A collage of The Verge's favorite book covers for 2024

The Verge’s Favorite Reads of 2024: Must-Read Books This Holiday Season

Discovering Essential Reads for 2024: A Staff Picks Collection

As we step into 2024, many are looking for engaging reads to lift their spirits or spark their intellect. In this article, we explore the favorite picks of The Verge's staff, covering a wide range of genres from fiction to memoirs, engineering insights to body image exploration.

Barbara Krasnoff: Transformative Retellings

Barbara’s top choices include James, an insightful retelling of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, offering the perspective of Jim, Huck’s companion. Another notable mention is The Bright Sword, a creatively reimagined tale of King Arthur through the eyes of an overlooked young man aspiring to be a knight. Both novels offer fresh insights into well-explored stories.

Kara Verlaney: The Memoir of a Culinary Icon

Kara recommends Ina Garten’s memoir, which dives into the unexpected life of the beloved Barefoot Contessa host. This captivating exploration traverses her unique journey, filled with humor and relatability, reminding readers that behind every public figure lies a human story.

Andrew Liszewski: Engineering Marvels

In The Things We Make, Bill Hammack explores the engineering masterpieces behind everyday objects and ancient wonders, making it a must-read for enthusiasts of technology and history alike. Hammack’s ability to articulate complex engineering narratives engages and educates a varied audience.

Kristen Radtke: Linked Stories that Resonate

The collection of linked stories by Tulathimutte, highlighted by Kristen, masterfully combines humor with emotional depth, creating a reading experience that lingers long after the last page.

Allison Johnson: The Depth of Tragedy

Allison’s choice, Midnight in Chernobyl, presents an in-depth report on the infamous nuclear disaster, providing poignant insights into the human impact of technological failures. For something lighter, she also appreciates St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised by Wolves, a collection of surreal short stories that capture the complexities of adolescence.

Victoria Song: Exploring Perspectives

Victoria highlights thought-provoking narratives such as Notes on an Execution and The Travelling Cat Chronicles, which compel readers to reflect on choices and their ripple effects on relationships and society.

Kate Cox: A Foundational Classic

Delighted by The Steerswoman series, Kate recommends it for its engaging storytelling and its focus on female empowerment and knowledge sharing in a preindustrial world.

Mia Sato: Fashion’s Hidden Truth

Sofi Thanhauser’s exploration of the fashion industry’s history examines the labor and stories behind textiles, pushing readers to reconsider their understanding of fashion’s impact.

Cath Virginia: Body Image and Self-Discovery

Cath discusses Jessi Kneeland’s transformative insights on body image and how our struggles often reflect deeper personal conflicts, providing tools for readers seeking empowerment.

Enhance Your Literary Journey Today

Whether diving into retellings of classic tales or exploring personal growth through memoirs, these curated selections promise enriching experiences for every reader. As you embark on your 2024 reading journey, consider adding these titles to your list.

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