{"id":9036,"date":"2025-01-17T18:57:43","date_gmt":"2025-01-17T22:57:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.princetonbookreview.com\/blog\/?p=9036"},"modified":"2025-01-17T19:28:54","modified_gmt":"2025-01-17T23:28:54","slug":"the-best-books-of-2024-period","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.princetonbookreview.com\/blog\/the-best-books-of-2024-period\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Books of 2024, Period!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If it makes you a little nervous to pull the trigger on that book you’re eyeing in your favorite book store – let us help. Below, you will find some of the buzziest books of the year that will elevate any bookshelf. They are all great reads and fabulous book club choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year, from the dozens and dozens of books we’ve read – Historical Fiction and Thrillers top the list. However, we constantly update our favorites, so check back for excellent recommendations in other genres like Fantasy, Rom-Coms (a newcomer), and Non-Fiction. And, of course, more Historical Fiction and Thrillers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When books just take hold and fly off the shelves, they usually have one thing in common: they are all good reads. And most good books are timeless. So, it should come as no surprise when we say whether you’re looking for a thought-provoking historical fiction, a light beach read, or a tense and thought-provoking Thriller – Click <\/a>here<\/a> <\/strong>for some of our other favorites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Our Favorite Book of the Year<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

All The Colors Of The Dark by Chris Whitaker<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There’s a reason we picked this book as our favorite book of 2025. It’s amazing! You will become completely immersed in this literary read and won’t want to put it down. You’ll love this book if you enjoyed Tomorrow, and Tomorrow and and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This novel is a captivating blend of mystery, romance, and family drama, featuring richly drawn and complex characters, including a protagonist you’ll fall in love with. His name is Patch.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
Read Our Review<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing products through our links, we receive a small commission without additional costs to you.  That’s what helps fund PrincetonBookReview.com so we can continue to help you find your next read. We truly appreciate it!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Best Books of 2024 <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

The Women by Kristin Hannah<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you enjoy historical fiction, don’t miss this book. This powerful novel perfectly captures the era of the Vietnam War. It features strong women overcoming adversity and society’s reaction to a controversial war. Most importantly, it tells the story of the overlooked women who bravely served in the war as nurses. I couldn’t put it down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
Read Our Review<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

The Lion Women of Tehran  by Marian Kamali<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This captivating historical fiction story explores mid-century Iran through the eyes of two young women who form an unlikely friendship. Their friendship has its ups and downs but continues growing as they navigate Iran’s challenging and changing political landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The author’s writing style captures the nuances of two young girls coming of age amidst turmoil. Kamali also shows the complexity of the times and gives the reader enough historical context to understand the era.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
Read Our Review<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

The Next Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I loved that the characters are complex and somewhat morally ambiguous; it makes them relatable and intriguing. As you would expect from this duo – the story is full of unexpected turns that will keep you guessing until the end. While the plot is fast-paced and twisty, some plot points are predictable – but I can’t say this detracted from my enjoyment of the story. Although a stand-alone book, I recommend starting with The Last Mrs. Parrish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
Read Our Review<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

First Lie Wins<\/strong> by Ashley Elston<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This fast-paced and captivating psychological thriller follows Evie, a clever protagonist who weaves a complex web of lies and deceit and is trying to stay one step ahead of her past. It’s a thought-provoking story that explores issues of identity, survival, the toll of living a lie, and the consequences of our actions. A must-read for those who love twisty, psychological thrillers with unexpected plot twists and fun, engaging characters you will love.. . .<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
Read Our Review<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Family Family by Laurie Frankel<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Laurie Frankel offers a unique perspective on adoption in this heartwarming story of family love. It’s thoroughly entertaining, witty, and thought-provoking. It’s filled with family drama, humor, and fantastic characters. It’s well-written and engrossing. If you enjoy books about unconventional families, you’ll enjoy this book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
Read Our Review<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

The Briar Club<\/strong> by Kate Quinn<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you like books featuring strong women and female bonding – do not miss this one. It takes place during the Cold War of the 1950s. It is about a group of women living in the same boarding house and finding comfort and strength in each other as they share their fears, feelings, and experiences and support each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s quintessential Kate Quinn, with lots of historical detail and an engaging writing style. There are themes of class, gender, political corruption, and social justice, and also a murder mystery to solve! Recommend<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
Read Our Review<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

The Goddess of Warsaw by Lisa Barr<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you enjoy great historical fiction, this WWll story is for you. It’s filled with suspense, spies, resistance fighters, and revenge. But that’s not all; it has some Hollywood glamor thrown in the mix, too. Lovers of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo will be captivated by this book.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
Read Our Review<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

My big takeaway from this book is that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is! We’ve all heard this a thousand times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Freida McFadden’s latest thriller, Sydney Shaw, a young woman navigating the New York City dating scene, believes she’s finally found the one. He’s charming, successful, and everything she ever wanted. But as their relationship deepens, she begins to uncover some unsettling truths about his past, and a growing sense of unease begins to erode her trust. From here, Freida McFadden’s pacing is spot on- she pulls you in right from the start, builds tension and atmosphere, and the twisty plot keeps you guessing. An excellent book for McFadden fans and those who like dark, twisty thrillers. Recommend.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
Read Our Review<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

James by Percival Everett<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This retelling of the classic “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” is a gem! It’s told from the perspective of Jim, an enslaved man who runs away when he realizes his owner is going to sell him to another farm, separating him from his family. It’s witty, clever, and unputdownable. Don’t miss it!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
Read Our Review<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Happy reading,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andrea + Linda<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out our latest posts! <\/p>\n\n\n