The best books of 2024

This list is part of the best books of 2024.

Join 2,415 readers and share your 3 favorite reads of the year.

My favorite read in 2024

Book cover of In Memoriam

Penny Haw ❤️ loved this book because...

It took me back in time, immersed me in the lives of the young characters, and showed me how minds are shaped and misled by society. It is beautifully written and tells deeply emotional stories of love and friendship.

  • Loved Most

    🥇 Emotions 🥈 Outlook
  • Writing style

    ❤️ Loved it
  • Pace

    🐕 Good, steady pace

By Alice Winn ,

Why should I read it?

11 authors picked In Memoriam as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

WINNER OF WATERSTONES NOVEL OF THE YEAR AWARD
A TOP FIVE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
WINNER OF THE BRITISH BOOK AWARDS DEBUT OF THE YEAR

'If you haven't read it, you're missing out' Bonnie Garmus, bestselling author of LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY

'One of the best debuts I've read in recent years . . . please rush out and buy it' ELIZABETH DAY
______________________

In 1914, war feels far away to Henry Gaunt and Sidney Ellwood. They're too young to enlist, and anyway, Gaunt is fighting his own private battle - an all-consuming infatuation with the dreamy, poetic Ellwood - not having…


When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

My 2nd favorite read in 2024

Book cover of You Are Here

Penny Haw ❤️ loved this book because...

It took me on a journey as I hiked across England, getting to know the landscape and the characters. I laughed and was deeply moved by the story.

  • Loved Most

    🥇 Character(s) 🥈 Thoughts
  • Writing style

    ❤️ Loved it
  • Pace

    🐕 Good, steady pace

By David Nicholls ,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked You Are Here as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Sometimes you need to get lost to find your way . . .

Michael is coming undone. Adrift after his wife's departure, he has begun taking himself on long, solitary walks across the English countryside. Becoming ever more reclusive, he’ll do anything to avoid his empty house.

Marnie, on the other hand, is stuck. Hiding alone in her London flat, she avoids old friends and any reminders of her rotten, selfish ex-husband. Curled up with a good book, she’s battling the long afternoons of a life that feels like it’s passing her by.

When a persistent mutual friend and some…


My 3rd favorite read in 2024

Book cover of Good Material

Penny Haw ❤️ loved this book because...

It made me chuckle and reminded me how complicated people and relationships can be.

  • Loved Most

    🥇 Originality 🥈 Character(s)
  • Writing style

    ❤️ Loved it
  • Pace

    🐕 Good, steady pace

By Dolly Alderton ,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked Good Material as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Funny - of course it's funny - but also smart, insightful and sincere about heartbreak' David Nicholls, author of One Day

'A novel to be devoured, adored, underlined ... if only more books made you laugh as much as this' The i

'The author of Everything I Know About Love nails the zeitgeist with a witty, relatable and acutely insightful page-turner about the trials and tribulations of the lovelorn' Daily Express

---

Every relationship has one beginning.
This one has two endings.

Andy loves Jen. Jen loved Andy.
And he can't work out why she stopped.

Now he is. .…


Don‘t forget about my book 😀

The Invincible Miss Cust

By Penny Haw ,

Book cover of The Invincible Miss Cust

What is my book about?

Must-read historical fiction, based on the real-life of Britain's first woman veterinary surgeon.

Aleen Cust has big dreams. And no one—not her family, society, or the law—will stop her.

Born in Ireland in 1868 to an aristocratic English family, Aleen knows she is destined to work with animals, even if her family is appalled by the idea of a woman pursuing a veterinary career. Going against their wishes but with the encouragement of the guardian assigned to her upon her father's death, Aleen attends the New Veterinary College in Edinburgh, enrolling as A. I. Custance to spare her family the humiliation they fear. At last, she is on her way to becoming a veterinary surgeon! Little does she know her biggest obstacles lie ahead.

The Invincible Miss Cust is based on the real-life of Aleen Isabel Cust, who defied her family and society to become Britain and Ireland's first woman veterinary surgeon. Through Penny Haw's meticulous research, riveting storytelling, and elegant prose, Aleen's story of ambition, determination, family, friendship, and passion comes to life. It is a story that, even today, women will recognize, of battling patriarchy and unequal society to realize one's dreams and pave the way for other women in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Book cover of In Memoriam
Book cover of You Are Here
Book cover of Good Material

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,210

readers submitted
so far, will you?