Best Books I Read in 2024
As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time for me to reflect on the books I read this year. I track my reading progress with Goodreads, and the stats report that I read 100 books this year. Of the 100 books, I rated 23 with five stars. For me to give a book a 5-star rating, I had to ABSOLUTELY love it! I then paired that list down to the 10 best books I read in 2024. I enjoyed revisiting the books I read and compiling this list with my complete book reviews linked.
#10 Astor: The Rise and Fall of an American Fortune (by Anderson Cooper)
In early 2023, I read Anderson Cooper’s book, Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty, because I am ever so curious about the Vanderbilt family. My interest in the Vanderbilts was planted during my childhood, with the very first time I visited Biltmore Estates in Asheville, North Carolina.
#9 Watchers (by Dean Koontz)
Dean Koontz is a favorite author. I now understand why his fans identify Watchers as a favorite novel. It has become one of my favorite Koontz novels too. This story pulled at my deepest, strongest heart string…dogs.
#8 Catch You Later (by Jessica Strawser)
I’m a huge fan of Jessica Strawser! Her amazing books have quickly made her one of my favorite authors. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting her in person several times at…
#7 From Here to the Great Unknown (by Lisa Marie Presley & Riley Keough)
Growing up, my parents were Elvis Presley fans. His albums played on the record player, and his movies were on the television. I was really young when Elvis died in 1977…
#6 Death Row Welcomes You (by Steven Hale)
I learned about this book, Death Row Welcomes You, by Steven Hale, through my local independent bookseller, Joseph-Beth, in Lexington, Kentucky. I receive Joseph-Beth’s weekly email, which includes a calendar of upcoming author events. When I saw the title of this book…
#5 Celine (by Peter Heller)
Every time author Peter Heller publishes a book, it’s a must-buy in print for me. His writing style is so unique, I best enjoy curling up with a physical book in my hands. I found this signed copy of Celine, at my local independent bookstore when it was first released.
#4 The Housemaid (by Freida McFadden)
I am addicted to Freida McFadden’s amazing psychological thrillers. A former coworker/friend and I have been discussing our love for her books for the past few months. My friend is always raving about...
#3 The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley (by Hannah Tinti)
Several years ago, I listened to the podcast, Books on the Nightstand, religiously. One of the hosts, Michael, raved about how much he loved The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley by Hannah Tinti. I discovered a signed copy of the book…
#2 These Silent Woods (by Kimi Cunningham Grant)
While searching for my next audiobook in the suspense genre, I came across These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant on my wishlist. The setting of a father and daughter living in the woods with no electricity and no connection to the outside world because...
#1 Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road (by Neil Peart)
I’m a latecomer to the writings of Neil Peart. Just a few months ago, I learned he wrote several nonfiction books and some fiction books too. Watching interviews online, I was immediately drawn to his personality, intelligence, love of travel, and admiration of books.