Book List

Best Book Club Fiction of 2024

FICTION

ENTITLEMENT

by Rumaan Alam

Cements Alam’s status as a talented truth-teller willing to tackle tough issues with grace, generosity, and sensitivity. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

BEAUTYLAND

by Marie-Helene Bertino

A heartbreaking book that staggers with both truth and beauty. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

SISTER SNAKE

by Amanda Lee Koe

Slithers gleefully around hot-button issues such as gender politics and racism without a whiff of didacticism. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

HELD

by Anne Michaels

A gorgeous meditation on whether the ghost in the machine is actually in our hearts. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

THE ROAD TO THE COUNTRY

by Chigozie Obioma

A top-tier war novel, inventive and cleareyed about the consequences of violence. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

THE RICH PEOPLE HAVE GONE AWAY

by Regina Porter

This restless, intentionally unsettling novel establishes Porter as a distinctive, confident literary voice. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

PLAYGROUND

by Richard Powers

An engaging, eloquent message for this fragile planet. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

LEAVING

by Roxana Robinson

Elegantly structured and written, shimmering with feeling and truth. A triumph. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

THE CLIFFS

by J. Courtney Sullivan

Sullivan artfully and astutely engages with difficult topics in this absorbing, affecting novel. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

RAINBOW BLACK

by Maggie Thrash

Thrash turns trauma, injustice, and hideous bad fortune into a story about resilience, reinvention, and love. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

LONG ISLAND

by Colm Tóibín

A moving portrait of rueful middle age and the failure to connect. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

BLUE RUIN

by Hari Kunzru

A dark, smart, provocative tale of the perils of art making. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

More Book Lists

The Magazine: Kirkus Reviews

Featuring 277 industry-first reviews of fiction, nonfiction, children’s, and YA books; also in this issue: the 200 best children’s and 100 best nonfiction books of 2024, Holiday Gift Guide, author interviews, and much more

subscribe
  • kirkus star
  • The Kirkus Star

    One of the most coveted designations in the book industry, the Kirkus Star marks books of exceptional merit.

  • kirkus prize
  • The Kirkus Prize

    The Kirkus Prize is among the richest literary awards in America, awarding $50,000 in three categories annually.

Great Books & News Curated For You

Be the first to read books news and see reviews, news and features in Kirkus Reviews. Get awesome content delivered to your inbox every week.

Thank you!

Close Quickview