2024 was my fourth year of tracking how many books I read. I finished 42 new-to-me books in 2024, three less than I finished in 2023!

Hopefully my book count goes back up in 2025. I think the slow year in 2024 was a combination of reading a ton of nonfiction which tends to slow down my reading pace, and a generally slow reading pace January through May 2024.  On the other hand, my memory of all my favorites this year was a lot clearer than it sometimes is, maybe since I read less?

Please note that Part 1 of this post merely lists the book titles, and Part 2 dives into a quick review of what I liked about each book. This post is spoiler-free so read on!

Part 1: Criteria and Overview

Any new-to-me book that I finished in 2024 was in the running for this list. Books that I reread in 2024 were not in the running. Most of my favorite books of 2024 were fantasy, but this list also includes thriller, biography, comic, and history.

Below is the list of the Chip 10 Best Books of 2024, in alphabetical order by author’s last name:

1. The Cat and the Curmudgeon by Cleveland Amory
2. Violence as a Generative Force by Max Bergholz
3. The Scratch Daughters by H. A. Clarke
4. The Traitor Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson
5. The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff
6. Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James
7. Expecting Better by Emily Oster
8. A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Purnell
9. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
10. Countdown to Zero Day by Kim Zetter

Part 2: Rationale

What I liked in particular about each book!

1. The Cat and the Curmudgeon by Cleveland Amory

Hilarious, Amazing Idea

This collection of short stories about Amory’s cat Polar Bear is adorable, idyllic, and refreshing! The cameos by international chess champions and Alexander Hamilton’s favorite writing desk were especially hilarious. TBH this collection read to me as not too different from a cozy fantasy, even though none of it is fantasy.

2. Violence as a Generative Force by Max Bergholz

Pageturner, Compelling History

In addition to being highly compelling and relevant reading given the context of violence and attempted genocides taking place this decade, Bergholz’s microstudy on violence in the Balkans was simply one of the most engaging and best written history books I’ve read. I couldn’t put it down, and almost a year later the content and lessons continue to haunt me. Thank you for lending it to me Rhiannon!

3. The Scratch Daughters by H. A. Clarke

Beautiful Writing, Witchery, Hilarious

I don’t often choose Book Twos for this list, this sequel is outstanding and original. I love contemporary fantasies that nail tone and characterization, and this one has great complex characters who all have a sense of humor!

4. The Traitor Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson

Beautiful Writing, Complicated Characters, Pageturner

Absolutely stunning use of language, my favorite main character of 2024, and cutting suspense. I have been recommending this book far and wide because I want to talk about it with more people. Thank you for the recommendation Alexis!

5. The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff

Pageturner, Beautiful Writing, Yummy Style

Bill Bryon’s A Walk in the Woods meets The Last of Us, if written by Rupi Kaur. So beautiful. So edge-of-your-seat. So horror. I love historical fiction that reads like fantasy, and this is the best I’ve read. The suspense in this story is literally breathtaking. Thank you for the recommendation and book Robin and Mom!

6. Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James

Compelling Worldbuilding, Yummy Style, Cool Magic

All of the above and hilarious. James’s writing is incredible and immersive, I couldn’t put this story down. The main character’s blend of vigorous honesty to the point of self-ruinment yet holding outstanding plot twists around every corner is superb. I can’t wait to read Book 2!

7. Expecting Better by Emily Oster

Amazing Idea

This scientific and evidence-based overview of common pregnancy questions and decisions is what I was hoping would be widely and easily available. Turns out a lot of pregnancy books lack statistics and hard numbers despite pregnancy being a pretty common bodily/medical process, and this book is a beautiful exception rather than the norm. Thank you all who recommended this book to me, it has been incredibly useful, actionable, and was very enjoyable to read!

8. A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Purnell

Inspiring, Compelling History

This biography stands out due to the incredible storytelling of the author and inspiring bravery of the main character during World War II. Thank you Alli for the recommendation!

9. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Original Worldbuilding, Pageturner, Hilarious

I love this sci-fi book so much and now I can’t wait for the movie. The main character is fabulous, the science and math is really fun, and the plot twists had me on the edge of my seat. Thank you Martijn for recommending this story!

10. Countdown to Zero Day by Kim Zetter

Amazing Idea, Compelling History

Another favorite history for the year. I learned a huge amount about modern espionage and warfare through this book, and the story is kept engaging and suspenseful while balancing a large amount of technical details. Thank you to the International Women’s Cyber Alliance Book Club for choosing this story!