Each year I set myself 52 books, one a week, but I always fall short, usually because I don’t enjoy most of the books I read and leave them unfinished. So, appreciating the value of a real page-turner, this list of book recommendations will have everything you need to reach your 2024 reading goals, whether you’re reigniting your childhood love for reading or finding yourself newly immersed in the comfort between the pages.
Table of Contents
Must-Read Books of 2024
We turn to books for many reasons; to seek understanding, inspire, and escape. Based on this, and the climate of the world, these are our carefully selected book recommendations for 2024, for those who would like to learn, and those who would like to get away for a few hundred pages.
My Brilliant Friend – Elena Ferrante
Starting strong, we’ll open with Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend, crowned number one in the New York Times’s ‘100 Best Books of the 21st Century’. The first volume in the four-part series of the Neapolitan Quartet, My Brilliant Friend is a rich, compelling story exploring the friendship of two inseparable friends, with polar personalities and directions. Elena, the narrator, navigates adolescence in one of Naples’s working-class villages, touching on themes of poverty, childhood aspirations, jealousy, and change.
This intense novel encapsulates girlhood through its storytelling, giving unrelenting insight into a friendship filled with both adoration and the feeling of competition and insecurity. Ferrante’s writing blurs the lines between admiration and jealousy, portraying the strength of true friendship despite unwavering feelings of sacrifice and unspoken rivalry. With a four-star rating, My Brilliant Friend is a must-read book.
Perfume and Pain – Anna Dorn
1950’s Lesbian Pulp Fiction, Anna Dorn’s Perfume and Pain, is said to be her best work yet. If you love reading about messy, unhinged women attempting to find true love and career revival, then this book is for you. This book is a strong contender amongst our top book picks for those who spend too much time on Fragrantica and a current obsession with Chappell Roan. Set in LA, a perfect read for the late summer.
Intermezzo – Sally Rooney
Set to be released on the 24th of September 2024, Intermezzo is the most highly anticipated must-read book of 2024. This book covers grief, love and family, universal themes that resound to each person to some capacity. Intermezzo pivots from Rooney’s published novels that centre around female protagonists. The brothers, whose lives the novel follows, are the antithesis of each other, both navigating life after loss. I know what you’re thinking. But given Rooney’s track record, this book is probably worth the pre-order. In true Rooney fashion, we can expect complex characters and teardrops on the page.
Top Picks for Book Clubs
Book clubs are interactive ways of engaging with literary discourse. They create a space to discuss tastes, place works into wider social contexts, and generally engage with other lovers of literature. When selecting material for book clubs, factor in which kinds of books will encourage healthy discussions, on top of your literary preferences. If you’re part of a book club or have been thinking of starting one, the following books are some of our favourite picks to lead literary discussion in 2024.
1. Minor Detail – Adania Shibli (TW: Rape and Violence)
2. The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret Atwood
3. Cleopatra and Frankenstein – Coco Mellors
4. Boy Parts – Eliza Clark
5. I Who Have Never Known Men – Jacqueline Harpman
These books open easy routes into interesting conversations about gender, politics, mental health and other important topics that generate fruitful discussion, promoting learning and encouraging a better understanding of the context and capacity in which books reflect the world.
Diverse Book Recommendations
In today’s world, the importance of diversity in reading cannot be overstated. With unlimited access to resources, we have the privilege to diversify and decolonise our bookshelves. Reading books by diverse authors or featuring diverse characters broadens our perspectives, fosters empathy, and challenges our preconceived notions. Here’s a curated list of diverse book recommendations that celebrate different cultures, experiences, and voices.
The Hate U Give – Angie Thomas
This novel follows Starr Carter, a 16-year-old African American girl who witnesses the police shooting of her best friend, Khalil. As Starr grapples with her trauma and the national outrage surrounding the incident, she finds her voice and becomes an activist for justice. Angie Thomas highlights racial inequality, police brutality, and the power of activism. The book provides a profound insight into the African American experience and the importance of standing against injustice.
Homegoing – Yaa Gyasi
Gyasi’s debut novel traces the parallel paths of two half-sisters and their descendants, spanning over 300 years and across continents,— from Ghana to the United States. Homegoing delves into the brutal history of slavery and its enduring impact on generations. Gyasi’s narrative is a profound reminder of how the past shapes the present, underscoring the complexity of heritage and identity.
Americanah – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The story follows Ifemelu, a young Nigerian woman, as she navigates the challenges of immigration, race, and love in America. It’s a sharp and witty exploration of identity and belonging. Adichie’s novel offers a candid look at the immigrant experience and the nuances of race and identity, challenging readers to reflect on their own cultural biases and preconceptions.
Reading diverse books is essential for several reasons. Exposure to different cultures, experiences, and viewpoints expands our understanding of the world and challenges stereotypes. By broadening our perspectives we can begin our journey of unlearning inherited biases and prejudices against marginalised people, deepening our empathy and compassion for others and standing up for social injustice. Diverse literature promotes inclusivity by giving a voice to underrepresented communities and ensures that all readers can see themselves reflected in the stories they read. Incorporating diverse books into your reading list enriches your literary journey, offering a more comprehensive view of the human experience.
