10 Best Books of 2024: Critically Acclaimed and Best-Selling

Sub-Genre: Literary Fiction / Historical Reimagining; Page Count: 320 pages

Percival Everett takes one of America’s most revered literary texts and flips it on its head. In James, he hands the narrative reins to Jim, the enslaved man from Mark Twain’s classic novel Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. What follows is a profoundly introspective journey through a story we thought we knew.

What makes James stand out is Everett’s ability to weave historical weight with moments of light-heartedness and humanity. He brings depth and nuance to a character that was previously overshadowed, creating a narrative that feels both important and timeless. The critics can’t get enough of this one, and for good reason. Everett’s writing cuts through the fluff, offering a new take on an old classic. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to give a literary giant a run for its money, this is the book to pick up.

Why You Should Read It: It’s a gutsy, brilliant retelling that demands to be read and discussed. Jim finally gets his story, and it’s unforgettable.

Sub-Genre: Literary Thriller / Philosophical Fiction; Page Count: 416 pages

In Creation Lake, Rachel Kushner crafts a cerebral thriller that doubles as a meditation on activism, loyalty, and moral ambiguity. The novel follows Sadie, an American agent infiltrating a group of radical French environmentalists. But this isn’t your typical spy story—Kushner’s prose elevates the narrative, delving into existential questions about human nature and the cost of conviction.

Kushner’s gift lies in her ability to make the philosophical feel personal. The characters are nuanced, flawed, and so real you can almost hear their voices. Every page asks questions that linger long after you’re done: How far would you go for your beliefs? And what happens when you lose sight of who you are?

Why You Should Read It: For its blend of high-stakes espionage and thought-provoking philosophy, this novel offers a unique reading experience that sticks with you.

Sub-Genre: Biography / Historical Nonfiction; Page Count: 352 pages

Adam Shatz delivers a compelling portrait of Frantz Fanon, the revolutionary thinker and psychiatrist whose work continues to resonate in today’s socio-political climate. In The Rebel’s Clinic, Shatz digs into Fanon’s complex legacy, from his medical practice to his role in anti-colonial movements. What emerges is a deeply humanized account of a figure often mythologized.

Shatz’s biography is meticulously researched but never dry. He blends historical analysis with vivid storytelling, bringing Fanon’s complexities to light—the healer, the warrior, the intellectual. He weaves together personal anecdotes, historical context, and sharp analysis in a way that feels necessary. Whether you’re familiar with Fanon’s work or coming in fresh, this book will leave you with a new appreciation for his impact.

Why You Should Read It: Fanon’s legacy is as relevant now as it was decades ago. Shatz makes sure you understand why.

Sub-Genre: Literary Fiction / Psychological Drama; Page Count: 288 pages

Greenwell’s Small Rain is a delicate yet unflinching exploration of identity, desire, and the complexities of human intimacy. The novel traces the internal and external conflicts of its protagonist, a young man navigating relationships and self-discovery.

It’s intimate and introspective, the kind of book that makes you pause and reflect on your own life. Greenwell’s prose is evocative, bringing even the quietest moments to life. Critics love it, readers adore it, and honestly, it feels like the kind of book that’ll be on syllabuses in a decade.

Why You Should Read It: For those who love character-driven narratives that stay with you, Small Rain is a masterpiece of quiet brilliance.

Sub-Genre: Literary Fiction / Contemporary Drama; Page Count: 320 pages

Sally Rooney has built a reputation for writing about the raw, unpolished side of relationships, and Intermezzo is no exception. This time, she turns her gaze on two brothers, each dealing with grief in their own, often frustrating, ways. One is a workaholic lawyer who can’t stop sabotaging his love life; the other, a chess prodigy, seems perpetually stuck in his own head.

Rooney’s prose is as sharp as ever, cutting through the small talk to expose the real, messy emotions underneath. She has a knack for making you feel like you’re eavesdropping on lives as they unfold, with all their awkward pauses and unspoken tensions.

Why You Should Read It: Rooney’s nuanced take on love, family, and the spaces in between makes Intermezzo a relatable and absorbing read.

