Between decorating, shopping, wrapping, baking, addressing, hosting, churching, and savoring the season without losing my mind, I love making a best books of the year list. Some were written in 2024, but many were not. No matter. They are still friends to me. If a category doesn’t interest you, keep scrolling to one that does. Let’s get to it!
Literary Fiction:
James by Percival Everett (2024). I won’t keep you in suspense. This is my favorite book of the year and winner of the National Book Award for fiction. It’s an artful reimagination of Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn from Jim’s perspective. Usually, I’m not a fan of books that unabashedly borrow plot points and/or inspiration from other books. However, this one is so fresh and original. Writing that can make me laugh on one page and cry on another is a gift. How Everett made this a deep, artful book while also creating a fast, page-turner is beyond me. This book initiated lots of conversations about slavery, code-switching, and the power of writing and literacy.
Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy (2024). This book couldn’t be more different than James! It reads like a middle-grade novel written for adults—due to its brevity and an animal character. The author shares details about the main character’s backstory and shows the passage of time in fresh and creative ways. It’s a quiet book about loss, grief, and loneliness that ends well. I suggest reading this with a cup of tea next to a roaring fire.
Sci-Fi/Time Travel:
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley (2024). While the plot of this book is captivating, I fell in love with the main characers—a woman shepherding a man extracted from a different time in history. There is humor, the suspense of a side plot mystery, and different perspectives about relationships from the past and present. The romance between the main characters is well-developed and the sex scenes are great—mostly closed door—but the tension builds in a good way.
Adult Thriller:
Five Decembers by James Kestrel (2021). This reads like a noir thriller that’s set in Hawaii and Japan before, during, and after World War II. I couldn’t put this down and my husband read it just as fast. Some violence was hard to read, but appropriate for the plot.
Faith-Based:
Have a Beautiful Terrible Day by Kate Bowler (2024). This devotional is full of Jesus writing, but in Kate Bowler’s feisty voice. It’s not a book you read from start to finish, but dip in and out of depending on what you need in the moment. For example, she offers a blessing for when you need a break, or for when you want to discover wonder again. The book ends with Advent and Lent devotionals.
The Good and Beautiful God by James Bryan Smith (2009). I’ve been meeting with a group of women every Wednesday for about five years to study the Bible and/or faith-based books. We’ve been on a Dallas Willard kick for a while. Smith was mentored by Dallas Willard and this book challenges false narratives I believe about myself and Jesus. Each chapter ends with soul care suggestions—practical ways to apply the chapter’s teaching to our lives.
Picture Books:
Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen (2024). This book is the perfect blend of pictures and text telling the story. Gaze deeply into the illustrations of this book—or you’ll miss parts of the story like I did on my first read. The message of this book reminds me to look at life differently. I can’t stop thinking about it. Trust me and read this one. Even if you’re an adult.
An Ordinary Day by Elena K. Arnold (2020). This book has a page turn that brought me to tears—in a good and tender way. The theme explores how loss and joy can happen at the same time.
Later When I’m Big by Bette Westera (2023). This book made me think about times when I didn’t do something because I was scared. On the surface, this reads like a simple moment between a mom and son trying to find courage to jump off a diving board, but like all great picture books, it’s so much more and can be read on many levels.
Once Upon a Book by Grace Lin and Kate Messner (2023). A lovely exploration of finding stories and ideas for writing. Readers literally step inside the book.
Dim Sum Here We Come by Maple Lam (2023). The illustrations are amazing and the book is so true to what it’s like to sit with family around a big table in Chinese restaurants. While I’m not Chinese, my husband is, and this book feels so nostalgic.
Middle Grade Fiction:
Ferris by Kate DiCamill0 (2024). I hugged this book when I finished it. It’s a tender gem about loss and hope for all ages. I loved the quirky characters.
Alone by Megan E. Freeman (2021). This is a book in verse which is one of my favorite genres—and not just for the satisfaction of turning pages fast. This is a great adventure story about a resilient girl during a scary time.
Middle Grade Nonfiction:
Chinese Menu by Grace Lin (2023). The illustrations are amazing. The book tells the stories behind favorite Chinese dishes.
Middle Grade Graphic Memoir:
Mexikid by Pedro Martin (2023). This book is hilarious and touching at the same time. It tells the tale of a Mexican-American boy and his family’s trip to Mexico to bring their abulelito home. I learned so much about Mexican family culture while reading this book.
Any Age Poetry/Comic:
Poetry Comics by Grant Snider (2024). Reading the poems in this book feels calming and colors are pleasant. With so many of the poems, I wanted to whip out a piece of paper and create my own because Snider makes it look easy and accessible. It’s not.
Spicey Take (Book Everyone Loves But I Am MEH About):
Reading is such a personal experience, but my book recommendations might be more meaningful if you also know the books that just weren’t my cup of tea.
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024). For many this was the book of the summer. It was a fine thriller with a tight plot. I read it fast and enjoyed the experience, but it wasn’t even close to making my best books list.
At the Top of My TBR:
White Mulberry by Rosa Kwon Easton (2024). I can’t wait to begin reading this book. Rosa is a friend and I’m thrilled to read her book. From the publisher: Inspired by the life of Easton’s grandmother, White Mulberry is a rich, deeply moving portrait of a young Korean woman in 1930s Japan who is torn between two worlds and must reclaim her true identity to provide a future for her family.
The Book That is Wrapped and Waiting for Me Under the Christmas Tree:
Time of the Child by Niall Williams (2024). This is the sequel to This is Happiness which is one of my most cherished books. The writing is beyond beautiful about beloved characters living in Faha, Ireland. It’s a novel set during the Christmas season so it’s perfect for this time of year. I know it won’t be a fast read—every page needs to be savored—but I’m ready to take it slow.
And that closes the book on my 2024 reading favorites!
Let me know about the books that illuminated your reading year. Here’s to happy reading in 2025.
Always reading and writing,
Lorrie
There are still spots available for the North Carolina Women’s Mini Retreat. The California retreat is sold out, but contact me if you’d like to be added to the waiting list. We’re open to scheduling an additional date. If you want to use the discount coupon code, register (or get yourself on the waiting list) before January 1st. We hope you join us!