The Best Books of 2024: A Vogue Editor's Curated Selection

This list, compiled by the editors of Lbibinders.org, aims to be the antithesis of algorithmic recommendations. It’s a carefully chosen collection of diverse and engaging books that captured our attention, entertained us, and moved us throughout 2024. In a digital age where personalized recommendations often feel overwhelming, we hope this curated list serves as a refreshing counterpoint, reintroducing you to familiar genres or opening doors to exciting new discoveries.

It’s crucial to approach this list with a discerning eye; we read extensively, but our reading is inherently limited. Individual tastes among editors vary greatly; while one might favor crime fiction, another could be deeply engrossed in historical romance. The act of curation, therefore, is as much about exclusion as it is about inclusion. Some books on this list were universally loved, while others proved divisive, with some editors finding them unfinishable. Thus, consider this a diverse sampling of the best books of 2024, as judged by the Lbibinders.org editorial team. Happy reading!

Fiction: A Diverse Landscape of Narratives

Contemporary Life and Relationships

Sugar, Baby by Celine Saintclare (January): Saintclare’s debut novel explores the glamorous yet precarious world of young women who leverage their youth and beauty for financial gain. Lbibinders.org’s Chloe Schama notes the novel’s nuanced portrayal of these women, avoiding simplistic judgments and instead showcasing the complexities of their lives. It’s a relatable and believable depiction of a modern reality where image holds significant, if fleeting, value.

Come and Get It by Kiley Reid (January): Set on a college campus, Reid’s novel examines class and wealth through intersecting narratives featuring students, professors, and administrators. The story adeptly captures the subtle disparities arising from differing levels of resources and societal privilege. According to Schama, Reid’s masterful storytelling crafts a thoughtful, modern narrative with a classic elegance.

Good Material by Dolly Alderton (January): Alderton, in the style of a contemporary Nora Ephron, offers a mordant yet insightful exploration of romantic relationships. This novel shifts perspective from her previous work, providing a uniquely male vantage point to explore heartbreak and the search for self-definition. Schama highlights the humor and relatable aspects of Alderton’s storytelling, showcasing poignancy within amusement.

Ordinary Human Failings by Megan Nolan (February): Set in the 1990s, this novel provides a sense of distance from the hyper-connectivity of the present. Nolan masterfully depicts the interconnected lives of the Green family, highlighting how unfortunate circumstances and privilege entangle their individual fates. Schama praises Nolan’s precise and empathetic prose, which delivers a poignant story that both resonates and comforts.

Help Wanted by Adelle Waldman (March): Waldman’s compelling narrative unfolds within a struggling upstate New York box store, using the setting as a backdrop for exploring ambition and survival among low-wage workers. Antrim highlights Waldman’s unsentimental yet deeply empathetic portrayal of the characters and the gripping tension created by a manipulative supervisor.

Exploring Loss and Trauma

Grief Is for People by Sloane Crosley (February): Crosley’s emotionally resonant memoir delves into loss, juxtaposing the trauma of a best friend’s death with the surprising intrusion of a burglary. Schama notes the author’s masterful blending of humor and poignant reflection, resulting in a deeply affecting tribute to friendship and the journey of healing.

Splinters: Another Kind of Love Story by Leslie Jamison (February): Jamison’s memoir intricately intertwines the dissolution of her marriage with the challenges of motherhood. Schama praises Jamison’s self-reflective and cutting prose, exploring complex emotions with exceptional honesty and insight.

One Way Back by Christine Blasey Ford (March): This highly anticipated memoir precedes Ford’s widely publicized testimony. Schama emphasizes its portrayal of Ford’s life before the intense public scrutiny, allowing for a nuanced understanding of the woman behind the momentous decision to speak out.

Women and Children First by Alina Grabowski (May): Grabowski’s novel interweaves multiple narratives of women living in a coastal New England town. Schama notes the captivating interconnectedness of the stories and their exploration of secrets, lies, and the impact of hidden traumas.

Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors (September): Mellors’ novel follows four sisters, all grappling with addiction in various forms. Schama highlights the nuanced portrayal of their complex relationships, showcasing deep psychological insight within a compelling family drama.

Unique and Evocative Narratives

Change by Édouard Louis (March): Louis’s autofiction offers a raw and unsettling account of his personal transformation, from a disadvantaged childhood to becoming a celebrated author. Marius describes the book’s intensity, acknowledging the jarring shifts in form and tone that mirror the complexities of the author’s experience.

Memory Piece by Lisa Ko (March): This novel follows three friends across decades, exploring their experiences as Asian American women navigating societal expectations. Macabasco praises Ko’s moving exploration of identity, family, and the pursuit of freedom within a rapidly changing world.

