Our staff were busy reading in 2024! We’ve rounded up our favourite fiction and non-fiction titles of 2024: stories that made us laugh, cry, and everything in between.
Dive into our top recommendations and start your 2025 reading list off right.
Barbara's Pick: The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
Staff Member, Collections
“I enjoyed The God in the Woods because it was full of mystery. It is about a missing teenager at a camp. The story jumps between timelines from the past to the present weaving the tale of a past tragedy within the same family. There are various interesting characters within the story, and I wanted to keep reading to find out what really happened.”
Chris' Pick: The Book of Elsewhere by Keanu Reeves and China Miéville
Staff Member, Information Technology
“The collaboration of China Mieville and Keanu Reeves was what initially caught my attention. On the surface, the story has a strong action element. But what stayed with me was the portrayal of what it might be like to be immortal – both fantastical and mundane.”
Hannah's Pick: We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
Staff Member, Public Service
“Richard Osman once again has created a phenomenal cast of quirky characters that are taken on a non-stop, around the world adventure to solve a slew of mysteries. There are so many layers that it will keep you guessing the whole time, while also enjoying a laugh or two along the way.”
TJ's Pick: Disappointing Affirmations by Dave Tarnowski
Staff Member, Public Service
“I personally feel that this book is an honest funny take on mental health. Through dark humour and real talk, it instantly makes you feel less alone in the tough stuff. It’s a quick read that reminds you even hard truths can make you laugh.”
Amanda's Pick: Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell
Staff Member, Public Service
“Rainbow Rowell has never let me down. Slow Dance was a second-chance romance with lots of heart. I would definitely say this was my favourite read of 2024! It stuck with me long after the last page.”
Alison's Pick: The House of Hidden Meanings by RuPaul
Staff Member, Public Service
“Drag Queen and television host RuPaul Charles is an intriguing human being. In his deeply personal memoir, RuPaul explains how he busted his hump to move beyond growing up poor, black and queer in a broken home and onward to embrace self-acceptance and discover his calling in the world of performance. It’s no wonder he is a legendary icon today.”
Carol's Pick: The Women by Kristin Hannah
Staff Member, Public Service
“The Women is a powerful story about the American women who served (mostly as nurses) during the Vietnam War, the trauma they experienced, and the lack of acknowledgment, respect, and help when they returned stateside after their tours. But it is so much more – it is a story of deep friendships forged and a young woman’s coming of age and growth. This story is one that moved and captivated me and serves as a poignant tribute to the unrecognized heroines of a painful time in America’s not-so-distant past. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction."
For all our staff’s favourites, check out the book lists below: