Every year, She Reads reaches out to readers to discover the books that they thought were the best of the year! This year we had over 8,000 of you cast your vote and the results are in. In our roundups of all the Best Books of 2024, we’ll include the number one book, chosen by you and some favorites from our professional book loving editors. We hope this reading year was as wonderful for you as it was for us!
Best Contemporary Fiction of 2024: The Wedding People by Alison Espach
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
Phoebe Stone arrives alone at the luxurious Cornwall Inn in Newport, Rhode Island, seeking solace after hitting rock bottom. Mistaken for a wedding guest, Phoebe unexpectedly bonds with the bride, leading to a weekend filled with surprising connections and self-discovery. With humor and poignancy, the story explores how unexpected encounters can guide us toward healing and new beginnings.
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What makes a great contemporary read? It’s the ability to reflect the world we live in—its joys, struggles, contradictions, and complexities—through characters and stories that feel authentic and immediate. The best contemporary fiction explores themes like love, loss, identity, and resilience, while capturing the fast-paced, ever-changing nature of modern life. From heartwarming to thought-provoking and laugh-out-loud funny, these 2024 books cover all the bases, offering fresh perspectives and unforgettable stories that resonate long after the last page.
Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
A poignant exploration of grief, love, and family, this moving novel from Sally Rooney delves into the lives of two brothers grappling with loss. Peter, a composed Dublin lawyer, finds his life unraveling as he juggles love and responsibility, while Ivan, a socially awkward chess player, discovers an unexpected connection with a woman healing from her own past. Together, they navigate a fragile yet transformative moment, uncovering the resilience and vulnerability that define their lives.
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Funny Story by Emily Henry
One of the most popular books of the year, this hit novel by #1 New York Times bestselling author Emily Henry is a heartfelt story of heartbreak, unlikely friendships, and finding love in unexpected places. After Daphne’s fiancé leaves her for his best friend, she ends up stuck in a lakeside town with a barely-there paycheck and an even less likely roommate—Miles, her ex’s ex. As they navigate their shared heartbreak and a fake social media scheme, Daphne begins to wonder if her next chapter could include the most unexpected love story of all.
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Oye by Melissa Mogollon
Told through one-sided phone calls from spunky, sharp-witted Luciana to her older sister Mari, this inventive debut captures the chaos and charm of a Colombian American family. When a hurricane targets Miami and her eccentric grandmother, Abue, refuses to evacuate, Luciana is thrust into the role of caretaker and secret keeper as Abue faces a life-changing medical diagnosis. Between skating, sneaking out to meet girls, and managing her grandmother’s wild antics, Luciana finds herself navigating a tumultuous senior year while uncovering unexpected strength. Oye is a heartfelt, unforgettable story about family, resilience, and finding yourself in the midst of life’s storms.
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Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo
At 57, Julia Ames finally feels like life is under control after years of emotional turbulence and missteps in her search for connection. But a surprising announcement from her son, a looming separation from her teenage daughter, and the reappearance of an old flame threaten to pull her back into chaos. Same As It Ever Was is a masterful exploration of maternal ambivalence, intergenerational bonds, and the unpredictable forces that shape our lives, cementing Lombardo’s reputation as a brilliant chronicler of the human heart.
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Fire Exit by Morgan Talty
Charles Lamosway has spent years watching his neighbor Elizabeth’s life unfold across the river on Maine’s Penobscot Reservation, knowing the secret he’s kept—she’s his daughter. Now, with Elizabeth mysteriously absent, Charles is left to wrestle with the memories of his past, the decline of his mother, and the unraveling of his world. As he questions whether to reveal the truth, he must confront what it could cost both him and Elizabeth to finally bridge the divide between them.
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The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich
Louise Erdrich’s The Mighty Red masterfully intertwines personal and environmental struggles, offering a deeply moving exploration of love, loss, and resilience. Set against the stark beauty of North Dakota’s Red River Valley during the economic collapse of 2008-2009, the novel uniquely confronts contemporary issues like climate change, resource depletion, and economic disparity. Through the intersecting lives of its vividly drawn characters, Erdrich reveals the humor, heartbreak, and enduring spirit of ordinary people navigating extraordinary circumstances. With its lyrical prose and profound insights, The Mighty Red is a timely and unforgettable examination of humanity’s fragile bond with the earth and each other.
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Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
Margo’s Got Money Troubles is a standout work of contemporary fiction that brilliantly captures the challenges of navigating adulthood, new motherhood, and financial instability in the digital age. With sharp humor and heart, Margo’s journey—from a struggling 20-year-old single mom to an unlikely internet sensation—highlights the power of resilience and reinvention. This novel is both a playful exploration of the modern hustle and a deeply relatable story about finding agency in an unforgiving world, making it an excellent pick for readers seeking a fresh, empowering perspective.
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Colored Television by Danzy Senna
This dark comedy by the bestselling author of Caucasia explores love, ambition, and racial identity in a way that’s both sharp and entertaining. As Jane’s life takes unexpected turns in her quest for success, the novel delves into the complexities of making art and navigating identity. Its thought-provoking themes make it a perfect read to discuss with friends, offering plenty of material for engaging conversations mixed with lots of laughs.
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All Fours by Miranda July
When a semi-famous artist abruptly detours from her cross-country drive, she lands in a motel and embarks on a surreal journey of self-discovery. With July’s signature wit and boundary-pushing storytelling, this novel reimagines the sexual and domestic life of a 45-year-old woman, turning the ordinary into something thrillingly alive. Perfect for those craving humor, depth, and originality, All Fours cements July’s place as a master of contemporary fiction.
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