SJPL Staff's Top Books of 2024Like this list

51 items

• On Call

  a Doctor's Journey in Public Service

  Fauci, Anthony S., 1940-

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  I read this book in traditional print. It was fascinating to read the memoir of someone who has been in the forefront of American responses to AIDS, covid, and other health crises. - Sarah K.

• Deliberate Cruelty

  Truman Capote, the Millionaire's Wife, and the Murder of the Century

  Montillo, Roseanne,

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  After watching Capote vs. the Swans, I was intrigued by Truman Capote and his life. This gave a different perspective than the usual ones, and it included true crime which is a win in my opinion! - Kristen

• Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World

  Weatherford, Jack

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  I listened to this book. It was a fascinating read! I was shocked by how progressive Genghis Khan was and how his empire significantly shapes our world still to this day. - Sarah M.

• Ninth House

  Bardugo, Leigh

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  It's a dark academia fantasy set at Yale, focusing on a strident young woman who can see the ghosts that roam its halls. Her job is to keep the magical secret societies in check while trying to solve both a murder and the disappearance of…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• The Familiar

  a Novel

  Bardugo, Leigh,

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  This was a fun fantasy read! Taking place during the Spanish Inquisition, this story is about an underground tournament of people who have magical abilities and they compete to win the favor of a general who may help elevate the winner's…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Bea Wolf

  Weinersmith, Zach, 1982-

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  This is NOT the Beowulf you trudged through in English Lit. This children's graphic novel is as much fun for adults as it is for kids. A group of candy loving kids in a treehouse take on their curmudgeonly, fun hating neighbor in this tale…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Into Thin Air

  a Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster

  Krakauer, Jon

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  I listened to the audio book narrated by Philip Franklin, and it was wonderfully read. Its a harrowing story of what drives people to attempt to conquer nature and the struggle for survival when nature is inevitably stronger. It documents…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store

  McBride, James, 1957-

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  As is my habit, I read the best releases of any given year after their published year when those hold lines die down. I have read nearly every James McBride book, and this one did not disappoint. Reading a great American novel about the…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• The Wishing Game

  a Novel

  Shaffer, Meg,

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  What first drew me in was the pretty cover, but the story quickly hooked me. The storytelling makes you really invested and root for the main character, and makes you remember joys of reading and wishing to be transported into the colorful…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Daughter of the Bone Forest

  Skye, Jasmine,

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  This is a criminally underrated queer YA fantasy! The magic system was one of the most unique and captivating I've read in years. The animal shifting gives me grown-up Animorph and animagus vibes, and is great for anyone who has ever…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Leviathan Wakes

  Corey, James S. A.

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  It's a great engaging read with interesting characters and really strong world building. -Binh

• The Golden Enclaves

  a Novel

  Novik, Naomi,

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  This is the third book in a trilogy but each book gets better and better. This final book is roller coaster of emotions. -Sue

• Unflattening

  Sousanis, Nick,

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  This is a gorgeously crafted graphic novel about perception and the concept of "self." Sousanis utilizes the comic genre to connect theory with aesthetics, and comments on the importance of art in human understanding across all fields of…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• All the Glimmering Stars

  a Novel

  Sullivan, Mark T.,

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  I like to read Historical Fiction so I learn a little in each book. This is based on a true story in Uganda during the 1990s. Very hard read, but worth it. -Joanne

• The Dry

  a Novel

  Harper, Jane (Jane Elizabeth),

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  I listened to this as an audiobook. The narration was very good - the book is set in Australia and I enjoyed the accents and the insight into life in the Outback. The mystery was also well done. I liked it so much I've now listened to…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• The Last Phi Hunter

  Goldenberg, Salinee,

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  It is a truly unique blend of fantasy and folklore (South East Asia). The characters are vivid and the world building is *chef's kiss*. I was engrossed from start to finish. -Rebekah

• The Dead Cat Tail Assassins

  Clark, P. Djèlí,

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  Wonderfully inventive Steam Punk Fantasy with great character development and skillful world building. -Kurt

• None of This Is True

  a Novel

  Jewell, Lisa,

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  A gripping psychological thriller that delves into themes of deception, obsession, and the dark side of social media. The story centers on Alix, a popular podcaster, who becomes intrigued by Josie, a mysterious and troubled woman who…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Encore -- By the sword / Mercedes Lackey.

  View on iii.com

  This was a year of re-reads for me. I normally *rarely* allow myself to re-read books, because my TBR pile is the *real* neverending story. However, my mental health took a couple of hits this year, so to continue doing what I love to do -…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• My Murder

  Williams, Katie, 1978-

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  From the first page I was engrossed. It is a really strange mystery that winds through Lou's life before and after her murder, and government-funded clone-resurrection. You get to see how flawed she is, how flawed the people who remade her…Read moreRead more of this annotation