Starting the new year with a good book can set a positive tone for the months ahead.
From books including “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe” by C.S Lewis that transports readers to the magical land of Narnia, to “And Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie, there’s plenty of book recommendations that will be sure to help you find your next favorite book!
Fictional books play a crucial role in our lives by opening up new worlds and perspectives. They allow us to step into the shoes of characters from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, broadening our understanding and empathy.
Through the narratives and struggles of these characters, we learn about resilience, courage, and the complexities of human nature.
Fiction can also serve as a mirror, reflecting our own lives and prompting us to think more deeply about our actions and beliefs.
Fictional books can be a source of comfort and escape. They provide a way to temporarily leave behind the stresses and challenges of everyday life, immersing ourselves in stories that can be both entertaining and thought-provoking.
This escape can be incredibly therapeutic, offering a mental break and a chance to recharge.
2024 Fictional Favorites
“The Women” by Kristin Hannah is a gripping novel that delves into the lives of women who served in the Vietnam War. It follows the story of a young woman named Frankie McGrath, who becomes a nurse in the war, and the challenges she faces both during and after her service. The book explores themes of courage, resilience, and the ofter over-looked contributions of women in wartime. It’s a powerful and emotional read that sheds light on a significant but underrepresented part of history.
“James” by Percival Everett is a fascinating novel that dives into the complexities of identity and history. It tells the story of a man named James, who embarks on a journey to uncover his past and understand his place in the world. Percival Everett’s writing is known for it’s depth and thought-provoking themes, and “James” is no exception. It’s a compelling read that explores the intricacies of personal and collective memory.
“Now or Never” by Janet Evanovich is a continuation of the popular Stephanie Plum series that follows a bounty hunter in New Jersey, who always seems to find herself in the craziest situations. Follow her in the new series “Now or Never” where Stephanie gets herself into dangerous situations while juggling two fiances.
“Iron Flame” by Rebecca Yarros is the second book in her “Empyrean” series. It’s a fantasy novel with lots of action, magic, and romance. In the first book “Fourth Wing,” you’re introduced to dragon riders and the story of Violet Sorrengail who’s training to be a dragon ride in a world filled with magic and political intrigue. The series is known for its strong characters, intense battles, and intricate world-building.
“The Mirror” by Nora Roberts is part of her “In the Garden” triology. It’s a gripping mystery combined with romance and a touch of the supernatural. The series revolves around a group of women restoring a historic garden and uncovering secrets from the past. Nora Roberts does a fantastic job of blending suspense with deep character development.
“Wicked” by Gregory Maguire is a fascinating twist on the classic “Wizard of Oz” story. It tells the tale of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, from her perspective. With the release of Wicked: The Movie with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo it’s no wonder this book quickly became a favorite of 2024. The book dives into her backstory, exploring themes of good and evil, and how she became the infamous witch we all know.
“You Like it Darker” by Stephen King is a collection of 12 stories by Stephen King, it features a mix of horror and suspense, showcasing his ability to create chilling tales in just a few pages. Stephen King’s writing always has that eerie vibe that keeps you on the edge of your seat!
“Her Soul to Take” by Harley Laroux is a dark romance with a supernatural twist. It’s about a girl named Rae who gets involved with a demon named Leon. The story is filled with suspense, steamy scenes, and a bit of horror. If you’re into dark and intense reads, this one might be right up your alley.
2023 Fictional Favorites
“These Things Happen” by Michael Eon is a novel that delves into the complexities of relationships and personal growth. It follows the story of a young man named Wesley, who navigates the challenges of adolescence while dealing with family dynamics and self-discovery. The books is known for its emotional depth and relatable characters.
“All the Broken Places” by John Boyne is a compelling novel that serves as a sequel to “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.” It follows the story of Gretel, the sister of the protagonist from the first book, as she navigates her life in post-war Europe. The novel explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the lingering effects of trauma from the Holocaust. Gretel’s journey is both heartbreaking and hopeful and she tries to come to terms with her past.
“Trust” by Hernan Diaz is a novel that delves into the complexities of wealth, power, and perception. It’s set in the early 20th century and follows the lives of a wealthy financier and his wife. The story is told through multiple perspectives, which adds depth and intrigue as the truth about their lives is slowly revealed. Diaz’s writing is rich and immersive, making it easy to get lost in the world he’s creating.
“The Paper Palace” by Miranda Cowley Heller is a gripping novel that combines romance, family drama, and a bit of mystery. It follows Elle, who is faced with a life-changing decision during a summer at her family’s beach house. The story alternates between the past and present, revealing secrets and exploring themes of love, betrayal, and forgiveness.
“The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig is a fascinating novel that blends elements of fantasy and self-discovery. It tells the story of Nora Seed, who finds herself in a magical library between life and death. Each book in the library offers her a chance to live a different life based on the choices she could have made. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of regret, hope, and the infinite possibilities of life.
“The Beekeeper of Aleppo” by Christy Lefteri is a powerful and moving novel about the refugee experience. It follows Nuri, a beekeeper, and his wife Afra as they flee war-torn Syria and embark on a perilous journey to Europe. The book beautifully captures their pain, resilience, and hope as they navigate the challenges of displacement. Lefteri’s writing is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, making it a poignant read.
“The Love of My Life” by Rosie Walsh is a captivating romance novel with a twist of mystery. It follows Emma and Leo, a seemingly perfect couple, until Leo discovers that much of what he knows about Emma’s past is a lie. As he digs deeper, secrets unravel, and their relationship is put to the test.
All-Time Fictional Favorites
Anne of Green Gables” by L.M Montgomery is a classic novel that tells the story of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and spirited orphan girl who is mistakenly sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, siblings who originally wanted to adopt a boy to help with their farm. The book follows Anne’s adventures and misadventures as she grows up in the charming village of Avonlea. It’s a heartwarming tale of friendship, family, and finding one’s place in the world.
