SIGN UP! 
Readers’ Favorite Books: 2024 Edition
By: Angela & Melissa
Updated:
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, we may earn a referral fee from qualifying purchases.In addition to sharing our own favorite books of 2024, we love giving our email subscribers an opportunity to share the best books they read each year. This year, nearly 1400 book titles were submitted (that’s twice as many as last year), and these 27 books rose to the top.
The only rule we imposed was that our readers submit books they read during 2024, so not all of the books are brand-new releases. We’ve divided the list into the best books published in 2024 and the best backlist titles, as submitted by our readers.
Reader’s Favorite 2024 Releases
In the “Book Girls Say” section below each book description, you’ll find quotes from some of our readers sharing why that book was their favorite. In addition to these books being our readers’ favorite books of 2024, some of the novels have also been included on our reading challenge book lists over the past few months. When that is the case, you’ll see our average reader rating and the percentage of those readers who would recommend the book to a friend.
The Women
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
Frances “Frankie” McGrath is a 21-year-old nursing student who has been raised by her conservative parents to always do “the right thing.” But when her brother ships out for Vietnam in 1965, she begins to change her views of right and wrong. Frankie impulsively joins the Army Nurses Corps and follows her brother to Vietnam. As she tends to the green and inexperienced young men who have been sent to fight the war, she is overwhelmed by the chaos and destruction. Returning home to a changed America doesn’t prove to be any easier.
While The Women is the story of Frankie going to war, it also shines a light on the story of all women who risk everything to help others. The publisher describes this book as “a novel of searing insight and lyrical beauty” that is “profoundly emotional” and “richly drawn.”
The Book Girls Say…
“There are books and then there are books by Kristin Hannah. Such a well-researched and written book that sheds light on those who served in the Vietnam War and what life was like after coming home. Be prepared for so many emotions as you read, definitely one of the best books I’ve read in a long time.” -Lexie
“Hannah writes in a way that consumes the reader. This book was incredibly difficult to put down but it’s a necessary read so we can understand what our military members endure while deployed and after they come home.” -Katie D.
“I was already a Kristin Hannah fan before reading The Women, but I don’t know that I’ve ever had another book leave me reeling the way this one did. I laughed, I sobbed, and I couldn’t stop thinking about the book after I finished. The treatment of the Vietnam Vets after returning home, especially the women vets, is something that will stick with me for a long time.” -Emily B.
James
Book Summary
This thought-provoking novel transports you back to 1840s Missouri, the land of Huckleberry Finn. However, in James, you’ll find the story reimaged from the point of view of the enslaved man, Jim, who prefers to be called James.
James overhears that he’s about to be sold to a man in New Orleans. If this happens, he’ll never see his wife and daughter again. That thought is too much for him to bear, so he decides to hide on Jackson Island until he comes up with a long-term plan. The island is also the temporary home of Huck Finn, who is running from his abusive father.
Together, the unlikely duo is determined to make it down the Mississippi River to the elusive Free States. Along the way, they encounter the same trials Mark Twain included, but they feel different through the eyes of James.
The Book Girls Say…
“This is the finest book I have read in a decade. It totally flips Huckleberry Finn upside down and twists it inside out. It challenges a lot of things we have been taught about slavery. There is not one poorly constructed sentence in the book.” -Chris W.
“I love retellings, and this is the best one I’ve read.” -Monica J.
“It’s a story we need to read, to understand there is always another version of the truth.” -Stacy D.
“Powerful and compelling, this book tells a familiar story from a new point of view. It is tragic and inspiring, a real masterpiece.” -Carol R.
Also Featured on These Book Lists:
All the Colors of the Dark
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
All the Colors of the Dark crosses genres from literary fiction to mystery and even to romance as it follows the characters from their teen years in 1975 into adulthood.
In the small Ozarks town of Monta Clare, Missouri, girls are disappearing. When the daughter of a wealthy family, Misty, is targeted, the most unlikely hero emerges—Patch, a local boy with one eye. Patch saves the girl, but this leaves heartache in his wake.
While Mont Clare was once a close-knit community, after this event, the town will never be the same. The trauma experienced by Patch, his friend Saint, and Misty will haunt them as they grow into adulthood. The trauma causes each character to make choices you may not agree with, creating many twists and a suspenseful vibe throughout the compelling story.
The Book Girls Say…
“Oh boy, this book will take you for a ride of your life! You will find everything here – suspense, action, multi layered characters, profound writing. So many twists and turns that it knocks you out of your seat, makes you want to scream and laugh, cry and talk to yourself all at the same time! Best book of the year for me!” -Vida P.
“Such vivid characters. I felt so invested in the story. I wept for the characters at the end.” -Wendy M.
“Loved the story spanning a lifetime of the main characters. Loved that you really would think one thing was going on and learn later that it was totally different than what you assumed. Hard to put into words why this book appealed to me. Brought me lots of tears and emotion.” -Kathy K.
“I loved the short chapters from different characters’ perspectives. I also loved that this swirled around a serial killer/murders but that it was really about 2 friends and their never ending bond.” -Margaret G.
