10 Must-Read Books of 2024

This is one of the 759 lists we use to generate our main The Greatest Books list.

View: List Grid Table
  • Fury by Clyo Mendoza

    In the heart of a desert marked by conflict, "Fury" unfolds as a poignant exploration of love, violence, and myth. The story follows Lázaro and Juan, two soldiers from opposing sides who desert the war, finding solace and love in each other while uncovering unsettling truths. Meanwhile, Vicente Barrera, a charismatic salesman, faces his final days in captivity, and Salvador, a morgue worker, loses himself in the desert, mistaking cacti for a lost love. Through these intertwined tales, the novel delves into the depths of human passion, pain, and desire, set against a harsh landscape that mirrors the characters' inner turmoil. "Fury" is a haunting reflection on the complexities of love and suffering, where the desert becomes a backdrop for intertwined destinies and inherited wounds.

    The 17163rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  • Cartoons by Kit Schluter

    Notebooks 2014-2016

    In this imaginative collection, readers are invited into a whimsical world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur. The narrative unfolds through a series of vivid, surreal vignettes that explore themes of identity, perception, and the absurdity of everyday life. Each story is a standalone piece, yet they are intricately connected through a shared sense of wonder and introspection. The prose is both playful and profound, offering a unique lens through which to view the complexities of human experience. With a touch of humor and a dash of the bizarre, the collection challenges conventional storytelling and invites readers to embrace the unexpected.

    The 17163rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  • Reservoir Bitches by Dahlia de la Cerda

    Reservoir Bitches is a collection of interconnected stories that delve into the lives of thirteen Mexican women navigating their complex realities. Each story presents a unique perspective, from the daughter of a cartel leader to a victim of transfemicide, and from a group of seamstresses to a socialite with a secret. These women confront life's challenges with resilience and creativity, using humor and defiance to carve out their own paths. The narratives blend social commentary with dark comedy, offering a vivid portrayal of survival and resistance.

    The 17163rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  • Broiler by Eli Cranor

    In the heart of Arkansas, two families find their lives intertwined within the harsh realities of a chicken processing plant. Gabriela Menchaca and Edwin Saucedo, both undocumented workers, face grueling conditions at Detmer Foods while grappling with personal hardships. When Edwin is unjustly fired by the ambitious plant manager, Luke Jackson, tensions escalate. Edwin's quest for revenge against Luke and his family sets off a series of events that reveal the stark power imbalances between the privileged and the oppressed. This gripping thriller delves into the struggles of those living on the fringes of society, painting a vivid picture of life in the American South.

    The 17163rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  • We Were The Universe by Kimberly King Parsons

    In "We Were The Universe," Kit, a young mother, struggles to cope with the loss of her sister, Julie. Seeking an escape, she joins her best friend on a trip to the Montana mountains, hoping to rekindle a sense of freedom and adventure. However, the getaway only serves as a reminder of her recent losses and the life she once had. Back in the Dallas suburbs, Kit juggles her roles as a mother and wife while grappling with her grief and longing for the past. Her mind drifts to memories of her band days and fantasies that blur the line between reality and imagination. As Kit navigates her emotions, she questions the permanence of her sister's absence and explores the complex forms love can take.

    The 17163rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  • Berlin Atomized by Julia Kornberg

    "Berlin Atomized" follows the journey of three siblings, Nina, Jeremías, and Mateo, as they navigate their lives from 2001 to 2034. Growing up in a privileged community in Buenos Aires, they each find their own paths to escape and explore the world. Nina is caught in a cycle of self-discovery, Jeremías immerses himself in the vibrant music scene, and Mateo becomes known for his fiery antics. As their once-secure home faces an uncertain future, the siblings embark on separate adventures across continents, from South America to Europe and Asia, all while seeking to reconnect with each other amidst the chaos of their changing world.

    The 17163rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  • Last Date In El Zapotal by Mateo García Elizondo

    In "Last Date In El Zapotal," a man arrives in a desolate town, seeking solace in his final moments. Haunted by memories of his past, including a beloved dog and a lost love, he struggles to find peace. The town, filled with echoes of the past and empty streets, offers little comfort. As his drug supply dwindles, reality becomes increasingly distorted, blurring the lines between life and death. This poignant tale explores themes of regret, longing, and the haunting nature of memories.

    The 17163rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  • Good Night, Sleep Tight by Brian Evenson

    Good Night, Sleep Tight by Brian Evenson is a collection of thought-provoking stories exploring the boundaries of artificial intelligence and human relationships. The tales delve into themes of identity and existence, featuring characters like twins navigating empty worlds, bears nurturing their young, and artificial beings grappling with their humanity. Each story paints a vivid picture of isolation and environmental anxiety, blending ethical questions with a touch of the surreal.

    The 17163rd Greatest Book of All Time
  • The Queens’ Ball by Copi

    In a whimsical and satirical tale, the narrative unfolds in a fantastical realm where a grand ball is hosted by a group of eccentric queens. The story delves into the absurdities of royal life, blending humor and wit as it explores themes of power, identity, and societal norms. Characters are vividly portrayed, each with their own quirks and peculiarities, as they navigate the complexities of courtly etiquette and the pursuit of personal desires. The narrative is a playful yet insightful commentary on the human condition, wrapped in a vibrant and imaginative setting.

    The 17163rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  • Bad Foundations by Brian Allen Carr

    Bad Foundations follows Cook, a home foundation inspector whose personal life is crumbling. While he spends his days exploring the hidden corners of people's homes, his evenings are filled with attempts to connect with his teenage daughter. Amidst the chaos of his life, Cook navigates the challenges of fatherhood, work, and self-discovery, all while encountering a cast of eccentric characters. A downturn in his sales leads him to an unusual stay at a peculiar hotel in Ohio, where new friendships form, old issues resurface, and the local police find themselves involved. This story is a humorous and surreal journey through the complexities of life in the American Midwest.

    The 17163rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
About this list

SouthWest Review, 10 Books

This list features the "10 Must-Read Books of 2024," curated by the Southwest Review (SwR) as a web-exclusive publication. The purpose of the list is to highlight the books that SwR contributors found most compelling as the year draws to a close. The selection process does not follow a specific order or ranking, instead, it represents the personal favorites of the SwR contributors. The methodology behind the selection appears to be based on subjective appreciation rather than any formal voting or large-scale public participation, focusing on books that sparked interest and conversation among the contributors.

who voted
10 people

This list was originally published in 2024 and was added to this site over 1 year ago.

How Good is this List?

This list is not used for any active rankings.

List Information

Number of Voters:
10
Voter Count Unknown:
No
Voter Names Unknown:
No
High Quality Source:
No
Location Specific:
No
Category Specific:
No