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Best of 2024

Best of 2024

What reads and watches have you loved this year?

Bringing together the best of 2024 – from the picks of our staff and customers, to Best of the year lists published by magazines, newspapers and booksellers.

Best of

New Zealand

Staff List

Donna's Best Aotearoa Books of 2024

I read a range of great NZ pukapuka this year. Here are some favourites, both fiction and non-fiction. I listened to NZ audiobooks too.
Donna_R
Staff List

Fionaccl's Top Mystery / Thrillers of 2024

This list is mostly by Kiwis - Here's a list of my favourite crime and thriller reads of the last year.
fionajay
Community List

Teresa's most-loved reads from 2024

A list of Teresa's favourite books from the year that's been, fiction and non-fiction, and about half New Zealand titles.
Teresa_Reads_CCL
Staff List

Donna's Best Aotearoa Books of 2024

I read a range of great NZ pukapuka this year. Here are some favourites, both fiction and non-fiction. I listened to NZ audiobooks too.
Donna_R
Staff List

Fionaccl's Top Mystery / Thrillers of 2024

This list is mostly by Kiwis - Here's a list of my favourite crime and thriller reads of the last year.
fionajay
Community List

Teresa's most-loved reads from 2024

A list of Teresa's favourite books from the year that's been, fiction and non-fiction, and about half New Zealand titles.
Teresa_Reads_CCL

For adults

Library staff picks for the best of the year

Troy's Best Reads of 2024

These are 12 of the books I really enjoyed reading throughout the year - a mix of fiction and non-fiction.

Moata's best reads of 2024 📖📚

Favourite fiction reads of the year, listed from best to less best.

Djunaidi's Best TV of 2024 in book form

Annoyed by not having access to all those expensive streaming services? Read the books that the top TV shows of 2024 are based on instead!

Djunaidi's Top TV and Film of 2024

A real mix of genres from period drama to murder mystery and action in these picks of movies and TV shows from 2024.

Jill's Best Non-Fiction Reads of 2024

A varied list of reads that have delighted and inspired Jill this year.

Fiona's faves of 2024

Mostly mystery fiction and a few non-fiction titles.

Paris's Best of 2024

Paris's favourite contemporary fiction reads published this year, in no particular order.

Jem's fave reads of 2024

In no particular order, Jem's top reads of this year! It includes a variety from children's novels, YA, biographies and adult fiction.

Teresa's most-loved reads from 2024

A list of Teresa's favourite books from the year that's been, fiction and non-fiction, and about half New Zealand titles.

Eamonn's Best New Fiction 2024

Some of Eamonn's favourite reads released in 2024.

Fionaccl's Top Mystery / Thrillers of 2024

This list is mostly by Kiwis - Here's a list of my favourite crime and thriller reads of the last year.

Fionaccl's Best Fiction of 2024

For your holiday reading pleasure, a list of Fee's favourite Science Fiction, Fantasy and Fiction reads of the year.

Paul's Best Fiction Reads of 2024

A general reference librarian reflects on his favourite fiction of the last year featuring a smattering of classics amongst newer reads.

Hong's Best Reads 2024

Books on this list entertained, informed, and inspired Hong in 2024. A mix of non-fiction and fiction, including Chinese language titles.

Brian's best reads and listens in 2024

Mostly gay fiction, some YA, as well as biography and music.

Hayley's top fiction reads of '24

Hayley's favourite books of the year, in order of reading.

