Reflecting on the Year: Books that Made 2024 Unforgettable

As 2024 comes to a close, I’m taking a moment to reflect on the incredible stories that filled my year with adventure, romance, and wonder. With 45 books and over 16,000 pages read, it’s been a year of meeting goals and discovering unforgettable reads. Here’s a look back at the books that stood out, based on my stats from The StoryGraph and Goodreads.

By the numbers

• Total books read: 45
• Total pages: 16,987
• Longest book: Morning Star by Pierce Brown (886 pages)
• Shortest book: Lovers at the Museum: A Short Story by Isabel Allende (25 pages)
• Average rating: 3.9 stars
• Most read genres: Fantasy, romance, young adult, and science fiction
• Books by queer authors and authors of color: 10 books on my list (6 by queer authors and 4 by authors of color) brought unique perspectives and heartfelt narratives to my reading experience. While I’m proud to have read these stories, I recognize that this is only a small fraction of my total reads. In 2025, I want to make a conscious effort to diversify my reading further by seeking out more books by queer authors and authors of color.
• Formats: A mix of audio (42%), digital (22%), and print (36%)
• Languages: 91.1% English, 8.9% Dutch

Memorable reads of the year

Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli: This book tops my list for its spellbinding mix of romance, aristocratic secrets, and a magic system that left me in awe. Rune’s layered character arc and the slow-burn enemies-to-lovers-to-enemies dynamic with Gideon kept me hooked. Plus, Alex’s loyal support added heartwarming moments to balance the tension.

The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo: This captivating tale weaves together dark magic, haunting secrets, and unforgettable characters. With Bardugo’s signature storytelling, it’s a book that keeps you enthralled from start to finish.

Charting Stars by Micheline Ryckman: A beautifully illustrated story that combines stunning visuals with an enchanting tale of adventure and destiny. Its unique blend of art and narrative made it an unforgettable read this year.

Throne of Secrets by Kerri Maniscalco: A thrilling tale filled with twists, intrigue, and the richly woven details Maniscalco is known for. This book brought an air of mystery and sophistication to my reading list.

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater: This atmospheric and character-driven novel introduced me to a world of ley lines, magical forests, and unforgettable friendships. Gansey, Blue, and the Raven Boys captured my heart and left me yearning for more.

Key themes and trends

• Pace: While 48% of my reads fell in the 300-499 page range, I also tackled longer epics, which added depth to my reading experience.
• Moods: From adventurous and emotional to lighthearted and mysterious, my reads spanned a wide array of feelings, keeping my year diverse and engaging.
• Authors: Pierce Brown, Veronica Roth, and Susanne Valenti were among my most-read authors, showcasing my love for both sci-fi and dystopian genres.

Final thoughts

2024 has been a year of growth, both as a reader and a reviewer. I’ve embraced new genres, revisited favorite authors, and challenged myself to read beyond my comfort zone. Every book added something special to my journey.

What about you? What books made your 2024 unforgettable? Let’s chat in the comments — I’d love to hear your favorites!