads to follow. Check out my full review for Listen for the Lie here.
If Something Happens to Me by Alex Finlay
Mobsters, secret identities, lost letters, and so much more, If Something Happens to Me by Alex Finlay far exceeded my expectations. I was able to read an advanced reader copy of this novel and really loved coming up with theories and ideas of how the whole mystery would go.
Basically, Ryan’s girlfriend was kidnapped a long time ago and he was always accused of being the one to do it (again, the court of public opinion sucks). When Ryan discovers that his girlfriend left him a note titled, “If Something Happens to Me”, he is determined to solve this mystery once and for all.
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
I’ve never read a book by Abby Jimenez, but now I can honestly say that I will continue reading books by this author because of how good this romance novel was!! Just for the Summer is about Justin and Emma, who are cursed so that whenever someone breaks up with them, the people who broke their heart find their soulmate right after. So, Justin and Emma agree to date just for the summer to see if they can break their curse and finally find love.
Funny Story by Emily Henry
Do I even need to explain this book? Emily Henry as the author is explanation enough, but I’ll give you a quick blurb 😉 Daphne just got dumped by her fiancé only to end up living with Miles, the guy who was dating the woman Daphne’s fiancé cheated with. After that, it’s all just kind of a funny story….
Okay okay, no more bad book puns. With all other things aside, this was such a fun and romantic read. Emily Henry’s writing has a way of sweeping me up into the story and immersing me so much that I truly believe in the love that she’s written. You can check out my full review for it here.
