Rachael’s Top Ten Reads of 2024

How to choose the best reads of the year? Of the over one hundred books I read last year, these are my top ten reads of 2024.

Last year, I read 129 books. While far from a record year, it feels like a decent count given my job as a book reviewer.

With all those books, it can be hard to keep my full 2024 reading list straight. However, my top reads of the year had something that made them stand out. Each of these books touched me in a way – making me thinking about life, past and future.

And because I can never settle on just ten, I threw in a few honorable mentions that were so close to making the list.

Enjoy the list and let me know what you think in the comments.

At the turn of the century, a twelve-year-old girl grieving her father is sent by boat to meet her 40-year-old husband. Eventually, she becomes known as Big Ammachi, the matriarch of a family particularly cursed to have one member of each generation die by drowning. From 1900-1977, Big Ammachi and her family see unimaginable changes to her Christian community on South India’s Malabar coast.

What a beautiful book! The Covenant of Water is a modern classic that reads like an epic Dickens’ novel. This gripping multigenerational story brings the characters and settings and history alive so you feel like you experience their sliver of the world. I really liked that the family curse turned out to just be a genetic condition. In true Dickensian fashion, the whole story comes full circle at the end in a touching conclusion that makes an excellent book even better. I can’t recommend it enough.

My Rating:
Publication Date: 2 May 2023
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In 1976, Dana, a young African-American writer, finds herself inexplicably sent back through time to a pre-Civil War plantation in Maryland. After saving a drowning white boy, she finds herself back in Los Angeles. Over and over, Dana finds herself returning to the plantation whenever the boy is in trouble, which she realizes is where her ancestors lived. As her stays in the past become longer, Dana becomes entangled in the plantation and is forced to make harder and harder choices to survive. Octavia Butler’s genre-bending novel is a must-read among time travel books.

I can see why Octavia Butler is considered one of the best writers of her generation. Kindred combines the “what ifs of the best science fiction with deeply-researched historical fiction. Kindred is brilliant top to bottom: a gripping premise, compelling narrative, memorable characters, and nuanced themes. Butler thought-provokingly dives into the complexity of slavery’s dynamics, leaving the reader plenty to ponder on racism, both historically and today.

My Rating:
Publication Date: June 1979
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In August 1975, Barbara Van Laar is discovered missing from her summer camp bed. A tragedy for any child, but Barbara is the daughter of the wealthy owner of the camp and the nearby estate. Fourteen years ago, Barbara’s older brother also went missing without a trace. Tying together the wealthy Van Laar family with the working class community that supports the camp and estate, The God of the Woods is a multi-layered drama about secrets that refuse to be forgotten.

I’d been hearing great things about The God of the Woods since it came out last summer and I immediately snagged a copy. Which proceeded to sit on my shelf for months, intimidated by its large size (almost 500 pages). I’m so glad I finally picked it up because I was completely engrossed staying up way too late to finish it. Moore does the slow build of suspense perfectly, gradually unwinding the past and present in an atmospheric story with rich characters.

My Rating:
Publication Date: 2 July 2024
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For a thousand years, the Lord Ruler has enslaved the Skaa with no hope that his despotic rule will ever end. From a hellish prison, Kelsier snaps and develops the powers of a Mistborn. As a brilliant thief, Kelsier instigates the ultimate heist to overthrow the Lord Ruler with a crew of the underworld’s elite. But adding in Vin, a ragged orphan girl, might just be what they need to succeed, if they can teach her to use her powers and to learn to trust others.

My college bestie told me this was her favorite book and since I didn’t read it when my entire family did a few years ago, I felt like this was the summer to finally try the Mistborn series. Fantasy isn’t my usual genre but Sanderson quickly hooked me with his rich world-building and fascinating characters. The detailed explanation of the magical system wasn’t really my thing, though I know people like my husband love reading about such things. However, the compelling narrative was complex enough to keep you guessing and perfectly set up the rest of the series.

My Rating:
Publication Date: 16 July 2006
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From the author of Code Name Hélène, comes a new novel based on the true story of a fearless midwife determined to find justice. In 1789, Martha Ballard is asked to determine the cause of death of a man found buried in the ice. As a local midwife, Martha knows all the town’s secrets, including that this man was one of the men accused of a heinous rape four months ago. As the rape trial nears, Martha believes the two cases are connected and her detailed diary ends up as pivotal evidence that might tear the whole town, and her family, apart.

