Shop the 14 winners of the Goodreads Choice Awards 2024: Top books

The Goodreads Choice Awards are one of the most anticipated events in the literary world, celebrated by readers across the globe. As avid readers, we’re all eyes each December, as these awards are voted on by bookish folks in the Goodreads community, giving readers a direct voice in determining the year’s best books.

With categories spanning fiction, mystery, science fiction, fantasy and more, the awards reflect the diverse tastes and interests of a wide range of book lovers. The winners, selected from thousands of nominations and votes, often gain recognition from a broad audience, elevating well-known authors and emerging voices in the literary scene.

Shopping the Goodreads Choice Awards picks is a great way to discover books that resonate with a large and diverse group of readers (and yes, we’ll be shopping alongside you!) Whether you’re looking for the most popular debut novels, the latest in genre fiction or highly acclaimed nonfiction, the winners and nominees often represent the cream of the crop.

RELATED: Our five-star reads of 2024

Rest assured that we’ve read a fair share of these picks and 100% can attest that they’re deserving of the accolade. By choosing to shop the picks from the Goodreads Choice Awards, you can trust that you’re investing your time in books that have stood out in a crowded literary market, many of which go on to become best-sellers or enduring classics.

So, shop the 2024 Goodreads Choice Awards winners below. We’re confident that these belong on your reading list as you set your 2025 reading goal.

You’ll also want to sign up for an Audible membership if you prefer reading while on your morning commute or chopping vegetables for your meal prep. It’s a great way to squeeze more books into your day.

Goodreads rating: 4.17/5 stars

About the book: “The Wedding People” by Alison Espach is a darkly comedic novel that follows the intertwined lives of several characters involved in a wedding, exploring themes of love, regret and personal identity. The story centers on Marisa, a wedding planner, who grapples with her own insecurities and complex relationships while helping her clients navigate their big day. As the narrative unfolds, it examines the tension between idealized romance and the messy reality of human connections, revealing how the pursuit of perfection can often lead to unexpected revelations and personal growth.

“The year’s surprise sensation, Alison Espach’s improbably fun novel follows the adventures of a severely bummed out young woman who finds herself accidentally crashing a lavish wedding at a posh Rhode Island inn,” Goodreads noted. “Readers love Espach’s twisty tonal shifts — from high drama to screwball comedy of manners — and the ultimate moral of her story: Go with the flow; who knows what might happen?”

Buy on Hardcover | Buy on Paperback | Buy on Kindle

Goodreads rating: 4.62/5 stars

About the book: “The Women” by Kristin Hannah is a historical fiction novel set during World War II, focusing on the lives of four women who serve in the Women’s Army Corps. As they navigate the challenges of war, they form a deep bond, confronting not only the brutality of combat but also their personal struggles, desires and the sacrifices they make for their country. The novel explores themes of resilience, friendship and the complex roles women played during the war, highlighting their strength and the emotional costs of their courage.

“An insightful meditation on courage, character and women gone to war, Kristin Hannah’s novel introduces idealistic Army nurse Frances ‘Frankie’ McGrath as she volunteers in Vietnam, circa 1965,” Goodreads explained. “Incredibly, her life gets even more complicated when she returns to a dangerously divided America. Hannah has two GCA awards on her shelf already, for 2015’s ‘The Nightingale‘ and 2018’s ‘The Great Alone.’”

Buy on Hardcover | Buy on Paperback | Buy on Kindle

Goodreads rating: 4.19/5 stars

About the book: “The God of the Woods” by Liz Moore is a novel that follows the journey of a young girl, Mae, as she comes of age in a small, tight-knit community on the outskirts of a mysterious forest. The story is both a coming-of-age tale and a meditation on the relationships that shape our identities, particularly the bond between Mae and her enigmatic, reclusive mother. As Mae uncovers secrets about her past and the strange, magical woods surrounding her home, the novel delves into themes of family, memory and the tension between the known and the unknown.

“In 1975, troubled teenager Barbara Van Laar vanished from her bunk at the summer camp owned by her wealthy family,” Goodreads explained. “Making things so much worse: Her older brother disappeared much the same way, 16 years ago. Author Liz Moore expands this intriguing premise into an emotionally engaging mystery that blends elements of crime fiction, psychological suspense and complex family drama.”

Buy on Hardcover | Buy on Paperback | Buy on Kindle

Goodreads rating: 4.24/5 stars

About the book: “Funny Story” by Emily Henry is a heartfelt and humorous exploration of the life of a stand-up comedian, Maggie, who struggles with balancing her career, personal identity and relationships. When she unexpectedly finds herself at a crossroads, Maggie must confront the darker side of her humor and navigate the complexities of her past, including unresolved family issues and a complicated romance. The novel blends sharp wit with emotional depth, examining how humor can both mask and reveal truths about the people we love and the lives we lead.

