It’s hard to believe that this year is already coming to an end and that we’re getting ready to welcome in the new year. Endings, like the closing of chapters, are such a great time to reflect, so let’s read and reflect on some of the “Best of 2024” book lists. You might recognize them or find new ones to add to your personal “to-read” list.
The list is out! Let’s take a look at the New York Times' list, The 10 Best Books of 2024. The New York Times also has the 100 Notable Books of 2024 list. And if you’re looking for past “best books” from the New York Times, check out The Book Review’s Best Books Since 2000 list. Look for these books at your local library or request books online. We also have a great selection of movies available on DVD or to stream on Hoopla and Kanopy. If you need a recommendation, the New York Times also has a list of the Best Movies of 2024.
Tip: Hitting a paywall when you try to access some of these lists? You can get free access to many newspapers and magazines online with your library card! Learn more on our Magazines & Newspapers page.
If you’re a fan of Oprah’s Book Club selections, take a look at Oprah Daily’s list, The Best Books of 2024. The list is split into four categories: Books That Let You Escape; Books That Make You Think; Books That Help You Laugh; and Books That Let You Feel. If you’re interested, please also check out The Complete List of All 109 Books in Oprah’s Book Club.
If the New Yorker is more your style, check out their Best Books of 2024 list. According to the list’s introduction, each week their editors and critics recommend the most “captivating” and “notable” books and they’ve compiled a list of 12 nonfiction titles to share with you and another 12 of fiction and poetry. Vogue Magazine has also released their list of The Best Books of 2024 and start their list by stating, “at a moment when the act of curation threatens to be overwhelmed by whatever cookies are tracking your clicks, we hope this list—and lists like it—serve as a counterweight, reacquainting you with an old friend or introducing you to something new.”
The Smithsonian Magazine also released lists for their picks of The Best Books of 2024, as Chosen by Smithsonian Scholars. Time magazine has released The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024. There are some wonderful titles listed that you might have already read and others that you can add to your list to read next year.
If you’re an avid reader, then the NPR: Books We Love list is the one for you. With nearly 4,000 titles, and a mix and match filter, you’re bound to find some great books. Subcategories include Staff Picks, Book Club Ideas, Eye-Opening Reads, and Seriously Great Writing. You can also check out the Washington Post’s 10 Best Books of 2024 list.
Do you prefer to listen to your books? If so, AudioFile Magazine has released their selections for the Best Audiobooks of 2024. If you haven’t tried listening to an audiobook lately, we highly recommend them. These days, audiobooks are often full-on productions that are likely to pull you in within the first few minutes of listening.
Are you on Goodreads? If so, see their newly released list, Readers' Favorite Books of 2024! You may also be interested in seeing The 144 Most Read Books of the 2024 Reading Challenge list. It’s possible that your friends and family, or favorite library staff member, has read some of the books on this list! And if you’re looking for even more lists, check out Publishers Weekly’s Top 10 Books of 2024, the Wall Street Journal’s Top 10 Books, and Literary Hub’s The Ultimate Best Books of 2024 List.
Happy Reading!
Contributed by Daniela Leyva
Most Popular in Marin 2024
For more great reads, see our Most Popular Titles in Marin 2024 post to find out what other Marin patrons have been enjoying this year.
You can also check out our post on Award-winning Books of 2024!
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