Ellipses by Vanessa Lawrence (March): Lawrence’s debut novel examines a toxic yet compelling mentor-mentee relationship, conducted entirely through text. Malle notes Lawrence’s insightful portrayal of the complexities of power dynamics within the context of the digital age.

Real Americans: A Novel by Rachel Khong (April): Khong’s expansive novel spans generations of a Chinese American family, tracing their journey across continents and decades. Macabasco highlights the novel’s exploration of destiny, race, and privilege.

The Limits by Nell Freudenberger (April): Freudenberger’s intricate novel spans geographic locations and generations, exploring themes of desire, teenage rebellion, and the unintended consequences of good intentions. Antrim praises Freudenberger’s sophisticated storytelling, showcasing the complexities of human relationships.

Clear by Carys Davies (April): Davies’ gripping novel features a remote island setting and explores themes of ownership, belonging, and the enduring bonds between people and place. Schama notes the compelling narrative and the insightful exploration of human connection within an unusual setting.

On the Tobacco Coast by Christopher Tilghman (April): Tilghman’s novel is set in a crumbling Maryland estate, bringing together a diverse cast of characters during a Fourth of July weekend. Antrim praises Tilghman’s ability to depict the inner lives of his characters and the subtle tensions that unfold amongst them.

Double Exposure: Resurveying the West with Timothy O’Sullivan, America’s Most Mysterious War Photographer by Robert Sullivan (April): Sullivan’s work blends biography, historical analysis, and personal reflection. Seymour praises Sullivan’s unique approach, weaving personal experiences with profound observations about the American West.

Butcher: A Novel by Joyce Carol Oates (May): Oates’ historical novel details the disturbing experiments of a 19th-century gynecologist. Antrim highlights Oates’ masterful storytelling, creating a gripping, if not unsettling, narrative based on historical facts.

Exhibit: A Novel by R.O. Kwon (May): Kwon’s novel explores themes of female desire, artistic expression, and the constraints of societal expectations. Macabasco observes Kwon’s bold exploration of sexuality and self-discovery, as characters seek personal and creative freedom.

All Fours by Miranda July (May): July’s novel follows a Los Angeles creative on a midlife journey of self-discovery. Antrim notes July’s distinctive humor and the compelling exploration of personal growth and transformation.

Worry by Alexandra Tanner (March): Tanner’s novel centers on two sisters navigating personal and professional challenges. Jackson praises the chaotic yet humorous portrayal of the sisterly bond and the witty depiction of modern anxieties.

Rebel Girl: My Life as a Feminist Punk by Kathleen Hanna (May): Hanna’s memoir explores her life as a prominent figure in the feminist punk scene. Garcia-Furtado highlights the vivid anecdotes and inspiring journey of a woman forging her creative voice within a challenging cultural context.

The Winner by Teddy Wayne (May): Wayne’s novel offers a witty and fast-paced exploration of sex, power, and wealth within an exclusive community. Schama emphasizes the compelling narrative and the intriguing exploration of human relationships in an affluent setting.

This Strange Eventful History by Claire Messud (May): Messud’s multigenerational family saga spans decades and continents. Antrim praises its immense scope and intimacy, showcasing Messud’s masterful skill in capturing the complexities of human relationships across time.

Wives Like Us by Plum Sykes (May): Sykes’ novel offers a satirical yet charming portrayal of modern social dynamics within the context of traditional English society. Schama notes the delightful blend of traditional and contemporary elements, highlighting the compelling social commentary.

When Women Ran Fifth Avenue: Glamour and Power at the Dawn of American Fashion by Julie Satow (June): Satow’s book reveals the significant contributions of women to the 20th-century fashion industry. Ramzi praises the author’s historical research and the compelling stories of women who defied societal expectations.

Ask Me Again by Clare Sestanovich (June): Sestanovich’s expansive novel follows two individuals across many years, examining their coming-of-age within a changing world. Jackson highlights the anthropological exploration of modern identity and the compelling portrayal of enduring relationships.

Godwin by Joseph O’Neill (June): O’Neill’s picaresque novel uses the sport of soccer as a lens for exploring themes of brotherhood, migration, and ambition. Antrim praises its original and compelling storytelling.

Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy (June): Kilroy’s novel offers a raw and honest account of motherhood and its challenges. Schama emphasizes the starkly realistic and often painfully honest depiction of post-partum life and the multifaceted realities of motherhood.

Death in the Air by Ram Murali (June): Murali’s debut novel blends elements of mystery and social satire within a luxury spa setting. Schama finds this novel to be a refreshing and highly entertaining blend of genres.

Tehrangeles: A Novel by Porochista Khakpour (June): Khakpour’s novel offers a satirical look at a wealthy Iranian-American family. Macabasco points to its uproarious and unforgettable portrayal of young womanhood during the pandemic.

