With the new year underway, many readers (myself included) are setting their reading goals for 2024 and searching for the next great read. While there’s no shortage of books to choose from, you may find yourself looking for some fresh titles to add to your to-read list. I’ve compiled a list of five books coming out this year that I’m most excited about.
- “The Familiar” by Leigh Bardugo, April 9.
Leigh Bardugo (author of “Shadow and Bone,” “Six of Crows” and “Ninth House”) has tackled both young adult and adult works of fantasy over the years. Her works have earned her a loyal fanbase, who undoubtedly will be racing into stores to get their hands on her newest book, “The Familiar,” upon its release in April. But whether you’re a diehard fan of Bardugo’s books or new to her work, you’ll want to check this book out. “The Familiar” is a standalone fantasy novel set during the Spanish Golden Age. The story follows Luzia Cotado, a servant living in Madrid. Luzia’s talent for small tricks of magic is noticed by her mistress, who in turn orders Luzia to use her gifts to support her family. Luzia becomes notorious for her abilities, plunging her into a world of magic, science and power. But when Luzia’s Jewish heritage puts her at the mercy of the Spanish Inquisition, she must do everything she can to find a way to survive. This novel is perfect for lovers of fantasy and historical fiction alike.
- “Goddess of the River” by Vaishnavi Patel, May 21.
With her 2022 debut novel “Kaikeyi,” Vaishnavi Patel stunned readers and received overwhelming praise. This year, Patel returns with another mythic retelling, this time focusing on the story of the Hindu goddess of the river, Ganga. Ganga lives a contented life caring for the godlings living on the banks of her river. But when these godlings anger a powerful force, Ganga is cursed to become mortal. Though she knows nothing of mortality, she marries a king in the hopes of regaining her freedom. Just as she finds this freedom, however, she is separated from her infant son. Years later, Ganga’s son, Devavrata, is forced to carry the legacy of his mother’s curse. When he makes a life-changing decision regarding his claim to his father’s throne, he sets off a series of events that threaten war. All the while, the powerful bond between mother and son continues to intertwine the destinies of Ganga and Devavrata. If you love mythic retellings and stories about family, destiny and powerful women, “Goddess of the River” belongs on your bookshelf.
- “Fourteen Days: A Collaborative Novel” by Margaret Atwood and Douglas Preston, Feb. 6.
This may be the most unique book on this entire list. “Fourteen Days,” a novel written collaboratively by the Authors Guild, takes place one week after the COVID-19 shutdown in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The tenants of an apartment building have begun gathering on their rooftop to share stories. Though many were strangers to one another prior to the pandemic, this ritual creates true neighbors and friends over time. “Fourteen Days” provides us a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people finding solace in each other during a time of collective struggle. Interestingly, the perspective of each neighbor has been written by a different author in the Guild — such as Margaret Atwood, Diana Gabaldon, John Grisham, Celeste Ng, Tommy Orange and more! This creates a diverse array of literary voices that will almost certainly appeal to all fans of literary puzzles.
- “The House of Hidden Meanings: A Memoir” by RuPaul, March 5.
Fans of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” will almost definitely be getting their hands on his new memoir this year. But even if you haven’t seen the show, you may find “The House of Hidden Meanings” to be a worthwhile read if you’re a fan of memoirs. In his most vulnerable and poignant work yet, RuPaul reveals the story of his life growing up Black, poor and queer in a broken home. As he reflects on his complex family dynamic, emergence into drag performance spaces and path to sobriety and self-love, RuPaul shares his personal philosophy on life with readers.
- “Funny Story” by Emily Henry, April 23.
Emily Henry has been churning out bestselling romance novels in the past few years, with hits such as “Book Lovers,” “Beach Read,” “People We Meet on Vacation” and “Happy Place.” She’s returned this year with “Funny Story,” which follows the romance of an unlikely duo, Daphne and Miles. Daphne’s fiancé has just dumped her for his childhood best friend, Petra, leaving Daphne in dire need of a roommate due to her low-paying job. So she turns to the one person that she hopes will understand her situation: Petra’s ex, Miles. The pair are total opposites and, as roommates, avoid each other as much as possible. But when they begin to form an unexpected friendship, Daphne and Miles hatch a fake-dating plan. It’s perfectly harmless … until they begin to catch feelings for one another. This is the perfect read if you’re looking to start your new year off with something light-hearted and fun.