Classic Literature for the Modern Reader
While contemporary novels often dominate book club discussions, classic literature offers timeless themes, complex characters, and profound insights into the human condition. Here are some book club picks for classic literature that continue to resonate with readers today.
Classic Literature Recommendations
The classics are named as such because of their timeless relevance, exploring universal themes of love, identity, justice, and power. Part of what makes them so relatable and long-standing is their richly developed characters, which reveal the universality of human experience, regardless of historical moment or place. Classics offer a window into the cultural, social, and historical contexts of their time, providing valuable insights and lessons, and allowing us to critically evaluate changes throughout history. Incorporating classic literature into your reading list not only enriches your understanding of the past but also enhances your appreciation of contemporary narratives. Our book club picks for classic literature are as follows:
Jane Eyre – Charlotte Brontë
Orphaned and mistreated Jane Eyre grows into a strong-willed woman who finds love and independence on her terms. Charlotte Brontë’s novel is a pioneering work of feminist literature that champions self-respect and autonomy. Its themes of identity, morality, and love remain relevant to modern readers.
Frankenstein – Mary Shelley
Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist, creates a living being through an unorthodox experiment, only to be horrified by his creation. The novel explores themes of ambition, responsibility, and the consequences of unchecked scientific advancement. Mary Shelley’s exploration of scientific ethics and the consequences of playing god resonates with modern readers, especially in the context of rapid technological advancements. The novel’s themes of ambition, responsibility, and the pursuit of knowledge prompt readers to consider the ethical implications of scientific progress.
Crime and Punishment – Fyodor Dostoevsky
The novel follows Raskolnikov, a young ex-student in St. Petersburg, as he grapples with the moral implications of committing a murder. The story explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the complexities of human psychology. Dostoevsky’s exploration of guilt and redemption continues to captivate readers, offering a powerful reflection on the complexities of human psychology and morality. The novel’s themes of guilt, redemption, and the search for meaning and purpose resonate with modern audiences, providing a thought-provoking reading experience.
Hidden Gems and Underrated Books
In the vast ever-growing global library, some books don’t receive the attention they deserve. These hidden gems offer unique perspectives, original plots, and unforgettable characters that linger long after the last page is turned. Here are some recommended books that deserve more recognition and a place on your reading list.
1. Rubyfruit Jungle – Rita Mae Brown
2. The Mad Women’s Ball – Victoria Mas
3. August Blue – Deborah Levy
4. The Sandcastles – Iris Murdoch
5. The Collector – John Fowles
Building Your Reading List
Creating a well-rounded reading list is a fulfilling endeavour that enriches your literary journey. Here are some tips on how to curate a personal reading list that encompasses a complete range of genres and themes.
Tips for Building Your Reading List
– Vary Your Genres
Venture beyond your comfort zone by exploring genres you haven’t read before. This could include fantasy, historical fiction, mystery, science fiction, memoirs, and more.
– Balance Light and Heavy Reads
Include a mix of lighter, entertaining books and more thought-provoking, challenging reads to suit different moods and preferences.
– Incorporate Diverse Voices
Make a conscious effort to include books by authors from different cultural backgrounds, genders, and perspectives. Expand your reading list to include translated works and books from various countries, offering unique insights into different cultures and experiences.
– Include Classics and Modern Works
Balance your reading list with timeless classics and modern works to appreciate both literary traditions and innovative storytelling. You may also re-explore classic novels with a fresh perspective, understanding how they continue to influence modern narratives.
– Explore Different Themes
Identify themes that resonate with you, such as identity, resilience, justice, or love, and seek books that explore these topics. You can add books to your reading list that challenge your beliefs or introduce you to unfamiliar ideas, encouraging personal growth and reflection.
– Recommendations and Reviews
Seek Recommendations: Ask friends, family, or book clubs for suggestions. Online platforms like Goodreads, BookTok and Instagram accounts dedicated to reading can also provide curated lists and reviews to help you discover new books. Explore book reviews to gauge interest and learn more about a book’s themes and style before adding it to your list.
– Maintain a Balance
Include a variety of fiction and non-fiction books to diversify your knowledge and reading experience. Balance shorter, lighter reads with longer, more complex novels to cater to different reading preferences and time commitments.
– Building a Personal Reading List
Creating a personal reading list is an evolving process that reflects your interests, values, and curiosity. By curating a diverse selection of books, you embark on a literary journey that challenges your assumptions and deepens your appreciation for the written word.
Conclusion:
With this diverse array of book recommendations, now is the perfect time to explore new genres and authors. Step outside your comfort zone and embrace reading things that you may now typically reach for on the shelf, allowing yourself to be inspired and challenged by stories that broaden your perspective and ignite your imagination.
We invite you to share your favourite book recommendations in the comments below. What books have you loved recently? Which authors or genres are you excited to explore next?
Join Our Literary Club!
For more curated book suggestions and engaging discussions, join our literary club! Together, we’ll embark on a literary journey that celebrates the power of reading and the joy of discovering new voices and stories.
Let’s read, learn, and grow together in the pages of these incredible books. Happy reading!
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