Last Updated on January 3, 2024 by BiblioLifestyle
Happy 2024 bookworms! Â As we continue to navigate through a rapidly changing world, one thing that remains constant is our love for stories and their ability to transport us beyond our reality. And now that the new year is here, there’s no better time to start looking at some of the new books that will be gracing bookshelves this year. Â From highly-anticipated sequels, breathtaking debuts, and books from beloved authors, there’s something for every reader on this list. Â So grab your reading glasses and get ready to add these must-read titles to your TBR!
The 18 Most Anticipated Books of 2024
Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange
In his powerful follow-up to his breakout bestseller “There There,” Tommy Orange explores the legacies of the Sand Creek Massacre and the Carlisle Indian Industrial School through three generations of a family. Set in Colorado in 1864 and Oakland in 2018, the novel delves into the impact of historical trauma on the characters’ lives. With piercing poetry, sorrow, and rage, Orange crafts a devastating indictment of America’s treatment of its own people.
Ours by Phillip B. Williams
In mid-nineteenth-century America, an enigmatic woman named Saint destroys plantations in Arkansas to free enslaved people. She creates a hidden town called Ours near St. Louis where her experiment of a secluded community begins. However, as time passes, Saint’s powers and memories start to betray her, making Ours vulnerable to outsiders. Set over four decades, Ours explores the complexities of love, freedom, and the spiritual costs of protecting them. This richly layered novel draws on Black surrealism, mythology, and spirituality, showcasing the author’s remarkable vision and talent.
These Letters End in Tears by Musih Tedji Xaviere
“These Letters End in Tears is a heart-wrenching forbidden love story set in a country where being gay is illegal. It follows the journey of Bessem, a Christian girl, and Fatima, a Muslim girl leading a double life. Despite the odds and societal challenges, their connection is strong. However, their affair is discovered by Fatima’s older brother, leading to physical assault and a police raid. Fatima goes missing, and thirteen years later, Bessem, now a university professor, embarks on a search for her lost love.”
Parasol Against the Axe by Helen Oyeyemi
In Helen Oyeyemi’s latest, a bachelorette weekend in Prague becomes a surreal experience for Hero Tojosoa. The city itself seems to have a mind of its own, playing tricks on the unsuspecting. A book Hero brings with her adds to the mystery, with its ever-changing text revealing stories of fictional Praguers. Uninvited companions and the appearance of a woman from the past further complicate the situation. Parasol Against the Axe explores the boundaries of storytelling, the influence of perception, and the complexities of friendship.
The Morningside by Téa Obreht
“The Morningside” is a captivating novel by the critically acclaimed author of “The Tiger’s Wife” and “Inland.” Set in a not-so-distant future, it follows Silvia and her mother as they settle in the Morningside, a crumbling luxury tower in Island City. Silvia is intrigued by her mysterious aunt and enchanted by her stories of their demolished homeland. As she delves deeper into the truth about her past and the enigmatic older woman in the penthouse, Silvia’s quest may come at a great cost. This thought-provoking and emotionally powerful novel explores the importance of storytelling and our desire to understand our origins and futures.
Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez
In Anita de Monte Laughs Last, Xochitl Gonzalez presents a captivating novel about a first-generation Ivy League student who uncovers the brilliant work of a female artist long after her suspicious death. The story follows Raquel, an outsider at College Hill, as she navigates the privileged world of her peers while delving into Anita’s forgotten story. Through alternating perspectives, the book explores power, love, and the dynamics of art, raising questions about who is remembered and who is left behind in the elite realm.
The Angel of Indian Lake by Stephen Graham Jones
In the final installment of the acclaimed horror trilogy, Jade returns to her hometown of Proofrock, Idaho, after four years in prison. The town has changed, and there is unfinished business to confront, including the curse of the Lake Witch. This epic horror trilogy explores generational trauma in the American west, written by New York Times bestselling author Stephen Graham Jones.
Memory Piece by Lisa Ko
In the novel Memory Piece, three teenagers, Giselle, Jackie, and Ellen, are brought together by their shared sense of alienation and desire for something more. As they grow into adults, their dreams become more complex. Giselle, a performance artist, navigates an elite social world. Jackie, a coder, grapples with the internet’s shift towards monetization and surveillance. Ellen, a community activist, confronts gentrification and policing. Their friendship evolves, their definitions of success become complicated, and they strive to build satisfying lives in a world that differs greatly from what they expected. The story spans from the 1980s to the 2040s, exploring art, technology, and the value of a meaningful life.
Real Americans by Rachel Khong
From the award-winning author of “Goodbye, Vitamin” comes “Real Americans,” an exhilarating novel that explores American identity across three generations of one family. Set on the cusp of Y2K in New York City, the story follows Lily Chen, a young intern, as she falls in love with Matthew, the heir to a pharmaceutical empire. Years later, their son Nick embarks on a journey to find his biological father, uncovering hidden truths along the way. Rachel Khong crafts a profound tale of class, race, and family, exploring themes of trust, forgiveness, and the search for belonging. “Real Americans” is a thought-provoking social novel that challenges the notion of destiny and the power of personal agency.
