Looking for a hidden gem or an old classic to dive into? Ask our school media specialist, Ms. Stafford, who runs the library at JCHS and is always ready to share her top book picks. Here are her five favorite reads from 2024:
1. All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
Set in the fictional town of Monta Clare, Missouri, in 1975, All the Colors of the Dark is a gripping, coming-of-age mystery. The story centers on a series of disappearances, including the violent attack on a wealthy girl’s daughter, which leads to local boy Patch being taken instead. As decades pass, Patch’s fate unravels, revealing hidden secrets and the town’s complex reaction to tragedy. Ms. Stafford recommends this psychologically thrilling novel to fans of darker, more complex stories, though she notes it’s not a traditional horror book.
2. The Hunter by Tana French
The second novel in the fiction mystery-series by Tana French — Ms. Stafford says this book is so enthralling that it isn’t even necessary to read the first book beforehand, in fact she didn’t! A novel that centers mystery, family, and small-town drama, The Hunter follows a retired detective, Cal Hooper, from Chicago that settles in an Irish village on vacation and decides to make it his home. There, he meets many of the town’s lively characters, including young trouble-maker Trey whose missing father Johnny is back in town and is already stirring up drama. A quick-read that isn’t recommended for readers that love page-turning action, but rather for those who can appreciate rich and layered characters with complex storylines. If you like this book, you can check out the other books in the series!
3. I Have Some Questions For You by Rebecca Makkai
I Have Some Questions For You is a true-crime inspired fiction novel that follows successful film professor and podcaster Bodie Kane who returns to her misery-ridden New Hampshire boarding school to teach while haunted by all of her past ghosts, including the murder of her former roommate, Thalia Keith. As Bodie reconnects with her past, she begins to realize she may hold the key to Thalia’s murder case. This is a read Ms. Stafford would recommend for those who love modern reads but with a psychological edge.
4. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
At first glance, one could assume that Gabrielle Zevin’s Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, a book that follows three video game developers, would be a classic sci-fi read, but it transcends the genre. However, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow takes on its own life as a classic fiction novel that just happens to center around video games. The reader follows three friends — Sam, Sadie, and Marx who play video games over the years, until they decide to make one together, a process that has its own challenges. This novel features romance, friendship, escapism as well as an examination of a mix of social issues including racism, sexism, and mental health. Ms. Stafford describes it as a modern classic that delves deeper than its video game setting suggests.
5. Remarkably Bright Creatures – Shelby Van Pelt
Ms. Stafford’s top recommendation of 2024 is Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. The novel centers on Tova, who finds herself working the night-shift as a janitor at the local aquarium after her husband passed away and her 18-year-old son disappeared. At the aquarium, Tova becomes friendly with Marcellus, an octopus nearing the-end of his life. Through their unusual bond, Tova begins uncovering clues to what happened to her missing son. Ms. Stafford recommends this heart-warming novel the most to younger readers here at JCHS as the multi-perspective format engages everyone that picks up this book.
If you’re in search of your next great read, Ms. Stafford’s list is a perfect place to start!
