Best Goodreads Lists of 2024: Top 14 Book Reviews

These goodreads lists feature classics like 'The Catcher in the Rye,' helping new readers find the perfect book to enjoy.
The Silent Patient coverWhere the Crawdads Sing coverBecoming cover

14 The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient cover

  • Genre: Thriller
  • Formats: Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2019
  • Pages: 336

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A thrilling mystery that left us biting our nails. The Goodreads lists love a nail-biter, and this book doesn’t disappoint.

13 Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Where the Crawdads Sing cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 379

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A beautiful tale of nature and mystery set in the marshes of the South. Highly rated on Goodreads lists for its moving story.

12 Becoming by Michelle Obama

Becoming cover

  • Genre: Memoir
  • Formats: Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 426

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This memoir provides an intimate look into the life of the former First Lady. It’s a favorite on Goodreads lists for inspiration.

11 Educated by Tara Westover

Educated cover

  • Genre: Biography
  • Formats: Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 352

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A gripping memoir about a woman who grows up with a survivalist family, making it big on Goodreads lists for its raw honesty.

10 Normal People by Sally Rooney

Normal People cover

  • Genre: Contemporary
  • Formats: Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 273

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A tender exploration of a complicated relationship, celebrated on Goodreads lists for its heartfelt characters and realistic plot.

9 The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

The Midnight Library cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2020
  • Pages: 304

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A book about the infinite possibilities of life that got us questioning our own choices. A hit on Goodreads lists.

8 Circe by Madeline Miller

Circe cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 393

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This reimagined myth captivated us with its lyrical prose and strong female lead, earning praise on Goodreads lists.

7 The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

The Vanishing Half cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2020
  • Pages: 343

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Explores race, identity and relationships with richness and complexity, adored on Goodreads lists for its storytelling.

6 The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

The Song of Achilles cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2011
  • Pages: 378

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A love story wrapped in epic tales of Greek heroes, lauded by Goodreads lists for its poignant narrative.

5 The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist cover

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

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A tale about destiny and dreams, cherished on Goodreads lists for its spiritual insight and timeless wisdom.

4 1984 by George Orwell

1984 cover

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

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This dystopian classic keeps us pondering the nature of freedom, staying relevant on Goodreads lists for its visionary take.

3 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird cover

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

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A heartfelt classic dealing with racial injustice, cherished on Goodreads lists for its enduring message.

2 Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice cover

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

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A timeless romance filled with wit and social commentary, loved on Goodreads lists for its enduring charm.

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

The Catcher in the Rye cover

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

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This novel tops our list as the best due to its lasting impact on readers, stirring teenage angst and rebellion. It resonates with readers of all ages, even if its protagonist Holden Caulfield isn’t always likable. His adventures and misadventures echo the path of many who struggle to find their place in the world. Salinger captures the rawness of adolescence, making it a staple on Goodreads lists for generations. Its unique voice and honest depiction of youth continue to attract new fans, proving its place as a timeless classic. Plus, it gets extra points for being a book that everyone loves to have an opinion about!

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!