With a new year comes new resolutions! And if you’re anything like us, boosting our reading goal for the year helps keep us motivated to pick up new books and spend less time on our phones. The biggest hurdle to jump is always…”what should I read next?!” Whether you want to read 5 or 105 books this year, our curated list of the latest trending books to help you reach your reading goal for 2024 is here! From laugh-til-you-cry love stories to intricate fantasies, there’s something on this list for everybody! Make room on your bookshelves and keep scrolling to find 15 books to help you reach your reading goal in 2024!
Fourth Wing
Rebecca Yarros
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Fiction
Goodreads rating: 4.62 stars
Story themes: fantasy, romance, dragons, magic
Synopsis: Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail faces an unexpected shift from her destined life in the Scribe Quadrant to the rigorous world of aspiring dragon riders in Navarre. Despite her physical frailty making her an easy target among competitive cadets vying for dragon bonds, Violet must navigate a dangerous landscape where survival is contingent on alliances and wit. Amidst the escalating external threats and suspicions of concealed truths, she grapples with the treacherous dynamics at Basgiath War College, where hidden motives lurk behind every relationship, compelling her to adapt swiftly or face dire consequences, for in this world, graduation or death are the only exit paths.
Book Lovers
Emily Henry
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Goodreads rating: 4.15 stars
Story themes: second chances, family dynamics, books
Synopsis: Dive into a captivating story where Nora, a cynical author, and her former best friend, Zach, are forced to reunite to write a book together, unraveling the complexities of their past friendship and rekindling a new connection amidst the backdrop of literary escapades.
Remarkably Bright Creatures
Shelby Van Pelt
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Goodreads rating: 4.07 stars
Story Themes: self-discovery, friendship, life transitions
Synopsis: Tova Sullivan, grappling with the disappearance of her son decades ago, finds solace in her job at Sowell Bay Aquarium. Her unlikely bond with the enigmatic Marcellus, a reclusive giant Pacific octopus, becomes a pivotal link in uncovering the mysteries surrounding her son’s vanishing. As Marcellus, with his astute intelligence, becomes determined to help Tova by unraveling the truth of that fateful night, their unusual friendship becomes a beacon of hope in her quest for closure before time runs out.
Just For Summer
Abby Jimenez
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Goodreads rating: 4.83 stars
Story Themes: love, family, second chances
Synopsis: Justin and Emma devise a plan to counter their supposed relationship curses by dating and breaking up. However, as they engage in this unconventional arrangement, unexpected challenges arise when Emma’s family issues and Justin’s unexpected responsibilities as a guardian interfere. Amidst these hurdles, they find themselves developing genuine emotions, questioning if perhaps their connection goes beyond breaking a curse, hinting at the possibility that fate might have truly united them.
Throne of Glass
Sarah J. Maas
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Goodreads rating: 4.19
Themes: magic, survival, betrayal, strength
Synopsis: Celaena Sardothien, an assassin, is summoned to compete against deadly adversaries for her freedom in a competition held by the king. As she battles to win, mysterious deaths among the contestants unveil a sinister force within the castle, forcing Celaena to shift her focus from securing her liberty to confronting a malevolent threat that jeopardizes the kingdom’s existence.
Where the Crawdads Sing
Delia Owens
Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction
Goodreads rating: 4.39
Story themes: nature, isolation, prejudice, survival
Synopsis: Follows Kya, a young woman who grows up isolated in the marshes, learning about life from nature itself. As she seeks human connection, her interactions with two young men from town change her world—until a devastating event alters everything. Delia Owens crafts a poignant tale blending a captivating ode to nature, a profound coming-of-age narrative, and a haunting mystery. The novel delves into the impact of isolation on human behavior while intertwining the clues to a mystery within the rich, vivid landscape and wildlife.
The Many Lives of Mama Love
Lara Love Hardin
Genre: Memoir, Inspirational
Goodreads rating: 4.47
Story themes: motherhood, resilience, faith
Synopsis: This candid memoir detail’s the author’s descent from a seemingly perfect suburban life into addiction, crime, and incarceration, followed by her remarkable resurgence as a successful ghostwriter. Through her raw and humorous narrative, she exposes the harsh realities of jail, its peculiar social hierarchy, and her transformative journey towards redemption, navigating post-release challenges, forgiveness, and the pursuit of self-worth despite societal barriers. Her story poignantly reflects the struggle to move past one’s mistakes in a system that often hinders rehabilitation and second chances.
