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Summer Books 2024 draws together recommendations from FT writers and critics across a wide range of subjects — from economics and politics to tech, poetry and fiction — and to suit all tastes.
But it would not be complete without a contribution from our book-loving FT readers. We’ve been impressed by the volume and quality of your choices. Here is a selection of the strongest suggestions — and, of course, you can continue the conversation in the comments below.
The Hunter by Tana French
This is an outstanding novel about the meanness of small town life. The atmosphere of provincial Ireland during a heatwave is richly described, and the characters are all delightfully three-dimensional. Everyone should read this book as well as its prequel, The Searcher.
—Skaggsy
The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson
This was a riveting read, which I devoured in two days. I’ve always known of the events of Fort Sumter, but this account of what happened in the lead-up to the Civil War, and the characters involved in them, was very interesting. I immediately followed this up with Gore Vidal’s Lincoln, which pairs very well with it.
—Dan Gartner
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
I have read a lot this year, but the book which has sucked me in the most, and left me with a lot to think about, is The Ministry of Time, by Kaliane Bradley. It covers a lot of current themes, presenting different angles, but is a gripping and enjoyable story throughout, written with a very deft touch, especially for a debut novel.
—Alichapp
Trailer Park Rules by Michelle Teheux
Want to know what life is really like for the bottom third of the income pyramid in non-urban America? Read The Trailer Park Rules by Michelle Teheux. It’s a first novel by a Midwestern author that is unlikely to get reviews in mainstream literary journals, an engaging tale about the fate of six households after a large real estate corporation takes over their mobile home lot and raises the rent. Romance, tragedy, comedy and violence are all very well depicted by the author, a small-town journalist whose career ambitions were ended by the decline of local newspapers. While the book isn’t overtly political per se, it tells the tale of an America that has a tough time delivering economic prosperity. The meta-literary final chapter, with the author’s explanatory apology, is a gem, if very unconventional.
—TonyDinSouthernIllinoisUSA
The Lifeline by Tom Ellen
This book tells the love story of two people who meet in their twenties and spend a wonderful day in Paris. Their affair ends badly. Fast forward to some eight or so years later, and neither are in a good place. She is consumed by grief and anger after her father’s death, while stuck in a dead-end job and meaningless relationship. Readers don’t know why he is struggling too, but it’s obvious that he is: he spends all his time working, at a helpline call centre. Which one day she rings…
—Alis21
The Light Eaters by Zoe Schlanger
This is a rather remarkable book that made me think very differently about plants. Similarly Joe Roman’s recent title, Eat, Poop, Die, is the great introduction to zoogeochemistry that I didn’t know I needed!
—Gaseousclay
Says Who? by Anne Curzan
Says Who? by Anne Curzan is an up-to-date look at the descriptivist-versus-prescriptivist debate around the use of English language.
—CWC
Harmony Heights by Ong Chin Huat
This book is a candid look at contemporary society through the eyes of several residents living in a condominium block. Blending sharp social commentary with some interesting storytelling, Harmony Heights is a book that anyone who has neighbours can relate to, exposing hypocrisy, societal expectations and public personas versus private realities. Delicious!
—@Ribboncurl (Instagram)
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