Book Recommendations Based On Your Favorite Album of 2024

Published on December 31, 2024

A young woman reads a book while wearing headphones

By Catherine L. 

I never considered myself big on pop music. When *NSYNC and Backstreet Boys fans had their blood feud, I only shrugged. I never fully mastered the Macarena. I never even had a favorite Spice Girl.  

As an Enneagram 4, I tend to fancy myself as an indie girl into the stuff on the fringes, undiscovered by the philistine masses (“My favorite band? You probably haven’t heard of them”). 

Therefore, I’m not sure if it says more about the quality and freshness of this year’s pop output or my development (maldevelopment?) as a person, but regarding the biggest albums of 2024... I was Here. For. Them.  

All six of what I consider the biggies were nominated for Album of the Year for the 2025 Grammys. My answer for what should win changes by the day, but all have their merits: 

  • Cowboy Carter by Beyonce
  • The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess by Chappell Roan
  • Brat by Charli XCX
  • HIT ME HARD AND SOFT by Billie Eilish
  • The Tortured Poets Department by Taylor Swift
  • Short N' Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter 

Two more albums filled out the category; nothing at all against Jacob Collier or Andre 3000 and his flute, but this year really belonged to the ladies.  

Try out one of these reads while you listen and wait to see what takes home the hardware. 

If you loved Cowboy Carter  

Cowboy Carter by Beyonce album

Read this:

Unbreak Me by Michelle HazenThe Revisioners by Margaret Wilkerson SextonWe Are Each Other's Harvest by Natalie Baszile

Themes: Reclaiming Black traditions, farm & ranch life, connection to land, love, family history.

*Cowboy Carter is the only album on this list not available through hoopla.

If you loved The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess

The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess by Chappell Roan

Read this:

I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuistonWe Play Ourselves by Jen Silverman Karaoke Queen by Dominic Lim

Themes: Alter egos, finding yourself, reinventing yourself in California, belonging on stage.

If you loved Brat

Brat by Charli XCX album

Read this:

Bunny by Mona AwadNo One is Talking About This by Patricia LockwoodThe Guest by Emma Cline

Themes: Bold young women, loneliness and belonging, fame, being New York City’s darling.

 If you loved HIT ME HARD AND SOFT

HIT ME HARD AND SOFT by Billie Eilish album

Read this:

Girl Crushed by Katie HeaneyYou by Caroline KepnesJuno's Swans by Tamsen Wolf

Themes: First love, disillusionment that follows first love, love triangles, stalkers.

If you loved The Tortured Poets Department

The Tortured Poets Department: the Anthology by Taylor Swift album

Read this:

Florida by Lauren GroffDivine Rivals by Rebecca RossWriters & Lovers by Lily King

Themes: Writing, romance and heartbreak, Florida.

If you loved Short N’ Sweet

Short 'N Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter album

Read this:

I Didn't Know I Needed This by Eli RalloThis Bird Has Flown by Susanna HoffsWildfire by Hannah Grace

Themes: Relationships, dating, breakups, the music industry.

 

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