Top 46 Books of 2024… So Far

Time flies when you’re having fun, especially when there are so many great books to read. Whether you read in bed, on your commute, while lying in a hammock with a glass of sweet tea, in a coffee house, or while waiting for the fish to bite, we have a collection of excellent books for you.

Maybe you’re searching for a fantastic book for yourself, a perfect gift, or a title to recommend to your partner, kid, book club, or coworker. No need to worry; we’ve got you covered. Here are the books we’ve read and loved, including breakout titles, critically acclaimed works, and some offbeat options you won’t find anywhere else. It’s the best books of 2024 so far, so let’s dive in.

Percival Everett is having a stellar year. With the success of the film based on his novel “Erasure,” his new book “James” has become the best-reviewed and best-selling work of his career. This novel tackles Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” retelling it through the perspective of the enslaved man Jim, named James in this version, as he navigates harrowing adventures beside Huck.

In 2017, Emil Ferris made waves with her graphic novel “My Favorite Thing Is Monsters.” Now, with the release of Book Two, Ferris cements her reputation. This graphic novel continues the story of a little girl growing up in Chicago in the late 1960s, ensuring it’s a must-read for fans of the art form and newcomers alike.

Acclaimed memoirist Alexandra Fuller’s new book “Fi: A Memoir of My Son” deals with the devastating loss of her 21-year-old son. It’s a moving and humorous exploration of grief and resilience, much like her previous deeply personal works.

Susan Page’s biography “The Rulebreaker: The Life and Times of Barbara Walters” recounts the trailblazing journalist’s groundbreaking career and personal struggles. This book provides a comprehensive look at Walters’ journey from early television roles to becoming an icon in media.

Simone Gorrindo’s memoir “The Wives” explores the lives of military spouses, highlighting the unexpected challenges and deep connections that emerge from their experiences. It’s a compelling account of love, sacrifice, and community.

Kevin Baker’s historical narrative “The New York Game” intertwines the histories of New York City and baseball, while Questlove and Ben Greenman’s “Hip-Hop Is History” delves into the evolution of hip-hop, a genre close to the authors’ hearts. Garrett M. Graff’s “When The Sea Came Alive” offers an oral history of D-Day, enriching our understanding of World War II.

For romance fans, Emily Henry’s “Funny Story” offers a delightful twist on familiar tropes. Ruth Reichl’s “The Paris Novel” brings the charm of culinary writing to a lighthearted, romantic tale set in Paris. Cat Sebastian’s “You Should Be So Lucky” provides a poignant queer romance set in 1960s New York.

Joseph Kanon’s “Shanghai” captures World War II-era intrigue with a backdrop as compelling as Casablanca. Don Winslow’s “City In Ruins” concludes his Danny Ryan trilogy, drawing significant comparisons to classic crime dramas. Francis Spufford’s “Cahokia Jazz” presents a fascinating alternate history set in the 1920s.

Elton John and David Furnish’s collection of photography is celebrated in “Fragile Beauty,” a beautiful coffee table book showcasing a diverse array of talent.

Kristin Hannah’s “The Women” focuses on the experiences of Vietnam War nurses, offering a gripping, emotional narrative. Miranda July’s “All Fours” humorously tackles menopause, while Tommy Orange’s “Wandering Stars” follows up his Pulitzer finalist “There There” with another powerful, engaging story about Indigenous ancestors.

Amy Tan’s “The Backyard Bird Chronicles” reveals her passion for birdwatching, blending sketches and observations into a delightful read.

Kaliane Bradley’s debut “The Ministry of Time” combines time-travel with romance and workplace comedy, while Lev Grossman’s “The Bright Sword” reimagines Arthurian legends with modern sensibilities. Scott Alexander Howard’s “The Other Valley” uses time travel to explore profound emotional themes.

Shivaun Plozza’s “The Worst Perfect Moment” offers a unique take on the afterlife, while Erik Larson’s “The Demon of Unrest,” Adam Higginbotham’s “Challenger,” and Hampton Sides’ “The Wide Wide Sea” provide riveting historical accounts.

Colm Tóibín’s “Long Island” revisits the character from his acclaimed novel “Brooklyn,” and Taffy Brodesser-Akner’s “Long Island Compromise” continues her streak of sharply observed social satire.

Karen Valby’s “The Swans of Harlem,” Ann Powers’ “Traveling: On The Path of Joni Mitchell,” and Margalit Fox’s “The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum” uncover fascinating, lesser-known stories from history.

Leigh Bardugo’s “The Familiar” blends fantasy with historical intrigue, while Stephen King’s “You Like It Darker” and Stephen Graham Jones’ “The Angel of Indian Lake” provide chilling thrills.

Kevin Kwan’s “Lies and Weddings,” Holly Gramazio’s “The Husbands,” and Damilare Kuku’s “Nearly All The Men in Lagos Are Mad” deliver humor, satire, and profound observations on relationships and society.

David Baldacci’s “A Calamity of Souls” and Liz Moore’s “The God of the Woods” tackle compelling legal and mystery narratives, while Tana French’s “The Hunter” intricately blends thriller with deep character studies.

Kirsten Miller’s “Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books” humorously addresses book banning, Helen Simonson’s “The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club” explores post-WWI romance, and Simon Van Booy’s “Sipsworth” offers a tender story about finding the will to live.

Finally, picture book lovers will adore Amy Hest and Erin Stead’s “Big Bear and Little Bear Go Fishing,” Gary Golio and E.B. Lewis’ “Everywhere Beauty Is Harlem,” and Drew Beckmeyer’s “The First Week of School.”

Source: Doubleday, Fantagraphics, Grove Press, Simon & Schuster, Gallery/Scout Press, Knopf, AUWA, Avid Reader Press/Simon & Schuster, Berkley, Random House, Avon, Scribner, William Morrow, V&A Publishing, Holiday House, Grand Central Publishing, Riverhead Books, David R. Godine, Neal Porter Books, Calkins Creek, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Flatiron Books, and other respective publishing houses.