Top 12 of 2024

Hey bookworms! You know how much I love diving into a good story, and 2024 has been an incredible year for discovering some truly unforgettable novels. My original post gives you a quick peek at my top book for each month, but I wanted to share a bit more about why these made my exclusive list and how you can find your own must-reads! Let's be real, picking just one 'top novel' for a month is tough, but I always aim for a book that really grips me. For instance, The Inmate by Freida McFadden for January? Absolute perfection if you love a twisted psychological thriller. Freida just knows how to keep you guessing! Then, shifting gears to February with Evil Eye by Etaf Rum – it was exactly what I needed, a powerful story that really stuck with me. And Butcher and Blackbird by Brynn in March? Oh my goodness, I for sure ate this book up! It was such a unique and thrilling read. My goal each year is to explore different genres, from psychological suspense like The Guilty Husband by Stephanie Decarlos to more atmospheric reads like The House Across the Lake by Riley in June. I also found myself drawn to heartwarming contemporary fiction like Just for the Summer by Abby for July, which was a delightful escape. And who could forget the impactful That's Not My Name by Megan Lally? Listen, I will forever talk about this book till the end of time! It really left an impression. For September, The Perfect Child by Lucinda offered another gripping narrative that was hard to put down, while Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam Young for October brought a wonderful blend of humor and heart. If you're looking to curate your own 'top novels' list for the year, here are a few tips I swear by: Mix it up! Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. While I love thrillers, I make sure to include historical fiction, fantasy (like Powerless in April!), or contemporary fiction to keep my reading fresh. Read reviews (but not too many!): I often check Goodreads or fellow book blogger reviews, but I try not to let them spoil the experience or sway me too much before I've formed my own opinion. Join a book club or follow recommendations: Sometimes, the best books find you through a friend's enthusiastic recommendation or a structured book club pick. This is how I stumbled upon gems like Swift and Saddled by Lyla for November. These shared experiences can really enhance your reading journey. Don't be afraid to put a book down: If a book isn't working for you, it's okay to move on. Life's too short for books you're not enjoying! Keep a reading journal: I love jotting down my thoughts after each book. It helps me remember what I loved (or disliked) and makes it easier to compile my 'top books' list at the end of the year. I hope this gives you a bit more insight into my 2024 reading journey and inspires you to pick up some of these fantastic reads or discover your own! What are some of your top novels from this year so far? I'd love to know!