7 Best Books to Read in 2024: Top Picks

Here are the best books to read: engaging tales, adventures, and wisdom. Perfect for cozy evenings or escaping reality.
The Great Gatsby coverTo Kill a Mockingbird cover1984 cover

Picking the best books to read can feel like choosing a favorite child. We look for gripping plots, unforgettable characters, and stories that stay with you long after the last page. Our list features timeless classics and magical adventures, including tales of courage, love, and societal reflection. So grab a comfy chair and a cup of tea as we explore the seven best books to read that have left an indelible mark on literature.

On this list:

7 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 1925
  • Pages: 180

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First, there’s the 1920s party scene. We chose it for its timeless exploration of the American Dream. Also, who doesn’t love a bit of romance and mystery?

6 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 1960
  • Pages: 281

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It’s a classic for a reason. We love its powerful commentary on racial injustice. And Atticus Finch? Best dad ever!

5 1984 by George Orwell

1984 cover

  • Genre: Dystopian Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 1949
  • Pages: 328

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If you like dystopian futures and government surveillance, this one’s for you. It makes us feel paranoid in the best way!

4 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 1997
  • Pages: 309

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Magic, friendship, and more magic! We picked it because it’s perfect for escaping mundane life. Let’s face it, we all wanted a letter from Hogwarts.

3 Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice cover

  • Genre: Romance
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 1813
  • Pages: 279

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We couldn’t resist this witty take on love and marriage. Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett are legendary!

2 The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

The Catcher in the Rye cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 1951
  • Pages: 214

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For when you feel angsty and misunderstood, Holden Caulfield totally gets you. It’s our go-to for teenage rebellion vibes.

1 The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Hobbit cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 1937
  • Pages: 310

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We’ve crowned it the best of the best books to read! Why? Because it takes us on an unforgettable adventure with Bilbo Baggins. Unlike any other, Tolkien’s Middle-earth feels real. It’s fantasy perfected, with humor, depth, and dragons. Plus, it’s a gateway to the epic Lord of the Rings. Let your imagination soar with this classic! Perfect for readers of all ages, it’s a tale of bravery, friendship, and overcoming the odds. Trust us, you’ll be reaching for more tea and biscuits as you get lost in the adventure.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!