Also Featured on These Book Lists:
Books that Span Multiple Decades
The Best Books We Read in 2024
The God of the Woods
Book Summary
In 1961, the only son of a family that owns a summer camp in the Adirondacks disappeared while hiking and was never found. Now, in 1975, a camp counselor discovers that their daughter, thirteen-year-old Barbara, is missing. Are the tragedies related?
As soon as they realize Barbara is not in her bunk, a frantic search is launched. The investigation is deeply layered, with Barbara’s counselor, Louise, her bunkmate, Tracy, her mother, Alice, and a young female detective, Judyta, all sharing their own impactful stories along the way.
The Book Girls Say…
“There was something captivating about the story and all of its twists and turns. … I thought it was all beautifully written and just the right timing and rhythm.” -Amy Y.
“A stellar literary mystery, The God of the Woods had so much to say about the corrupting influence of privilege. Yet it was the mystery and very real characters that carried the story forward.” -Nancy K.
“I loved the story, and how it took so many unexpected turns. I thought I knew how it would end, but I was wrong. The ending stayed on my mind for a while after I finished it. My favorite book of the year.” -Linda P.
“A slow burn with lots of interesting, complex characters and a great ending. I enjoyed the structure of the story as well, how the timeline bounced around but was not at all confusing.” -Melissa H.
Also Featured on These Book Lists:
The Briar Club
Book Summary
Briarwood House is an all-female boardinghouse in Washington DC, where secrets hide behind white picket fences. It’s 1950 when the mysterious widow Grace moves into the attic. She throws attic-room dinner parties for her new friends, including a beautiful English wife and mother, a police officer’s daughter who is involved with a gangster, a baseball star frustrated with the end of the female league after WW2, and a woman who threw herself into McCarthy’s Red Scare.
While Grace’s dinner parties are healing to the women, she also has her own secrets…and there may be an enemy within the group.
The Book Girls Say…
“Kate Quinn is one of my auto buy authors. I love her writing style and find she always tells a great story. This one was a bit different, in terms of POV and how she structured the book, but I think it worked really well. I loved it.” -Ashley C.
“I enjoyed how the author revealed each character’s backstory – it built the suspense until all is revealed at the end.” -Patty O.
“Historical fiction is my favorite genre and Kate Quinn never disappoints! She really makes the reader get attached to characters and weaves the plot through their stories so smoothly.” -Kim B.
“This book is well written with some twists. It covers the history of the time period well and the characters are well developed and likable. Great for book clubs who like to serve food based on the food in the chosen book.” -Leah M.
Also Featured on These Book Lists:
Best Book Club Books for 2024
Best Thanksgiving Books for Adults
Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books
Book Summary
Beverly is on the local schoolboard and her archrival Lula has turned into a local celebrity as she’s been on a mission to rid the public libraries of all inappropriate books—none of which she’s actually read.
To counteract the “pornographic” books housed in the local library, Lula starts a little library in her front yard, full of “worthy literature”.
At night, Beverly’s adult daughter Lindsay sneaks over to Lula’s little library and replaces the books, but swaps the dust covers. Suddenly, Our Confederate Heroes actually contains Beloved and The Southern Belle’s Guide to Etiquette turns into The Girl’s Guide to the Revolution.
As Beverly and Lula’s rivalry intensifies when they run against each other to replace the mayor, the townspeople who have been changed by borrowing the books from Lula’s begin to reveal themselves. Everyone from the postman to the prom queen have something to say, eventually forcing Lindsay to confess.
The Book Girls Say…
“It was funny without being irreverent, and it spoke to an issue that is so very important in our lives today. This is a book I will read again.” -Lorraine B.
“Humorous -but accurate- assessment of how books become targets in the culture wars.” -Pam R.
“Such a timely topic and Miller handled it adroitly. Over the top funny, while at the same time, hitting the censorship issues head on. I’ve been recommending this book since I had the opportunity to read an early release copy.” -Sharon H.
“This was a love letter to books! I liked how the right books were chosen for each person (and I liked that the author assumed you knew the books already). It was funny while also having a lot to say .” -Becki M.
Also Featured on These Book Lists:
Novels with Characters Connecting Through Books
Best Book Club Books for 2024
The Lion Women of Tehran
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
In 1950s Tehran, Ellie lives a priviledged life. However, her whole world changes when her father unexpectedly passes away, and she and her mother must move to a tiny home downtown.
On her first day at her new school, Ellie meets Homa, a kind, brave, and passionate girl who becomes her best friend. They spend all their time together learning to cook, playing games, and wandering the Grand Bazaar.
But then Ellie’s life flips again when she’s given a chance to return to her privileged life and attend the best girls’ high school in Iran. Over time, her thoughts of Homa fade, and she embraces her bourgeois life. When Homa suddenly reappears, the course of both of their lives is changed forever. The rising political turmoil in the country complicates things even further.
The Book Girls Say…
“The book begins with the gorgeous cover then takes you on a journey of the complicated relationship between two friends.” -Anita F.
