Unlock Your Must-Have Reading List: A Guide to Essential Reads for 2024
There’s nothing we like more than getting our teeth into a good book. Here’s what’s currently in the teetering pile on our bedside table. Is it (cosy-up-with-a-book) bedtime yet?
A multi-layered page turner
Come And Get It - Kiley Reid
Kiley Reid’s second novel is a fresh and gripping story set on a university campus, exploring the themes of money, race and questionable choices. Full of tension and satire, Come And Get It follows student Millie Cousins as her life entwines with that of Agatha Paul, a visiting professor with a dubious money-making scheme.
An unputdownable thriller
The Seventh Son - Sebastian Faulks
An unsettling near-futuristic novel from this acclaimed author, The Seventh Son is a fabulous novel about unrequited love and unearned power. The story revolves around a megalomanical tech entrepreneur and a very unusual child, posing the question: just because you can do something, does it mean you should?
A humorous nail-biter
Athena Liu is a literary darling and June Hayward is literally nobody. When Athena dies in a freak accident, June steals her unpublished manuscript and publishes it as her own under the ambiguous name Juniper Song.
Kuang explores ambition, greed and white privilege in this satirical look at the publishing world. How far will June go to keep what she thinks she deserves?
A thought-provoking dazzler
From acclaimed and bestselling novelist Zadie Smith, The Fraud is a splendid novel about truth and fiction, Jamaica and Britain, fraudulence and authenticity and the mystery of "other people." Based on the real story of a legal trial that divided Victorian England, this piece of historical fiction looks as who gets to tell their story, and who gets to be believed.
For laughing out loud
Good Material - Dolly Alderton
Jen and Andy’s relationship has ended and Andy just doesn’t understand why. From this bestselling author comes a deliciously witty and wise novel about love and heartbreak and how to survive tumultuous times. Sharply funny and beautifully observed, Good Material is a relatable and witty look at modern-day relationships.
For a winter sun getaway
International best-selling author Sophie Kinsella brings us stressed-out Sasha who heads to a Devon retreat only to find her attempts to recharge hampered by a fellow guest, the grumpy Finn. This hilarious rom-com has a feel-good vibe and is the perfect choice for your winter deckchair.
A real tear-jerker
Before We Say Goodbye - Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Translated from the Japanese, Before We Say Goodbye looks at four heart-warming characters as they have the opportunity to time travel and say their goodbyes. In this haunting and wistful novel, Kawaguchi explores grief and human-connection by asking the question: who would you visit if you could travel through time?
An easy, before-bed read
The Wake-up Call - Beth O’Leary
When two sworn enemies join forces in a scheme to save their failing hotel, sparks fly and hearts flutter. This irresistibly witty love story is filled with humorous and heartwarming moments and endearing characters. The perfect novel for your bedside table.
For bedtime giggles
Popular comedian Sara Pascoe introduces us to 30-something Sophie in this hilarious debut novel. A gritty Bridget Jones-esque story, Weirdo explores life and love in an honest and raw way.