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Anna's best non-fiction reads of 2024

Just one thing by Michael Mosley

Accessible and engaging, Dr. Michael Mosley’s book motivates readers to take control of their health through practical, sustainable strategies. By highlighting the power of small changes, it shows how a single adjustment can lead a significant impact. Each chapter offers a simple, actionable step, empowering readers to gradually improve their well-being at their own pace. Whether your goal is to boost fitness, manage stress, or enhance sleep, this book provides a clear, science-backed roadmap to lasting health − one achievable step at a time.
Catalogue record for Just one thing

Nomadland by Jessica Bruder

A compelling read! This book offers a deeply affecting and timely investigation into the hidden lives of older Americans living on the road in search of seasonal work in modern-day America. Through intimate portraits, Bruder exposes the harsh realities of America’s economic inequality while celebrating the resilience and resourcefulness of its communities. The book's powerful insights resonate further in its Oscar-winning film adaptation, which brings these moving narratives to life on screen.
Catalogue search for Nomadland

Girls that Invest by Simran Kaur

This book is a motivating resource and valuable guide for girls looking to start their investment journey and take control of their financial futures. It simplifies complex financial concepts, offering practical strategies and personal insights to empower young women to invest with confidence.
Catalogue record for Girls that invest

Angie's best read of 2024

The elephant whisperer by Lawrence Anthony

Captivating, inspiring and immersive. Based on a true story; an owner of a wildlife reserve tries to save and integrate a herd of elephants who have been recently introduce, while attending to the day-to-day upkeep of owning a reserve and trying to prevent poaching. The writing style reads like you are there with him every step of the way.

Catalogue record for The elephant whisperer

Moata's bests of 2024

Fiction: Romantic comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld

The perfect combination of funny and sexy. Sally is a writer for TNO, which is basically SNL, who hits it off with visiting host and super famous pop star, Noah. But it's not all smooth sailing as self-doubt, a pandemic, and misunderstandings get in the way.

Catalogue record for Romantic Comedy

Movie: Train to Busan

Not a new film but it's the best zombie movie I've watched this year and possibly the best one ever made - this film gets a rare 5-star rating. Not a relaxing watch by any means, high anxiety, edge of the seat stuff and I was an emotional wreck by the end of it. Great performances, excellent pacing, and the highest of stakes. Highly recommended.

Catalogue record for Train to Busan

 

Angie's best kids/teen reads of 2024

Best Young Adult Graphic novel: Cat + Gamer by Wataru Nadatani

A cute and easy to read graphic novel about how an emerging adult (working during the day, video gaming at night) – suddenly finds herself as a cat owner. You learn - with her - the do’s and don'ts of cat ownership, their quirky personalities, and checky mischievous ways – including turning off her video game before she could save her progress!

Catalogue record for Cat + gamer

Best children's picture book: All you need to know about dogs (by a cat) by Fred Blunt

An adorable children’s picture book, that will have you laughing at the start, and “aw”-ing by the end. I can’t say anything else without spoilers!

Catalogue record for All you need to know about dogs (by a cat)

Best children's non-fiction series: Science Comics by Various authors/illustrators

If you would love to learn about cats, dogs, bats, and even minerals. This series is a good example that learning can be fun! While sitting in the Children’s Non-Fiction, these informative books are great for all ages, told through comics -  with their own story - while educating us in a fun, entertaining and artistic manner.

Catalogue record for Science comics - SpidersCatalogue record for Science comics - ElephantsCatalogue record for Science comics - the periodic table of elementsCatalogue record for Science comics - Wild weather

 

Tell us your 2024 favourites and be in to win!

Since 2000, we have been collecting information on what were the most popular reads, watches, and listens for the year.

Share your favourites of the year and go in the draw to win a reader's prize bundle containing a bookmark, reading stickers, a notebook, book voucher, Riverside Market voucher and a selection of books by New Zealand authors.

Best of 2024

Share your favourite books, eBooks, eAudiobooks, TV, and movies of the year. Since 2000, we have been collecting information on what were the most popular reads and watches for the year - and now it's your turn. Tell us what us you loved in 2024. We will publish the results on our Best of 2024 page. All entries that include a contact email address or phone number go in the draw for a reader's prize bundle.

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2024 best books lists

New Zealand

 

See also

International

Best Reads from 2000 to today

Explore the best and most popular books. We have been recording the top books each year since 2000.
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