Growing up, I was a full-fledged bookworm. Without reliable internet in our home until I was well into high school, reading was my escape, my entertainment, and my favorite pastime. My sister and I spent countless hours lost in books, and it became a defining part of my childhood. I was always looking for the best, most exciting books to read to be drawn into a new world.
Then college came along, and reading “for fun” took a backseat to textbooks and deadlines. For years, I barely picked up a book. But after the pandemic, something shifted—I felt the urge to rekindle my love for reading.
I know first hand that it can be difficult to find books to read that turn you into a bookworm again, so I have decided to share the ‘best books to read’ to get back into loving reading again.
How I read more books this year:
Fast forward to now, and I’m amazed at how far I’ve come. I read 17 books in 2022, 26 in 2023, and a whopping 69 books in 2024! Many of these were quick reads, thanks to my newfound love for psychological thrillers. I also dabbled in audiobooks and paperbacks, but most of my reading this past year was done on my Kindle Paperwhite, which I absolutely adore.
How I found my best books to read
One thing that has made reading such a sustainable hobby for me is using my local library to check out Kindle eBooks for free! This has kept my reading habit incredibly budget-friendly—mostly free, in fact. Of course, I do buy some books that I want to keep on my bookshelves for the long haul. I love using gift cards to shop at bookstores or finding gems at thrift stores, including ThriftBooks and Half Price Books. (fun fact: you can sell your used books at Half Price Books to recoup some costs if you don’t want to keep it on your bookshelf). Balancing between buying special editions and borrowing from the library has been the perfect mix for me.
Tracking my Reading
To keep track of my reading, I’ve been using Goodreads for a while now, though I’m exploring other apps to see if I want to make a switch. While I still enjoy fast-paced thrillers, I’ve been making an effort to branch out into different genres, from fantasy to contemporary fiction. It’s been a fun way to rediscover my tastes and challenge myself as a reader.
Instead of overwhelming you with every book I read in 2024, I’ve rounded up my absolute favorites. Let’s dive in!
My Top Reads of 2024
1. The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
This book pulled me right into the Freidaverse, and I couldn’t stop there—I ended up reading several of her novels. The Housemaid hooked me from the first chapter, and I was on the edge of my seat until the very end. I read the rest of the series too and loved it!
2. First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
Fast-paced and gripping, this book turned me into a full-blown conspiracy theorist. The twists kept me guessing, and the ending had me on the brink of frustration—but in the best way possible.
3. Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
I love a story that keeps me guessing until the very last page, and this one did not disappoint. Naturally, I binged the TV adaptation right after finishing the book.
4. Funny Story by Emily Henry
I’ve devoured every Emily Henry book to date, but this might just be my new favorite. Her ability to blend humor, emotion, and relatability never ceases to amaze me.
5. A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) Series by Sarah J. Maas
I listened to the dramatized audiobook adaptations of this fantasy series during my commutes last spring, and they were incredible! The character voices and immersive production made it so easy to fall back in love with fantasy after a 10-year hiatus.
6. The Quarry Girls by Jess Lourey
This thriller, set in St. Cloud, Minnesota, was a fascinating read based on true events. The story’s underground tunnels and suspenseful plot kept me turning the pages late into the night.
7. Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough
This book was a rollercoaster ride, with twists that kept me guessing until the very last pages. I devoured it in just a few days and immediately added the TV adaptation to my watchlist.
8. Th1rt3en by Steve Cavanagh
Imagine a serial killer on the jury of a crime he committed—this premise had me hooked. Part of a series but perfectly readable as a standalone, it’s a must-read for thriller fans. If you’ve seen Juror #2 on Apple TV, this book has similar vibes but is entirely its own beast.
Looking Ahead
As I look forward to 2025, I’m excited to keep building on this momentum. Reading has become such a joyful part of my life again, and I can’t wait to see what stories await me this year. I’m hoping to find even more books that I have enjoyed reading this next year too.
Let’s swap recommendations—what’s on your reading list for 2025? Drop your favorites in the comments!
Follow my reading journey on Goodreads!
Happy reading!
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