All the Books I Read in 2024, My 5-Star Ratings, & Favorite Book of the Year
've always had a deep love for reading and have devoured countless books over the years. I was that girl who would be engrossed in a book on the bus to school or sneakily reading during homeroom. However, my reading pace hasn't always been consistent. Life can get busy, and unfortunately, reading sometimes takes a backseat. Moreover, until recently, I didn't have a reliable system to track the books I read, wanted to read, and my ratings for them. But in 2024, it turned out to be a remarkable year for my reading journey. While it may not be an astronomical number of books read compared to some avid readers, considering I had a newborn baby in January, I'm incredibly proud of myself for reading 26 books last year. Reading became my solace, helping me unwind, lulling me to sleep, and providing entertainment during those moments when I was nursing Kelly Rae or trapped during naptime.
As we step into the new year, I wanted to give you a brief rundown of all 26 books I devoured in 2024, along with my ratings. Throughout my reading life, I've explored various genres, but in the past year, I found myself gravitating towards romance and thrillers. I have to admit, I prefer books that help me unwind, so I tend to avoid anything overly complex, sad, or disturbing. I often joke that my favorite books are the ones where a boy and girl fall in love and remain in love throughout the entire story. In other words, predictability is my comfort.
If you're on the lookout for light-hearted books to add to your 2025 reading list, look no further than the curated selection below. I've included my ratings as well. I tend to be generous with my ratings, reserving 5 stars for books I wholeheartedly recommend to friends—books that I believe are worth their time. A 4-star rating means I enjoyed the book but felt it could have had a better ending or a bit more substance. Anything below 3 stars indicates a book I wouldn't recommend and often struggled to finish.
Here's my complete list, complete with links for purchasing the books. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission when you make a purchase through one of my links, which means the world to me. I would also appreciate it if you followed me on Goodreads (McKenzie Monday), so I can see your reviews of my recommended books below and gather ideas for my own ever-growing TBR (To Be Read) list.
Favorite Book of the Year (and obviously, 5 Stars):
"The Teacher" by Fredia McFadden
Fredia rarely disappoints, and this new thriller was no exception. The book had me on the edge of my seat, and the ending literally shocked me (I had to reread it several times!). I immediately urged my mom and husband to read it so we could discuss it together. Any book that lingers in my thoughts long after I've finished it deserves a high rating, and this year, "The Teacher" takes the crown as my favorite of the year.
Other 5-Star Gems:
4-Star Highlights:
3-Star Mentions:
2-Star Mention:
1-Star Mention
I've set a goal for myself to read 25 more books in 2025. Until then, happy reading! Xxx, McKenzie