King County Library System staff share their favorite books of 2024 

Ed note: The only one I’ve read of this list is James by Percival Everett. If you haven’t read (and you should have) Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, I suggest you read this classic novel first–or perhaps better, listen to the wonderful audio available on Libby. In 1935, Ernest Hemingway stated that “All modern American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called ‘Huckleberry Finn’.” William van O’Connor wrote, in a 1955 issue of College English, that “we are informed, from a variety of critical positions, that [it] is the truly American novel”. I did enjoy Everett’s creative re-write of Huckleberry Finn in which he manages to give us an unusual, entertaining and creative book. But candidly IMHO, you can’t beat Twain!

“James” by Percival Everett. (Doubleday)
“James” by Percival Everett. (Doubleday)

     

Adult fiction 

James” by Percival Everett. “‘James’ is a brilliant retelling of Mark Twain’s ‘Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.’ Told from the viewpoint of Jim, the enslaved man who travels with Huck, this groundbreaking novel is both alarming and darkly funny. Everett is a master of satire and authoring books that turn the Black experience in America on its head.”

— Cathy, Issaquah Library   

“Someone You Can Build a Nest In” by John Wiswell. (DAW)
“Someone You Can Build a Nest In” by John Wiswell. (DAW)

Someone You Can Build a Nest In” by John Wiswell. “Shape-changing monster Shesheshen falls in love with sweet noblewoman Homily and must navigate the dangers of humanity, monster hunters and (gulp) relationships. A weird, heartfelt and delightfully gory combination of horror and romance. Hands down, this was my most unusual fave of 2024.”

— Jenna, Covington Library (CONTINUED – click on Page 2)

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