At the Top of My 2024 Reading List
So many gems to read this year and I can’t wait to dive in!
I’ve always loved to read, but I really got my groove back in 2023 when it came to losing myself in books and getting excited to read. I’m even more excited for my year ahead in books — there’s some new releases I am very impatiently waiting for! So let’s dive into my reading goals for 2024 and what I’m most looking forward to reading.
Reading Goal
I read 37 books in 2023— and was actually halfway through two others when we ticked over into the New Year. And that was 10 more than the year before. While I’m not planning to have as big a jump in 2024, I’ve set myself a goal of an even 40. That said, who knows? Maybe I will eclipse this!
There are a lot of books I want to dive into as soon as possible. Here’s just a small snapshot of what’s on my radar for 2024.
Most Anticipated New Releases
House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J Maas (30 January)
2023 was the year my colleagues — several of them in fact — convinced me to give Sarah J Maas’ books a try. I read through the whole A Court of Thorns and Roses series in a matter of weeks, before moving onto Crescent City because, I was warned, the third book — House of Flame and Shadow — was coming soon and I would need to be ready for it. And honestly, thank goodness I was. The last book in the series came out in 2022 and here I am, very anxiously awaiting this release and I’ve only had to wait about six weeks!
I can’t even begin to describe the plot of this one without significant spoilers, so I will refrain (if you’ve read this series, you’ll know about THAT cliffhanger and understand).
Out with the Tide by Julie Olivia (28 March)
Julie Olivia is officially one of my favourite authors. She writes the cosiest, sexiest, most fun romances. Her Honeywood series is absolutely divine and I cannot recommend highly enough the four books that make it up. Her most recent series is the Never Harbour series, the first of which was released in 2023 (Off the Hook), is a reimagining of Peter Pan (very lightly, so don’t stress if Peter Pan is not your thing!). Her books can be read as standalones, but are interconnected, and I’m very much looking forward to the story of Cassidy and Marina. More details on this one are still to come!
Funny Story by Emily Henry (23 April)
Emily Henry can do no wrong, as far as I’m concerned. I have absolutely adored every book she’s written — my favourite so far is Book Lovers, followed very closely behind People We Meet on Vacation, followed even more closely behind by literally all her other books. Will her upcoming release be as good? Literally no doubt in my mind!
Funny Story follows Daphne, recently broken up with her fiance who has decided he’s in love with his childhood friend Petra. And Daphne ends up moving in with, wait for it … Petra’s ex-boyfriend. And fake dating ensues. Oh boy. I love me a fake dating trope!
You Belong With Me by Mhairi McFarlane (20 June)
A couple of years ago, a friend recommended Mhairi McFarlane to me and I read through her entire backlist in a couple of months. So when she made a surprise announcement this week that she’s releasing a sequel to her 2015 novel Who’s That Girl, I squealed just a little bit. A new story with uber-famous actor Elliot and our loveable heroine Edie? YES. Will they get their happy ending???? Please. PLEASE. Say yes.
If you love a cheeky, at times laugh-out-loud, swoony romance with well-developed characters, definitely give Mhairi McFarlane’s books a go
Other Books at the Top of my TBR List
DallerGut Dream Department Store by Lee Mi-ye
I have to admit, it was the cover of this one that caught my eye initially, but then I read the blurb on the backcover and knew I had to add it to be to-be-read list. It’s a number one bestseller in Korea and follows Penny, who has just started working at a department store that sells dreams. In her first week, the most expensive dream is stolen and she has to find out who did it. Honestly it sounds whimsical, delightful and with a quirky cast of colourful characters. I’m really looking forward to reading it.
Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum
I’m having a moment with reading books about books (I blame the beautiful What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama) and need to get my hands on this one as soon as possible. In this one, Yeong-ju, suffering burnout, decides to open a bookshop in a quiet neighbourhood and find herself in the process of reading and selling books, and creating a space for fellow readers to heal. I’m definitely a sucker for books with healing themes woven into the narrative (like Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library and the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series by Toshikazu Kawaguchi).
Before We Say Goodbye by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Speaking of, the fourth book in the series has been sitting on my bookshelf for a couple of months now, put on the backburner while I get through some other titles. But I’m looking forward to delving back into the cosy world of the Funiculi Funicula cafe, where patrons have the chance to take a trip back to the past. Each book in the series features new customers who wish to travel briefly back in time, and the stories are always heartwarming if a little bittersweet and sometimes sad. I’m a big fan so this one will be read very soon.
Are any of these on your TBR list? What book are you most looking forward to reading in 2024? Leave me a comment below!
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