I’m Booked: My top ten books of 2024

Written by Ally Abruscato. Graphic by Anna Porter.

Since 2022, I have written about my top ten books at the end of each year. Now, here we are, at my last year-in-review before graduation. Admittedly, 2024 was not my best year in books. I kept dragging out books that could have been quick reads, which put me behind on my overall goal. However, I still finished the year strong and full of pride over the amazing books I had the opportunity to finish. I’d recommend any book on this list a million times over, but if I missed any of your favorites from 2024, please let me know so that I can add them to my 2025 “To-Read” list.   

10. “One Life” by Megan Rapinoe 

I featured “One Life” as one of my favorite sports books and believe it also deserves a spot as one of my favorite books of 2024. It is clear that Megan Rapinoe is an unbelievable soccer player who works her hardest at everything she does on and off the field. 

9. “Beautiful World, Where Are You” by Sally Rooney 

This was my last book of 2024 and a great way to end the year. Sally Rooney never ceases to amaze and captivate me with her intimate portrayals of confusing relationships of all kinds. 

8. “Malibu Rising” by Taylor Jenkins Reid 

After reading my first Taylor Jenkins Reid book last year, I was excited to check out more of her work. With some connections to her other books, any Reid fan is destined to enjoy this tale of a crazy night in a fictional famous family’s lives. 

7. “Within Arm’s Reach” by Ann Napolitano 

In 2023, “Hello Beautiful” by Ann Napolitano was my favorite book of the year. Although “Within Arm’s Reach” didn’t have the same impact on me, I still greatly enjoyed this book. This generational drama kept me engaged throughout. 

6. “The Nix” by Nathan Hill 

“The Nix” is one of those books that you get lost in. When I think back to reading it, I can imagine myself, not sitting plainly on my bed, but entranced in each story line as if it was my own. Hill’s detailed historical fiction is a vital piece of writing that remains relevant in our current state. 

5. “Running Home” by Katie Arnold 

As I prepare for my senior show this year, Katie Arnold’s “Running Home” is one of my biggest inspirations. Her memoir discussed the many ways that running helped her deal with some of life’s heaviest problems. 

4. “Intermezzo” by Sally Rooney 

It is no surprise that Sally Rooney is appearing twice on my top ten list this year. Her newest book, “Intermezzo,” came out this year and was a smashing success! Although it was at first difficult to get into one of the character’s train-of-consciousness writing style, I eventually got used to it and appreciated its unique and purposeful cadence. 

3. “Everything I Know About Love” by Dolly Alderton 

I already spoke in detail about my admiration of “Everything I Know About Love,” but it is easy to keep gushing about such a personal and beautiful book. Alderton’s continuously changing perspective on love was a testament to the societal pressures on women that start at a young age.   

2. “The History of Sound” by Ben Shattuck 

After having the pleasure of meeting and interviewing with Ben Shattuck, I was so excited to pick up his newest book, “The History of Sound.” Thankfully, it did not disappoint and became one of my favorite reads of the year. While I sometimes find it hard getting into short stories, the intricate weaving of each tale led to an enveloping, and at times heart-wrenching, piece of art. 

1. “Wellness” by Nathan Hill 

It is no surprise that Nathan Hill ended up on the top of my list this year. Believe it or not, “Wellness” was my first read of 2024 and it managed to stay in my mind throughout the whole year. Hill’s detailed depictions of every scene and thought create an extremely believable story that you can’t put down. All book clubs should pick up “Wellness” because of the endless conversations it could start. I could talk about it forever but I probably shouldn’t.

I’ll be back soon with another book review, but until then, I’m Booked.