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Best Books of 2024
We like to think of this list of the 9 best books of 2024 as a special collection of unique and diverse books. Our interests are varied, and we believe in sharing that diversity with you. In a time when online recommendations are often shaped by tracking your browsing habits, we hope this list serves as a refreshing change: reminding you of favorite authors, introducing new ones, and taking you on unexpected journeys.
This list is partly guided by what you, our readers, enjoy—because everyone loves a good book! And we know it’s hard to sort through all the options out there. That’s where we come in. We also aim to highlight books that might not have received much attention or come from different parts of the world. A good book can build a bridge, offer an escape, or simply keep you company. You’re never alone when you have a book.
We will keep updating this list of the best books of 2024 throughout the year, so be sure to check back often.
Sugar, Baby by Celine Saintclare
Celine Saintclare’s debut novel, Sugar, Baby (Bloomsbury), explores the glamorous lives of young women who earn a living by frequenting clubs and restaurants to showcase their beauty and youth. Are these women being exploited, or are they enjoying an exciting adventure? This engaging novel follows a girl who accidentally gets involved with a group of experienced models. The story doesn't take sides but shows both the hard work and the luxury, creating a realistic portrayal of a time when image is a fleeting but valuable asset. —Chloe Schama
Good Material by Dolly Alderton
Dolly Alderton is like a modern-day Nora Ephron, offering a fresh and sharp take on the classic struggle between men and women. Her last novel, "Ghosts," focused on the confusing male mind as seen through the eyes of the female narrator. Her new novel, "Good Material" (Knopf), tells the story of a breakup from the viewpoint of a heartbroken man. The narrator, Andy, is a 35-year-old comedian in London who has just been dumped by his career-focused girlfriend after many years together. Now, he has to figure out his place in the world while most of his friends are in relationships. Even in his sadness, Andy sees that every experience can be turned into a story, finding humor in the most touching moments. —C. S.
Private Equity by Carrie Sun
Carrie Sun is an incredibly high achiever who, in a different time, might have pursued a prestigious PhD or been recruited by the CIA. In today's world, she lands a job as the personal and professional assistant to the successful CEO of a private equity fund. Sun details this experience in her memoir, "Private Equity" (Penguin Press). At 29, she sees this role as an even better opportunity than her previous job as a financial analyst. However, the intense demands of the position soon take their toll. Sun writes clearly about the job's challenges and perks. Instead of exposing industry abuses, she explores what we consider success and the values that support it.
Ordinary Human Failings by Megan Nolan
Set in the 1990s, "Ordinary Human Failings" (Little Brown) by Megan Nolan transports readers to a time without cell phones and widespread multiculturalism. The story revolves around the Green family, who live a secluded life on a London housing estate after hastily leaving Ireland when their daughter Carmel becomes pregnant. The family’s troubles attract Tom, an eager young tabloid reporter, who sees their situation as the perfect scandal for his readers. Nolan's novel carefully explores how a series of poor decisions can lead to misfortune and how responsibility is intertwined with luck and privilege. Her writing is sharp and precise, offering both a sting and a sense of comfort through its thoughtful portrayal.
One Way Back by Christine Blasey Ford
Christine Blasey Ford's long-awaited memoir, One Way Back (St. Martin’s Press), takes readers through her life before she became a nationally recognized figure. This was a time before her name was on T-shirts across America and before she became a symbol of the post-Me Too movement, testifying that she had been assaulted by a man who was about to be appointed to the Supreme Court. In today's highly politicized climate, it might be difficult to remember when such nominations felt crucially important, but this memoir brings that time to life. Ford also offers a deep and personal look into the complex decision to come forward, providing nuanced and introspective insights into her experience.
Memory Piece by Lisa Ko
Lisa Ko's Memory Piece (Riverhead) is a touching and vivid follow-up to her 2017 National Book Award finalist, The Leavers. This novel explores the art, tech, and activism scenes of New York over several decades. It follows three friends from their teen years in suburban New Jersey to adulthood. As Asian American women, they struggle with the stereotypes placed on them and the high expectations of their immigrant parents. They long for freedom from the constraints of race, gender, and family, while reaching for the bright futures they once dreamed of.
Help Wanted by Adelle Waldman
Adelle Waldman's brisk novel, Help Wanted (Norton), unfolds in a struggling box store in upstate New York. Here, the employees, dubbed "Movement," toil from the early hours, unloading trucks and stocking shelves. Waldman portrays these low-wage workers with both flaws and moments of everyday bravery. She skillfully captures the intricacies of their work, from the mechanical processes to the challenges of untangling bras. The novel's tension builds around Meredith, their unsympathetic supervisor, whose rise to power becomes a central focus for the team's hopes and frustrations.
The Limits by Nell Freudenberger
Nell Freudenberger's latest novel, The Limits (Knopf), takes readers on a journey from Tahiti to East Hampton, exploring themes of desire and teenage turmoil. The story follows Nathalie, a French marine biologist studying coral in French Polynesia, and Stephen, a Manhattan cardiologist dealing with the pressures of COVID. Their daughter, Pia, connects these two worlds as she navigates her way through high school in New York, grappling with feelings of disconnection and a desire for purpose. Pia's rebellious streak leads her to contemplate political activism, setting the stage for a series of unexpected events. Freudenberger's narrative is rich and complex, revealing the flaws and vulnerabilities of her characters as they navigate their tumultuous lives.
Clear by Carys Davies
In a remote Scottish island, a tenant, speaking a rare dialect, resists eviction by the landowner, hindering plans for the land's development. A minister is sent to persuade the tenant to leave but suffers an accident soon after his arrival. Forced to recover under the care of the very man he's meant to remove, the situation takes an unexpected turn. Carys Davies' novel, Clear (Scribner), unfolds like a thrilling history lesson, rich with vivid imagery. When the minister's wife joins him on the island, the dynamics shift, challenging notions of belonging and the enduring bonds between people and place.
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