The 12 months of 2024 proved to be a real page-turner for Greater Victoria book-lovers, with historical fiction, memoirs and health and healing some of the most popular genres borrowed from the Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL).
Offering a snapshot of the stories and authors that captured the imagination of people living in Greater Victoria, GVPL has shared its list of 2024's most-borrowed titles.
Hitting the top spot in the adult fiction top 10 is 'The Women' by Kristin Hannah, a historical fiction novel, which tells the story of a young nurse who serves in the United States Army Nurse Corps during the Vietnam War.
“It is always fascinating to see what resonates with readers," said Rachel Rogers, coordinator, collections and technical services, in a news release. "Titles like ‘The Covenant of Water’ and authors such as Kristin Hannah and Emily Henry show how word of mouth, media, and social media keep certain stories in the spotlight.
"This year, historical fiction was especially popular with our community, while memoirs and books on health and healing remained non-fiction favourites."
For children, Rogers says comics and graphic novels remain popular. While for teens, BookTok continues to influence reading trends, with ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’ topping the list for the second year.
Adult Fiction:
1. The Women by Kristin Hannah;
2. The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese;
3. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros;
4. The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride;
5. Funny Story by Emily Henry;
6. Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros;
7. None of This is True by Lisa Jewell;
8. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt;
9. Tom Lake by Ann Patchett;
10. The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny.
Adult Non-Fiction:
1. The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt;
2. Atomic Habits by James Clear;
3. The Woman in Me by Britney Spears;
4. Outlive by Peter Attia;
5. Fire Weather by John Vaillant;
6. The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté;
7. The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk;
8. I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy;
9. Doppelganger by Naomi Klein;
10. How to Know a Person by David Brooks.
Teens:
1. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas;
2. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas;
3. Powerless by Lauren Roberts;
4. Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood;
5. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson;
6. Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross;
7. Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas;
8. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak;
9. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins;
10. Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas.
Kids:
1. No Brainer by Jeff Kinney;
2. Diper Overlode by Jeff Kinney;
3. Stacey’s Mistake by Ellen T. Crenshaw and Ann M. Martin;
4. Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea by Dav Pilkey;
5. Claudia and the Bad Joke by Arley Nopra and Ann M. Martin;
6. Influencers by Dav Pilkey;
7. Big Shot by Jeff Kinney;
8. Move It or Lose It! by Lincoln Peirce;
9. Karen’s Haircut by Katy Farina;
10. Winter Turning by Tui Sutherland.
GVPL’s 2024 Most Borrowed Books List highlights titles in all formats – print, ebooks, audiobooks, and large print – borrowed from GVPL’s 12 branches and online at www.gvpl.ca.
In 2024, GVPL patrons borrowed over 3.5 million physical items and nearly 2.5 million digital titles, which Maureen Sawa, chief executive officer, says highlights the enduring appeal of print while also reflecting the growing demand for digital resources, which grew by over 20 per cent.
“Libraries provide access and choice,” she said. “Whether patrons prefer a physical book or a digital download, GVPL ensures they can access the stories, information, and resources they need, however and wherever they choose to engage.
"While physical books continue to lead the way, the rapid growth in digital borrowing is an exciting trend.”
