The quest for engaging and noteworthy books is a constant pursuit for many readers. While various media outlets and prestigious awards offer their selections, a special project by CGTN has collected and analyzed more than 4,000 books featured across 76 year-end booklists published in 2024, aiming to offer insight into the most talked-about titles.
This compilation gathered recommendations from leading English-language media outlets, public libraries, literary award organizations and well-known figures across the United States (55 lists), the United Kingdom (16 lists), as well as Canada, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand.
The analysis covered 4,113 individual book recommendations. To process this large dataset, the researcher used artificial intelligence to identify frequently mentioned titles, including variations in wording and formatting. Because full access to the original lists was limited by copyright, AI played a key role in recognizing recurring mentions across sources.
To ensure accuracy, the AI-generated results were thoroughly reviewed and refined by hand, correcting discrepancies and verifying each match. This combined approach enabled the creation of a master list that tracks how often each book was recommended.
The findings illustrate the breadth and diversity of contemporary English literature. The analysis revealed 2,300 unique book titles across the 76 lists. A significant majority, 1,656 books (72 percent), received only a single mention, underscoring the vastness of publishing output.
However, a notable number of books garnered multiple recommendations, indicating a stronger consensus among critics and librarians. Specifically, 344 titles were cited twice, 105 books appeared on three lists, 54 books received four mentions, and 36 titles were recommended five times. In total, 542 books achieved between two and five mentions.
Fiction leads, but non-fiction remains significant
Of the 34 most frequently recommended books, 24 were works of fiction and 10 were non-fiction, reflecting the enduring power of storytelling as a lens to interpret complex realities. Notably, the top five most recommended titles were all fiction, showcasing a diverse range of themes and genres, from historical examinations to intimate explorations of identity.
Top 5 most-recommended fiction books of 2024:
1. "James" by Percival Everett
A reinterpretation of Mark Twain's "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" from the perspective of Jim, a runaway slave, delving into issues of racism, violence and the struggle for freedom in 19th-century America.
2. "All Fours" by Miranda July
A contemporary novel follows a middle-aged artist on a transformative road trip that sparks a sexual awakening and a re-evaluation of her life, exploring themes of female identity, desire and unexpected change.
3. "Intermezzo" by Sally Rooney
It focuses on intimate relationships, telling the moving story of two brothers in Ireland navigating grief, family dynamics, and unconventional romantic connections after their father's death.
4. "Creation Lake" by Rachel Kushner
A spy novel set in France, immersing readers in the world of espionage as a determined American secret agent undertakes dangerous missions filled with secrets and international intrigue.
5. "The God of the Woods" by Liz Moore
An immersive and compelling novel examining the far-reaching consequences of a child's disappearance across three distinct social spheres: a wealthy estate, a teen summer camp, and a working-class town. The novel highlights the intricate connections within communities, the impact of social class and the lasting effects of loss.
Top 5 most-recommended non-fiction books of 2024
1. "Knife" by Salman Rushdie
A deeply personal account of the 2022 stabbing attack, reflecting on survival, speech, and the meaning of resilience.
2. "Challenger" by Adam Higginbotham
A gripping investigation into the Challenger space shuttle disaster and the people whose lives it changed.
3. "The Light Eaters" by Zoë Schlanger
An exploration of plant consciousness and the growing science of botanical intelligence.
4. "There's Always This Year" by Hanif Abdurraqib
A lyrical meditation on basketball, Black identity and personal transformation.
5. "The Anxious Generation" by Jonathan Haidt
A provocative look at how smartphones and social shifts are impacting children's mental health.
A Surprising Gap: Where Are the AI Books?
Among the 4,000+ recommended titles – spanning over 2,000 unique books – only seven focused primarily on artificial intelligence. While AI has been a dominant topic in newsrooms and tech circles, it was not a major theme in the most celebrated books of the year. Here are the seven AI-related titles that did make the cut:
1. "Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI"
2. "The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the Twenty-first Century's Greatest Dilemma"
3. "Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT and the Race that will Change the World"
4. "The Algorithm: How AI Can Hijack Your Career and Steal Your Future"
5. "Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI"
6. "Code Dependent: Living in the Shadow of AI"
7. "The Heart and the Chip: Our Bright Future with Robots"
This project, mapping the literary landscape of 2024, emphasizes the continuing cultural importance of books and reading. Celebrated annually on April 23, World Book and Copyright Day aims to promote the enjoyment of reading and recognize the crucial role books play in connecting people across time, generations and cultures. This analysis of the year's most recommended books serves as a reminder of the lasting power of stories and the significant contributions of authors.
(Infographic by CGTN's Yin Yating and Huang Ruiqi)
