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Staff Picks WRAPPED: 2024

In 2024, GRPL Staff recommended 1137 new books, movies, games, and more! Check out this wrap-up of the stories we loved (that YOU enjoyed, too!)

Grand Rapids Public Library

49 items

  • Winner: Most Popular Book! "So good! Read this in one sitting." - Mindy R.
    BookNew York : Doubleday, [2018] — Fiction Braithwaite
  • Winner: Digital Favorite (Non-Fiction). "The amusing anecdotes of an introvert trying to live as an extrovert for a year will resonate with introverts. Laugh out loud funny in some parts." - Lori G.
    Book Club KitKansas City, Missouri : Andrews McMeel, [2019] — Book Club 155.232 P191s
  • Most Recommended Author (Adult Fiction). "A retelling of "The Fall of the House of Usher." I liked the inclusion of nonbinary characters in a way that felt perfectly historical. Good for fans of "The Last of Us"" - Misha V.
    BookNew York : Nightfire, [2022] — Horror Kingfisher
  • Winner: Digital Favorite (Fiction). "Sometimes you just need a cozy, easy read. A small-town woman returns from the big city and finds herself becoming entangled with the town's former bad-boy..." - Hannah M.
    BookNew York, NY : Kensington Publishing Corp., [2023] — Romance Clayborn
  • Winner: Digital Favorite (Teen Fiction). "This book gives mystery and horror and enemies-to-lovers romance, and psychological thriller all in one. Ava Reid really showcases her mastery of imagery with this one!" - Raven P.
    BookNew York, NY : HarperTeen, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, [2023] — Teen Fiction Reid
  • You Liked It So Much, We Made It A Book Club Book (Three Way Tie). "This satire of the publishing world shows how far people will go to achieve success and how easily morals can be set aside for your goals. Gives the reader a lot to think…
    Book Club KitNew York, NY : William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, [2023] — Book Club Kuang
  • You Liked It So Much, We Made It A Book Club Book (Three Way Tie). Notable Mention: Book Everyone Thinks Is Non-Fiction, But Isn't. "I was surprised by the narrative structure and the parallel stories. It is a feel-good book with some very…
    Book Club KitNew York, NY : Ecco, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, [2022] — Book Club Van Pelt
  • You Liked It So Much, We Made It A Book Club Book (Three Way Tie). "Mysterious and emotional story kept me intrigued until the last chapter. A good mix of time travel and magical realism." - Sasha L.
    Book Club KitNew York : Dell, 2024. — Book Club Young
  • Our Favorite Pick (With A Mile-Long Hold List). "When an expert on murder mysteries finds himself caught up in a murder mystery, you're in for some fun. If you like an intrusive narrator I think you'll enjoy this one!" - Andrea C.
    BookNew York : Mariner Books, [2023] — Fiction Stevenson
  • Favorite Title: What It Says On The Tin. "Mostly this is just a nice, light romance novel. But what made it extra? The main character is a comedy sketch writer for a weekly live sketch comedy show, "The Night Owls." From the cast to the…
    BookNew York : Random House, [2023] — Fiction Sittenfeld
  • Most Recommended Book/Author For Kids. "The books is surprisingly creepier than the movie, but equally good and possibly better." - Rachel D.
    BookNew York : Harper, 2012. — jFiction Gaiman
  • Most Recommended Graphic Novel (Tie). "An amazing story in its own right, and a terrific intro to the work of Alison Bechdel. I loved the artwork, color palette, tone, and chronological execution. I'm looking forward to seeing what she…
    BookBoston : Houghton Mifflin, c2006. — Graphic Novel Bechdel
  • Most Recommended Graphic Novel (Tie). "This is a compelling personal story that's highly relatable for those of us who grew up questioning the status quo and examining identity with curiosity." - Allison T.
    Graphic NovelPortland, OR : Oni Press, 2022. — Graphic Novel Kobabe
  • Most Recommended Author (Adult Nonfiction). "This book gives you a good reminder on why you are needed on this floating island in space." - Rachel D.
    BookNew York, New York : Penguin Books, 2016. — 823.92 H125r
  • Favorite Dystopia. "Bird is the 12 year old narrator asking question everywhere he goes. Where is his mother? Why is is a story she told him as a child so hard to find in the library? Why did his friend disappear and why is his father so…
    BookNew York : Penguin Press, 2022. — Fiction Ng
  • Favorite Wolf Book (Metaphorical). "This story is a great coming of age novel that includes both a dynamic story and characters. It is a very well-written novel about jealousy, complicated yet comforting friendship and family. What really…
    BookNew York : Dial Press Trade Paperbacks, 2013, ©2012. — Fiction Brunt
  • Favorite Wolf Book (Metaphysical). "This is horror done right: cathartic. The potentially-triggering core metaphor (lycanthropy and sexual assault) hits all the right notes, turning a loss-of-self horror story into a testament to female…
    BookNew York : Berkley, [2022] — Fiction Harrison
  • Favorite Feel-Good Read. "This book makes me want to hug all my friends and buy more plants." - Hannah S.
    BookNew York : Penguin Press, 2019. — Fiction Kane
  • Best Snowy-Day Read (Fiction). "I really enjoyed this mystery thriller, especially its rather unique... perspective..." - Sarah N.
    BookNew York : Flatiron Books, [2021] — Fiction Feeney