A delightful historical mystery featuring a strong heroine, The Frozen River is an excellent choice for any book club. Lawhon helps you feel the powerlessness and inequality women faced at the time, especially in the court of law. Sadly, the rape trial was an actual event which was even more horrific in reality than in the novel. Yet, Martha’s capable and compassionate work as a midwife and as a wife and mother was inspiring and informative.

My Rating:
Publication Date: 5 December 2023
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Growing up in rural North Carolina, Ray McMillian will not let his family’s doubts or inherent racism against Blacks stop him from becoming the world’s best classical violinist. Which is why it’s a dream come true when he realizes his grandfather’s old fiddle is really a priceless Stradivarius. On the eve of the most prestigious music competition, his violin is stolen and replaced with a ransom note. Ray must do everything he can to get it back, all while the descendants of his ancestor’s former slave owner claim the violin is rightfully theirs.

Brendan Slocumb has penned an intriguing mystery that packs a double punch with its powerful story of a Black man navigating the predominantly white field of classical music. I love it when a book can connect me with the characters and The Violin Conspiracy had me fully emotionally invested in Ray’s journey; I was prickling at the actions of Ray’s family, furious at the racist instances Ray faces, and heartbroken at the loss of his beloved violin. From start to finish, I was completely captivated by The Violin Conspiracy and if you can, I recommend listening to the audiobook with its compelling narration and snippets of violin music.

My Rating:
Publication Date: 1 February 2022
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In July 1962, a Mi’kmaq family travels to Maine to pick blueberries for the summer when four-year-old Ruthie disappears one day after lunch. For decades, Ruthie’s disappearance haunts her family, especially her six-year-old brother Joe who was the last to see her. Meanwhile, Norma grows up as the only child to an overbearingly protective affluent white couple. Although she dreams of another life and another mother, she takes decades to trust her instincts and uncover her family’s secret.

I can’t believe I didn’t read this gorgeous novel last year. The Berry Pickers alternates between a dying Joe reminiscing about his life and Norma as she grows up. Though I took longer to get into Joe’s chapters, both were incredibly powerful stories describing the impact of Ruthie’s kidnapping on both Norma and her family. If you are looking for a book club pick, I would highly recommend this emotionally charged family drama.

My Rating:
Publication Date: 4 April 2023
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One night when Lauren returns home to her London flat, she is greeted by her adoring husband Michael. Except Lauren isn’t married. But her house and her friends seem to indicate that Lauren and Michael have been together for years. Then Michael goes into the attic and out emerges a new husband and a new life. With this magical ability to swap out husbands and lives, Lauren must now decide what she wants her life to be and when to stop trying for something perfect.

I was caught off-guard by how much I loved The Husbands. Instead of the steamy romance I was lead to expect (and slightly dread), The Husbands is a thoughtful contemporary fiction novel. Gramazio presents you with a clever premise and then plays out the narrative in an extremely realistic character study of how this circumstance affects Lauren. The Husbands presents you with the benefits and dangers of having an infinite choice and adds enough twists to keep the story engaging and discussion-worthy.

My Rating:
Publication Date: 2 April 2024
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The three Blue sisters are each exceptional in her own way: Avery, a former heroin addict turned London lawyer; Bonnie, a former boxer turned bouncer in LA; Lucky, a former party girl turned model in Paris. But the death of their sister Nicky left the family reeling. A year after Nicky’s death, the estranged sisters gather to stop the sale of the apartment they grew up in and are forced to reckon with their childhood disappointments and their grief.

I completely fell in love with this family drama about addiction and grief. Mellors does a fabulous job showing the complicated and messy connections between sisters and yet also highlighting the enduring love running underneath. I enjoyed how each sister had a different way of coping with their chaotic childhood and the death of their sister, but each showed addictive tendencies in her own way.

My Rating:
Publication Date: 3 September 2024
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We all know that person who is able to connect deeply with anyone they meet; a skill that anyone can learn. All conversations can be categorized as practical, emotional, or social. Charles Duhigg argues that these supercommunicators can identify and match each type of conversation while also hearing complex emotions, subtle negotiations, and understanding possible biases. Using the power of storytelling, Duhigg promises to help you become more adept at recognizing and navigating any conversation you find yourself in.

