My ten favorite 2024 releases
Plus some underrated gems to add to your reading list
My favorite reading in 2024 was backlist reading, but I still read a slew of great new books this year. Much of the backlist reading I loved is featured in my 2024 Paperback Summer Reading Guide, so if you’re a new paid subscriber, be sure to check that out! I’ll talk a little more about backlist favorites in a future post, but today is all about new books.
I already shared my top ten in this podcast episode and if you want more intel on what I loved about these books, that’s where to go. In this newsletter, you’ll find my top ten list along along with a handful of underrated gems.
As a reminder, I’m offering 20% off annual subscriptions until the end of the year. This includes gift subscriptions so if you need a last minute gift, this is your sign! I even have cute little gift cards for to print out. All paid subscribers will get access to my new Mood Reader’s Almanac in January (more on that here).
Favorite new books of 2024
#10 - Come and Get It by Kiley Reid. I know many were disappointed in this sophomore effort, but I thought Reid’s depiction of power and status in a campus dorm was brilliant.
#9 - My Friends by Hisham Matar. I always love a retrospective novel and this one hits all the right notes while telling me a story I’d never heard before.
#8 - The Most by Jessica Anthony. I almost didn’t read this because it felt like something I’d read before, but the expert craftsmanship made it a winner, and—as always—Anthony knows how to stick the landing.
#7 - The Book of Love by Kelly Link. I can’t articulate why, but Link’s brand of word just really does it for me and I enjoyed seeing what this short story master did with so many pages.
#6 - Blue Light Hours by Bruna Dantas Lobato. This book is so quiet and so special—certainly one of the most beautiful things I read all year. If you enjoyed my recommendation of Loved and Missed last year, this one’s for you.
#5 - All Fours by Miranda July. The more other people talked about why this book didn’t deserve its accolades, the more I knew I loved it.
#4 - The Empusium: A Health Resort Horror Story by Olga Tokarczuk, translated by Antonia Lloyd-Jones. This book felt like it was written just for me and I ate it up. It also wins for best subtitle of the year.
#3 - Scaffolding by Lauren Elkin. I haven’t stopped thinking about this philosophical novel and it’s surprising structure. I am so excited to read more from Elkin.
#2 - Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar. This book contains elements I often struggle with, but Akbar’s earnest storytelling made it so I didn’t care at all.
#1 - James by Percival Everett. It’s as good as everyone says, but for me definitely heightened by having read some of Everett’s backlist and taught Huck Finn to high schoolers.
Some underrated gems of 2024
Quite simply, I want more people to read these books. Maybe pick up one of these if you’re lucky enough to receive a bookstore gift card for the holidays.
The Alternatives by Caoilinn Hughes
The Garden by Claire Beams
Ixelles by Johannes Anyuru, translated by Nichola Smalley
Overstaying by Ariane Koch, translated by Damion Searls
Season of the Swamp by Yuri Herrera, translated by Lisa Dillman
Two-Step Devil by Jamie Quattro
Us Fools by Nora Lange
For questions, comments, or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to reach out by emailing fictionmattersbooks@gmail.com or responding directly to this newsletter. I love hearing from you!
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Happy reading!
Sara
Thank you for posting this list (and making it free)! I haven’t ready any of them, though some are on my wish list. I especially appreciate your notes about new or interesting styles!
I picked up Two-Step Devil after reading your interview with Jamie Quatro and absolutely enjoyed my time reading it. It’s one I’m not sure if I grasped all what the author was sharing but would love to revisit with a sharper eye.