The best books I read in 2024

Let me take you through the best books I read in 2024, one for each month! Each of them has offered me something unique and memorable, so join me as I revisit the stories that made this year’s reading journey so special.

January – Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

I kicked off the year with a return to my childhood reading days. The fourth instalment of the Harry Potter series never disappoints, and is my personal favourite for its dark themes, unforgettable moments, and the thrill of the “Triwizard Tournament”.  I always love returning to the magical land of Hogwarts as it always reminds me of why I fell in love with this world in the first place.

Rating = 5/5

The development and resilience of the characters as their unlikely friendship turns into a strong familial bond, made this book a memorable journey of healing and self-discovery.

February – Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian

This heartwarming yet truly emotional tale was one of the most touching books I’ve read all year. Set during World War II, it tells the story of a young evacuee, William, who is sent to live with the reclusive Mister Tom. The development and resilience of the characters as their unlikely friendship turns into a strong familial bond, made this book a memorable journey of healing and self-discovery.

Rating = 3.5/5

March – The Fever Code by James Dashner

I do love a good prequel, and this book should be the template for all origin stories. It was an extremely thrilling read that provided insightful information about the Gladers and the creation of the Maze we know and love from The Maze Runner trilogy. It was interesting to see how everything tied together, and the fast-paced plot, with the twists and turns, made this prequel a brilliant addition to the series.

Rating = 4.5/5

It’s the kind of story that brings a sense of magic to the pages.

April – The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods

A book about books is always a perfect cosy read during the spring. Being about a bookshop with hidden secrets and mysteries, this book provided a whimsical escape into a charming story filled with wonder and nostalgia. The bookshop itself becomes a character as the protagonist uncovers these mysteries. It’s the kind of story that brings a sense of magic to the pages.

Rating = 3.5/5

May – My Other Husband by Dorothy Koomson

This was one of those ‘impossible to put down’ kind of books. This psychological thriller tells the story of a woman caught up in a dangerous situation involving her husband and a secret from his past. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, the story took a turn that left me reeling. It was an edge-of-your-seat read that made May feel like an intense month of suspense.

Rating = 3.5/5

June – Fire & Blood by George R. R. Martin

I like to call this book a non-fiction about fiction. Fire and Blood looks into the history of “House Targaryen” in the Game of Thrones universe, giving readers a detailed look at “Westeros” before Game of Thrones began. The intricate details, along with a mix of dragons and politics, made it an immersive experience. It’s a must-read for any A Song of Ice and Fire fans, as we get to see the tragic rise and fall of the infamous Targaryen family.

Rating = 4/5

Often overlooked in traditional history, their voices provide a powerful and intimate account of the war’s human toll.

July – The Unwomanly Face of War by Svetlana Alexievich

Now this is actually a real non-fiction book. Written by Svetlana Alexievich, it shares the unique and personal stories of Soviet women who fought during World War II. Often overlooked in traditional history, their voices provide a powerful and intimate account of the war’s human toll. This book is raw with emotion and truly changed the way I think about war and its impact on women.

Rating = 4.5/5

August – The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman

This book is the epic conclusion to Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy. Weaving together adventure, philosophy, and emotion, the book explored the battle between good and evil, making it a fitting conclusion to the protagonist, Lyra’s journey. I always get a bittersweet feeling when I finish a book series – the sense of closure is satisfying, but it’s hard to let go of the characters you’ve spent so much time with.

Rating = 4/5

September – As the Crow Flies by Jeffrey Archer

Spanning several decades and a multitude of characters, this book was a truly captivating journey. Exploring themes of ambition, loyalty, and poverty, this is an epic rags-to-riches tale that follows the life of Charlie Trumper. His determination to rise above his circumstances will have you rooting for him all the way down to the last page. As the Crow Flies is a must-read for fans of both historical fiction and family drama.

Rating = 5/5

October – The Five by Hallie Rubenhold

In The Five, Hallie Rubenhold uncovers the stories of the five women brutally murdered by Jack the Ripper, focusing on their just-as-important lives before they became victims. The book humanises these women, providing a much-needed perspective beyond the murder. It’s a haunting and enlightening read, shining a light on the lives of women often forgotten in the shadow of a notorious killer.

Rating = 5/5

The psychological tension builds throughout the book, keeping me on edge as the characters face both physical and mental challenges

November – The Long Walk by Stephen King

Stephen King’s The Long Walk is a chilling story about a dystopian society where a hundred boys are forced to walk until only one remains. The psychological tension builds throughout the book, keeping me on edge as the characters face both physical and mental challenges. It’s a gripping, haunting exploration of survival and human nature, and one of King’s most underrated works.

Rating = 3.5/5

December – Band of Brothers by Stephen E. Ambrose

Ending the year with Band of Brothers was a powerful choice. This non-fiction account of Easy Company’s experiences during World War II is an undoubtedly emotional read. The bravery, camaraderie, and sacrifice of these men are detailed in such a way that it’s impossible not to be moved. It’s a tribute to the soldiers who fought and died together, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for the cost of war.

Rating = 3.5/5

Looking back, 2024 has definitely been a year of diverse reading experiences for me. Each of these stories has resonated with me on different levels, reminding me of the power books have to transport us to vastly different worlds. I’m already excited to see what 2025 has in store for my reading list.