“Learned so much that I didn’t know about Iran in that era, how women lost so much in the political upheavals. Also, a great coming of age and friendship story.” -Barbara H.
“I love a book that has me doing all kinds of research about the events taking place during the story, or things like the food or clothing, even the flora and fauna that are in the book. And Lion Women did just that. I also liked the ending. It thought it wrapped up nicely!” -Amy C.
“Beautiful story of a lifelong friendship. Detailed writing of a culture not well known or understood.” -Susan Y.
“The book portrays lasting friendship between two girls from different social classes as Iran under goes political changes. A wide range of issues such as class, feminism, and political activism are explored through the lens of Iranian life and culture.” -Latricia O.
Also Featured on These Book Lists:
Books that Span Multiple Decades
Books Set in the Middle East
Best Book Club Books for 2024
The Best Books We Read in 2024
Just for the Summer
Book Summary
Every woman Justin goes on a date with seems to find their soulmate right after breaking up with him. It’s his curse, and now, thanks to a Reddit thread, EVERYONE knows.
However, his viral embarrassment may have a silver lining. Emma has the same problem and has sent him a message. The solution is obvious. They’ll date each other, break up, and then destiny will bring them each their own soulmates.
Traveling nurse Emma finds a job in Minnesota and rents a cute cottage on Lake Minnetonka for her summer fling with Justin. But when Emma’s toxic mother shows up and Justin has to assume guardianship of his three siblings, they’re suddenly navigating a lot more than they expected. Will these challenges quickly rip them apart, or does fate have other plans?
The Book Girls Say…
“It was my favorite rom-com read this summer. It started me on a path of reading through her backlist. She’s now a favorite author of mine.” -Becky A.
“I love this series, and this book was perfect! Abby has a skill of approaching serious issues with such humor.” -Cristel L.
“This is exactly what I want out of a contemporary romance book. I felt connected with the characters, longed for the attention in the relationship, and laughed out loud in the humorous moments. I also enjoyed the subplots, which fit in with the main storyline.” -Holly T.
“Abby Jimenez never fails to write great characters with nuanced lives and settings that are an integral part of the story.” -Kayla F.
Also Featured on These Book Lists:
Guide to Abby Jimenez Books in Order
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez – Discussion Questions and Book Club Guide
Summer Books to Read on the Beach in 2024
The Best Books We Read in 2024
PS: We also have a printable Just for the Summer book club guide available on Etsy, including discussion questions, themed games, a printable bookmark, and more!
Book Summary
Aboard a short flight from Hobart to Sydney, Australia, a passenger (who will come to be known as “The Death Lady”) walks up and down the aisles telling each person the age at which they will die and the cause of death.
Some passengers learn that they have many, many years ahead of them – like one who will live to be 103. But for six passengers, their predicted deaths are less than a year away.
A few months after the flight, one passenger dies exactly as predicted. Then soon after, two more. Now even those who originally viewed their encounter with “The Death Lady” as an entertaining story to share at cocktail parties are paying close attention.
The Book Girls Say…
“I love the idea of knowing details of your death, or of others in your life, and how that impacts your life decisions. There was a large cast of characters that each had their own unique personality so it was easy to keep track of them. The short chapters made the story fly and I loved the various viewpoints. It’s a book I still stop and think about.” -Holly M.
“I was intrigued by the premise, which prompted me to read it. Then it kept me on the edge of my seat as I wanted to find out what happened with the death predictions. I loved the way the story developed from multiple points of view.” -Linda P.
“Great story, thought provoking and some tension that kept it interesting.” -Shannon M.
“It definitely was a page turner for me with the bonus that this author’s writing style makes me smile, chuckle and often, laugh out loud. I loved the quirky characters, including the narrator / protagonist, and it was pure genius how it all tied together. I did not want this one to end and was surprised that once I got there, I cried.” -MaryLou C.
Also Featured on These Book Lists:
Guide to Liane Moriarty Books in Order
Best Book Club Books for 2024
The Wedding People
Book Summary
For years, Phoebe has dreamed of visiting the iconic Cornwall Inn in Newport, Rhode Island. She looked forward to shucking oysters and sailing into the sunset with her husband. But instead, she arrives alone and plans to stay in the most expensive room for one night.
As it turns out, Phoebe is the only guest at the Inn who is not a part of a big wedding party. The bride, Lila, thought she had accounted for every possibilty in her effort to host the perfect wedding, but she couldn’t have predicted Phoebe’s arrival.
Phoebe and Lila are complete opposites, but sometimes chance meetings turn into the most unexpected friendships.
The Book Girls Say…
“There are no words to describe this book. You connect with the characters in such a way that leaves you feeling like they are part of your world. The subject matter is heavy and light at the same time. Witty and it reminds you how important it is to surround yourself with found family.” -Victoria S.
“I loooved this book. It was sad. Funny. And loved how it made me think.” -Sam M.
“This book was an unexpected surprise inspiration. What started as a hopeless situation with the main character turned out to be an inspiring story of renewed hope.” -Amy P.
