10 types of books to help reach your reading resolutions in 2024
So instead of guilt-tripping yourself, remember that reading isn't a race; it's a journey. Embrace the slow reader in you, the one who savours each sentence in a sunlit corner. This year, forget the pressure to perform and rediscover the pure joy of getting lost in a story.
To help you find your way back to reading, our expert librarians have brought together ten types of books, complete with the top titles for a head start:
1. Short and sweet
Long, hefty novels can be daunting even to the most dedicated readers. Grant yourself easy gratification with quick reads that your mind can glide through. There are plenty of short books and novellas that will quickly grip your attention and leave you feeling accomplished.
Top picks
• The last one by Fatima Daas, 2021
This short but impactful novella follows the introspective journey of a young Algerian woman in France. Torn between the traditional expectations of her family and her own burgeoning desires for independence, Nadia embarks on a personal exploration of self-discovery.
• The beaver theory by Antti Tuomainen, 2023
Amidst family chaos and a rival park's shady tactics, an insurance mathematician turned adventure park owner must solve a murder and save his business in this hilarious and thrilling trilogy finale.
• The housekeeper and the professor by Yoko Ogawa, 2009
A mathematician with 80-minute memory loss and a young housekeeper forge an unlikely bond through math puzzles, where numbers reveal an emotional connection deeper than memories.
2. Popular for a reason
If everyone’s talking about it, maybe they’re onto something! Many of us like to feel special by staying off the bandwagon. But could your next favourite be hidden in plain sight? The top trending books could be an open gateway to something you’re bound to enjoy. Give yourself permission to follow the path most travelled and find out why the latest best-borrowed books are so loved.
Top picks
• Fourth wing by Rebecca Yarros, 2023
Thrown into a ruthless dragon rider training program, Violet, underestimated for her size, must outsmart rivals and bond with a powerful dragon to survive war, secrets, and the wrath of her own mother in this instant bestseller.
• Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, 2022
Childhood friends Sam and Sadie reunite, igniting a decades-long creative partnership of video game design, navigating fame, loss, and the complexities of love and friendship.
• The seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, 2017
A reclusive Hollywood icon unveils her scandalous past and forbidden love to a struggling journalist, forging a connection that resonates with the present in unexpected ways.
3. Niche and nuanced
And now for something completely different. If you’re determined to experience a tale like no other, maybe it is time to venture off track. Here are some tried-and-true titles that guide you through intoxicatingly unique lives and locations.
Top picks
• Bunny by Mona Awad, 2019
Driven by an outsider's curiosity and drawn into a clique of eerily perfect girls, Samantha enters a world of dark secrets, sinister rituals, and chillingly twisted friendships in this darkly funny and unsettling novel.
• The Lincoln highway by Amor Towles, 2021
Four runaways, one roadtrip. Seeking a fresh start in California, Emmett and his brother Billy's post-prison plans are derailed by two cunning escapees. Together, they embark on a cross-country road trip in the opposite direction, navigating unexpected challenges and chasing their own dreams in this captivating coming-of-age adventure.
• String theory by David Foster Wallace, 2016
Tennis aficionado David Foster Wallace dissects the sport, its stars, and its deeper meanings in his acclaimed essays, offering a literary love letter to the game.
4. Unstoppably exciting thrillers
One way to guarantee you’ll get through a whole book is to jump on a thrill ride. Be brave and strap in, because thrillers offer a literary adrenaline rush that sends you hurtling headfirst into heart-pounding suspense. Set aside some time for these reads – you won’t want to put them down!
Top picks
• My sister the serial killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite, 2019
Stuck between love for her sister and fear for her coworker, Nurse Korede navigates dark family secrets as her serial killer sibling targets a new victim, forcing a life-altering decision.
• Exiles by Jane Harper, 2022
Federal investigator Aaron Falk delves into the disappearance of a young mother from a wine festival, exposing long-held secrets and fractures within a seemingly close-knit community.
• Going zero by Anthony McCarten, 2023
Secrets and motives collide as ten people vanish off-grid to escape a cutting-edge tracking system, playing a deadly game with a $3 million prize and a $90 billion contract at stake.
5. Spook yourself back into reading
Hey, it works for hiccups, right? Give yourself a fright you can’t look away from. Scary stories can truly take your mind away from your reality and you’ll find yourself racing through the pages. But don’t stress if you’re new to horror – here are our top picks to ease you into spooky reads without leaving too much of a scar.
Top picks
• Come closer by Sara Gran, 2003
Haunted by strange dreams, disturbing voices and impulsive actions, a successful architect navigates a descent into chaos, suspecting demonic possession as she fights to reclaim control of her life before it's too late.
• The wild coast by Lin Anderson, 2023
Forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod investigates chilling campsite murders in Scotland's remote northwest, facing a personal crisis as she uncovers a killer targeting lone campers and grapples with disturbing rumours about a trusted colleague.
• Red Queen by Juan Gómez-Jurado, 2023
Reclusive Antonia Scott, known for solving crimes from her attic, faces a new challenge when a visitor disrupts her solitude, potentially bringing danger and forcing her back into the world she left behind.