Sub-Genre: Short Stories / Social Commentary; Page Count: 256 pages

Tony Tulathimutte’s Rejection hits hard, especially if you’ve ever been ghosted by a job, a lover, or life itself. This collection of linked stories dives into the lives of characters who aren’t winning any popularity contests—and couldn’t care less. From awkward misfits to self-sabotaging dreamers, each story peels back another layer of what it means to feel unwanted in a world obsessed with acceptance.

What makes Tulathimutte’s writing so addictive is its mix of cutting humour and gut-wrenching honesty. His characters stumble through life with all the cringe-worthy, relatable moments you’d expect, but he never turns them into caricatures. Readers have praised his ability to balance satire with genuine empathy, helping this standout collection join the ranks of 2024 best selling books.

Why You Should Read It: Tulathimutte’s sharp, insightful stories are both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply affecting, making this collection a must-read for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider.

Sub-Genre: Literary Fiction / Historical Fiction; Page Count: 352 pages

In Wandering Stars, Tommy Orange weaves a narrative that spans generations, beginning with a 19th-century Native American survivor of a massacre and stretching into the modern day. The novel traces the ripples of historical trauma through one family, capturing the complex interplay between history and personal identity.

Orange’s prose is both lyrical and grounded, painting vivid portraits of his characters and the landscapes they inhabit. The novel shifts between past and present, creating a story of resilience, survival, and the enduring power of community. It can be considered both a sequel and a prequel to There There, but it stands firmly on its own as a powerful exploration of community, and earning a rightful place among the best books of 2024

Why You Should Read It: Orange’s ability to blend historical depth with contemporary relevance makes Wandering Stars a compelling and essential read.

Sub-Genre: Mystery / Psychological Fiction; Page Count: 336 pages

Liz Moore’s God of the Woods draws readers into a secluded summer camp where the disappearance of a camper decades ago still casts a shadow. Through multiple perspectives, Moore carefully unravels the secrets and lies that have been buried in the forests surrounding the camp. As each layer of the mystery unfolds, the emotional stakes grow higher, revealing the scars left behind by a tragedy that refuses to stay buried.

Moore excels at creating atmospheric tension, capturing both the claustrophobia of small communities and the haunting vastness of the woods.

Why You Should Read It: With its blend of suspense and emotional depth, God of the Woods is a gripping read that keeps you hooked until the final reveal.

Sub-Genre: Fantasy / Arthurian Retelling; Page Count: 432 pages

Lev Grossman brings the grandeur of Arthurian legend to life in The Bright Sword, a tale that picks up after the fall of Camelot. The story follows a loyal knight on a quest to restore order in a fractured kingdom after King Arthur’s death. But don’t expect the usual sword-and-sorcery fare—Grossman’s take is introspective, exploring what it means to lead in the shadow of a fallen giant.

The world-building is lush, the characters flawed but compelling, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Critics have hailed it as a modern classic, cementing its spot among 2024 best selling books with its blend of epic fantasy and moral complexity that feels all too real. If you’ve ever wondered what happens after “happily ever after” crumbles, this is the book for you.

Why You Should Read It: Grossman delivers a fresh, emotionally charged take on one of the most enduring legends in literature.

Sub-Genre: Literary Fiction / Poetic Prose; Page Count: 288 pages

In Martyr!, Kaveh Akbar makes his leap from poetry to fiction with breathtaking grace. The novel follows an Iranian American poet grappling with the deaths of his parents and his battle with addiction. Akbar’s prose is rich and lyrical, bringing his poetic sensibilities to every page.

This is a story about grief, but it’s also about finding beauty in the wreckage. Akbar captures those fleeting moments of clarity that come in the midst of chaos, reminding readers that even in our darkest hours, there’s light to be found. Critics have been unanimous in their praise, calling it one of 2024’s most striking debuts.

Why You Should Read It: Akbar’s ability to blend raw emotion with poetic elegance makes Martyr! a deeply moving and unforgettable read.