“I enjoyed the premise and that the main character ingratiated herself to every member of the wedding party, and in doing so, changed her own life.” -Tina A.
Also Featured on These Book Lists:
Best Book Club Books for Fall
Our Favorite Books of 2024
Rhode Island Books: Best Books Set in the Ocean State
Book Summary
In The House in the Cerulean Sea, readers were introduced to Linus Baker, a caseworker sent to investigate a mysterious orphanage on a remote island that is home to magical children. On the island, he meets Arthur Parnassus, the headmaster, and forms a connection with the children.
This highly anticipated sequel focuses on Arthur’s dark and complex past. Arthur has a built a good life on the ashes of a bad one, and now he’s fighting for the future that his family, and all magical people, deserve.
The Book Girls Say…
“Loved the first book in the series and all of the characters. This one spoke to me because of the struggles the characters faced and I just really loved the family aspect of the story.”
“This was just as good if not better than the first book, and I fell in love with the unique characters all over again.” -Angela R.
“It’s smart, kind, sweet, funny, poignant . . . and also infuriating (that some people are hateful). This was just the sequel we needed for House In the Cerulean Sea, and just the balm I needed for this year.” -Debby B.
“I fell in love with T.J. Klune last year and continued it into this year with his highly anticipated sequel to House in the Cerulean Sea. The narrator, Daniel Henning, is equally amazing the way he brings the characters to life. It’s almost like a full cast but it’s just him! These books are fantasy which is not my normal genre but I absolutely adored it. It’s about a group of magical children living at an orphanage for magical children on a fictional island. 5 Star all the way.” -Elizabeth B.
Listen for the Lie
Book Summary
Growing up in a small town in Texas, Lucy and Savvy were the golden girls who had it all – they were pretty, smart, and enviable. While rumor has it that social butterfly Savvy is popular with all the men in town, Lucy married her dream guy who gave her a big ring and an even bigger house. One horrible night, Lucy is found wandering through town covered in Savvy’s blood. Is she a murderer?
Lucy moved to LA to start a new life, and she can’t remember anything about that horrible night. But years later, a popular crime podcast called Listen for the Lie has decided to investigate Savvy’s murder for the show’s second season. Now Lucy will be forced to return to the town where she vowed never to step foot again to solve her friend’s murder, even if it turns out she’s the one who did it.
The Book Girls Say…
“I love suspense novels and this one had a great mystery as well as humor. It was a fast read. Kept me interested right from the start.” -Amy C.
“This was my first audiobook and it made me a fan of them! A unique story with a great blend of mystery and characters. The podcast element made it really fun to listen to.” -Jannifer D.
“I read a lot of thriller type books but this one stands out for me. I also love true crime podcasts so a combination of the two in this story kept me turning the pages.” -Tamara K.
“It is a captivating mystery plot that cleverly incorporates a true crime podcast format, with engaging narration that brings the characters and complex web of lies to life, keeping listeners hooked until the very end; essentially offering a unique listening experience that blends suspense, intrigue, and thoughtful exploration of the nature of truth and deception.” -Lisa N.
Book Summary
Emma has spent her life as an aspiring (and talented) screenwriter, but a past family tragedy keeps her in Texas as a full-time caregiver. However, when the opportunity of a lifetime is presented, it may finally be her chance to pursue the career of her dreams.
Emma’s screenwriting idol, Charlie Yates, has written his first romance script – and it’s terrible. His agent wants to bring in Emma to help with the rewrite, but there are problems. Charlie is cranky, he doesn’t work with co-writers, and he doesn’t believe in love.
Can Emma convince him that romance and love exist? And, can her younger sister handle caring for their dad while she is away?
The Book Girls Say…
“It sports all of Center’s trademark banter, relationships of all types, misunderstandings and miscommunications, nuggets of wisdom, and laugh-out-loud humor. I’ve read it twice already, with both my eyes and my ears!” -Debby B.
“Katherine Center writes stories that are relatable and fun.”
“I loved the premise behind her being a great writer who could never pursue her dreams. Family comes first to her and she feels truly responsible for her family’s fate. She is truly stronger than she believes, and I love his snark.” -Kimberly J.
“This was my favorite comical book for the year. I liked how the main characters worked off of each other.” -Terri N.
First Lie Wins
Book Summary
It sounds like Evie Porter has the perfect Southern life – a doting boyfriend, a house with a white picket fence and a garden, and fancy friends. But Evie Porter doesn’t exist.
The identity is created by her mysterious boss, Mr. Smith. She learns everything there is to know about the town and the people who live there. The mark is Ryan Sumner.
Evie doesn’t know Mr. Smith’s real identity, but she does know this job will be different, and she can’t make any mistakes after what happened last time.
But Ryan is getting under her skin and she’s starting to envision a different kind of life. She’s worked her whole life to keep her real identity clean, and now she must stay one step ahead of her past if she wants to ensure her future.