Although I’ve loved Charles Duhigg’s previous books (The Power of Habit, Smarter Faster Better), Supercommunicators is my new favorite. Duhigg has always been great at presenting interesting anecdotes and food for thought. However, Supercommunicators shines because it feels so much more doable. I could instantly see how to practically apply his advice into my life. Yet, I forced myself to read the book slowly so I could ponder each section, not wanting to miss anything. It’s not a quick fix self-help book, but I feel that, if you took the time to contemplate and analyze your conversations, you would become a much better communicator.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Random House. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

My Rating:
Publication Date: 20 February 2024
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Poet Maggie Smith never imagined that her career success would lead to the deterioration of her marriage. In her lyrical memoir, Smith tells her tale of heartbreak and rebuilding as she is determined to become a fierce mother even as she finds herself. More than just her story, You Could Make This Place Beautiful contemplates modern womanhood, traditional gender roles, patriarchy’s role in society, and the challenges facing women today.

Maggie Smith narrated the audio version of her divorce memoir perfectly. I was captured by her poetic structure and her ability to beautifully turn a phrase so that I felt so many of her lines. Although Smith is trying to be fair and nice, her husband comes off as a complete jackass – a spouse who refuses to be an equal parent and blames the wife for her career success. Smith’s story is powerfully relatable to modern women and I absolutely loved her unique take on storytelling.

My Rating:
Publication Date: 11 April 2023
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Twenty-five years ago, Malcolm Gladwell topped the bestseller list with The Tipping Point, analyzing the science of viral trends. Now, Gladwell revisits his bestseller to reframe the lessons for the modern day. Gladwell expands his focus to look at the dark side of contagious phenomena using his trademark mix of fascinating anecdotes and social science.

I just adore anything Malcolm Gladwell writes and will listen to any audiobook he narrates. Returning to the same topic as his bestseller, The Tipping Point, Gladwell takes on a dark twist to the topic, showing the dangers when individuals try social engineering using the science of virality. Explaining social phenomenon with fascinating real-world examples, Gladwell always makes you think deeper. Using the opioid epidemic, Gladwell highlights how small changes can have large, often unintended, consequences.

My Rating:
Publication Date: 1 October 2024
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During the pandemic, Lara’s three grown daughters are all living at the family’s orchard in Michigan. To pass the time, they beg Lara to tell them about the summer she dated current movie star Peter Duke while they performed at the Tom Lake Theater Company. Slowly, Lara tells them about her earlier life as an actress, pondering on the joys and folly of youth and making her daughters consider their own choices.

Everyone should listen to the audiobook version of Tom Lake narrated by Meryl Streep. Streep perfectly embodied Lara, delivering an outstanding performance where you can hear the wistful reflection and the amused nostalgia in every line. Tom Lake’s beautiful narrative proceeded slowly by steadily through Lara’s life, reminding you that the most exciting parts, at least to Lara’s daughters, ended up mattering very little to Lara in the long run.

My Rating:
Publication Date: 1 August 2023
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When his father has a stroke, Kyle McCray reluctantly returns to his hometown to care for him. Two and half years ago, Kyle abruptly left town abandoning his father, his friends, his employees, and Casey, his wife of sixteen years. When asked to coach the struggling middle school hockey team, Kyle finds an chance for redemption. But to stay in town permanently, he must make peace with Casey as the book slowly reveals what caused a love-filled relationship to collapse so suddenly.

Tearjerker alert. I cried several times while reading Lange’s latest novel which, I should add, I devoured in one day. Tracey Lange knows how to tear my heart and then put it back together in just the right ways and I am loving her family dramas. The complicated intertwining of grief and guilt that destroyed their marriage is painfully realistic and hits you like a truck but the hopeful ending provides the catharsis you need to warm your heart back up.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celadon Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

My Rating:
Publication Date: 14 January 2025
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Jonathan Haidt explains why moving from a play-based childhood to a screen-based childhood has changed the neurological development children, making them more anxious, along with other mental health problems. Haidt shows why this causes them to withdraw further into a digital world, and then proposes a solution that he says will reduce the incidence of mental illness in the rising generations.

Jonathan Haidt paints an enlightening (and terrifying) picture of the damage screen-based childhood has done on a generation of children. He perfectly expressed in data the feelings I already had about my kids and phones. While Haidt mostly focuses on the dangers of social media and smartphones, he also focuses on the solutions, especially a greater need for connections, independence and in-person interaction. I will definitely be making some changes to my parenting after reading this one and I absolutely recommend it to everyone.

My Rating:
Publication Date: 26 March 2024
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What Were Your Top Ten Reads of 2024?

What books did you love last year? How did my list agree with yours? As always, let me know in the comments!

More Book Lists to Enjoy:

• Every Book I Read in 2024
• The Best Books of 2024
• The Most Anticipated Upcoming Releases
• Goodreads Winners of 2024
• Booklist Queen’s 2025 Reading Challenge

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