“Heidi” by Johanna Spyri is a beloved classic that follows the life of a young girl named Heidi, who is sent to live with her grumpy grandfather in the Swiss Alps. Through her cheerful and kind nature, Heidi transforms the lives of everyone around her, including her grandfather and a sickly girl named Clara. It’s a heartwarming story about the beauty of nature, the power of love and friendship, and the importance of home.
“Don Quixote” by Miguel de Vervantes is a classic Spanish novel that tells the adventures of a man named Alonso Quixano, who reads so many chivalric romances that he loses his sanity and decides to become a knight-errant, renaming himself Don Quixote. Along with his loyal squire, Sancho Panza, Don Quixote sets out to revive chivalry and right the world’s wrongs, often with humorous and disastrous results.
“The Bridges of Madison County” by Robert James Waller is a touching romance novel set in the 1960’s. It tells the story of Francesca Johnson, a lonely housewife, and Robert Kincaid, a National Geographic photographer who comes to Madison County to photograph its historic covered bridges. Their brief, passionate affair changes their lives forever. It’s a beautifully written tale of love, choices, and the paths we take.
“The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown is a gripping mystery thriller that follows symbologist Robert Langdon and cryptologist Sophie Neveu as they unravel a series of clues hidden in famous artworks and historical sites. Their quest begins with a murder in the Louvre Museum and leads them on a chase through Europe to uncover a secret that has been protected by a clandestine society for centuries. This book is packed with suspense, puzzles, and historical intrigue.
“The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe” by C.S Lewis is the first book in the Chronicles of Narnia series. It tells the story of four siblings – Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy – who discover a magical wardrobe that leads them to the land of Narnia. There, they meet talking animals and mythical creatures and join forces with the great lion Aslan to fight against the evil White Witch, who has cast Narnia into eternal winter. It’s a fantastic blend of adventure, fantasy, and themes of good versus evil.
“And Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie is a classic mystery novel that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It follows ten strangers who are invited to a remote island under different pretexts. Once there, they find themselves being accused of various crimes they committed in the past. One by one, they start to die in ways that mirror a nursery rhyme, and the tension builds as they realize the killer is among them.
“A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens is a historical novel set during the turbulent times of the French Revolution. It follows the lives of several characters in London and Paris, mainly focusing on Charles Darnay, a French aristocrat and Sydney Carton, a dissolute English lawyer. Their lives become intertwined through love, sacrifice, and redemption. The novel explores themes of resurrection and transformation, with the famous opening line, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
Personal Fictional Favorites
“The Lord of the Rings’ by J.R.R Tolkien is my ultimate favorite Fictional book! It’s an epic fantasy trilogy that takes you on a grand adventure through the fictional world of Middle-Earth. It follows the journey of a young hobbit named Frodo Baggins, who is tasked with destroying a powerful ring to prevent the dark lord Sauron from conquering the world. Alongside his friends and allies, including Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Gandalf, Frodo faces numerous challenges and battles. The series is rich with detailed lore, diverse characters, and themes of friendship, bravery, and the struggle between good and evil.
“A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas is a captivating fantasy novel that blends romance, adventure, and magic. It follows Feyre Archeron, a mortal huntress who kills a wolf in the woods, only to discover it was a faerie in disguise. As punishment, she’s taken to the magical land of Prythian, where she meets Tamlin, a High Fae lord. The story dives into themes of love, sacrifice, and the struggle between different realms.
“A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini is a powerful and emotional novel set in Afghanistan. It tells the intertwined stories of two women, Mariam and Laila, who come from different backgrounds but find their lives brought together by fate. The book explores their struggles, resilience, and the bond they form amidst the backdrop of Afghanistan’s turbulent history. It’s a poignant tale of friendship, love, and the strength of the human spirit.
“The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D Salinger is a classic novel that follows the story of Holden Caulfield, a teenager who has just been expelled from his prep school. He decided to leave early and spend a few days in New York City before going home. The book delves into his thoughts and experiences as he grapples with feelings of alienation, identity, and the challenges of growing up. It’s a raw and honest look at teenage angst and rebellion.
“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coehlo is an inspiring novel that follows the journey of Santiago, a young shepherd from Spain. He dreams of finding a hidden treasure located near the Egyptian pyramids. Along the way, he meets various characters, including a king, an alchemist, and a merchant, who help him understand the deeper meanings of life and the importance of following one’s dreams. The story is filled with wisdom and encourages readers to pursue their personal legends and listen to their hearts.
“Harry Potter” by J.K Rowling is a magical adventure that follows the life of a young wizard named Harry Potter. “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” is where we start the story of Harry who, on his 11th birthday, discovers he’s a wizard and attends the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizandry. Throughout the series, he makes friends like Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, learns about his past, and faces numerous challenges, including the dark wizard Voldemort. It’s a fantastic mix of magic, friendship, and epic battles between good and evil.
“The Moonstone” by Wilkie Collins is often considered one of the first detective novels. It revolves around the theft of a precious diamond, the Moonstone, from the young heiress Rachel Verinder on her birthday. The story is told through multiple narratives, each offering different perspectives on the mystery. As the investigation unfolds, secrets and hidden motives are revealed, making it a gripping read filled with twists and turns.
“The Secret Life of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd is a beautiful novel set in the 1960’s South. It follows the story of Lily Owens, a young girl who is searching for the truth about her mother’s past. She escapes her troubled home life and finds refuge with three African-American beekeeping sisters. The book explores themes of family, race, and the healing power of love. Its a touching and evocative story that really captures the essence of finding one’s place in the world.