The Book Girls Say…
“Unique premise, twisty as all get-out, clever, surprising, and with all loose ends tied up… A thrilling read. Can’t wait to see it adapted for the screen!” -Kimmy R.
“This one kept me intrigued from the first page. Just when I thought I knew the direction it was going, it twisted and turned down a different path. The story ending was perfect!”
“Mystery thriller that will keep you wondering what’s next. The surprise ending, for me, was the perfect wrap up.” -Ali B.
Book Summary
After Daphne makes a big move to her fiancé Peter’s lakeside hometown, he turns her future upside down by discovering he’s actually in love with Petra, his childhood best friend. Now, Daphne is stuck in a new town with no friends. She at least has her dream job as a children’s librarian (which barely covers her bills).
When Daphne needs a roommate, she comes up with Miles, the only other person who can understand her recent heartbreak. Miles was engaged to Petra before Peter moved back to town.
Daphne and Miles mostly avoid each other until they decide to team up and begin posting misleading photos of their summer adventures together. As they partake in fake adventures, surely Daphne won’t fall for her ex-fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex, right?
The Book Girls Say…
“The relationship between the two main characters kept me turning the pages. The side characters were fun additions. As a librarian gearing up for our next summer reading program, I could relate to Daphne.” -Barb G.
“Another rom com classic. Funny and relatable with excellent banter.” -Jessica A.
“A romantic comedy with well-rounded characters that are likable but not aggressively PC, with a plot that has more going on than just romance. It has that classic fake relationship trope but doesn’t feel cliched.” -Jennifer E.
Readers’ Favorite Backlist Titles Read in 2024
The backlist titles that our readers rated their favorites of this year have proven popular in this survey year after year, with most of them having also been featured as readers’ favorites last year (and the year before) as well.
As a reminder, in the “Book Girls Say…” section of each description, you’ll find quotes from our readers sharing why each book was their favorite.
The Frozen River
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
In the late 1700s, women were expected to be seen and not heard. But, midwife Martha puts what is right over society’s expectations. When the Kennebec River freezes, a man is entombed in the ice. Martha is called to determine the cause of death.
Months earlier, the man had been accused of rape, and Martha believes he has now been murdered. But, the local physician disagrees and declares the death an accident.
Over the winter, Martha continues to investigate every angle as the trial approaches. The diary she uses to log every birth and death becomes a key component and soon implicates those she loves, leaving Martha with an impossible decision.
The Book Girls Say…
“It’s everything that excellent historical fiction should be. Well-plotted, authentic, and incredibly moving.” -Joy P.
“This was the most compelling mystery I’ve read in ages. The book covers several genres: historical fiction, mystery, and romance….what could be better? The characters were fascinating, maddening, good, and bad. The plot was complicated, and the suspense was palpable. I could not put this down until I reached the end. Based on the life of 18th century midwife, Martha Ballard, this story touches on all the women’s rights issues we are still battling today. 5 stars!” -Linda R.
“Beautifully written historical fiction- i could visualize that river and the characters so vividly. It had a little bit of everything- murder, mystery, misogyny, good, evil, a beautiful love story and an unforgettable midwife upon whom the story is based.” -MaryLou C.
Also Featured on These Book Lists:
Best Books from 2023
Maine Books: The Best Books Set in the Pine Tree State
The Best Winter Thriller Books
Go As a River
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
This novel transports you to 1940s rural Colorado and the home of teenager Victoria Nash. Despite her young age, she runs the household as the sole female in a family of troubled men. One day, she meets Wilson Moon, a mysterious young drifter who has been displaced from his tribal land. Their sudden and passionate connection is full of danger and secrets.
Victoria ends up fleeing to the harsh mountain wilderness in a small hut, where she struggles against impossible conditions. As the Gunnison River rises and threatens her homeland, she begins a quest to fight for all she has lost.
The Book Girls Say…
“I love a novel with a strong sense of place. Having spent some time in western CO and loving the mountains as I do, this place description was magnificent and enchanting. The writing was beautiful, and the story was so endearing.” -Michelle D.
“Such a beautiful and heartbreaking story! The characters were so real and so well thought out! I have recommended this book to anyone I meet because the impact I felt stayed long after the book was finished.” -Beverlee A.
“What a beautifully written novel this is! The character development was excellent – especially for the resilient & strong main character, Torie. I read this one in one sitting!” -Debbie S.
Also Featured on These Book Lists:
Go As a River Book Club Questions & Guide
Books Set in the 1940s
Best Book Club Books for 2023
Colorado Books: The Best Books Set in the Centennial State
PS: We also have a printable Go As a River book club guide available on Etsy, including discussion questions, themed games, a printable bookmark, and more!
Book Summary
Opaline, Martha, and Henry are strangers, but they share one thing in common. They’ve been acting like side characters in their own lives.
When a vanishing bookshop casts its spell, they will discover that their own stories can be just as extraordinary as the ones on the pages of the books they love. By unlocking the secrets of the shelves, they are transported to a world where nothing is as it seems.