“Romance queen Emily Henry takes home her fourth consecutive GCA with ‘Funny Story,’ an instructive modern parable about a heartbroken librarian who attempts an extremely tricky maneuver: hooking up with her ex-fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex. (very dangerous—don’t try this at home.),” Goodreads noted. “Hollywood trade reports suggest that Henry will be writing her own screenplay for the upcoming film adaptation.”

This also won the title of “Best Audiobook.”

Buy on Hardcover | Buy on Paperback | Buy on Kindle

Goodreads rating: 4.21/5 stars

About the book: “House of Flame and Shadow” by Sarah J. Maas is a high-stakes fantasy novel set in a world of political intrigue, magic, and fierce battles between warring factions. The story follows a powerful heroine who must navigate a treacherous court, uncover long-buried secrets, and confront her own powers as she becomes entangled in a dangerous struggle for control. As alliances shift and betrayals unfold, the novel explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice and the complex dynamics between love and duty.

“This is the eighth Goodreads Choice Award for genre veteran Sarah J. Maas, who’s made a habit of winning in the YA and Fantasy categories,” Goodreads stated. “Maas’ first award for Romantasy, ‘House of Flame and Shadow’ is the third installment of her popular “Crescent City” series, featuring sexy fallen angels and the mortals who love them.

Buy on Hardcover | Buy on Paperback | Buy on Kindle

Goodreads rating: 4.26/5 stars

About the book: “Somewhere Beyond the Sea” by T.J. Klune is a heartwarming and emotional novel about two men, Jace and Sam, who find each other in the wake of grief and loss. Set against the backdrop of a coastal town, their budding relationship is tested by their individual pasts and the challenges of opening up to love again. With Klune’s signature blend of humor, tenderness and depth, the story explores healing, hope and the transformative power of love in unexpected places.

“In the sequel to 2020’s much-admired ‘The House in the Cerulean Sea,’ author T.J. Klune returns to the mysterious orphanage on Marsyas Island and its menagerie of magical children and creatures,” Goodreads noted. “Klune’s queer-friendly themes of unconditional love and found family have attracted a loyal readership. (He also won last year’s Science Fiction GCA for ‘In the Lives of Puppets‘).”

Buy on Hardcover | Buy on Paperback | Buy on Kindle

Goodreads rating: 3.61/5 stars

About the book: “The Ministry of Time” by Kaliane Bradley is a gripping sci-fi novel that follows a secret organization tasked with protecting the fabric of time itself. The story centers on a team of time agents who must prevent temporal disruptions caused by those trying to alter history for personal gain. As they navigate dangerous missions through different periods in history, the agents must also confront their own personal conflicts and the ethical dilemmas of interfering with the past.

“If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to fall in love with a 19th-century polar explorer, author Kaliane Bradley has the book for you.” Goodreads shared. “‘The Ministry of Time’ is a delightfully playful twist on the time-travel romance, with elements of workplace comedy, roommate drama, espionage and temporal physics. Stay tuned: It’s also Bradley’s debut novel.”

Buy on Hardcover | Buy on Paperback | Buy on Kindle

Goodreads rating: 4.26/5 stars

About the book: “You Like It Darker” by Stephen King is a collection of short stories that delves into the eerie and unsettling, showcasing King’s mastery of suspense and psychological horror. The stories explore a range of dark themes, from supernatural terror to the quiet horrors lurking within everyday life, often leaving readers with lingering questions and a sense of unease. With his signature blend of supernatural elements and human psychology, King crafts narratives that are both chilling and thought-provoking, highlighting his ability to tap into the darkest corners of the human experience.

“Maine’s resident gentleman maniac returns with a short story collection on the abiding terrors of the human condition — fate and mortality, tragedy and violence,” Goodreads noted. “Also: rattlesnakes. King is the king of the horror novel, of course, but he’s a master of short fiction, too, and many are calling this collection his finest yet. This makes his 11th win across Horror, Mystery & Thriller, Fantasy, and Science Fiction.”

Buy on Hardcover | Buy on Paperback | Buy on Kindle

Goodreads rating: 3.68/5 stars

About the book: “How to End a Love Story” by Yulin Kuang follows the journey of a young woman, Maggie, who is navigating the complexities of a breakup and the aftermath of a relationship that no longer serves her. As Maggie tries to move on, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, facing her fears, insecurities and the challenge of redefining her life outside of the romance she once had. With a blend of humor, emotion, and insight, the novel explores themes of personal growth, healing and the bittersweet process of letting go.

“Yulin Kuang’s romance debut features two writers with a tragic past who reunite on the TV adaptation of a famous book series,” Goodreads explained. “Kuang’s story gets complicated — like life itself — but she navigates the tricky terrain with emotional intelligence and an interesting dual-POV approach. Fun crossover trivia: Kuang is the writer-director of the upcoming film adaptation of ‘Beach Read,’ by this year’s Romance and Audiobook categories winner, Emily Henry.”

