World Book Day 2024: The Best Books To Read This Year

World Book Day is here, and to celebrate every bibliophile's favourite day, we’ve compiled a list of the top five books we think you should have on your radar in 2024! 

Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the world of literature or you’re a full-time book enthusiast, World Book Day is the perfect time to experience the delightful escapism that reading can bring… 

Each year, World Book Day falls on the first Thursday of March and aims to celebrate the joy of books, with a particular focus on helping young people to engage in reading. 

But if you’re unsure where to start and would like some book recommendations this World Book Day, here are five books you’ll want to look out for this year… 

And splashing out on books can come with perks too - with TOTUM Cashback, you can make money each time you spend at Waterstones, earning a generous 8% cashback! That means for every £50 you spend on books, you’ll earn back £4. 

It’s a no brainer! 

But without further ado, here are our top picks for this year… 

1. You Are Here - David Nicholls

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that David Nicholls’ beloved 2009 novel One Day has been everywhere once again thanks to the incredible Netflix adaptation that has taken the world by storm! 

And this year, Nicholls is back with what is destined to be another fantastic love story. 

Due to be published on 24th April 2024, You Are Here is a tale of first encounters and second chances. 

An official synopsis reads: ‘Michael is coming undone. Adrift after his wife's departure, he has begun taking himself on long, solitary walks across the English countryside. Becoming ever more reclusive, he’ll do anything to avoid his empty house.

‘Marnie, on the other hand, is stuck. Hiding alone in her London flat, she avoids old friends and any reminders of her rotten, selfish ex-husband. Curled up with a good book, she’s battling the long afternoons of a life that feels like it’s passing her by.

‘When a persistent mutual friend and some very unpredictable weather conspire to toss Michael and Marnie together on the most epic of ten-day hikes, neither of them can think of anything worse. Until, of course, they discover exactly what they’ve been looking for.’

This is bound to be a new fave for all the romance lovers out there! 

2. Intermezzo - Sally Rooney 

The queen of millennial fiction is back with her fourth novel, Intermezzo, due to be released later this year on 24th September!

It follows two brothers, Peter and Ivan Koubek, who appear to have very little in common - one a successful lawyer in Dublin, the other a 22-year-old competitive chess player who views himself as socially awkward. Both brothers are struggling to navigate their grief in the wake of their father’s death and find themselves in a period of desire, despair and possibility. 

We’re expecting plenty of Sally Rooney’s characteristic wit and astute observations and are certain this will be another firecracker of a novel! 

3. Come and Get It - Kiley Reid 

Come and Get It is the latest release from the best-selling author of the Booker Prize longlisted Such A Fun Age. 

This coming-of-age story follows Millie and Agatha who form an unlikely relationship when Agatha offers Millie an easy yet unusual job opportunity. The pair become embroiled in a world of theatrics, vengeful pranks and illicit intrigue and are forced to question just how much of themselves they are willing to trade to get what they want.

Come and Get It ‘takes a lens to our money-obsessed society in a tension-filled story about desire, consumption and bad behaviour’, and has been described as a ‘fresh and provocative’ story. 

Best of all, this one was published on 30th January, so you can get your hands on it straight away!

4. House of Flame and Shadow - Sarah J. Maas

This one is for the fantasy fans amongst us!

The international bestseller is back with the third instalment in the Crescent City series, House of Flame and Shadow. 

If you’re a fantasy lover, you’ll likely be well aware of Maas’ globally renowned series A Court of Thorns and Roses, and the Crescent City series has proven just as popular amongst her fans.

Described by the Telegraph as 'Game of Thrones meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer with a drizzle of E.L. James', this sequel to the bestsellers House of Earth and Blood and House of Sky and Breath sees Midgard brought to the brink of collapse, and the fate of the world resting on the hope of rebellion.

For the ultimate escapism, we'd recommend getting cosied up and getting lost in the latest sequel from the master of universe building.

5. The House of Hidden Meanings - RuPaul

Last but not least, this is one to add to your TBR list if you're a fan of autobiographies!

Prefer to dabble in nonfiction? Then this powerful memoir from the iconic drag superstar and business mogul is the book for you.

Exploring RuPaul's tough upbringing and determination to succeed, this profound and personal work examines growing up Black, poor, and queer in a broken home and discovering the power of performance, found family, and self-acceptance.

This is a super recent release (5th March), so you can get it now!

Whichever book piques your interest this World Book Day, remember to enjoy 8% cashback when you shop at Waterstones with TOTUM Cashback! Or if audiobooks are more suited to you, why not get a free 30-day Audible trial courtesy of Amazon with TOTUM?

Happy reading...