Ah, January! The time of year when we have completed decking the halls, continue to sip hot cocoa and— most importantly — can devour the “best books of 2024” lists.

Whether you’re a bibliophile or a casual reader, there’s something undeniably thrilling about these curated collections from The New York Times, Kirkus Review, Library Journal and Publisher’s Weekly. It’s like a literary snow day, unwrapping the year’s finest reads, knowing you do not need to get out of your pajamas. Nowhere to be, nothing to do but read.

Why do we love these lists so much? For starters, they offer a delightful mix of validation and discovery. There’s a certain smug satisfaction in seeing your favorite book of the year make the cut. “I knew it was a masterpiece,” you utter, patting yourself on the back for your impeccable taste. On the flip side, these lists introduce us to hidden gems we might have missed.

But let’s be honest. Life is busy. Between work, family and the occasional Netflix binge, finding time to read can feel like a Herculean task. Yet making time for these top-tier titles is worth it. Here’s why:

• Expand your horizons: The “best books” lists are a smorgasbord of genres and perspectives. Reading across genres not only entertains but also broadens your understanding of the world.
• Join the conversation: These lists often spark lively discussions. Whether it’s at a book club, on social media or around the dinner table, being in the know about the year’s standout books makes you part of the literary conversation. Plus, you’ll have plenty of material for those “What are you reading?” moments.
• Boost your brainpower: Reading is a workout for your brain. It improves focus, reduces stress and enhances empathy.
• Pure enjoyment: At the end of the day, reading is fun. There’s nothing quite like getting lost in a good book, and the “best book” lists are a treasure map to some of the year’s most captivating stories.

Here are the titles that made at least three of the four lists I mentioned:

• “All Fours,” by Miranda July, is at the top of all the lists for fiction.
• “Everyone Who is Gone is Here: The United States, Central America, and the Making of a Crisis,” by Jonathan Blitzer, is a nonfiction title that keeps popping up.
• “James,” by Percival Everett, is described as a brilliant, action-packed reimagining of “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” both harrowing and darkly humorous, told from the enslaved Jim’s point of view.

So what was at the top of the Grand County Library District checkout list for 2024? “The Women,” by Kristin Hannah, is hands down the top for fiction. “The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War,” by Erik Larson, was at the top of the nonfiction list. “Oath and Honor,” by Liz Cheney, had the most checkouts.

These lists are more than just recommendations; they’re invitations to explore new worlds, ideas and experiences. So as you cozy up this winter, take a moment to peruse the library district’s “Best Books of 2024” list at GCLD.org. 

Happy new year and happy reading!

Tallie Gray is the director of library resources for Grand County Library District. You can reach her at tgray@gcld.org.