Buy on Paperback | Buy on Kindle

Goodreads rating: 4.02/5 stars

About the book: “Ruthless Vows” by Rebecca Ross is a dark and captivating fantasy novel set in a world of political intrigue, forbidden magic and power struggles. The story follows a young woman named Liora, who is forced into a dangerous marriage to secure her family’s future, only to find herself entangled in a web of secrets, betrayals, and the harsh realities of the court. As Liora navigates the complex dynamics of love, loyalty, and survival, she must confront her own inner strength and make impossible choices to protect those she cares about.

“A second win for Rebecca Ross! The sequel to last year’s winner in this category, ‘Ruthless Vows’ concludes her unique story about the horrors of war, the power of love and the benefit of regular correspondence,” Goodreads noted. “With a little magic shimmering around the edges, Ross does interesting new things by crossing the enemies-to-lovers romance template with a steampunk-adjacent setting and heavier themes.”

Buy on Hardcover | Buy on Paperback | Buy on Kindle

Goodreads rating: 4.48/5 stars

About the book: “Heartstopper: Volume Five” by Alice Oseman continues the tender and heartfelt journey of Charlie and Nick as they navigate the complexities of their relationship and personal growth. As they face new challenges, including dealing with family dynamics, mental health struggles and the pressures of adulthood, their bond deepens, offering moments of joy, vulnerability and mutual support. With Oseman’s signature warmth and honesty, this volume explores themes of love, identity and the importance of being true to oneself, making it a powerful and emotional addition to the “Heartstopper” series.

“Alice Oseman’s ‘Heartstopper’ ‘series has evolved into a multimedia storytelling institution, with the Netflix adaptation bringing a new generation of fans to the original graphic novel series,” Goodreads noted. “‘Volume Five’ continues the boy-meets-boy saga of Nick and Charlie, an empathetic coming-of-age story that dares to explore the eternal question of How Love Works.”

Buy on Hardcover | Buy on Paperback

Goodreads rating: 4.42/5 stars

About the book: “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness” by Jonathan Haidt examines the rise in mental health issues among today’s youth, arguing that the widespread use of social media and digital technology has dramatically reshaped childhood experiences. Haidt explores how constant online connectivity, coupled with societal changes, has led to increased anxiety, depression and a sense of disconnection in adolescents. The book delves into the long-term consequences of these shifts, offering insights into how modern childhood is contributing to a mental health crisis and suggesting ways to mitigate the damage and rebuild healthier social environments.

“In what may be the year’s most discussed book, Jonathan Haidt provides a rigorously researched assessment of adolescent mental health in the 21st century,” Goodreads explained. “The depressing diagnosis: The arrival of the ‘phone-based childhood’ is essentially rewiring the very experience of growing up. The good news: Haidt has some specific suggestions for parents, schools, tech companies and governments.”

Buy on Hardcover | Buy on Paperback | Buy on Kindle

Goodreads rating: 4.42/5 stars

About the book: “The Third Gilmore Girl: A Memoir” by Kelly Bishop offers a behind-the-scenes look at the actress’s career, with a special focus on her iconic role as Emily Gilmore on “Gilmore Girls.” In the memoir, Bishop reflects on her life in theater, television and film, sharing anecdotes from her experiences in the entertainment industry and her deep connection to her Gilmore Girls character. With humor, warmth and insight, Bishop provides fans a personal glimpse into her journey, her thoughts on the show’s impact and the lasting bond she shares with her cast-mates.

“Versatile actress Kelly Bishop authored the year’s most surprisingly resonant memoir, a candid reflection on a remarkable life in Hollywood, on Broadway and various points in between,” Goodreads shared. “A natural-born storyteller, Bishop dishes on her time as family matriarch in the early-2000s TV touchstone The Gilmore Girls. But she’s got some incredible off-screen stories, too, told with style and humor and hard-won wisdom.”

Buy on Hardcover | Buy on Kindle

Goodreads rating: 4.06/5 stars

About the book: “The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore” by Evan Friss explores the evolution of bookstores in the United States, tracing their origins from early colonial bookshops to the large chain retailers of the 20th century. Friss examines how bookstores have shaped American culture, commerce and literacy, reflecting broader societal trends and economic shifts. The book also delves into the challenges faced by independent bookstores in an increasingly digital world, highlighting their ongoing significance as cultural hubs and community spaces.

“Author Evan Friss’ loving chronicle of the American bookstore digs deep into history to illuminate the soft power of these irreplaceable literary institutions,” Goodreads highlighted. “He makes a persuasive case that bookstores nurture and create local communities, each of which branches out into our culture, discourse and public policy. Also, cats love bookstores — and they’re always right about everything.”

Buy on Hardcover | Buy on Kindle

For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.