The Best Books I Read In 2024
Not all of these books came out this year - in fact, the vast majority of them did not - but these are the ones I read (or reread, as the case may be for the two bonus entries), and they're all deserving of praise. I may never be the type of person who can read 100 books in a year, but I make damn well sure the ones I do read are the ones worth experiencing.
Exordia by Seth Dickinson
- Genre: Science-Fiction/Thriller
- Premise: Anna, a survivor of genocide, has a chance encounter with an alien in Central Park, who reveals that their destinies are intertwined, and that Earth and many other worlds are in grave danger. She must journey back to Kurdistan with a team of soldiers and scientists from all over the world to investigate a terrifying artifact, and, hopefully, save the world.
- Thoughts: You can read my full review here!
Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg
- Genre: Autobiographical Fiction
- Premise: Based on Leslie Feinberg's life, the novel follows Jess Goldberg, a transmasc butch lesbian born in the 1940's. The reader follows her across several decades as she runs away, entrenches herself in the queer community, becomes involved in union organization, takes lovers, has traumatic run-ins with the police, and transitions.
- Thoughts: I finally got around to reading this, and it's easy to see why it's been championed for three decades now. As a non-binary butch lesbian, this novel helped me feel seen, depicting our struggles so clearly and with great empathy, while also giving me, a 29-year-old, a glimpse of what life was like for queer people in the 60's and 70's that goes beyond reading non-fictive summaries. The writing is blunt, pulling no punches as to how traumatic an experience it could be, but also shows the hope and healing that can be found within queer relationships and communities. The novel doesn't just focus solely on the lesbian experience, but also discusses racism (particularly anti-Blackness), unionizing, misogyny, and other social issues. I actually wept at certain parts, but by the end, I had never felt prouder to be a butch. This is an extremely important book, one that I think is required reading for lesbians, and I recommend it to everyone in the LGBT community. I’m not even sure how much I’m qualified to say more about it - just read it for yourself.
V For Vendetta by Alan Moore & David Lloyd
- Genre: Graphic Novel/Thriller
- Premise: After a nuclear war, the U.K. becomes a post-apocalyptic and fascist police state. On the fifth of November, an anarchist terrorist in a Guy Fawkes mask, known only as V, bombs parliament and begins a campaign to overthrow the government in a dramatic fashion. Along the way, they rescue Evey, a teenage girl whom they decide to mentor.
- Thoughts: As a huge fan of Watchmen, I was excited to finally read Alan Moore's other most famous work, and it lived up to my expectations. Lloyd's artwork is a perfect fit for this type of grimy dystopian story. V for Vendetta was started before Watchmen was published, but didn't come to a close until after it finished. Moore mentions in the foreword of my edition that part of him wishes he could have gone back and fixed some of the early installments now that he's more experienced and would have done things a bit differently, but that he ultimately felt it was best to keep it there warts and all, and I agree with him. I was hooked early on when the mastermind V was introduced, and wow, did it feel good to not only root for them, but to watch with glee as the government tried and failed to stop them. I'm very used to reading books where the hero is constantly at risk of death or failure, so it was a bit of a power fantasy to see this competent (if not unhinged) anarchist be ahead of the Nazis at every turn. The book bounces back and forth between V and Evey's point of view, and that of the politicians racing to take back control of the situation. A lot of the characters - even the seemingly 'good' ones - have done things that are hard to stomach. V's backstory is explored, but their identity is never revealed, which is just as I would have wanted it. It's grim reading, but it's infused with hope beneath all the tragedy, and I loved the resolution. Even decades later, this novel rings true today, and is a recommended read even for those who don't typically read comic books.
Absolution by Jeff Vandermeer
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Premise: In this unexpected Southern Reach prequel (sequel?), we return to Area X, this time before, as well as shortly after, it's formation. The book is split into three acts - the first covers biologists releasing crocodiles on the forgotten coast twenty years before it's formation, the second is set shortly before it manifests, following a washed up Central operative as he investigates bizarre happenings, and the third detailing the very first expedition into Area X by the Southern Reach.
- Thoughts: You can read my full review here!
The Genesis of Misery by Neon Yang
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Premise: Misery Nomaki is desperate to flee their rural planet, but their escape plan goes south, ending with their arrest. In a bid for freedom, they reveal that they have the power to manipulate holystone - a power that only saints have - and claims to be the next messiah. They're then shipped off to the capital, finding themself caught in a power struggle, and being trained to pilot a mech to lead them in defeating the enemy Heretics who spurn their religion. There's just one catch - Misery isn't a Messiah, or even a saint. They're voidmad, just like their mother, and they're guided not by an angel, but by a delusion. While Misery tries to hide their secret, some things just aren't quite adding up... Is it possible they really are the messiah...?