The Book Girls Say…
“I found the characters fascinating and enjoyed the magical realism and mystery that kept me engrossed in the story.” -Rebecca P.
“Just as the roots of a tree are intertwined, this plot unfolds and threads together the characters. Loved the concept of a living bookshop.”
“The characters stories weave together with a blend of serious tones and light heartedness.” -Jennifer A.
“This book was just a wonderful feel-good read combining historical fiction and magical realism and kept me reading until the very end.” -Jennifer B.
The Silent Patient
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
Alicia and Gabriel seemed to have the perfect life. Living in a grand house overlooking a London park, Alicia was a famous painter, and Gabriel was an in-demand fashion photographer. But one evening, Gabriel returns home late from a shoot, and Alicia shoots him in the face five times. Then, she never speaks another word.
Her refusal to explain herself or utter any other word escalates the mystery and captures public interest. Alicia is locked away from the spotlight at the Grove, a secure forensic unit in North London. All the while, the price of her art skyrockets.
A criminal psychotherapist named Theo is determined to get Alicia to speak so that he can finally be the one to unravel the mystery. But as his search for the truth becomes all-consuming, he risks losing himself to the case.
The Book Girls Say…
“The book has so many plot twists and it keeps you guessing until the end. The ending is unexpected and a great way to solve the mystery! Overall, a great read.” -Barbara G.
“The ending totally surprised me. I also really liked trying to figure out exactly why the silent patient did what she did. It was interesting to get all the information about the central character only from other characters. This is a great psychological thriller.” -Monica J.
“I read the whole book in 2 days, then had to stop myself from starting over and immediately re-reading from this new perspective. It was that good. A Must-Read. I could honestly find a reason to reread this book every year.” – Jasmine D.
Also Featured on These Book Lists:
Small Great Things
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
Ruth Jefferson is a 44-year-old labor and delivery nurse with twenty years of experience at a Connecticut hospital. After being reassigned away from a patient, she learns that the parents are white supremacists and don’t want Ruth, who is African American, to touch their child.
The hospital complies with their request, but the next day, the baby goes into cardiac distress while Ruth is alone in the nursery. Does she obey the orders of her superiors based on the parent’s mandate, or does she intervene?
This story is told from three alternating points of view: Ruth, the nurse; Kennedy, her middle-aged attorney; and Turk, the newborn’s white supremacist father.
The Book Girls Say…
“This book caused me to look at my own prejudices and consider the privileges that I take for granted.” -Diane R.
“Picoult does such an amazing job of diving into difficult subjects. I am going to be thinking about this book for a really long time. I appreciate her giving multiple perspectives and as hard as this book was to read, it felt very important.” – Allison R.
“This book was a strong reminder that our country has not moved forward at all in how we treat minorities and how we don’t realize that we all are racist on some level.” -Marian S.
Remarkably Bright Creatures
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
In this charming debut novel, Widower Tova works at the Sowell Bay Aquarium to occupy her mind and time. She takes pride in cleaning perfectly every night, even though she doesn’t need the money. She loves all the aquarium life but forms a special bond with the intelligent (and curmudgeonly) octopus named Marcellus.
He’s just as surprised to feel friendly toward this human who visits him nightly. Soon, he connects the sadness he sees in her with something he saw in the ocean long ago. Can he help her solve the mystery of her son’s disappearance 30 years ago?
The Book Girls Say…
“Such a beautiful story of the relationship between a woman in transition and an intelligent, humorous octopus. I love stories that show us often misunderstood creatures along with their emotional intelligence.” -Laura H.
“This was an incredibly clever book. I loved the structure, set up, and development throughout; it had a bit of mystery, a lot of charm, and very memorable scenes. I especially loved that the characters were not perfect, but were lovable all the same. And it had a very appropriate and satisfying resolution!” -Tenley D.
“This book was out of my norm and was recommended to me by my friend who owns a bookshop. This book made all of my emotions soar. It was so sweet and I completely fell in love with Marcellus. Anytime I see this book on someone’s wishlist, I automatically buy it for them!” -Sam N.
“I loved the audiobook version which brought Marcellus to life with his wry wit and world-weary demeanor.” -Brenda S.
Also Featured on These Book Lists:
Remarkably Bright Creatures Book Club Guide with Discussion Questions
Uplifting Books for Book Clubs
20 Great Books Like Lessons in Chemistry
The Best Intergenerational Novels
PS: We also have a printable Remarkably Bright Creatures book club guide available on Etsy, including discussion questions, themed games, a Marcellus bookmark, and more!
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
If you could find out exactly how many years you have left to live, would you want to know?
On the same day, all around the world, every person over the age of 22 receives an identical box. Inside each is a string. At first, no one knows what the strings mean, but it soon becomes apparent that a long string means long life and a short string foretells a life cut short.
As society responds to the revelation of the boxes, each person must make a choice – do you want to know how long you will live? If so, what will you do with that knowledge? And what if your choice is different from those you care about most?
These dilemmas face the eight protagonists in The Measure, whose fates become interwoven as their individual stories unfold.