While We Were Burning by Sara Koffi
In this scorching debut, “Parasite” meets “Such a Fun Age,” exploring the intersection of race, class, and female friendship. Elizabeth Smith’s life spirals out of control after her best friend’s death, leading her to hire a personal assistant, Brianna, who becomes entangled in uncovering the truth. As they delve deeper, the lines between employer and friend blur, revealing that neither woman is what they first appear. This heartbreaking and thrilling novel examines the consequences of everyday actions.
You Know What You Did by K. T. Nguyen
Annie “Anh Le” Shaw, a first-generation Vietnamese American artist, appears to have it all – a successful career, a beautiful home, and a loving family. However, when her mother passes away, Annie’s carefully constructed life begins to unravel. Her past trauma resurfaces, and she finds herself at the center of a mysterious investigation. Struggling with her own mental health, Annie becomes increasingly disconnected from her loved ones. As the police close in on her, Annie is willing to do whatever it takes to protect her daughter, even if it means losing herself in the process.
Indian Burial Ground by Nick Medina
In this spine-chilling mythological horror, a reservation holds dark secrets. Noemi seeks a fresh start, but her boyfriend’s apparent suicide shatters her world. As she investigates, she uncovers unsettling truths about her tribal lands. With the return of her Uncle Louie, they embark on a quest for answers, but as they uncover the truth, Noemi questions if some secrets are best left buried.
Sweetness in the Skin by Ishi Robinson
A young teenage girl in Jamaica uses her passion for baking to escape her dysfunctional family and pursue a life-changing opportunity in France. With the support of her aunt, Pumkin must pass her French exam to attend school in France. However, after her grandmother’s death and the arrival of her estranged father, Pumkin’s situation worsens. Determined to raise money for her exam, she turns her baking skills into a successful business. But when her secret is revealed, everything she has worked for is at risk. “Sweetness in the Skin” is a poignant and humorous story of self-discovery, resilience, and finding one’s place in the world.
woke up no light by Leila Mottley
Leila Mottley’s debut poetry collection, woke up no light, is a poignant and powerful exploration of themes such as reparations, restitution, and desire. The poems move through different stages of life, from girlhood to womanhood, capturing the dissonance of Black girlhood with visceral language. Mottley’s writing is sharp, raw, and rhythmic, illuminating the pages with a combination of personal and political revelations. woke up no light confirms Mottley’s talent and showcases the enduring power of her brave and distinctive voice.
There’s Going to Be Trouble by Jen Silverman
A woman’s life takes a dramatic turn when she becomes involved with a radical activist, unknowingly echoing her family’s dangerous past. As tensions rise and threats escalate, she escapes to Paris and becomes entangled in a passionate relationship with a young Frenchman. Unaware of her family’s hidden tragedy, she is drawn into a daring protest that could have far-reaching consequences. Set against the backdrop of the late sixties student movements, this electrifying novel explores revolution, love, and the consequences of our secrets.
The Lady Waiting by Magdalena Zyzak
“The Lady Waiting” is a thrilling novel that combines elements of “The White Lotus” and “The Talented Mr. Ripley.” It follows Viva, a Polish transplant in LA, who gets entangled with a captivating couple involved in a daring international art heist. As Viva becomes more deeply involved, she realizes she’s in over her head and must rely on her own cunning to navigate the treacherous world they inhabit. Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles and Venice, this page-turning caper explores themes of greed, deception, and the consequences of one’s actions.
Exhibit by R. O. Kwon
From bestselling author R. O. Kwon comes an exhilarating novel about a woman torn between her desires and her life. Jin Han, a talented photographer, meets the captivating Lidija Jung, a world-class ballerina on hiatus. As their intense artistic drives bring them closer, Jin reveals a long-held family curse, risking everything. As they explore hidden desires, Jin’s life is irrevocably changed. But can she escape the curse’s shadow? With bold storytelling, Exhibit explores the limits of ambition and the risks of self-discovery.
Daughters of Shandong by Eve J. Chung
“Daughters of Shandong” is a compelling novel based on a true story, following a mother and her daughters as they escape to Taiwan during the Communist revolution in China. Set against the backdrop of civil war and societal expectations, the story explores themes of resilience, family love, and the pursuit of freedom. Through vivid prose and well-drawn characters, the book tells a powerful tale of women’s strength during wartime and the sacrifices made for future generations.
The 18 Most Anticipated Books of 2024
- Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange
- Ours by Phillip B. Williams
- These Letters End in Tears by Musih Tedji Xaviere
- Parasol Against the Axe by Helen Oyeyemi
- The Morningside by Téa Obreht
- Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez
- The Angel of Indian Lake by Stephen Graham Jones
- Memory Piece by Lisa Ko
- Real Americans by Rachel Khong
- While We Were Burning by Sara Koffi
- You Know What You Did by K. T. Nguyen
- Indian Burial Ground by Nick Medina
- Sweetness in the Skin by Ishi Robinson
- woke up no light by Leila Mottley
- There’s Going to Be Trouble by Jen Silverman
- The Lady Waiting by Magdalena Zyzak
- Exhibit by R. O. Kwon
- Daughters of Shandong by Eve J. Chung
What do you think about this list of most anticipated books of 2024?
Are you excited about any of these books? Â What books are you looking forward to in 2024? Â What books would you add to the list? Â Let’s talk all about your most anticipated books of 2024 in the comments below.
THE BEST BOOKS TO READ IN 2024
2024 READING CHALLENGES
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