Ten Books (you probably haven't read before) We Recommend From 2024

Between the two of us, Elli and I read 141 books last year. We've read some classics—like the Lord of the Rings Trilogy—that of course we would recommend. But rather than listing a bunch of books you already know about, how about a list of books that are more obscure? Or maybe books that you've heard about but never got around to reading. Or maybe you know all of these back to front, in which case, sorry for wasting your valuable time that could have been spent reading weird books.

FICTION:

Nate and Elli both read this book over the summer. Featuring the fantasy world of "The House," filled with statues and overrun by the ocean, all from the point of view of an unreliable narrator. Recommended less for its plot, this book has a strong donegality to it, or, if you will, it "vibes super hard."

Excellent first-person narrative. A classic western with great characters. If you liked the movie, you'll enjoy this short, easy read.

Yikes, Stephen King. Nate read this over the summer after it was recommended to him. While there's one scene that's off-color (this is Stephen we're talking about, after all), the story is tight and gripping, filled with villains and heroes, honorable and dishonorable men. High fantasy.

Well-written, standalone middle grade fantasy novel. Elli read several middle grade fantasy novels for her thesis research, and this is one of the few that she actually enjoyed and would read again.

Set in mid-World War II, this story is told from the point of view of a young girl. Like To Kill a Mockingbird, it deals with some heavier themes. It is compelling story about the power of deceitful versus truthful testimony. Bonus: features parents who are both respected and wise.

This is historical fiction about the life of Diego Velázquez's slave, Juan de Pareja. It would probably be cancelled if it was published today, if it was published at all, since the relationship between Velázquez and Pareja is respectful and cordial. Nate enjoyed the first-person narrative and the incorporation of Velázquez's actual paintings in the story.

The most cheerful book Steinbeck has written: only a few deaths. Set in Monterey, CA, this story meanders in all the best ways. The characters are vibrant and believable, the vignettes are charming and original, and overall, this one also "vibes super hard."

NONFICTION:

As someone who hadn't read many comics beyond Tintin or Asterix and Obelix, this is a really accessible and fascinating guide to this unique medium. It offers a brief history of comics as well as a rubric for what makes them tick. If "a brief history" sounds boring or long, this book is written in comic form rather than dense prose.

Nate read this book at the end of the summer and was struck by the central thesis: a warning against thinking too small. Ambition gets a bad rap in the Christian world, and you can find many examples of ambitious people going awry. But what does godly ambition look like? Can you set high goals, work towards big things, and not be tempted to pride and motivated by self-interest? Yes, says Harvey.

Tom Wolfe is at his best when he's making fun of the pretentious elite, and he is in fine form in this book. The Painted Word is for anyone who looks around at the modern art scene and wonders, "How the heck did we get here?"