The Book Girls Say…
“It was a quick, easy, and entertaining read, but also very thought-provoking. It’s a book that has stuck with me, as I still think about it. I loved the author’s creative premise and how she seamlessly wove in so many threads (political, economic, social) to the many characters’ stories. This was both a timely book – with a lot of parallels to the COVID pandemic – and a timeless one, dealing with mortality and the human experience.” -Christine B.
“What happens when humanity finds another way to divide itself? I could not put this one down. Thought-provoking and compelling, I was fully invested in the characters and moved by their stories. What could have been a deeply depressing book had a hopeful tone. This book made me laugh, and it made me cry. Despairing over the inhumanity and rejoicing over those who lived caring lives – regardless of the length. “It Is Not The Years In Your Life That Count, It Is The Life In Your Years”.” -Valerie C.
“Wow! She did such an amazing job tying all the stories together and really hit on current world climate. Great read!” -Ann P.
Also Featured on These Book Lists:
27 Fabulous Books Like The Midnight Library
30 Best Magical Realism Books
Best Book Club Books From 2022
Best Audiobooks for Road Trips
Lessons in Chemistry
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
Elizabeth Zott is a quirky and brilliant female chemist working with an all-male team at the Hastings Research Institute. But her scientific qualifications don’t stop the “good old boys” from being frustrated that she won’t get coffee or make copies for them. When Elizabeth meets Calvin Evans, another scientist at the Institute, another type of chemistry results.
Fast forward a few years. It’s 1961, and Elizabeth is a 30-year-old single mother and her career has been detoured. Instead of working for Hastings, she’s now (somewhat reluctantly) the star of a much-loved cooking show called Supper at Six. Her cooking methods are unusual (“combine one tablespoon of acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride”). As her popularity grows, it turns out she’s not just teaching women to cook, she’s also daring them to change the status quo.
The Book Girls Say…
“As a chemistry enthusiast, I had to read this book based solely off of the title. As a historical fiction it really showed how female scientists are treated just 50-70 years ago by their colleagues. I love reading about women in science because they’re aren’t nearly enough of us. Even though the story wasn’t about chemistry 100% of the time, everything else was also great!” -Amber Y.
“Great historical fiction giving insight into pioneering women and their struggles without being a memoir or historical narrative.
Great character voice, and fantastic minor characters.” -Melissa D
“I loved the characters (especially 6:30). As a woman in the working world, even though the story takes place in the 1960’s, it’s very relatable. The cover made me expect a much lighter story but I loved where it went.” -Jessica A.
“This story of a strong-willed and determined women during a time when women were second-class citizens reminded me of how far women have risen during my lifetime. I loved this book.” -June W.
Also Featured on These Book Lists:
Lessons in Chemistry Book Club Guide with Discussion Questions
Books Set in the 1960s
23 Historical Fiction Books About Women in STEM
24 Fiction Books Foodies Will Love
Books Like Lessons in Chemistry
PS: We also have a printable Lessons in Chemistry book club guide available on Etsy, including discussion questions, themed games, a Marcellus bookmark, and more!
Tom Lake
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
Set during the summer of 2020, Lara’s three adult daughters have returned home to quarantine at the family’s northern Michigan cherry orchard. As they pick cherries and go about running the family business in isolation, the sisters beg their mother to tell them the story of her long-ago romance with celebrity Peter Duke. When Lara was in her early 20s, she and Peter shared the stage during a Michigan summer stock theater run of the play Our Town.
Lara begins the story with her very first experience on stage in high school and works her way forward through her brief but eventful theater career. As the girls learn more about their mother’s life, they are forced to reconsider everything they thought they knew about her and their father.
The Book Girls Say…
“This book was thought-provoking and beautiful, leading me to reflect on my own life in my 20’s and how that season of life influences what comes next. Meryl Streep’s narration of the audiobook was the cherry on top!” -Jodi F.
“Being the mother of grown children it made me think about of my life before I became a mother and wife. There are things I should have shared with them.” Connie C.
“My favorite! Loved how the play “Our Town” was woven into the story and there were smooth transitions as the story moved from the family of the present to the occurrences of the past.” -Teresa T.
Also Featured on These Book Lists:
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett Book Club Questions & Guide
The Most Recommended Books from Our First Five Years
Best Books from 2023
Theater Fiction: The Best Books for Theater Lovers
Best Book Club Books From 2023
PS: We also have a printable Tom Lake book club guide available on Etsy, including discussion questions, bonus giraffe content, custom bookmarks, and more!
West With Giraffes
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
West With Giraffes is a charming tale of adventure that takes you on the ride of a lifetime from the East Coast of the US to the West, alongside a rowdy 17-year-old, a grumpy older man, and two giraffes. The year is 1938, and no American zoo has successfully housed giraffes before. The female zoo director of the San Diego Zoo believes she can do it. The giraffes have just survived a hurricane en route to the East Coast, and Riley Jones, the curmudgeonly head zookeeper, is responsible for safely transporting the giraffes from New York City to San Diego.
