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.

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

Staff List

The Spinoff's best NZ Books of 2024 - Children's Literature

The best local books published this year, as selected by books editor Claire Mabey and a panel of experts.

AliciaLib

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

Staff List

The Spinoff's best NZ Books of 2024 - Children's Literature

The best local books published this year, as selected by books editor Claire Mabey and a panel of experts.

AliciaLib

For adults

Library staff picks for the best of the year

Best movies and TV of 2024

Movies, tv and documentaries Donna watched in 2024. In order of ⭐ rating and ️❤️

Arts & Entertainment

Best music books of 2024

Donna's favourite music-related books read in 2024 - biographies, memoirs, music criticism plus fiction by musicians!

Listen in! Audiobooks 2024

Here are the audiobooks Donna listened to in 2024. Top titles: Hine Toa, Martyr!, Every man for himself & God against all, Perfume & Pain.

100 Notable Books 2024 (Fiction & Poetry) NYT Book Review

Each year, NYTBR releases a list of 100 notable books they've reviewed.

Favourite Reads of 2024

Too many to choose from, but here's a selection of my best reads 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.

General Fiction

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.

Non Fiction

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.

General Fiction

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.

General 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.

General Fiction

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.

More Best of 2024 lists

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

You told us your favourites of the year

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

Library borrowers shared their favourites of the year and went 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.

The prize winner's bundle was Angela. Her favourite reads of the year were Feijoa - a story of obsession and belonging by Kate Evans, and Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson.