NEW YORK — Despite a year filled with continuous coverage of elections, climate issues, protests, and rising food prices, readers still made time to immerse themselves in books. According to Circana, which tracks a significant portion of the print market in the U.S., book sales remained stable, with many readers opting for the escape offered by romance, fantasy, and a fusion of both genres, often referred to as “romantasy.” Alongside literary fiction, celebrity autobiographies, political revelations, and an exploration of a generation’s dependence on technology, titles such as Taylor Swift’s book related to her highly successful tour drew attention.
Here are ten standout books from 2024, presented without any particular hierarchy.
“House of Flame and Shadow” by Sarah J. Maas has emerged as one of the most talked-about titles this year. The popularity of romantasy, a captivating blend of romance and fantasy, has led to strong sales for Maas, who happens to be a fan-favorite author. Among the top 25 bestsellers reported by Circana, six titles belong to Maas, including the third installment of her “Crescent City” series. This latest chapter further intertwines the expansive “Maasverse” — the interconnected worlds of her various series, such as “Throne of Glass” and “A Court of Thorns and Roses.”
In contrast to the escapism of romantasy, “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt challenges readers to face important truths. This influential book dissects the worrying decline in the mental health of young individuals that began in the 2010s, after a period of improvement. Haidt attributes much of this deterioration to the prevalence of digital screens that have shifted children’s experiences from engaging in play to navigating a world dominated by technology. While some critics have questioned his conclusions, the book has sparked widespread discussions, even catching the attention of notable figures such as Oprah Winfrey and Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee, who referenced its suggestions like prohibiting phones in schools and delaying social media access.
Bob Woodward continues his tradition of illuminating political intricacies with his new book, “War.” His in-depth look at Washington reveals troubling contacts between Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting that Trump maintained frequent communication with him even after leaving office. Additionally, the book details claims that Trump sent advanced COVID-19 testing equipment to Russia and captures Putin’s contemplation of using nuclear weapons during the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Biden’s reflections on Obama’s approach to Putin also feature prominently in Woodward’s adept storytelling.
Elsewhere, “Melania,” the memoir by Melania Trump, surprised many given its unconventional publisher and the author’s reserved nature regarding her personal life. Released by Skyhorse, associated with some controversial figures, the book attracted attention not just for its content but also for its sales, achieving hundreds of thousands of copies sold despite minimal promotion. Melania even made headlines by voicing support for abortion rights, a stance deviating from core Republican views.
On a different note, Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour Book” captured the spotlight as more than just a music-related venture, selling an impressive 800,000 copies in its first week alone—an extraordinary feat given that it was exclusive to Target and not available through more conventional retail channels.
Sally Rooney’s fourth novel, “Intermezzo,” generated buzz during its release, prompting over 100 bookstores to host late-night events. This novel tells the story of two brothers navigating their grief and contrasting career paths, adding the complexity of chess as a metaphor for life’s unpredictable nature.
“From Here to the Great Unknown,” a posthumous memoir by Lisa Marie Presley, portrays her life experiences intertwined with her father, Elvis. It offers insights into her personal struggles, especially regarding her relationships and the trauma of loss, such as her son’s death. The completion of this memoir involved collaboration with daughter Riley Keough, who shared poignant reflections on Lisa’s emotional landscape.
Similarly, Cher’s first planned autobiography, simply titled “Cher,” returns readers to the singer’s earlier life, exploring her tumultuous marriage to Sonny Bono and the influence he had on her career and self-perception. She candidly details her struggles with his controlling behavior and infidelities, revealing her inner conflicts during their partnership.
Percival Everett’s “James” innovatively reinterprets Mark Twain’s classic, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” from the perspective of Jim. This project serves as a platform for a more nuanced portrayal of Jim, challenging readers to reconsider preconceived notions about the character traditionally recognized as submissive.
Lastly, “Knife” by Salman Rushdie recounts his harrowing experience of being attacked during a literary event in 2022. This memoir not only reflects on the brutal incident that left him physically altered but also offers an inspiring testament to his resilience and enduring spirit in the face of adversity. “If you had told me that this was going to happen and how I would deal with it, I would not have been very optimistic about my chances,” he candidly expressed in previous discussions.
These books represent a snapshot of the literary landscape in 2024, capturing the diverse narratives that have resonated with readers amidst a backdrop of broader societal issues.