Reading is a popular hobby for lots of people, myself included. As I sit writing this article, I have two books waiting to be read beside me. Also in the same room are two more half-finished books surrounded by a dozen other titles. This is in addition to an audiobook I’m currently listening to. If it isn’t obvious, I love to read multiple books at once, and I’m always on the hunt for my next one.

Each year, I set a goal for the number of books I would like to read. Sometimes I accomplish it; sometimes I don’t. To help find what I should read, I keep a running list of novels – a watchlist, if you will. My watchlist is compiled from suggestions from friends, the website Goodreads and social media. I have a paper and digital copy, filled with recent and older titles from all genres.

During the school year, I try to read as many books from this list as possible. However, it is during the summer where I make headway and work towards my goal. Nevertheless, my watchlist is always there for me. If you are looking for your next read, take a look at my list and see if anything appeals to you. Here are the titles on my reading watchlist for 2024.

• The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides – Published in 2019, The Silent Patient is tagged as “a shocking psychological thriller.” Famous painter Alicia Berenson is married to Gabriel, her fashion photographer husband. After arriving home late from work one night, Alicia shoots Gabriel five times in the face. Refusing to talk about her motive, Gabriel’s shooting becomes a public mystery. Alicia, the silent patient, is taken to a secure forensic unit in North London where she meets criminal psychotherapist Theo Faber. Together, they solve more than just the mystery at hand.
• The Women by Kristin Hannah – Kristin Hannah is one of my favorite authors. Her book, The Nightingale, is at the top of my must-reads. The Women is her newest novel, published last month. It tells the story of army nurse Frances McGrath. Her view of America is changed when she is quickly shown the realities of war in 1960s Vietnam.
• A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas – Edging on the fantasy genre, A Court of Thorns and Roses is the first book in the series, titled the same. The series starts out with 19-year-old Feyre killing a wolf in the woods. After the death, she is met by a terrifying creature who wants retaliation. This comes with Feyre being taken to a magical land, full of twists and turns.
• All the Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham – It has been one year since Isabelle Drake’s toddler, Mason, was kidnapped from his crib in the middle of the night. Now, one year later, Mason is still missing and Isabelle hasn’t slept for a year. With little evidence and clues to go on, she agrees to be interviewed by a true crime podcaster. However, the interviewer’s interest in her past leaves her feeling unhinged. Isabelle begins doubting her memories of what happened the night of Mason’s disappearance and begins to trust no one, including herself.
• Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid – I’m currently reading Malibu Rising, another book by Taylor Jenkins Reid. While I’m not always a fan of her writing, there has been much discussion surrounding her novel, Daisy Jones and The Six, that is on my reading watchlist. Set in the late 1960s, Daisy Jones’ voice is noticed by the band, The Six. After years of struggling, Daisy and bandleader Billy Dunne find stardom and success. However, the two soon discover that the making of a legend isn’t always glorious.

These five books are just a few on my reading watchlist for the year. If you have any more suggestions, send them my way!