Dear readers, we’ve done it again. Us Weekly took yes TikTok and read (almost) everything that was recommended in 2024.
After tirelessly scouring the pages of various fictional novels, a few stood out as the best of the year. Romance had its moment, thanks to the continued fixation on Sarah J. Maas and her novels, but those weren’t the only stories they had us giving five stars to our Goodreads profiles. (Although Fourth wing is definitely on this list.)
Some notable names in the publishing world – such as Emily Henry and Sally Rooney — released books that they kept us wants more. From debut novels to continuing book universes, there were so many pages to be swept this year.
Keep scrolling to see Us WeeklyOur pick of 11 of BookTok’s best recommendations of 2024:
A Funny Story by Emily Henry
Henry releases books like nobody’s business. The author released Funny story last April and has already announced that a new novel is forthcoming. As readers await the latest installment in Henry’s sprawling book universe, Miles and Daphne are still the names on everyone’s lips.
Berkley Books (4) Emily Henry has officially taken over the romance comic book world—and she’s about to bring some of her stories to life on screen. Henry, along with Lyrical Media and Ryder Picture Company, announced in July 2024 that her novel Funny Story, which was released three months earlier, would be turned into (…)
“I feel like Funny story is my most traditional rom-com in many ways,” Henry said us extremely. “I think it’s kind of a scam Book lovers in this way and Beach Read to some extent.”
“Intermezzo” by Sally Rooney
Once again, Rooney knew exactly how to tug at the heartstrings. Journey through grief, Interlude tells the story of two brothers after the loss of their father.
Although BookTok was split on how this book stacks up against Rooney’s other releases—including Normal people — most social media users came to the same conclusion: it’s a masterpiece.
The Familiar by Lee Bardugo
History, romance and fantasy? Sign us up. Set in Spain’s Golden Age, this magic-focused story leaves nothing to be desired as protagonist Luzia is launched into a world she never imagined.
One TikTok user praised Bardugo for the novel’s “rewarding” ending — a huge compliment.
“Just for the Summer” by Abby Jimenez
Jimenez has found the perfect formula for a love story in the past and Only for the summer it was no different. Justin’s curse is that every woman he dates finds a husband as soon as they break up. Emma thinks she suffers the same fate. Thanks to a Reddit thread, the two meet and their love begins to blossom.
BookTok couldn’t get enough of this read, with one user thinking, “Oh my gosh… this might just change my life,” after reading an excerpt from the novel.
The Women by Christine Hanna
War is hard. Finding lasting love, finding your purpose, and grieving the loss of your brother is even harder. Frankie McGrath makes the brave decision to become a nurse in the Vietnam War, which leads to lifelong friendships, a brutal heartbreak, and a completely changed woman.
What does BookTok say? This novel made most readers cry.
The Bride by Ali Hazelwood
us we couldn’t help but get absorbed in this romantic novel about the vampire bride and the alpha werewolf. Misery Lark is forced to live with the Weres – and it’s safe to say Low Morland doesn’t trust her, which makes for a fascinating novel.
“I can’t get this book off my mind!!!” declared one TikTok user. And what could be better than the main characters who stay in your head without rent?
The Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yaros
It’s a slow-burning romance amidst a secret rebellion, but there are dragons involved. Talk about steam. Violet Sorengale is preparing for her first year at Basgiat Military College, but she had no idea what she was getting herself into when she joined the Rider Quadrant.
TikTok can’t stop talking about it. Videos showing the mysterious Xaden have been circulating for months.
“The Wedding People” by Alison Espach
The wedding people was an instant hit, full of female friendships and chance encounters. When Phoebe Stone heads to the Cornwall Inn, she doesn’t realize she’ll be the only wedding guest not there. In fact, her reason for being there couldn’t be more different. Much to her surprise, however, she makes some valuable connections during her stay.
Some TikTok users called it a “five-star read,” with one person saying she “never wanted” the book to end.
“The Butcher and the Blackbird” by Bryn Weaver
This first book in Weaver’s The Destructive Love Trilogy starts off strong, introducing readers to rival assassins Sloane and Rowan, who meet unexpectedly. The two are forced to lean on each other as they face some pretty tense circumstances.
“Little Fires Everywhere,” “Big Little Lies” and “You” are among the best-selling books that have made it to the small screen in the form of television adaptations. Reese Witherspoon has been at the center of many of the most successful TV shows based on books, thanks to her passion for bringing fresh stories to new (…)
The TikTok girls can’t get enough of Rowan giving us a new fictional male love interest to hyper-fixate on.
“The Seven Year Slip” by Ashley Poston
Media and PR readers, this is for you. An overworked publicist falls in love with her temporary roommate, but he lives seven years in the past. With this revelation, all of Clementine’s perfectly laid plans go right out the window.
“The seven-year gap it was cute as hell,” shared a BookTok user. “It was like putting a warm blanket over your body.”
Roommates by Emma Copley Eisenberg
Bernie and Leah meet as roommates, but their relationship quickly blossoms into something deeper as they bond over their mutual love of art. A trip to Bernie’s hometown suddenly makes them reach a new level of friendship.
Named one of the “Hot Books for Girls” in 2024. by one TikTok user, it’s going to be hard to give this one up.