America is still in the throes of the Great Depression, and the Dust Bowl conditions continue to ravage the drought-stricken Southern Plains states. Jones begrudgingly teams up with a starving teenager named Woody to help him make the coast-to-coast journey. The adventures along the way include run-ins with circus con artists, being tailed by a female photographer looking for a big scoop, an emotional visit to Woody’s hometown, and so much more.
At its heart, this is a coming-of-age story. Now, at the age of 105, Woody recounts his 12-day cross-country trip with Jones and the giraffes and how it shaped his life.
The Book Girls Say…
“I became SO engrossed in this book. I felt the turmoil and the suspense each time. I also loved learning more about giraffes! Great storytelling by the author.” -Kim I.
“Historical Fiction is my go-to genre and I love when they are based on a true story, as this one was. My favorite part of this story was the relationship between the giraffes and their caregivers. I was completely invested in their journey and was desperate to see them arrive safely at their destination. Also, how strange and wonderful would it have been to have witnessed this group on their way across the country?!” -Olivia K.
““This book was such an unexpected pleasure.””Most books I read are about women. It was refreshing to read a story with male main characters.” -Vickie
Also Featured on These Book Lists:
West with Giraffes Book Club Questions & Guide
Books About Traveling Across America
Books Set in the 1930s
Intergenerational Novels: Books that Connect Generations
Unforgettable Dust Bowl Books
PS: We also have a printable West with Giraffes book club guide available on Etsy, including discussion questions, bonus giraffe content, custom bookmarks, and more!
Lady Tan’s Circle of Women
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
This historical novel is based on the real-life and memoir of a 15th-century female physician in China. Tan Yunxian was raised in the Ming Dynasty era by her grandmother, also a physician, who taught her the art of Chinese medicine. Additionally, she learned about female conditions from her best friend, Meiling, who was training to be a midwife. While Yunxian was on the path to be a success in her own right, she was still sent into an arranged marriage.
Her new mother-in-law was a traditionalist who forbade her from seeing Meiling and stopped her from helping the girls and women in their household. Instead, she is supposed to be a “proper wife,” learning poetry, embroidering foot-binding slippers, and staying within the walls of their compound.
How did Yunxian break free and go on to treat women from all classes of society and create remedies that are still used over 500 years later? Lisa See tells her compelling life story in this novel.
The Book Girls Say…
“Oftentimes I read novels in western settings, so reading a historical fiction from another culture is always interesting. The relationship of the women within the household, the “main” wife, the concubines, the younger wives was an interesting hierarchy. Also interesting was the role of the male doctors and the female doctor in treating female patients.” -Ruth S.
“This book taught me a lot about women in China and I came to really enjoy the characters.” -Melissa H.
“The culture of China and women’s lives so long ago was eye-opening. I learned a lot about a time of history not often studied. The foot binding was especially interesting.” -Linda B.
Also Featured on These Book Lists:
Best Books from 2023
Books Set in Asia: Northern Countries
23 Historical Fiction Books About Women in STEM
23 Best Books We Read in 2023
Project Hail Mary
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
Astronaut Ryland has just woken up millions of miles from home, a very long time after his mission. His crewmates are dead, and his memories are fuzzy. Slowly, he begins piecing together that he must single-handedly save Earth from an event that could cause total extinction.
The Book Girls Say…
“I don’t usually read science fiction, but my daughter talked me into reading this one. I didn’t know what to expect going in, but I loved it.” -Tonya D.
“Wit, humor and cleverly written. Did not want it to end!” -Lynn T.
“The scientific base of Weir’s books always grounds them in reality for me, but for this book, it was the reality of loneliness and friendship that felt the most real, and I loved it even more than his previous books. I can’t wait to see how he tops it.” -Amanda S.
“I am not a space girly at all, but this book was so different than what I thought it would be. Who knew a book about space would leave me feeling so warm and fuzzy?!” -Genevieve M.
Also Featured on These Book Lists:
In addition to the books listed above, authors Fredrik Backman, Marie Benedict, Sarah Goodman Confino, William Kent Krueger, Erik Larson, Geraldine Brooks, Matt Haig, Jojo Moyes, Ashley Poston, and Rebecca Yarros each had multiple books submitted as a reader favorite, but none of their individual books made the cut-off. However, we highly recommend exploring their backlist!
Printable Versions of Our Reader’s Favorite Books of 2024
All of our Buy Me a Coffee members can access a printable version of this book list, with space to color in the spines and/or add your own ratings to each book cover. Our Inner Circle members also get access to a printable list of titles and authors.
Best Books of Previous Years
- Readers’ Favorite Books: 2024 Edition
- The Most Recommended Books from our First Five Years
- The Best Books We Read in 2024
- Readers’ Favorite Books: 2023 Edition
- 23 Best Books We Read in 2023
- Best Book Club Books From 2023
- Book Club Books From 2022
- Readers’ Favorite Books: 2022 Edition
- 22 Best Books We Read in 2022
- Readers’ Favorite Books: 2021 Edition
