I decided to make 4 for 2024 into a series! You’re welcome!

Here are my top 4 books of 2024 – the ones I couldn’t put down, still think about, or find myself recommending over and over!

1️⃣ In the Likely Event by Rebecca Yarros

Unputdownable romance

Izzy and Nate’s lives become forever linked after surviving a plane crash together. Though circumstances pull them apart, their paths cross over the years – including where the story begins, 10 years after the crash, in Afghanistan

The alternating timeline and chemistry between Izzy and Nate had me completely hooked. I finished this book in under a day, couldn’t put it down, and have recommended it many times this year. I will continue to put this one in as my suggestion at book club!

[Original review here]

2️⃣ The Women by Kristin Hannah

Historical Fiction I can’t stop thinking about

Frankie joins the army as a nurse to serve in Vietnam, where her life is profoundly shaped by her experiences, the bonds she forms, and the struggles she faces after returning home.

This book is heartbreakingly sad but left me with so much to think about – especially around the ‘don’t talk about it, just get over it‘ mindset and the strength of friendship. It also taught me a lot about the Vietnam War, making it both an emotional and enlightening read.

[Original review here]

3️⃣ Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Romantasy that will make you feel all the feels on Graphic Audio

Against all odds, Violet is determined to become a dragon rider and make her mother – the commanding general of the army – proud. She’s set on bonding with a dragon and surviving both the grueling training and the people who want her dead because of her mother’s position. Chief among them is Xaden Riorson, her wingleader and a son of the separatists – a group harshly judged for their rebellion.

This year, I discovered Graphic Audio – immersive audiobooks with a full cast and sound effects (thanks, Snis!) – and it completely changed how I experience stories. Listening to this action-packed, gripping book in that format made me feel all the feels. I can’t recommend this series enough on Graphic Audio!

[Original review here]

4️⃣ Falling by T.J. Newman

Addicting thriller

A pilot on a commercial flight from LA to NYC is faced with an unthinkable ultimatum: crash the plane, or his entire family will be killed. The story alternates between the tense events aboard the plane and his family’s fight for survival on the ground.

This is an incredibly high-stakes, edge-of-your-seat thriller. It starts off intense and never lets up. While I found some of the violent scenes involving the pilot’s family difficult to read, I was still captivated for the entire book.

[Original review here]

I had such a hard time choosing my final pick that I’m going to cheat a little and include an honorable mention!

Honorable Mention: To the Gorge: Running, Grief, and Resilience & 460 Miles on the Pacific Crest Trail by Emily Halnon

Touching memoir

This book follows Halnon as she runs the entire Oregon section of the Pacific Crest Trail in honor of her late mother. Along the way, she shares her journey through grief in a deeply human and touching way. It’s a beautifully heartfelt story that stayed with me long after I finished reading.

[Original review here]