Every year, Goodreads – the biggest platform for tracking reading with more than 150 million users  – lets their users vote on their top books of each genre. These books are usually new releases that came out just in that year. The 2024 lineup is pretty good, and are all highly recommendable books. So if you’re wondering if something is worth reading, or if you are just looking for a new book to read, Goodreads has got you covered. Here is a list of the top four books from this year’s list:

The Women by Kristen Hannah

The Women is a historical fiction novel written by Kristen Hannah, author of The Nightingale and Firefly Lane. This novel follows 20-year-old nursing student, Frances “Frankie” McGrath, as she discovers a new purpose facing the pain and hardships of the Vietnam War. Frankie follows her brother to Vietnam, where he serves in the army and she becomes a part of the Army Nurse Corps. But the worst isn’t the war itself; instead, it is the feeling of coming back after the war to a new, changed America and finding her way in a place she no longer recognizes.

Funny Story by Emily Henry

Emily Henry, Goodreads Choice Awards winner for the past three years, has done it again. For the fourth year in a row, her newest book, Funny Story, has made it to the top. This novel is a perfect blend of joy, humor and romance. Daphne is happily in love and engaged to who she thinks is the perfect person for her, Peter. But Daphne’s world is turned upside down when Peter comes to the realization that he is in love with Petra, his childhood best friend, instead. Daphne becomes stranded, and with nowhere to stay she is forced to ask Petra’s ex, the only one who can understand her situation, to room with her. The two are perfect opposites, and for the most part they avoid each other. One night, however, they hatch a plan: posting deliberately misleading photos of their summer adventures together. What could go wrong?

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

Evie Porter has the best boyfriend in the world. He is kind, handsome, and treats her well. Evie has her dream house, garden and the best friends in the entire world. She is sweet, welcoming, and kind – everything about her is perfect. Well, almost. Evie Porter doesn’t exist, not really. This identity and location was an assignment from her boss. She was also given the name Ryan Summer: her mark. Only, Ryan starts to get under her skin, leading her to imagine what could be: a different life. In First Lie Wins, Evie Porter navigates Ryan, the town, her identity, and running from her past. But Evie has to be careful – she can’t make any mistakes, not after what happened last time.

Just for the Summer by Abby Jiminez

Emma and Justin are cursed. Every person they’ve ever dated and broken up with goes on to find the love of their life after them. Thankfully, these two meet. They create a plan to date each other, hoping to reverse the curses. If they go on a date and then break up, their next relationship should be the one. Right? This novel may sound like a cute little summer romance, but you should never judge a book by its cover. From toxic relationships and abusive families to surprise legal problems, this book is an emotional powerhouse. Be prepared to cry and laugh while reading this beautiful romance by Abby Jiminez.

Article by Noa Gitelson