If you’ve also been feeling the weight of recent events, you might be craving a bit of peace or an escape. For me, books have always offered that refuge — transporting me to other worlds, introducing me to unique perspectives, or just providing a good laugh.

This year, I delved into an eclectic mix of genres and styles of physical, digital, and audio books. I enjoyed immersing myself in different historical eras, gaining insights from leading experts, and reveling in happily-ever-after romances. Who-done-it thrillers, laugh-out-loud comedies, and impactful self-help books all had their place in my reading rotation. There were books that challenged me, ones that made me feel seen and understood, and stories that resonated deeply.

I enjoyed discovering new-to-me authors like Taylor Jenkins Reid, Kristin Hannah, and Ann Patchett. In each case I felt as though I’d stumbled upon a hidden treasure — how had I not read their work before? I devoured their writing and quickly tracked down their other novels. I also indulged in books by longtime favorite authors like Janet Evanovich, Michael Connelly, and Elin Hilderbrand.

I’d be remiss not to mention the magic of a great audiobook narrator. Julia Whelan and Lorelei King are two of my favorites: Whelan brings Hannah’s stories to life, while King’s voice is pitch-perfect for Evanovich’s unforgettable characters. Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks bring their star power to Patchett’s novels, making them truly memorable listens. And some audiobooks feature a full cast of performers — such as with Reid’s Daisy Jones & the Six and Carrie Soto is Back — adding an extra layer of enjoyment.

Books are a wonderful escape, offering a window into different worlds, cultures, and eras. Here are my favorites reads from 2024.

Thrillers

• First Lie Wins (by Ashley Elston) – A gripping thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. Just when I thought I had it figured out, Elston threw in a twist!
• The Crossing (by Michael Connelly) – Classic Connelly, this time with Bosch and Haller teaming up to free an innocent man. Always suspenseful and satisfying, this one sent me down a rabbit hole of other Connelly reads including Lost Light, The Burning Room, and Resurrection Walk.
• Check & Mate (by Ali Hazelwood) – An unexpectedly riveting story set in the world of competitive chess, with family drama and romance woven in. It reminded me of The Queen’s Gambit but with a unique twist.

Powerful and Heart-Wrenching

• Go as a River (by Shelley Read) – A hauntingly beautiful story that stayed with me long after finishing it.
• Demon Copperhead (by Barbara Kingsolver) – Kingsolver’s narrative is both painful and powerful, exploring contemporary social issues.
• 28 Summers (by Elin Hilderbrand) – A touching love story with a “same time next year” theme. It broke my heart but reminded me of the beauty in life’s small moments.

Technology and Innovation

• The Idea Factory (by Jon Gertner) – A fascinating look at Bell Labs, where so much of our modern technology originated. Gertner’s storytelling about pioneering scientists and breakthrough innovation makes complex science feel accessible.
• The Code Breaker (by Walter Isaacson) – Isaacson explores Jennifer Doudna’s groundbreaking work on CRISPR, blending science, ethics, and personal narrative. It’s a brilliant reflection on the power of innovation and responsibilities of science.
• AI for Social Good (by Rahul Dodhia) – This book examines how AI can address global challenges, from healthcare to the environment, offering practical examples that make AI feel accessible and hopeful.

Laugh-Out-Loud Funny

• Dirty Thirty (by Janet Evanovich) – Another hilarious adventure with Stephanie Plum. Evanovich’s books always make me laugh, and I’m excited for Now or Never, the next in the series!
• The Flatshare (by Beth O’Leary) – A fun and lighthearted romance between roommates who communicate through sticky notes. A delightful story with plenty of laughs.
• The Happy Ever After Playlist (by Abby Jimenez) – An uplifting, laugh-out-loud romance that had me rooting for the couple despite the obstacles they faced. (While you’re at it, check out these other Jimenez books: Life’s Too Short, Just for the Summer, and The Friend Zone.)

Light-and-Breezy Romance

• The Boyfriend Candidate (by Ashley Winstead) – A charming story of an unlikely romance between a shy librarian and a handsome governor.
• Funny Story (by Emily Henry) – A quirky, heartwarming tale of two people brought together in an unusual situation, full of wit and endearing moments.
• The Burnout (by Sophie Kinsella) – A feel-good story about two people recovering from burnout and rediscovering life and love.

Self-Help and Memoir

• Reinventing You (by Dorie Clark) – A practical guide for anyone navigating a career pivot or personal reinvention.
• The Menopause Manifesto (by Jen Gunter) – An empowering and informative read, dispelling myths and offering guidance through this significant phase of life that’s too often misunderstood.
• Educated (by Tara Westover) – A powerful, inspiring, and thought-provoking memoir about a woman’s journey from a nontraditional, challenging upbringing to earning a Ph.D.

Unputdownable Fast Reads

• One True Loves (by Taylor Jenkins Reid) – A beautifully narrated love story exploring loss and second chances. It set me on a binge of Reid’s novels (be sure to check out Forever, Interrupted and After I Do).
• The Seven Year Slip (by Ashley Poston) – A delightful, heartwarming read reminiscent of The Time Traveler’s Wife, but with a more uplifting, reflective touch.
• Float Plan (by Trish Doller) – A lighthearted adventure about healing through travel, filled with sailing escapades and the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery.

I’m Glad I Read These

• Tom Lake (by Ann Patchett) – Meryl Streep’s narration brings this reflective and poignant story to life. It’s a joy to listen to.
• The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell (by Robert Dugoni) – A moving and beautifully written story about resilience, friendship, and finding one’s place, reminiscent of A Prayer for Owen Meaney.
• Meet Me at the Lake (by Carley Fortune) – A heartfelt story of love, loss, and reconnecting with oneself.

Diversity in Science and Business

• You Should Smile More (by The Band of Sisters) – Practical, relatable advice for addressing challenges faced by women in the workplace.
• The Myth of the Nice Girl (by Fran Hauser) – Hauser debunks stereotypes and shares tips for balancing kindness with assertiveness at work.
• Opening Science for All (by Cecily Cannan Selby) – An inspiring read emphasizing the importance of making science accessible to diverse communities.

Historical Fiction

• The Rose Code (by Kate Quinn) – A captivating story about World War II codebreakers, blending mystery, friendship, and forgiveness.
• The Things We Cannot Say (by Kelly Rimmer) – A gripping dual-timeline story intertwining World War II history with a modern-day narrative.
• The Women (by Kristin Hannah) – Set against the turbulent Vietnam War, this novel follows a young nurse whose life is forever changed by her experiences. (Also check out Hannah’s other books about survival and resilience, including The Great Alone, set in Alaska, and The Four Winds, set in the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression.)

These Stayed with Me Long After I Read Them

• Sandwich (by Catherine Newman) – I felt completely seen by this book, which captures the complexity of parenting nearly-adult children while caring for aging parents.
• Shadow of the Wind (by Carlos Ruiz Zafón) – A rich and immersive tale set in post-war Barcelona, where a young boy discovers a mysterious book that changes his life forever.
• Things I Wish I Told My Mother (by Susan Patterson and Susan DiDallo) – A beautiful story that had me reflecting on the preciousness of family relationships and the enduring bond between mothers and daughters.

Whether you’re hoping to learn something new, enjoy a good laugh, or simply unwind, I hope these titles bring you the comfort and inspiration they’ve given me. Happy reading!