The Memo by Rachel Dodes and Lauren Mechling (June): Dodes and Mechling’s novel explores themes of opportunity and what might have been through a fantastical lens. Schama describes its appeal as a modernized “Sliding Doors” narrative with a compellingly relatable heart.

The Most by Jessica Anthony (July): Anthony’s slim novel explores the relationship of a couple teetering on the edge of change. Schama praises its impressive economy of language and the compelling portrayal of complex characters.

More, Please: On Food, Fat, Bingeing, Longing, and the Lust for “Enough” by Emma Specter (July): Specter’s collection of essays blends personal experience with insightful commentary on body image and eating disorders. Jackson commends the book’s humor and compassion.

Anyone’s Ghost by August Thompson (July): Thompson’s debut novel explores themes of boyhood, manhood, love, loss, and music. Malone highlights its gripping plot and hypnotic prose.

Whoever You Are, Honey by Olivia Gatwood (July): Gatwood’s novel examines themes of women’s loneliness, desire, and the rise of artificial intelligence. Jackson praises its exploration of queerness and the tensions in a rapidly changing world.

Long Island Compromise: A Novel by Taffy Brodeser-Akner (July): Brodesser-Akner’s novel explores the complexities of a wealthy family’s history. Schama points to the masterful storytelling and poignant depiction of privilege and its consequences.

Burn by Peter Heller (August): Heller’s suspenseful novel places two friends in a drastically altered America. Antrim highlights the compelling narrative and suspenseful storytelling.

Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout (September): Strout’s latest novel returns to familiar characters in a small Maine town, exploring themes of friendship, family, and loss. Cafolla praises Strout’s captivating storytelling and the moving portrayals of human relationships.

Colored Television by Danzy Senna (September): Senna’s novel examines the racial identity industrial complex and the complexities of race, class, and identity within the entertainment industry. Macabasco describes it as zany, believable, and absurd.

Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner (September): Kushner’s novel is set in rural France, exploring themes of idealism, deception, and the human capacity for self-preservation. Schama praises the complexity of the plot and its compelling exploration of human psychology.

Intermezzo by Sally Rooney (September): Rooney’s novel explores the lives of two brothers navigating personal challenges and shifting dynamics. Schama highlights the author’s broader scope, examining themes of loss, family, and personal growth.

Playground by Richard Powers (September): Powers’ expansive novel explores themes of environmentalism and the future of the natural world within the context of changing times. Antrim praises its vivid descriptions and compelling narrative.

Death at the Sign of the Rook: A Jackson Brodie Book by Kate Atkinson (September): Atkinson’s latest novel features the return of detective Jackson Brodie. Marius praises the storytelling and the engaging exploration of loss and alienation.

Rejection by Tony Tulathimutte (September): Tulathimutte’s collection of short stories explores themes of rejection, disappointment, and identity in the digital age. Jackson praises Tulathimutte’s perceptive insight into the complexities of human relationships within the context of modern life.

Like Mother Like Mother (October): Rieger’s novel explores themes of inheritance, family secrets, and the lasting impact of the past. Schama praises the novel’s compelling blend of family drama and social commentary.

Didion & Babitz by Lili Anolik (November): Anolik’s book offers a dual biography of Joan Didion and Eve Babitz. Cafolla notes Anolik’s exploration of parallel lives,rivalry, and their contrasting sensibilities.

City of Night Birds by Juhea Kim (November): Kim’s novel provides an inside look into the world of Russian ballet. Antrim highlights the vivid descriptions and captivating storytelling.

The Collaborators by Michael Idov (November): Idov’s novel features an American intelligence agent. Antrim notes the well-paced plot and compelling narrative.

Non-Fiction: Exploring Diverse Perspectives and Ideas

Lbibinders.org’s non-fiction selections cover a broad spectrum of topics and writing styles, offering readers thought-provoking perspectives on a range of timely and relevant subjects. Several books delve into timely social issues and their impact on individual lives and broader societal structures, prompting reflection on personal experiences within these contexts. Others offer deeply personal reflections, blending insightful commentary with compelling narratives of human experience. The selections highlight a variety of writing styles and approaches to nonfiction storytelling, ensuring a rich and engaging reading experience. Specific titles and authors are mentioned throughout the original text provided.

Conclusion: A Journey of Discovery

The “Best Books of 2024” list presented here is not merely a collection of titles; it’s an invitation to explore the richness and diversity of literature and the human experience. The books highlighted reflect the wide-ranging interests and perspectives of the Lbibinders.org editorial team, showcasing fiction and non-fiction works across multiple genres and thematic explorations. We encourage you to discover your own favorites from this curated selection and to share your personal “best of” list, fostering a collective exploration of the power of storytelling and the joy of reading.