Ok, folks! Buckle up because I’ve got a list of books I’ve read this past year, rated in order with reviews that’s coming at ya! This year I was shooting for 24 books in my goodreads reading challenge, which is the most I’ve read in a year, so I’m feeling very accomplished. But I’ve narrowed down the list to my top 10 books of 2024. Check out the list below and get ready to add some goodies to your reading list this year.
10. The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
Mystery / Thriller
First up is this mystery/thriller by Lucy Foley. Set in an apartment building in Paris and told through different points of view, the story keeps you guessing as you read. And I love a good ending that closes all the loops.
9. The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young
Fantasy | Magical Realism
Number 9 on the list is Adrienne Young’s novel, The Unmaking of June Farrow. I am a huge fan of Adrienne Young and have loved all of her books. While I still enjoyed this one very much, it wasn’t one of my favorites of hers. The main theme is time travel, which for me isn’t always that exciting, but she did have a very interesting spin on it. One that, as she always does, makes you fall in love with her characters.
8. Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
Autobiography
I really wasn’t sure about this one when I first picked it up. But it has stuck with me. The audiobook version of this, which I highly recommend, is read by Matthew McConaughey himself and it’s amazing. It’s a really fun read about his life, but also his philosophy about life—Greenlights. When there’s a greenlight, that means go… and that’s a sign for what’s up the road ahead.
7. The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell
Historical Fiction
Making it to number 7 on my top books of 2024 list is The Marriage Portrait. The writing was beautifully done and I found myself so intrigued on where the story was going. Set in the Italian Renaissance, it follows the story of a young woman as she makes her way in a troubled court.
6. No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister
Contemporary Fiction / Short Stories
No two persons is such a great book club pick. The conversations we had around this one were probably the best we had all year. It’s about how one book can affect people differently. A collection of short stories from 9 people who all read the same book and how it affected their lives. Some stories stuck with us more than others, but all were worth talking about. And finding the connections between them.
5. First List Wins by Ashley Elston
Mystery / Thriller
If you are a fan of secret agents and going undercover, you’ll enjoy this pick, First Lie Wins. Always something around the corner and with such a clever female lead running the show.
4. The Women by Kristin Hannah
Historical Fiction
Kristin Hannah has a way of taking you with her through all the pain and suffering of her protagonists, and this one was no different. I love reading her books, not only because they feature the women’s side of the story, but because of the rich history that is shared. Her books always stick with me for several days after and this one was no different, featuring what it was like as a nurse in the Vietnam War.
3. The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré
Contemporary Fiction
Such an inspiring story about a young girl growing up in a rural Nigerian village and her dreams for more for herself. An education. She’s so smart, but unfortunately isn’t valued for her mind, instead as a possession. It’s a story of her strength and perseverance, and how kindness of others can change everything.
2. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Historical Fiction
I absolutely love the character, Elizabeth Zott, that Bonnie Garmus wrote. She’s brilliant and dry and an absolute badass. Shocking turns and of course, a feminist vibe—kinda sensing a theme with my top books here. No need to go on with this one, it’s a must read.
1. Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
Contemporary Romance
This was my absolute favorite book of 2024. I loved everything about it. The characters, the way they met, the hilarious situations, the trauma, and of course the ending. It took me up and down, made me cry and laugh, and I just couldn’t get enough of Abby Jimenez after that. (I also had just a tiny crush on Justin, shh, our little secret.)
Thanks so much for stopping by to read my top 10 books of 2024. If you have a favorite I would LOVE to hear what it was in the comments below.
Loved many of the books you mentioned but my favorite this year was the Dutch House written by Ann Patchett. The audio book was read by Tom Hanks and I just love him!