The 2024 season may be coming to an end, but there’s still time to reach your reading goal for the year! This year was filled with many different books, including new genres, lovable characters, and even some intolerable characters, but I still loved every second of it. I got to read a lot of romance (of course), some young adult fiction, and I even started reading more mysteries and thrillers. There weren’t as many five-star reads for me as I hoped there would be, but here is a list of five books I read in 2024 that changed me in one way or another.
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
A loveable fake-dating romance goes wrong as both parties accidentally fall for each other along the way but are too scared of rejection to communicate with each other. Dr. Briana Ortiz has gone through a divorce, a move, and the grueling process of finding a kidney donor for younger brother — all while fighting for a new job promotion. Dr. Jacob Maddox answers all her prayers, providing her with a kidney for her brother. As the two learn more about each other, they discover there’s more to a person and their story than what appears on the outside.
Not only was this book romantic in every way possible, but it was heart-wrenching at the same time. Dr. Jacob Maddox has an anxiety disorder — a mental illness found in a lot more people than we realize. He talks about his coping mechanisms, how he handles the stresses of day-to-day life, and his tendency to overthink every possible situation for hours on end. As someone who has struggled with anxiety for years, Dr. Maddox’s character struck a nerve with me and made me realize that I am not alone in the way I feel. All emotions and feelings are valid, and seeing Dr. Briana Ortiz treat him like a real person and understand him for who he is instead of judging him was incredible. It’s important to remember that you are not alone, and just because someone may be different, it doesn’t make them weird.
The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden
Sydney has terrible luck when it comes to dating in New York. After going on a nightmare of a date with a creep and stalker, she thinks she’s finally met the one — the guy who rescues her from said date. He’s perfect, charming, handsome, chivalrous; anything a girl could want. Then, the brutal murder of a young woman in her building is under investigation, and the suspect is said to be a mystery man who kills his girlfriends after a couple of dates. After learning about this violent figure, Sydney’s perfect man doesn’t seem so perfect anymore.
It’s really difficult for me to pick up a book that has little to do with romance, but that choice isn’t quite as hard anymore when it comes to Freida McFadden. I couldn’t put this book down. I guessed and guessed the ending after every chapter, and almost every page helped me think of new clues. Freida McFadden opened me up to a new world of books in psychological thrillers. I enjoy the mind games and excitement that comes with trying to solve the mystery, and nine times out of ten I’m wrong in the end — but this was the first time I was able to solve a Freida McFadden murder. She writes a lot, and after this one, I cannot wait to buy every book she releases. For a month straight I focused on only reading mysteries and thrillers.
Nothing Like the Movies by Lynn Painter
Book Two of Better Than the Movies follows Liz and Wes in college after almost two years since their epic high school romance came to an end. Wes had Liz, the girl of his dreams, for just a couple of months before things went south and he lost her. After almost two years of picking up the broken pieces, he’s ready to win her back — too bad she might have already moved on.
Nothing Like the Movies was the first book I read this year, and I could not stop thinking about it. I even had to read it a second time because I couldn’t get it out of my head. I found myself comparing every book to this one, and every book boyfriend to Wes Bennet (only one other came close this year). Wes Bennet goes to the ends of the earth for Liz just to make her smile. I have never read a character as devoted and determined as Wes in these two books. Lynn Painter taught me not to settle and to not stop believing in love and all that it encompasses. Even in the face of grief and tragedy, Wes will stop at nothing to win back Liz’s love and happiness.
Wicked Serve by Grace Reilly
Wicked Serve is a cheeky hockey romance that doubles as a brother’s rival romance. Nikolai was recently kicked out of his school and forced to transfer to its rival college, which also happens to be where his own rival is the captain of the hockey team. Another problem he faces is that the most fascinating girl he’s ever met happens to be his rival’s sister. He wants to keep seeing her, but with all the problems they encounter, they’ll have to decide if they’re worth it.
Fun and exciting reads are needed every so often, especially after reading something heavy or thrilling — and there is nothing wrong with needing that escape. I loved this book because it got me out of my reading slump, but also because it reminded me of how much I missed playing volleyball. I stopped playing during COVID-19 after playing for more than 10 years, but because of this book, I joined an adult volleyball league in my county and have enjoyed every second of it. I learned that having passions and hobbies is good, even after finishing grade school. Feeling lost is normal, so it’s important to be reminded of how precious life can be and to enjoy every part of it — so join that team you want to join, or go to that event you’ve been too shy to go to. Do what makes you happy, even if you’re scared!
A Thousand Broken Pieces by Tillie Cole
Haunted by the grief of their dead siblings, strangers Savannah and Cael are sent on a trip abroad with several teens who are also dealing with a loss. Both reluctant at first, the two find solace in each other, finally healing from their open wounds left by their departed loved ones. As they fall fast and hard for each other, the broken pieces within them begin to heal.
Everyone feels and deals with grief in different ways. There is no right or wrong way to grieve the loss of someone you love and care about. Going through grief for the first time is exceptionally hard, and nothing can prepare you for the way loss feels the moment it sinks into your insides. It takes time to accept that the person you love and miss is gone, but when you’re healing with someone else, the pain begins to feel bearable. I’ve learned healing takes time, and talking about it helps that process. Realizing I never talked about the pain I was feeling made me acknowledge all the pent-up aggression I was holding, and this book helped me finally deal with the first goodbye I ever had to give.
A book doesn’t have to be a literary masterpiece to change, inspire, or teach you. You just have to be willing to dig deep into the meaning of the story, because every book has a bigger meaning and understanding than its synopsis. This year, I learned not to accept the bare minimum and to expect more from those I love. I rediscovered my love for volleyball, I dealt with my grief, I fell in love with a new genre, and I even came to terms with my anxiety. Books have so much to offer us if we’re willing to learn. Just because these might come off as trivial romance books doesn’t mean they can’t change you, so check these out and see what lessons you learn!
To find the best young adult books from 2024, click here.
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