15 Best Good Books to Read in 2024

Discover these 15 good books, filled with laughter and wisdom, perfect for readers seeking engaging and insightful stories.
The Book Thief coverGood Omens coverThe Alchemist cover

The Quest for Good Books: Finding the perfect ‘good books’ to tickle your literary fancy can be as thrilling as hunting for treasure. We’ve sifted through plots, characters, and jaw-dropping twists to pick a mix of timeless classics and modern marvels. Our focus? Stories that linger in your mind, provoke thought, and delight the spirit. Buckle up, fellow book-lovers, as we take you on a journey through fifteen masterpieces that encapsulate the essence of good books.

On this list:

15 The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Book Thief cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2005
  • Pages: 584

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A fantastic story about a young girl’s love for words during WWII. It’s a tale of courage, friendship, and the power of books.

14 Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett

Good Omens cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Comedy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1990
  • Pages: 412

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A hilarious take on the apocalypse with an angel and demon teaming up to save the world. It’s a wild ride with the best kind of chaos.

13 The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist cover

  • Genre: Fiction, Adventure
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1988
  • Pages: 208

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An inspiring journey of self-discovery and finding one’s destiny. This book offers wisdom and teaches us to follow our dreams.

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

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

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A magical adventure filled with friendship, courage, and the ultimate battle between good and evil. It’s a must-read for every fantasy lover.

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

The Catcher in the Rye cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1951
  • Pages: 277

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A classic novel that captures teenage rebellion and angst. It’s a deep dive into the complexities of growing up.

10 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird cover

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

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A powerful story about racial injustice and childhood innocence. It’s timeless and relevant, with a lesson on empathy.

9 Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice cover

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

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A witty take on love and society in the 19th century. Elizabeth Bennet is a heroine for the ages.

8 1984 by George Orwell

1984 cover

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

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A dystopian tale that still resonates today. It explores themes of surveillance and freedom, and it’s frighteningly possible.

7 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby cover

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

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A tragic story of love, wealth, and the American Dream. Fitzgerald’s prose is as beautiful as it is heartbreaking.

6 The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Hobbit cover

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

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An epic journey in a fantastical world filled with adventure and bravery. Bilbo Baggins shows that anyone can be a hero.

5 Moby-Dick by Herman Melville

Moby-Dick cover

  • Genre: Adventure, Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1851
  • Pages: 704

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An epic sea adventure and a philosophical deep dive into obsession and revenge. It’s challenging but rewarding.

4 War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

War and Peace cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1869
  • Pages: 1392

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A sweeping saga of history, love, and life in Russia. It’s a commitment but worth every page.

3 The Odyssey by Homer

The Odyssey cover

  • Genre: Epic, Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: Estimated 8th century BC
  • Pages: 560

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An ancient epic filled with adventures, mythical creatures, and heroic tales. It’s a cornerstone of literature.

2 The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

The Kite Runner cover

  • Genre: Fiction, Drama
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2003
  • Pages: 371

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A moving story about friendship, redemption, and the bonds of family. It’s beautiful and heart-wrenching.

1 The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky

The Brothers Karamazov cover

  • Genre: Fiction, Philosophy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1880
  • Pages: 796

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Chosen as the best for its deep philosophical insights and complex characters. The story delves into themes of faith, morality, and free will. It’s a profound exploration of the human soul. While it can be an intense read, its wisdom is timeless, making it a standout in literature. The book offers a gripping plot combined with philosophical depth, perfect for those who seek a good book that challenges the mind and heart. It’s a masterpiece of Russian literature that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. This makes it the best book on our list regarding the theme of ‘good books.’

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!