We love a good book and looking back on the past year, we definitely had some favorites. From life-changing non-fiction to captivating novels, these are our top 10 reads of 2024.

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1. Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara

If you’ve ever worked in a service industry or just enjoy being wowed by exceptional customer experiences, this book is a must-read. Eleven Madison Park was once hailed the best restaurant in the world and former co-owner Will Guidara shares his secrets on how going the extra mile creates unforgettable moments—and how you can apply the same ideas in your own life or career. A perfect blend of storytelling and inspiration, we loved this read.

2. Atomic Habits by James Clear

A modern classic in the self-help space, Atomic Habits is all about how small changes can lead to massive improvements. James Clear breaks down the science of habit formation into actionable steps, making this an empowering read for anyone looking to improve their life one small habit at a time. We have our own guide on how to hack your habits, and many of the lessons came from this book.

3. Beautifully Organized by Nikki Boyd

Less of a novel and more of a visual reference, this book reads like a physical Instagram feed. Beautifully Organized is a dream for anyone looking to declutter and elevate their living spaces. Nikki Boyd’s tips are practical yet inspiring, and the photography alone is enough to spark a major home refresh. Perfect for those who love a mix of organization and design.

4. Self-Awareness by the Harvard Business Review

We’ve recommended the Emotional Intelligence series from the Harvard Business Review many times. These books are super short but packed with insights. Self-Awareness is a thought-provoking dive into how understanding yourself can unlock your best life. If you’re curious about any of our other top picks in this series, you can check them out here.

5. Funny Story by Emily Henry

From #1 New York Times bestselling author, this quirky romance novel strikes a perfect balance between humor and heart. Imagine having to live with your ex-fiance’s new girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend. With its endearing characters and laugh-out-loud moments, Funny Story is a refreshing read that offers more depth than its title suggests. Ideal for when you need a mood boost with a side of introspection.

📣 Funny Story is the Goodreads Choice Awards winner for Best Romance and Best Audiobook. If you’ve been thinking about trying an Audible subscription, we highly recommend getting a free trial (or taking advantage of any current offers) to listen to this book. You can always cancel anytime, no penalty!

6. Stealing the Corner Office by Brendan Reid

A fascinating and unconventional career guide, Stealing the Corner Office reveals tactics for navigating corporate politics and accelerating your professional growth. It’s full of insights that are as bold as they are practical—perfect for ambitious professionals looking to climb the ladder. We’ve read tons of business books and we found this one to be the most practical and applicable.

7. 1984 by George Orwell

This dystopian classic needs no introduction. Orwell’s chilling vision of a totalitarian future remains just as relevant today, offering timeless commentary on surveillance, propaganda, and freedom. A must-read for anyone who loves literature that makes you reflect and tackle deep considerations.

8. Recursion by Blake Crouch

A mind-bending sci-fi thriller, Recursion explores memory, identity, and time travel in a way that’s both gripping and deeply emotional. Admittedly, we’re not huge fans of time travel stories, but Blake Crouch masterfully weaves complex science with compelling storytelling. Recursion is one of the most unforgettable books we’ve read this year.

9. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

V.E. Schwab’s enchanting novel tells the story of a woman cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. Spanning centuries and continents, this tale of love, identity, and the struggle to leave a mark on the world is both haunting and beautiful. This book reads like a slightly-dystopian fairytale.

10. Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen

Timeless and endlessly charming, Jane Austen’s classic remains one of our all-time favorites. With its sharp wit, unforgettable characters, and swoon-worthy romance, Pride & Prejudice is a perennial delight that’s just as enjoyable on the tenth read as the first. If you haven’t yet read this classic, take this is as your sign that it’s time.

These books made a big impact on us in 2024, and we’re confident they’ll resonate with you too. If you’re like us and you travel often, or you just don’t have the space or time to purchase physical books, consider an Audible subscription or a Kindle. We were resistant to move away from the charm of physical books and we definitely still often read them, but we find that the true magic is in the stories.

Happy reading!