- Thoughts: The reviews on my library's page for this book were mixed, and I wasn't sure how I felt about the premise - essentially, Joan of Arc in space - but I adored Neon Yang's The Tensorate novellas, so I knew I had to read it and find out how good it was for myself. It took me a bit to get into, as it's a novel that doesn't explain a whole lot right from the start, leaving me a bit lost as I tried to piece together what this world was like. But once Misery finds themself behind the 'wheel' of a mech, I was completely hooked. This was where the book really shines, when Misery finds themself unsure of what is real or not real, and I was eager for answers. If there's one thing this book does fantastically, it's showing how religious fanaticism (and cults in a general sense) recruit new members. Watching characters who were stout nonbelievers slowly, and then rapidly, fall prey to fanaticism was gut-churning. Even then, as you're reading, you might find yourself thinking, "wait, is this real, or is there another explanation for this more grounded in reality?" The ending is brutal, as you watch characters make choices you'd never imagine them making, and knowing that they don't feel right. The cliffhanger, while a bit expected, still comes off as shocking, and I'm eagerly anticipating the sequel(s) and how they will explore a world that we so far had only seen a single side of. While some may be thrown off by the opening chapters, I urge readers to stick with it, as it's very much a glorious clusterfuck of manipulation and delusions that I'm still thinking about months later.
The Burning Kingdoms trilogy by Tasha Suri
- Genre: Fantasy
- Premise: Malini, cast out by her emperor brother for refusing to be sacrificed, is sentenced to imprisonment in an ancient temple that used to be a source of magic. Priya, a maidservant who spends most of her earnings trying to cure orphans of a magical disease, is one of her attendants. However, Priya has a dangerous secret - she's one of the few surviving magic-users. When Malini witnesses her use her powers, they are forced to trust each other enough to team up to each achieve their own goals - overthrowing Malini's brother, and keeping Priya's family safe.
- Thoughts: I was hoping to have finished the final book in this trilogy by the time I sat down to write this, but unfortunately, I still have yet to have my copy arrive at the library. That said, the first two books were a breath of fresh air, and I deeply fell in love with them. The worldbuilding here is incredibly rich and an absolute treat; I had to drastically simplify the plot for the premise above, otherwise it would approach several paragraphs in length. The world is heavily rooted in Indian mythology, and is full of expansive lore and detailed history. I fell in love with a lot of the characters - Malini and Priya are both strong leads, and watching their tense relationship evolve is rewarding, especially as their destinies lead them down very different roads. In truth, the ties binding many of the characters together are the highlight of the series. Whether it's Priya and her temple siblings, Malini and her two older brothers, or Rao's affection and loyalty to Aditya, they're extremely satisfying to watch grow, especially as more context is given. Things often seem dire and insurmountable for the protagonists, and it's thrilling from start to finish. The second book ramps up the stakes considerably, and there were many moments where I was filled with dread as I flipped the page, desperate to know what happens next, but terrified of a beloved character meeting their end. I kept a guide while I was reading as there's a tremendously large cast of characters, and the various religions are worth keeping track of. This was a fun read, and I can't wait to get my hands on the final book soon!
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy series by Douglas Adams
- Genre: Science-Fiction/Comedy
- Premise: When the Earth is destroyed in order to build a hyperspace bypass, Arthur Dent survives by hitchhiking with his alien friend, Ford Prefect. Alongside galactic president Zaphox Beeblebrox, Arthur's former crush and only other surviving human, Trillian, and Marvin the Paranoid Android, the crew get into all sorts of misadventures through space and time as they follow the eponymous guide.
- Thoughts: Nothing could have prepared me for how many times I laughed out loud while reading the five original books in this series. By page three, I knew exactly why Adams' writing style felt so familiar and nostalgic to me - he was a huge inspiration to Eoin Colfer, whom I read obsessively growing up. In fact, Colfer even penned the sixth and final Hitchhikers book, with permission from Adams' wife. The first three books are stellar; it's hard to pick a favorite among them, as the humor rarely misses, but I'd say the second was the best of the entire bunch. Sometimes the punchline doesn't come until several chapters (or even books) later, and it's always worth it. Of the crew, I felt Arthur was the most boring, being a somewhat whiny everyman, but Marvin was undoubtedly the true standout, as just the concept of a suicidal hyperintelligent robot is hilarious. As a huge fan of Futurama, of which this series clearly served as an inspiration for, I'm kicking myself for not reading this sooner. However, the last two books were a big disappointment. There's still some shining moments, but they are by and large very bland, focusing much more on Arthur living on a miraculously saved Earth and one of the most yawn-inducing romances I've had to endure. They were a slog, and while the fifth book gets a bit better, the introduction of Arthur and Trillian's (it's complicated) poorly written daughter cancels it out for the most part. Honestly, I'd recommend reading just the first three books, then listening to (or reading transcripts) of the radio show instead. Still, even those sour notes can't tarnish what is overall a fantastic franchise.
Babel, or the Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators Revolution by R. F. Kuang
- Genre: Magical Realism/Alternate History
- Premise: Set in early 19th century England, magic exists in the form of silver bars that capture the nuances of words "lost in translation" between different languages. The British Empire is fueled by these match-pairs, becoming an unparalleled world power. When Robin, an orphan from Canton, is taken in by an Oxford professor, he's raised to become a student at the Royal Institute of Translation, also known as Babel. There, he meets three other students who are just as passionate about linguistics as he is, and become fast friends. However, as time goes on, they become increasingly aware of their role in empowering the British Empire, and sooner or later, they will need to take a stand...
- Thoughts: I'd heard a lot of things about this book, some good and some bad, so I had to check it out for myself, and it honestly surprised me how much I loved this. I've never been a big fan of alternate history novels, especially ones centered around London (of which there are quite a few), but this blew me away. It really felt like I was there in Oxford, walking those same streets and frequenting those same bakeries. It even had me nostalgic for my college years, which I had hoped to never relive! I also unexpectedly loved the four main characters, and felt terribly for them, especially in the latter half of the book, when things go off the rails. As you can probably ascertain from the subtitle, a central question posited by this book is whether or not violence is necessary, and I found the debate to be incredibly thought-provoking and powerful. It has a lot to say, and I never felt like it was regurgitating the same talking points over and over. This was a very insightful read, showing not just sympathetic portrayals of various approaches to anti-fascism, but also how colonizers themselves think, and the many contradictions in their beliefs to justify their bigotry and lust for power. I was on the edge of my seat for the last act of the book, fearing for the protagonists and in shock over several events, and found myself overall very satisfied with the ending. Personally, I think this novel deserved all the praise that's been heaped upon it; it's truly outstanding, and I'm excited to delve into more of Kuang's works in the coming year.
American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
- Genre: Horror/Thriller
- Premise: Wall Street banker Patrick Bateman is shallow, vain, self-centered, and incredibly wealthy, spending most of his evenings eating at elite restaurants and doing blow at exclusive clubs. He's also a sociopathic serial killer, preying on the homeless, sex workers, and anyone who humiliates him. His blood lust spirals out of control as he descends further into madness.
- Thoughts: I had no goals to finish this book when I first picked it up, having heard that it was significantly darker than the 2000 film adaptation, and full of sexual violence. I figured I'd read what I could, and if/when it got to be too much, I'd drop it. That didn't happen; despite the gruesome murders, Bateman's detached narration, combined with the ridiculously over-the-top gore, made it possible for me to stomach. I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed it. This is one of the best satirical works I've read, and it didn't even need to rely on some of the tricks the film had to employ. Everything, from Bateman's 'completely missing the point' analysis of banal pop music, to the main cast constantly mistaking someone for somebody else, to the famous business card scene, makes this a masterpiece. While it may be difficult for many to endure, especially as the slaughters ramp up towards the end, it's a scathing and hilarious mockery of the 1% that is hard to put down.
House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewsky
- Genre: Horror/Epistolary Fiction
- Premise: The aptly named Johnny Truant comes across a manuscript written by a deceased blind man that turns out to be an academic analysis of a found footage horror film, and the (supposedly true) documentary that followed it. The only thing is, neither of those films actually exist. Compelled, Johnny edits the manuscript, all while detailing his own personal life in the footnotes, where elements of the manuscript seem to seep into reality, and his mental health deteriorates.
- Thoughts: There is nothing in this world quite like House of Leaves. It will have you questioning your own sanity as you get lost in the labyrinth of it's pages, flipping the book upside down and sideways to read footnotes, flipping to numerous appendices (which may or may not exist) to get further context, and wading through walls of stream-of-consciousness thoughts and rambling lists in a hope for an epiphany to make everything make sense. This is a book that demands a lot from the reader, but it will reward you in a way that few others ever will. If you're looking for clear cut answers, you won't find them here, but you will learn the names to emotions you didn't realize existed. The horror here is twofold; firstly, in the liminal spaces and blatant disregard for physics in the fictional film, and secondly, in the rapidly dissolving chaos of Truant's life. This book has impacted me profoundly, to the point I know this will be something I will think about until the day I die, regardless of how my tastes have changed; it felt as though my own ability to distinguish fiction from reality had frayed. I also want to add something here, which is why I saved this book for last on my list; this book came at the worst (best?) time possible for me, and has become inextricably tied to a traumatic experience for me. On July 5th, within an hour of me finishing the book, desperately pulling up decades-old forums to discuss what I had just experienced with someone, I received a phone call from my mother that my brother had died. For the next days, weeks, months, I felt as though I was in the Navidson house, exploring the labyrinth as I looked for a way out from this seemingly unending grief. Because of this, I have managed to find comfort in this novel that simply cannot be put into words, as it became a lens I used to navigate the maze of grief I found myself in. Everyone who has read this book has walked away with their own unique take on the events held therein, but if I could give anyone one single novel to understand me, it would have to be this one. If you read only one book on this list, make it this one.
