For my first post of 2024, I wanted to look ahead at what this year has in store for books.
2023 saw some prominent and defining book trends, supported by the rise of BookTok and smaller publishers. The stand-out genres from last year look set to continue into 2024; YA, romance, fantasy, horror and thrillers were the most popular according to Eightify. What excites me the most about these particular genres having dominated the market is the fact that this shows the importance and increasing influence of readers when it comes to shaping both the industry and the consumption of literature. Readers are steadily becoming more open to a wider range of books, whilst also becoming one of the driving forces behind the success of the aforementioned genres.
YA fiction in particular has grown in popularity; any books which fell into this category were previously labelled as 'trashy' and were snubbed by those who only read what they deemed to be 'proper' fiction, such as classic novels. Over the past few years, this label has been slowly peeled off, instead being replaced with a respect for YA fiction and its courage to push against mainstream values and preconceptions about the kinds of topics discussed in books. Because YA novels follow young protagonists, the narratives often centre around finding yourself, your place in the world and your beliefs. I think that this could be one of the factors which has led to lots of adults championing the genre; people want to be reminded of their youth and also have the opportunity to rediscover who they are in a modern context that refuses to shy away from uncomfortable topics and which does not dilute the strength and voracity of the protagonists' beliefs. At times, adult fiction does seem more euphemistic and tentative when discussing the values of the protagonists, perhaps because of a fear of being seen as too radical or the book's ideas not having mass appeal. In 2024, I look forward to seeing YA fiction continue to be a place of personal and societal liberation, whilst providing readers with escapism and adventure.
As well as the rise of YA, romance and fantasy have also gained a huge following. Books such as Alice Oseman's 'Hearstopper' graphic novel series and Rebecca Yarros's best selling 'Fourth Wing' and 'Iron Flame' books both gained the attention of traditional publishing through the dedication of the fans who spread the word about their projects, both of which may have been seen as less commercially viable by publishing houses without this support. BookTok in particular has earnt the status of a supportive and enthusiastic community of readers who aren't merely social media sensations but who are some of the leading voices behind the success of novels which publishers may have passed over. Readers know what readers want best; it's refreshing to see publishers listening to them and taking a chance on books which have then gone on to become bestsellers. I think it's also lovely to see the confelicity of readers when the unpublished authors they have championed finally achieve their dream- it sets the tone for book-centred pockets of social media to become places of shared joy where all opinions are valued, the antithesis of what lots of social media platforms have become.
Readers are taking charge of the future of books!
Personally, I'm interested in the influence of book clubs. Whether in person or online, the space for community and connection that they offer is so important; as well as this, I love the opportunity they present to discover the unexpected book which will change your life. I've recently been getting stuck into the latest series of BBC Two's 'Between the covers', which I think is endlessly fascinating. I love seeing the faces of bookworms light up when they describe their favourite book; platforms like this amplify and epitomise the power of reading to enhance people's lives in ways they didn't know they needed. Fearne Cotton launched the 'Happy Place Book Club' last year- the carefully curated books they promote and discuss highlights the fact that readers often don't know what they are searching for until they find it, and the widespread scale on which the 'Happy Place Book Club' will help this happen feels really special. Growing up, I always slightly resented reading challenges/schemes where you had to read particular books (I just wanted to choose my own!), however as I've gotten older, I've gradually come to the realisation that you should never pigeon-hole yourself as someone who only reads certain books. Of course, it's completely okay to have favourites, but being open to trying books that will challenge you and open your mind up to new ideas will only help you grow as a person. Even if you try something and absolutely hate it, you will still have learnt something from that reading experience that you can take away with you. Book clubs, whether in person on a wider online scale, are a great way to broaden your bookshelves and find the book which you didn't know you needed. This year, I'm hoping to pick up some recommendations which do just that!
To round off this post, here are three books that I have pre-ordered for 2024 that I cannot wait to get stuck into!
The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson (April 2024)
I was so happy when I discovered that Holly Jackson had a new book coming out! As one of my automatic buy authors, I have loved every single one of her books so far, and I'm sure her latest will be no exception. The 'Reappearance of Rachel Price' follows 18 year old Bel, the only witness to her mother's disappearance 16 years ago. When the Price family agree to filming for a true crime documentary, Rachel unexpectedly shows up, turning everything on its head.
I really enjoy the genre of murder mystery/thriller; I think there's something so exciting about being able to curl up with a book full of peril and fear whilst knowing you are safe within its pages and in your own life. Holly Jackson's work conjures this feeling the best for me; I can't count how many times I've read the 'A Good Girl's Guide to Murder' trilogy. Having another amazing crime novel to lose myself in later this year will be such a treat!
Something to be proud of by Anna Zoe Quirke (June 2024)
This book was a recent serendipitous discovery and I can't wait to get stuck into it! I immediately felt seen when I read the synopsis of the book, but also sad that representation like this is so rare. The narrative centres around Imogen Quinn, who is bisexual and dreams of becoming a stand-up comedian, subverting stereotypical misconceptions about autistic people. Along with the help of Ollie, the openly gay captain of the football team, and a whole host of friends, they band together to put on a pride event which is accessible for everyone, redressing injustice inside and outside of school.
Seeing a central protagonist who represents autistic people within the LGBTQ+ community felt so special to me. I think that acknowledging diversity within minority groups is really important; lots of pride festivals can be overwhelming and difficult to access for neurodivergent people like me- they are often loud, crowded and unpredictable spaces with nowhere quiet to retreat to. Pride should be accessible for everyone, not just non-disabled and neurotypical LGBTQ+ people and allies. For me, this book feels like a positive step towards making this a reality, whilst sounding like a really enjoyable, uplifting story. I'm looking forward to meeting Imogen and co this summer!
Dead Happy by Josh Silver (May 2024)
My final pick for this section is 'Dead Happy', the sequel to 'Happy Head'. I first came across 'Happy Head' in my local library, where I found a signed copy face out on one of the shelves. I was intrigued to find out more about the author's perspective on wellness culture and challenging the status quo after reading a short interview with him in the back of the book. The sequel follows Seb as he is taken to Elmhallow, part of a dystopic wellness facility that does more harm than good. Playing the part of HappyHead's ideal subject whilst searching for his love Finn, will Seb make it through?
I loved Seb's voice as the narrator of 'Happy Head'- he was very relatable, and the way he describes and names other people added a sense of levity to his mostly dark inner monologues. 'Happy Head' was impossible to put down, and its underlying messages about toxic positivity and trusting in systems which don't have our best interests at heart were explored deeply without becoming too bleak or existential simply to prove a point.
I feel both nervous and excited to return to Seb's world in 'Dead Happy'!
Happy reading in 2024!
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