6. Hey, have you met Romance?
Let’s introduce you to your next fictional crush. Romance novels come in countless flavours, from steamy contemporary to cosy historical to adventurous sci-fi. These passionate journeys will remind you why you fell in love with reading in the first place. So, open your heart, let the characters whisper their secrets in your ear, and rediscover the pure joy of falling for a fictional flame.
Top picks
• The love hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood, 2021
A cynical scientist finds her fake relationship with a charming professor dangerously blurring the lines between experiment and reality.
• A court of thorns and roses by Sarah J. Maas, 2015
A fierce huntress's defiance sparks a simmering romance with a powerful faerie lord, but their bond faces perilous trials as they fight to unravel an ancient curse and rewrite the fate of their intertwined realms.
• Best men by Sidney Karger, 2023
Sparks fly between the bride's best friend and the groom's brother as they clash over wedding planning, leading them to discover a love that's anything but best man material.
7. New year, new knowledge
Non-fiction reads can take the pressure off finishing a book from beginning to end. Try looking at the contents list and start wherever piques your interest. There’s a world of knowledge out there, and you can make endless discoveries for free at your local library.
Top picks
• The habit revolution: simple steps to rewire your brain for powerful habit change by Gina Cleo, 2024
Ditch the willpower struggle and unlock the science of habit change with groundbreaking techniques from a renowned researcher, finally breaking free from unwanted patterns and achieving your dream lifestyle.
• Astrophysics for young people in a hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson, 2019
Unveil the mysteries of the cosmos with this humorous and accessible guide to astrophysics, exploring fundamental rules, mind-bending questions and the wonders of science.
• Wawata moon dreaming: daily wisdom guided by Hina, the Māori moon by Dr Hinemoa Elder, 2022
Through 30 ancient wisdoms tied to the Māori moon goddess Hina, "Wawata Moon Dreaming" explores personal growth, modern healing, and reconnecting with ourselves, others and nature.
8. Hobbies and skill-builders
Enjoy the instant gratification of reading books that help nurture a passion, master a new craft, or even transform your home. It's the perfect blend of learning, entertainment and a sense of accomplishment – a powerful motivator to rekindle your love for reading and conquer those New Year's resolutions with renewed enthusiasm.
Top picks
• Slow AF Run Club by Martinus Evans, 2023
From couch to marathon, embrace your body and find running joy with practical advice and humour, even if you come in dead last.
• Treasure bookmaking: crafting handmade sustainable journals by Natasa Marinkovic, 2023
Upcycle household items into beautiful and personalised journals using this guide, filled with step-by-step projects, creative prompts and materials lists that ditch expensive tools for everyday objects like cereal boxes and buttons.
• A jungle in your living room: a guide to creating your own houseplant collection by Michael Holland, 2023
Budding plant parents, sprout your skills with this guide to growing happy, healthy houseplants! Learn tips, tricks, and even propagation secrets for a thriving indoor jungle full of beauty and benefits.
9. Re-read an old favourite
Remember when you used to spend hours galivanting in imaginary lands? Throw it back to the old days and let nostalgia kick-start your reading habit. Think back to a story that stuck with you and give those special characters a visit after all this time. Sometimes, you just need to take the gentle hand of familiarity to find yourself immersed in stories.
Top picks
• The whale rider by Witi Ihimaera, 1987
Denied her birthright as the sole heir, Kahu defies tradition and seeks the ancient whale rider's guidance to become the first female chief and lead her tribe to a brighter future.
• The outsiders by S. E. Hinton, 1967
Ponyboy can count on his brothers. And on his friends. But not on much else besides trouble with the Socs, a vicious gang of rich kids whose idea of a good time is beating up on “greasers” like Ponyboy. At least he knows what to expect--until the night someone takes things too far.
• The lion, the witch and the wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, 1950
Join the Pevensie children as they discover a magical wardrobe leading to Narnia, a land where animals can talk, trees can listen and a cruel witch has cast a never-ending winter. This is the second book in 'The chronicles of Narnia' - you can also jump into the prequel 'The magician's nephew' to discover how this enchanted land came to be.
10. Change the format
Struggling to concentrate on a book? Let someone else read it to you! Many books in every genre are now available as eAudiobooks. Find a quiet moment to listen to expert storytellers while your eyes get to rest. It’s good for your mind and body – take a break from scrolling-induced eyestrain by listening to eAudiobooks.
Top picks
• Over the top by Jonathan Van Ness, 2019
A raw and honest account of his journey from a misunderstood child in a small town to the self-loving and flamboyant star of Queer Eye, revealing the pain and passion behind his radiant personality.
• Dracula by Bram Stoker, 1897
A timeless gothic horror masterpiece that transcends generations with its chilling story of Count Dracula, a bloodthirsty immortal terrorising the innocent, reflecting both the darkness of its era and the enduring human struggle with temptation.
• Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum, 2023
Burned out by her corporate life, Yeongju opens a bookshop in Seoul, where she and her customers find solace, connection and the healing power of books.
Remember, no matter who you are or what you’re interested in, there are no rules on what you read. Devour a chapter before bed or just skim a few pages if that's all your February brain can handle. Every page turned is a victory. Give yourself permission to try a new genre and let books be your passport to a happier, healthier you, one page at a time.
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