Our Readers' Favorite Books of 2024 So Far

Sun, sand and a good book: this is the perfect formula for a relaxing beach vacation. Since we are firmly in the grip of summer 2024, it's time to choose your next good read. We've got a selection of some of the most captivating, moving and entertaining books our readers loved this year. Whether you like reading about reading light like a To light up or you prefer real paper, there is something for everyone.

Thriller fans, don’t miss “Eruption” by Michael Crichton and James Patterson. This action-packed epic about a volcanic eruption in Hawaii will have you flipping through the pages. It's the ultimate beach reading summer 2024. Or delve into the psychological suspense of Freida McFadden's “The Housemaid,” which follows a mysterious housekeeper who becomes embroiled in the dark secrets of her wealthy employer.

Want to read uplifting women's fiction? Get “The Women” by Kristin Hannah, which is about the unsung women who served as nurses during the Vietnam War. Or try “Doing Nothing: How to Break Out of Overwork, Excess, and Underlife” by Celeste Headlee to help you make time for leisure instead of letting busy culture rule your world.

Take yours Solar cream and a copy of one of these books. Our readers can't get enough, and it's time to spice up your next trip to the beach. See the full list below.

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Our Readers' Favorite Books of 2024 So Far

“Eruption”

This “New York Times” bestseller is a dual creation of two powers. “Eruption” was a passion project of the late author Michael Crichton (“Jurassic Park”) that was finished by James Patterson. And you'll want to sit down for this one.

When billionaire tech CEO John Crowley climbs an active volcano in the exotic island nation of Vanutu, he gets more than he bargained for. The volcano erupts violently while Crowley is on the mountain.

Cut off from his guides, Crowley must make a terrifying solo descent down the mountain to escape. This thrilling tale combines interactions with deadly forces of nature like volcanoes and fast-paced storytelling. All of this makes for an exciting adventure that you won't want to put down.

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“Grown Woman Talk: your guide to getting and staying healthy”

Women are often sidelined when it comes to talking about health. This book provides much-needed accountability on the topic, especially for marginalized women of color. Dr. Sharon Malone aims to break the silence surrounding women's health issues in this helpful guide.

Dr. Malone offers tips for living and aging better and getting the best care along the way. She works to help women realize the power they already have over their health. They just need the right tools and the willingness to use them.

This book makes it easier for women of all ages to start conversations about helping with their doctors and build better patient-provider relationships that can serve as a bridge to saving more lives.

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“The Water Alliance”

Spanning 1900 to 1977 in Kerala, India, “The Covenant of Water” follows three generations of a family cursed with death by drowning. Among the family members involved is a young Christian woman sent by boat to meet her much older husband while mourning the drowning death of her father.

This newlywed goes through several massive changes during her life marked by faith, love and loss. Through her journey from child bride to family matriarch, her story explored here paints a portrait of a family afflicted by recurring tragic drownings, set against the backdrop of Kerala.

Oprah chose this novel as part of her 2023 book club selections.

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“What this comedian said will shock you”

Comedian Bill Maher offers his take on American politics and culture in his last book. It covers topics ranging from free speech and cancel culture to health and romance. Maher has reworked and updated many of these “editorials” to directly address life in the present moment to keep things fresh.

The book also comments on the current state of America. Maher shares his uncensored opinions on media, generations, politics, policing, religion and much more. If you're a fan of Maher's work, you'll probably enjoy this book too.

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“The Demon of Troubles: A saga of pride, sorrow and heroism at the dawn of the civil war”

Erik Larson recounts the months between the election of Abraham Lincoln and the attack on Fort Sumter that sparked this country's Civil War. novel. At the time, the Southern states were seceding from the Union while Lincoln remained powerless to intervene. Larson creates a political thriller from history, capturing the betrayals that pushed America to the brink of war.

Drawing on diaries, plantation records, and other communications, the book shows how Lincoln desperately tried to avoid conflict even as he dealt with shady advisors. It is a grim reminder of the bloodshed that would claim more than 750,000 lives during the war.

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“Doing nothing: how to break away from overwork, excess and under-living”

Celeste Headlee explores why we work harder and why we feel more anxious and lonely in this nonfiction novel. She suggests that even if we work harder to improve our lives, it can end up sabotaging our well-being.

Headlee uses history, science, and research to challenge assumptions about productivity and purpose. She discusses modern habits that can be broken to make meaningful changes in our lives, encouraging readers to return to a lifestyle that allows us to thrive.

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“Mark Rothko: paintings on paper”

This book explores the works created by abstract painter Mark Rothko throughout his career. Although Rothko is known for his large canvases, he created more than 1,000 works on paper that he considered finished pieces rather than studies.

Ranging from early surrealist figures and works to his famous color fields, these works showcase Rothko's art. The book accompanies the first major exhibition of Rothko's works on paper in forty years, bringing together nearly 100 rarely seen examples.

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“The women”

This inspiring novel might just inspire you to do good. Set during the Vietnam War (1965), 20-year-old nursing student Frankie McGrath enlists in the Army Nurse Corps. Frankie quickly becomes part of the chaos of war – a stark contrast to his sheltered upbringing in sunny California. She is forced to figure out how to deal with life and death on a daily basis while growing closer to the soldiers she cares for.

Soon, Frankie becomes a seasoned veteran. But the real battle turns out to be returning to an America very different from the one she left behind. As she reconnects with her loved ones and immerses herself in the anti-war movement, she learns important facts about humanity and herself.

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“You never know: a memoir”

Actor Tom Selleck shares the story of his rise to fame in Hollywood in this memoir, talking about the mistakes and hard-earned successes he encountered along the way. He also pays homage to mentors like James Garner and the classic western genre he loves.

For “Magnum PI” fans, he reveals how he put his career on the line to make the character more flawed. Selleck also shares his perspective on an evolving industry, explaining how he achieved icon status by always staying true to himself.

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“The cleaning lady”

Need a thrilling thriller you won't want to put down? It all starts with “The Housemaid” – and there are sequels too!

Millie is an ex-convict looking for a fresh start as a live-in housekeeper for wealthy Nina Winchester. At first glance, the work seems promising. Nina is friendly and welcoming when Millie moves in.

But Nina's behavior quickly takes a worrying turn. She gives Millie confusing instructions, sometimes failing to mention critical information like her daughter's severe allergy. Millie soon suspects that her new boss may not be doing well, or that perhaps something else is lurking beneath the surface. What kind of secrets will Nina discover? You will have to wait and see.

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