Hi, friends! It’s Raegan, and I’m so excited to share my absolute favorite reads of 2024 with you. As you know, I’m all about stories that make me think, feel, and sometimes even cry (yes, I’ll admit it, a couple of these had me tearing up). This year, I’ve read so many incredible books, but these five stood out and stole my heart. Let’s dive in!
1. Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a juicy, morally complex story. Kuang gives us a sharp, satirical look at the publishing world through the lens of June, a writer who does something pretty unforgivable—she steals a manuscript from her late friend. It’s an unflinching exploration of identity, privilege, and cultural appropriation that kept me turning the pages late into the night. I felt like I was holding my breath the whole time. If you’re ready for a thought-provoking story that’ll spark a million discussions, pick this one up immediately.
2. Everytime You Hear That Song by Jenna Voris
This book sang to me—pun fully intended! Set in a world drenched in nostalgia and music, it follows the journey of a small-town singer chasing her dreams. But this isn’t just a typical coming-of-age story. Voris’ writing is so vivid and lyrical, it’s like stepping into a song itself. The characters felt so real, and their struggles and triumphs made my heart ache in the best way. If you’ve ever felt the pull of chasing something bigger than yourself, this book is for you.
3. Shanhailanders by Juli Min
Juli Min’s Shanhailanders is one of the most beautifully written books I’ve read this year. It’s set in Shanghai, a city bursting with life and contradictions, and follows a group of expatriates navigating their intertwined lives. The way Min captures the complexities of identity, belonging, and the clash of cultures is nothing short of brilliant. I couldn’t get enough of her lush prose and the way she painted Shanghai as almost its own character. If you love books that transport you to another world, this is the one.
4. Where Are You, Echo Blue by Hayley Krischer
This one wrecked me—in the best possible way. It’s a hauntingly beautiful story about Echo, a girl searching for her missing sister while grappling with her own sense of identity. Krischer’s writing is raw and emotional, and she has this incredible way of making you feel every ounce of her characters’ pain and hope. I couldn’t stop thinking about this book for days after I finished it. If you’re in the mood for a story that’ll break your heart and then slowly piece it back together, don’t miss this one
5. The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
Leigh Bardugo can do no wrong, and The Familiar is proof. This book is dark, mysterious, and full of Bardugo’s signature twists and turns. It follows a group of strangers brought together by an enigmatic creature who offers them the chance to rewrite their lives. But, of course, nothing is ever as it seems. The story is packed with tension and moral dilemmas that had me questioning what I would do in their place. And the ending? Mind. Blowing. If you’re a Bardugo fan or love stories that keep you guessing, this one’s for you.
So there you have it—my top 5 books of 2024! I hope you find a new favorite among these picks. Let me know which ones you’ve read or are planning to read. And as always, happy reading!
