Best Books of November and December 2024

Battles won and lost, alliances gained and broken. Everything has come down to this — with only ten days to prepare. Experience a high-fantasy writer at the top of his game and get ready for the next five installments.

If you were as sad as we were to say goodbye to Talasyn and Prince Alaric just as their relationship was starting to blossom at the end of The Hurricane Wars, then welcome back to the Night Empire in A Monsoon Rising. Perfect for fans of R. F. Kuang and Jennifer Armentrout.

In a life of too-lates and missed opportunities, Toshikazu Kawaguchi invites us back to the coffee shop of regrets and second-chances with brand-new patrons.

A story of mothers and daughters and complex family mythologies where inheritance doesn’t always mean wealth.

Special agents. Wide-spread terror. An impossible mission. This is a study of 1989 Panama from the author of our former Monthly Pick, Ghosts of Honolulu.

Murakami creates his own intricate mythologies, and his latest is no exception.

Tieghan Gerard is back with even more simple and satisfying recipes, making your meal goals attainable and leaving your kitchen smelling delicious.

Taking on expansive issues with care and compassion, Robin Wall Kimmerer provides perspective on what’s truly important, and how we can rediscover ourselves and our place in the natural world.

War is always changing — James Holland brings soldiers’ valiant stories back to life and examines key turning points in WWII in this fascinating account.

A story of light vs. dark, wrong vs. right. Mische’s choice should be simple, but nothing is as it seems in a world of vengeful gods, love and treachery.

Even the most casual fan of Keke Palmer will find resonance in her deeply personal story detailing her journey not just to the spotlight, but to self-assurance.

Romantasy meets mythology in this immersive trek through the frozen forest to the realm of death. This enchanting fantasy is perfect for fans of Katherine Arden and Naomi Novik.

There is beauty in the mundane — Billy Collins reminds us we just need to remember to look for it. Indoors, outdoors and beyond, this collection is an ode to the wild and weird world around us.

R.E.M created a sound that drove music through the 80s and 90s — and set the stage for bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. This insightful and detailed tour through the band’s evolution is a delight for fans.

An epic fantasy complete with magical beasts, a kingdom in ruin and a headstrong protagonist who has more questions than answers.

The incomparable Richard Price weaves the perspectives of individual characters into the voice of a community shaken by disaster. This is a snapshot of life and death from the author of Freedomland.

Sometimes the best stories you’ve ever heard are ones rooted in history. Award-winning podcaster and artist Nate DiMeo gives us a time capsule of the past through a captivating collection.

How did Lincoln grow into the formidable leader we know him as, and where did Jefferson Davis go wrong? This is a compelling account of two complicated men in American history.

A fraught relationship between two iconic women. You know their names — and their stories — but how well did they know each other?

The sequel we’ve all been waiting for. From the bullet train to a hotel, nothing could go wrong for Ladybug this time around — right?

A story of art, love and ambition, this is a dazzling tale of the meteoric rise and fall of a Russian ballerina.

An unprecedented look into the life of Taylor Swift, told by the only journalist close enough to tell it. This is a must-have for any Swifties looking for the next great insight into her stardom.

A sweeping survey of tragically endangered creatures, from wombats to wolves, seals to storks and beyond. Rundell explores their role in our world and our role in their collapse in this moving collection, complemented by gorgeous illustrations.

With laughter comes reflecton, and with wit comes wisdom. This is a breathtaking memoir from a celebrated comedian on the dualities of life, love and happiness.

Revisit a timeless story — with notes in the margins from the author herself.

If you liked Knives Out, read this book. An ode to locked-room mysteries and classic, cold-blooded cases, The Author’s Guide to Murder is a treat.

A tender tale in the heart of County Clare follows a father and daughter in the wake of life’s never ending surprises. Get into the holiday spirit with Niall Williams’ story of family and hope.

When a billionaire goes missing, anything can happen — like the spontaneous team up of a young heiress and a CIA operative. From LA to Berlin to Moscow, this captivating spy thriller will take you around the globe.

”Tis the season for an enchanting tale of sisterhood, community and resilience during one magical holiday month.

National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 author Weike Wang asks questions of home, family and identity in one big-hearted story. If you think your family is complicated, read this book.

Every bake has to start somewhere, and Betül Tunç is here to guide you through the ins and outs of crafting the exact dough needed for the best possible flavor.

Pony stirs up trouble when he runs away from his latest owner in a long line of dozens. Saddle up and mosey into this unique murder mystery of epic, horse-sized proportions.

A practical application of his philosophy to contemporary problems, this book makes the wisdom of Socrates more accessible than ever before.

Ella Baxter blurs the lines between reality and life in Woo Woo, a portrait of a woman grappling with paranoia and art, the internet and the supernatural.

A prodigal daughter returns to a hefty inheritance and relatives that deem her undeserving. This is a saga of secrets, lies and family ties.

How well do you know your Greek myths? Pat Barker’s latest focuses on Cassandra, a complicated woman with the gift of prophecy, and the curse of never being believed.

Journey into the world of the fae — and try to make it out unscathed. This is a whirlwind story of magic, revenge and romance perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas.

From booking a commercial as a preschooler to overwhelming fame and fortune to living in his own shadow, this is Jaleel White like you’ve never seen him before.

Sy Montgomery’s writing has brought new life to such creatures as turtles and octopuses, now she’s taking on the chicken. You’ll never see them the same.

Favorite characters return in Invisible Helix, a breakneck thriller of intertwining characters and one grisly murder.

Enter a world of grandeur and glory, kings and kingdoms. With romance, betrayal and revenge, this is history that reads like fiction.

It was a role in No Country for Old Men in 2007 that rebooted Josh Brolin’s career; here he takes fans behind the scenes of the ups and downs, the mistakes and the misfires of his life and acclaimed career.