Our Favorite Reads of 2024

And our first post here at Substack

Helloooo, Substack!

We are long-time listeners, first-time callers, you might say. The four of us have subscribed to many substacks over the years, especially those of fellow writers and artists whom we admire. But for some reason, we hadn’t thought of bringing We Heart YA here — until it came time for our annual reading roundup.

The social media landscape is so different from when we first formed this group, over a decade ago. But at the end of the day, what remains is a love of stories. Always.

So with that in mind, we look forward to engaging with the book community here — with you!

Without further ado, here are our favorite reads from last year.

KRISTAN

I didn't read as much in 2024 as I did in 2023... (I was busy moving to China. 🤣) But my favorite kidlit read of 2024 was A Rover's Story by Jasmine Warga. I love how Warga was able to imbue so much humanity into a story about cute, adventurous little robots! It’s an absolute gem of a book, one that I think would appeal to readers of all ages.

My other favorite reads of last year were not YA, although each book features at least one important and very charming tween or teen character.

• The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow

• A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

• The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi

INGRID

Well, I was sub-twenty for the total number of books read in 2024. I'm not sure why —I can't claim a good excuse like moving to China! — but I hope plan to read more novels in 2025.

That said, I had some stellar reads last year and my five faves are as follows:

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

This is pretty much a mic-drop read for me. Definitely my favorite characters, plot, and overall story of the year (and maybe even decade). It's the book I currently recommend to everyone, regardless of their preferred genre. If you haven't yet, please go read it!

The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

Historical fiction based on true events about a Charleston plantation family whose daughters become abolitionists. I've always enjoyed Sue Monk Kidd's writing and the authentic way she tackles social justice issues, history, and complex family relationships.

The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer

I don't want to give any spoilers, so let's leave it at: A WW2 story of Alina and her love Tomasz in war-ravaged Poland. Excellent read. Historical fiction at its best.

Just for the Summer by Abby Jiminez

This novel struck the perfect balance between light and heavy. It's an immersive love story but also a deep dive into the ways childhood trauma affects people well into adulthood. I'd call it a great beach read, but with some extra doses of dramatic tension.

When You Get the Chance by Emma Lord

This YA was so fresh and engaging! I really liked the lovable voice of sassy and driven Millie, a NYC teenager determined to be an actress. Over summer break, she embarks on a quest to find her long-lost mother, has some love entanglements along the way, and gets in lots of good trouble. I listened to the audio version and the narrator, Jesse Vilinsky, was excellent.

SARAH

Each of these have made me think and feel, which is my favourite state of being. Usually I'm uninterested in war narratives, yet two about WW1 made it into my top three. A good story is a good story. The voice and cleverness of James made it my top read.

STEPHANIE

Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett

Somehow I loved this book even more than the first one. I love her fairy lore and atmospheric worldbuilding. I also like that Emily's character arc doesn't involve changing what makes her who she is. She can be analytical, antisocial, and curmudgeonly while still following her heart.

The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown

I LOVED this magic system and getting to see our world through its lens. I also deeply connected with the way Brown emotionally writes about food. Bookstores, magical books, travel, secret societies, timey-wimey mystery -- so good!

Starling House by Alix E. Harrow

I read this book while I was fixing up my own slightly haunted house, and that made the experience that much more immersive. I loved the creepy mansion, the research, the story within the story, and the main character with all her sharp edges.

Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross

I loved this duology. The 1940's secondary world, the magical typewriters, and all the sweet friendships Iris forms as a war correspondent.

Also, I just realized all my favorites this year are about bookish women. ^-^

Honorable mentions:

This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone, A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid, and the Lockwood & Co series by Jonathan Stroud.

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We would love to know: What were your favorite reads last year?

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