PVLF 2025

The Boys of Riverside" by Thomas Fuller was named Amazon's Best Book of 202X

Thomas Fuller's "The Boys of Riverside" was named Amazon's Best Book of 202X, celebrating its compelling narrative and powerful storytelling.
on Nov 14, 2024

The eagerly awaited top 100 list, along with the top 20 selections in popular genres, represents the result of passionate discussions and careful evaluation among the Amazon Books Editors, who collectively read numerous books every year to choose the Best Books of the Month, which are showcased on the Amazon Book Review and throughout Amazon. From bestsellers to hidden treasures, debut works, and BookTok favorites, the Best Books of the Year list provides options for every reader, covering literature and fiction, mystery and thrillers, romance, history, biographies and memoirs, cookbooks, children’s books, and more.

“Throughout 2024, the Amazon Books Editors read vigorously and passionately, uncovering stories that entertained and broadened our perspectives. We laughed, we cried, and we’re excited to present our Best Books of the Year list to readers,” stated Sarah Gelman, editorial director for Amazon Books. “It’s always thrilling when a book captivates the entire Editorial team unanimously, and our top selection, The Boys of Riverside by Thomas Fuller, is precisely that book. It’s an uplifting true story about an all-deaf high school football team and their remarkable journey from underdogs to champions. This powerful narrative of determination, resilience, and camaraderie will resonate with you, even if football isn’t your thing.”

Upon learning that his book was the No. 1 pick, Thomas Fuller shared, “We have faced some challenging times in America—politically, during COVID, and with natural disasters. Writing this book served as a remedy for me, a breather from the constant flow of bad news and a joyful glimpse into an incredible community. My hope is that readers experience the same sentiment, and a heartfelt thank you goes to the players and coaches at the California School for the Deaf in Riverside for uplifting our spirits and inspiring us all.”

Fuller’s remarkable narrative adds to the previous selections of Best Book of the Year from the Amazon Books Editors, which includes last year’s top choice, James McBride’s The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store; Gabrielle Zevin’s Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow; Amor Towles’ The Lincoln Highway; Lauren Groff’s Fates and Furies; Brittany K. Barnett’s A Knock at Midnight; Tara Westover’s Educated; and David Grann’s Killers of the Flower Moon.

Below are the top 10 selections of 2024. You can explore all the Best Books of the Year, including the top 20 in each genre, by visiting amazon.com/bestbooks. Discover additional favorites by looking for the “Editors’ Pick” badge on specific book pages. Readers can also join an Amazon Live interview with Thomas Fuller, author of the top pick, The Boys of Riverside, scheduled for November 13 at 9:00 a.m. PST/12:00 p.m. EST.

The Boys of Riverside: A Deaf Football Team and a Quest for Glory by Thomas Fuller

“Thomas Fuller depicts a deaf football team as they triumphantly rise from underdogs to champions. Readers will experience a wide array of emotions as these athletes confront challenges and harness their unique strengths to overcome them. This tale is both entertaining and inspiring, making it truly extraordinary.” — Ben Grange, Amazon editor.

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

“Genre blending has emerged as one of the most significant trends of the year, and Liz Moore's novel exemplifies its successful execution. Whether you appreciate historical fiction, family sagas, missing-person mysteries, or socially-aware narratives addressing feminism, class, or nature, Moore has effortlessly fused them all into a dazzling piece that is a joy to read, admire, and recommend.” — Vannessa Cronin, Amazon editor.

James by Percival Everett

“With the same sharp humor, quick pace, and vibrancy found in his earlier works, Percival Everett brings to life a reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, presenting us with a completely new classic—one that is strikingly American, wry, and impactful. This is a Best Book of 2024 and is poised to be one of the standout books of the decade.” — Al Woodworth, Amazon editor.

The Women by Kristin Hannah

“Kristin Hannah is recognized for crafting stories that evoke profound emotions, and The Women is no different. Delivering as much emotional weight as The Nightingale, it honors the forgotten heroes of the Vietnam War—the combat nurses. This narrative serves as another thread in a still-healing scar that can only aid the healing journey.” — Erin Kodicek, Amazon editor.

The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, From the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement by Sharon McMahon

“Instagram sensation Sharon McMahon offers a perfectly timed dose of motivation and comfort in her engaging retelling of history, illuminating the tales of unsung heroes who, through routine actions and small moments, profoundly influenced our nation in countless ways. This unputdownable narrative is for anyone who feels their voice may lack significance.” — Lindsay Powers, Amazon editor.

Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar

“Poet Kaveh Akbar makes a stunning debut in fiction with a memorable protagonist whose voice bursts forth with energy, reminiscent of the captivating and undeniably engaging hero of Demon Copperhead. Martyr! is both hilariously funny and intensely serious—a coming-of-age tale intertwined with a portrayal of a young Iranian American grappling with the essence of a meaningful life.” — Al Woodworth, Amazon editor.

Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten

“Beloved personality Ina Garten opens up the windows to her life, sharing her journey with warmth and humor. While there are many surprises throughout, what keeps readers engaged is her resilience, kindness, humor, and optimism. This is an intimate and inspiring memoir of a life marked by challenges, risks, and the pursuit of passion—it’s as gratifying as the meals and recipes she has shared over the years.” — Seira Wilson, Amazon Editor.

The Wedding People by Alison Espach

“This is among the most candid, relatable, and humorous narratives about how unexpected encounters can steer us in the most astonishing directions. It dissects the expectations we place on ourselves and celebrates the liberating feeling of releasing them. Phoebe arrives at the Cornwall Inn in Rhode Island without any luggage and a grand plan, but a spontaneous meeting with a bride alters everything.” — Abby Abell, Amazon editor.

I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger

“The Midwestern front is anything but calm in this latest gem from Leif Enger, set in the near future around Lake Superior. This gripping yet beautifully narrated story pays subtle homage to books, language, love, and the transformative impact of both giving and receiving kindness.” — Erin Kodicek, Amazon editor.

The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

“Leigh Bardugo presents a multifaceted tale of power, politics, magic, and love, enveloped in the rich context and fierce intrigue of Renaissance Spain. Readers' emotions soar as we accompany a servant girl with a hidden magical gift and aspirations for a better life through a series of betrayals and triumphs of cinematic scale. Combining historical fiction with fantasy, The Familiar is a banquet for both heart and mind.” — Seira Wilson, Amazon editor.