The 2024 Cosmopolitan book awards
As certified bookworms, Team Cosmo know a thing or two about a good read. From exciting debuts from the likes of Oisín McKenna, and Emily Dunlay, and heartbreaking romance novels by Kevin Kwan and Rainbow Rowell, to spine-tingling thrillers courtesy of Tasha Coryell, our bookshelves have been stacked this year.
And for the first time ever, we're not only discussing the best reads of the year in our book club, or WhatsApping our friends our recent recs, we're putting a label on it and awarding the best books of the year in our inaugural Cosmopolitan Book Awards. So if you’re looking for your next must-read, these are our 17 favourite books of the year.
Evenings and Weekends by Oisín McKenna
‘Deep in the fug of a hot London summer, the characters are of varying ages and life stages –pregnancy, a cancer diagnosis, excavating queer identity, navigating the rental crisis. In writing that’s intimate and striking, this is a complex love letter to the city: a place to connect and build identity that interpolates the chaos, rather than resists.’ - Anna Cafolla
Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan
‘The author of Crazy Rich Asians returned with an endlessly entertaining tale about the glamorous lives of an elite family who find themselves suddenly in debt, forming a plot to use seduction to solve their money woes. Full of globetrotting, juicy scheming and relationship drama, you can’t be in a bad mood while reading this book.’ - Kiera Egan
Love Letters to a Serial Killer by Tasha Coryell
‘With an opening line like, “I didn’t plan to fall in love with an accused serial killer,” you know it’s going to be good. At face value, the plot is simple. But the mix of unlikeable yet intriguing characters and unexpected plot twists keep you hooked. It’s fast-paced and a bit silly, forcing you to see this generation’s obsession with true crime in a new light.’ - Jess Bantleman
Ghost Chilli by Nikkitha Bakshani
‘A rich coming-of-age story full of punchy and astute observations about everyday relationships. Muskan moved to New York from India as a child and has been trying to make a living as a writer. Plagued with insecurity and doubt, she starts to crumble under familial pressure, and is forced to confront home truths she had buried down deep.’ - Dusty Baxter-Wright
Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors
‘It’s been all over your FYP. Blue Sisters tells the story of three sisters coping – or not – with grief following the death of their fourth sister. Told from each sibling’s perspective, Mellors articulates the elusive bond known only to women granted a best friend at birth. An iconic cover makes this the equivalent of carrying around a physical copy of the girl code.’ - Alexandria Dale
Teddy by Emily Dunlay
‘Teddy has always, all her life, felt “bad”. She likes sex, men and indulging. But it’s 1969, and she’s absolutely everything a woman shouldn’t be. When she lands in Rome, all the way from Texas, she hopes to make a fresh start, but her past is hard to escape. A pacy, sexy read with feminist themes, it’ll give you a lot to talk about.’ - Catriona Innes
Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood
‘“He stared at me like I was a beautiful, exotic flower that had the power to kill him with a pollen drop.” Ever wondered what it’d be like to have “hate sex”? Well, this enemies-to-lovers plot reveals just that – without any compromises. In equal parts, Hazelwood brings the spice and the story, and I couldn’t put this one down.’ - Lia Mappoura
Tucking In: A Very Comforting Cookbook by Sophie Wyburd
‘Everyone deserves good-quality food they can get excited about, and Sophie’s debut is the definition of comfort food. From party nibbles to an entire chapter dedicated to carbs, it’s fast become our go-to cookbook. And even the most novice of cooks will be able to whip up a MasterChef-worthy dinner thanks to Wyburd’s foolproof instructions.’- Lydia Venn
Alphabetical Diaries by Sheila Heti
‘An ambitious experiment in form and language, alphabetising sentences from decades of Heti’s journals. What she presents is a powerful, unsentimental and exquisite work that can’t be contained by genre. A stream of sentences can be so immersive, and one letter change can knock the reader right out. You’ll be left to reflect on the linearity of your life.’ - Anna Cafolla
Manifesto: Unlock the life you deserve by Candice Brathwaite
‘Brathwaite wants you to unlock the life you deserve with her no-nonsense and inclusive guide to manifesting. Full of actually useful tips, Manifesto is all about harnessing the power you have within you to achieve what you desire – particularly if you don’t always feel like you’re reflected in the media and current world around you.’ - Dusty Baxter-Wright
Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell
‘A will-they, won’t-they romance for the ages. Shiloh and Cary were best friends in school. When they reunite 15 years later at a wedding, will their egos, families and timing finally allow them to be the couple they were always meant to be? Written over alternating timelines, Slow Dance captures the beauty of a friendship blossoming into romance.’ - Lydia Venn
Pixel Flesh: How Toxic Beauty Culture Harms Women by Ellen Atlanta
‘Has social media f*cked up our self-esteem? Why do beauty trends change so rapidly? When we’re flooded with beauty ideals from the moment we wake up, how does that impact how we view ourselves? By delving into history and sharing a range of personal stories, Atlanta captures the pressure women face today. Enlightening and heartbreaking all at once.’ - Catriona Innes
The Most by Jessica Anthony
'In just 144 pages Anthony manages to convey the stifling atmosphere for women in the 1950s through the simple story of a housewife who chooses not to go to church that day and instead spends all her time in an unloved swimming pool, which she refuses to leave.' - Lydia Venn
For Such a Time as This by Shani Akilah
'I couldn’t put down this moving, hilarious and poignant collection of interwoven stories about a young group of Black British friends navigating young adult life in London. In fact I read it one night, totally absorbed in the rich and warm world of Shani Akilah.' - Lydia Venn
Genius Gut: The Life-Changing Science of Eating for Your Second Brain by Dr Emily Leeming
'Dr Leeming succinctly explains what gut health is, why it's important and crucially how to improve yours without buying a million supplements, changing your whole diet or making you feel bad about yourself. Instead her 10 hacks are easy, approachable and have honestly changed the way I look at eating.' - Lydia Venn
Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L.Wang
'Blood Over Bright Haven follows the first woman ever admitted to a prestigious order of mages as she unravels a secret conspiracy that could change the practice of magic forever. The book expertly tackles heavy themes like colonialism, racism, gender inequality and morality while also weaving a thrilling plot into a richly imagined world. Prepare for a roller coaster of emotions – anger, jaw-dropping shock and, without a doubt, tears.' - Kiera Egan
When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker
'This book promises dragons, romance, adventure and a magical world – and it definitely delivers. When the Moon Hatched teams an imprisoned assassin and a vengeful dragon rider in a quest to unravel secrets that could shatter their world. The star-crossed lovers trope is beautifully done and will pull at your heart-strings, but romance aside, this book takes you on a page-turning journey of grief, anger, vengeance and self-discovery.' - Kiera Egan
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