As a bonus, here are some books I reread this year that were even more rewarding than my first time through!
Nona the Ninth (Locked Tomb #3) by Tamsyn Muir
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Premise: The third book in the unfinished Locked Tomb quartet. Six months after the events of Harrow the Ninth, Nona - the unidentified soul inhabiting Harrow's body - takes refuge with Camilla, Palamedes, and Pyrrha on a planet outside of the Cohort. While they work together to try to determine exactly who she is, Nona goes to school, and the others work cooperate with Blood of Eden to strike back at the Houses. But their parody of domestic life quickly goes astray as tensions ramp up... Meanwhile, John Gaius recounts the events leading to the Resurrection to an audience.
- Thoughts: The first time I read this book, I certainly enjoyed it, but found it largely frustrating, especially for the first act, as the questions I was interested in finding out the answers to were very much not ones that Nona seemed all that concerned with. In traditional Tamsyn Muir fashion, our narrator is the least aware character in the entire novel, leaving the reader to puzzle out exactly what's going on through seemingly innocuous observations until the truth is laid (mostly) bare in the final act. That said, when things did go south, I was having the time of my life, and when I finished I was supremely satisfied. This time around, I found the first half of the book was actually incredibly important; it wasn't just 'filler.' These moments of playing at family, and Nona spending time with the children, have revealed so many threads that went completely over my head originally. Muir is brilliant at foreshadowing and giving you answers in plain sight that only become obvious on repeat readings, making rereads of the Locked Tomb not strictly mandatory, but highly encouraged simply for how rewarding they are. Spoiling anything would be a travesty, but the theme of this book is most certainly love, and all the forms it can take, whether they're healthy, toxic, platonic, romantic, or something that cannot be defined. Even knowing how it ends, I was holding back tears for a large portion of this read, and the impact was even more profound. John's 'origin story' is also a treat; his characterization is superb, solidifying him as one of my favorite characters, even if I absolutely hope he suffers for what he has done, and will continue to do. I'm even more excited for Alecto the Ninth now, and I'll wait as long as it takes to get my hands on it.
The Traitor Baru Cormorant (The Masquerade #1) by Seth Dickinson
- Genre: Fantasy
- Premise: Baru Cormorant was only a child when the Falcresti Empire (the Masquerade) arrived on the shores of her island home, subjugating her people, enforcing their rigid beliefs, and disappearing one of her fathers. A child savant, she attends a Masquerade school and vows revenge by rising through their ranks until she's able to free her island from their rule and topple their empire from within. As an adult, her first assignment is as the Imperial Accountant of the province of Aurdwynn, where she's expected to quell a growing rebellion to prove herself. Aurdwynn, however, has no intentions of being ruled, and she finds herself entangled in a messy web of politics, with the brazen Duchess Tain Hu at the center.
- Thoughts: The Masquerade series are currently my favorite books; I've been hyperfixated on them for nearly two years at this point, with no signs of that changing. Sometimes I find myself keyed in to media that has plenty of faults, but is fascinating to me all the same; however, I firmly believe that this series is one of the most ambitious, thought-provoking, and maddening (in a good way) series I've ever had the pleasure of reading. I bawled when I finished Traitor for the first time, and I still felt absolutely gutted on this reread, which is honestly incredible. Like Locked Tomb (a series it shares many themes with), rereading this was even more rewarding than reading it for the first time, despite knowing exactly how it would all end. From the very first chapter there are tidbits that will go unnoticed by a first time reader that will become crucial in the sequels, and there's so much foreshadowing that it makes me dizzy. It's hard to make it seem like I'm not just showering it with endless, perhaps undeserved praise, but it's hard to understate how important and huge this novel feels to me; it's genuinely impacted my world view, and probably would have helped radicalize me if I wasn't already far left. Seriously, I don't want to spoil anything, but I can't recommend these books enough. Just be warned that you will cry, but you can not stop reading here; you have to read the sequels, I promise, no matter how badly it hurts - they will heal you.
Want more 2024 Roundups?