The Midnight Library
Matt Haig
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy
Goodreads rating: 4
Story themes: regrets, choices, alternate lives
Synopsis: Join Nora Seed on a transformative journey through the Midnight Library, a place between life and death, where she explores alternate lives, confronting regrets, and discovering the boundless possibilities that shape our existence.
Tom Lake
Ann Patchett
Genre: Fiction, Short Stories
Goodreads rating: 4.12
Story themes: interconnected lives, human connections, community
Synopsis: “Tom Lake” delves into Lara’s past romance with Peter Duke, a once-ordinary man turned famous actor, revealing the intensity of their youthful love and its lingering impact on her life. As Lara recounts this tale to her daughters amid a family orchard gathering, the novel explores themes of love, nostalgia, and the complexities of life, interweaving past and present to reflect on happiness amidst life’s turmoil and the different paths individuals traverse before parenthood.
The Daily Stoic
Ryan Holiday
Genre: Non-Fiction, Philosophy
Goodreads rating: 4.36
Story themes: stoic philosophy, self-improvement, mindfulness
Synopsis: Offering a year’s worth of timeless wisdom, this daily devotional by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman draws upon the teachings of Stoic philosophers, providing insightful meditations and practical exercises to cultivate resilience and inner strength.
Every Summer After
Carley Fortune
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Goodreads rating: 4.23
Story themes: family secrets, friendships, summer memories
Synopsis: Join Persephone Fraser’s return to Barry’s Bay, as she revisits her past and reunites with Sam Florek, the man she once deeply loved. As they confront unresolved feelings during a weekend overshadowed by a funeral, the novel unfolds over six years, exploring the evolution of their relationship, the impact of past mistakes, and the enduring question of whether their love can withstand the weight of their shared history. With a nostalgic lens, the story delves into pivotal moments that shape their lives, emphasizing the profound effects of choices and the complexities of love.
None of This is True
Lisa Jewell
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Goodreads rating: 4.01
Story themes: secrets, friendships, suspense
Synopsis: Brace yourself for a thrilling ride as Lisa Jewell intricately weaves the lives of four friends, revealing shocking secrets and hidden truths, leading to a gripping conclusion that challenges everything they thought they knew.
You with a View
Jessica Joyce
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Goodreads rating: 4.19
Story themes: love, mistaken identity, humor
Synopsis: Follow Noelle Shepard’s quest to uncover her grandmother’s hidden love story after discovering old photos and letters. When her viral TikTok video connects her with her grandmother’s former love, Paul, Noelle eagerly agrees to join him on the delayed honeymoon road-trip they never had. Complications arise when Theo, Noelle’s high-school rival and Paul’s grandson, accompanies them. Which leads to unexpected sparks and tension during their two-week journey. However, close quarters and shared moments ignite romantic possibilities.
The Unmaking of June Farrow
Adrienne Young
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Goodreads rating: 4.24
Story themes: adventure, resilience, self-discovery
Synopsis: June Farrow is determined to break her family’s enduring curse, solve her mother’s disappearance, and confront the town’s mysterious past. As June grapples with peculiar occurrences and uncovers cryptic clues following her grandmother’s death, she embarks on a perilous journey through a mysterious door, intertwining the fate of her lineage and her heart in an epic tale of romance, mystery, and the inexplicable. Adrienne Young crafts a captivating narrative weaving together elements of love, enigma, and the extraordinary, promising a story of unforgettable proportions.
Divine Rivals
Rebecca Ross
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Goodreads rating: 4.27
Story themes: magic, rivalry, romance
Synopsis: Two young rival journalists, Iris and Roman, discover a magical bond that intertwines their fates amid a war among gods. As the gods engage in conflict after centuries of dormancy, Iris seeks to support her family while vying for a columnist position. Through exchanged letters with Roman, they form a connection that transcends rivalry, guiding them into the heart of battle. Love becomes a powerful force in their quest for family, humanity’s fate, and each other.
Which books will you be adding to your shelf for 2024? If you’re looking for even more inspiration to grow your personal library, check out our list of 15 Binge-Worthy Books for Your Reading Line-up!