All The Fiction Books I Read in 2024
"I think books are like people, in the sense that they’ll turn up in your life when you most need them." – Emma Thompson
As a busy business owner (and mama!) making time for myself can sometimes feel like a luxury—but it’s something I’ve come to value deeply. For me, reading has become the ultimate form of self-care—a chance to slow down, step away from my endless to-do list and lose myself in a different world.
Unlike TV (where I inevitably end up scrolling my phone!) or podcasts (which often veer into “work mode” if I’m not careful), books have this magical ability to fully capture my attention. Whether it’s an audiobook during a dog walk or curling up with a physical book in the evening, reading helps me switch off in a way that feels restorative.
in 2024, I made it through 24 incredible books—some that I couldn’t put down, some that were just OK and others that surprised me in the best possible way. I always love seeing what others are reading, so I’m sharing my 2024 reading list in case it inspires you to pick up something new or revisit an old favourite.
(P.s you can also see all the books I read in 2023 in this post and 2022 in this post if you’re interested)
Starting with my top 8 from the year…
Blue Sisters - Coco Mellors - My favourite book the year. As one of four girls I could relate to the family dynamics of the four sisters. With heavy themes of grief, addiction and loss, but also family, hope and coming together.
Before We Were Innocent - Ella Berman - I loved the writing in this book, the way the author describes the complexities in relationships of these girls, then women, and the way their friendship evolves.
Brooklyn - Colm Tóibín - Set in Brooklyn and Ireland in the 50’s, the portrayal of the main character, Eilis, is wonderful and I loved seeing her grow up into a woman. Followed up with the next book, Long Island!
Long Island - Colm Tóibín - the sequel to Brooklyn which I read immediately after. Loved seeing the character or Eilis grow and become strong and empowered.
The Most Fun We Ever Had - Claire Lombardo - A novel spanning generations and (again!) featuring four sisters, this book is at times heavy but overall a lovely family portrait.
My Favourite Mistake - Marian Keyes - I’ve never met a Marian Keyes book I didn’t like and this didn’t disappoint. Laugh-out-loud funny, pacy and just lovely.
Pachinko - Min Jin Lee - a historical fiction novel following a Korean family who immigrated to Japan. The book moves through many generations and was really eye-opening (I love a historical fiction book!) The strength of the character Sunja will stay with me for a long time. The book has also now been televised on Apple TV - it’s brilliant.
Prima Facie - Suzie Miller - Absolutely brilliant. Adapted from the stage play into a novel, I was in awe of the character of Tessa. Very hard hitting and raw at times, a fantastic book that kept me page turning.
You Are Here - David Nicholls - Another story told from mainly a male perspective - this was very heartfelt but with lots of laugh out loud moments. It’s about Marnie and Michael, two lovely people coming back to themselves and each other.
Good Material - Dolly Alderton - A tough breakup told from the male perspective. As someone who mainly prefers women’s stories, I found this really fascinating. And it’s very funny!
The Giver of Stars - Jojo Moyes - a very heartwarming book showing the real strength of five incredible women. Loosely based on a real story, it was really captivating and I didn’t want to put it down.
The Midwife of Auschwitz - Anna Stuart - inspired by a true story set in Auschwitz during the war, it’s both heartbreaking and heartwarming. It brought me to tears on more than one occasion and it’s a book that will stay with me forever.
Luckiest Girl Alive - Jessica Knoll - Whilst reading this I realised I’d actually seen the film the year before but hadn’t made the connection! Despite knowing the ending of the book I still really loved it.
Sisters Under the Rising Sun - Heather Morris - I love reading historical fiction particularly war time from a female perspective - and this was brilliant. Sisterhood, friendship and incredible bravery.
Someone Else’s Shoes - Jojo Moyes - a very ‘light’ read (in my defence I was on holiday!) Quite funny, touching at times - a really easy read if you just want to switch off.
The Whisper Network - Chandler Baker - a book about women who decide to take a stand with an ending I didn’t see coming! Loved the characters, it felt real and current.
The Familiars - Stacey Halls - not my usual genre, set in the 1600s with themes of witchcraft - it’s a very compelling book and you’ll find yourself rooting for the main character!
Our Holiday - Louise Candlish - didn’t quite connect with this book, I couldn’t get along with the characters.
Here One Moment - Liane Moriarty - I love Liane Moriarty books and this was quite different to the others I’ve read but I still loved it. The story unfolds really beautifully and I loved how in-depth the book went into the different characters.
Another Life - Kristin Hannah - a really rich, compelling book. Hard to read at points with themes of baby loss and fertility, but so heartwarming and hopeful.
The Women - Kristin Hannah - following Frankie’s journey as a nurse in the Vietnam war. I loved how it shines a light on the often forgotten stories of women in the war. Wonderful.
You Be Mother - Meg Mason - I loved Sorrow and Bliss from the same author and whilst this was quite different, I loved the characters of Abi and Phyllida so much.
What a Way To Go - Bella Mackie - I devoured Bella’s first book, ‘How to Kill Your Family’ so was excited to read this - it did not disappoint! Great characters and an unusual narration, didn’t want it to end!
Tell me Everything - Elizabeth Strout - I enjoyed this book in that I liked the characters and stories they each told but, it felt like too many stories going on at once and not really much happening. Pleasant, but not groundbreaking!
I’d love to know what your recommendations are - which books have you loved this year? Let me know in the comments section!
Love, Tamsin x
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You can also see all the books I read in 2023 in this post if you’re interested…
