Reading may not be the first thing you associate with the tech-savvy team at Engadget, but even amidst our gadget-packed lives, books remain a steadfast love. Whether flipping pages the old-fashioned way or scrolling through ebooks, our team dove into stories that thrilled, moved, and stayed with us long after we finished them. Here are some standout reads that defined our 2024.
After World by Debbie Urbanski: A Haunting Vision of Humanity’s End
Debbie Urbanski’s After World isn’t just a novel—it’s an experience. Set against the backdrop of a climate apocalypse, the story is told through the eyes of an AI tasked with chronicling the life of humanity’s last survivor, Sen. The narrative flits between Sen’s final moments and reconstructed pieces of humanity’s history, blending fiction with eerily realistic essays and articles.
The book’s strength lies in its ability to explore humanity’s fragility while examining AI’s role as both witness and participant. The AI narrator, which sometimes revisits the same events with slight variations, creates a haunting, almost poetic rhythm. Urbanski’s speculative approach to near-future crises feels more prophetic than fictional.
Readers should brace themselves, though. This isn’t light reading. Its emotional weight is immense, but it’s also a testament to Urbanski’s ability to grip readers with a story that’s as thought-provoking as it is devastating. One thing is certain: After World will linger in your thoughts long after you’ve closed the book.
I Was A Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones: A Bloody, Heartfelt Coming-of-Age Tale
Stephen Graham Jones is no stranger to redefining genres, but I Was A Teenage Slasher might just be his most emotionally resonant work yet. The book cleverly balances its gruesome slasher roots with a deeply human tale of friendship, identity, and loss.
At its center is Tolly Driver, a teenager who finds himself reluctantly pulled into a supernatural legacy of horror. Tolly’s best friend, Amber, serves as his anchor—helping him navigate his newfound identity while dealing with her own complex emotions. Their bond becomes the story’s beating heart, proving that even amidst chaos, love and loyalty can thrive.
What makes this book so striking is its blend of tones. Yes, there’s gore and suspense, but Jones never lets the horror elements overshadow the emotional depth. His exploration of grief, adolescence, and the fear of growing into someone you don’t recognize will resonate with anyone who’s faced life’s darker moments. And yet, the humor woven through the story offers much-needed relief, making the emotional rollercoaster all the more impactful.
It’s rare to find a book that’s as thrilling as it is poignant, but I Was A Teenage Slasher pulls it off effortlessly. For fans of Jones or anyone looking for a story that’ll leave them laughing, crying, and questioning life, this one’s a must-read.
Why These Books Stood Out in 2024
So, what sets After World and I Was A Teenage Slasher apart? For one, they challenge traditional storytelling norms. Urbanski and Jones don’t just tell stories—they build immersive worlds that demand your attention and emotions. They also share a willingness to delve into difficult topics like climate change, grief, and identity without losing sight of the human connections at their core.
But perhaps the biggest reason these books topped our list is their ability to surprise. Both authors manage to subvert expectations in ways that feel fresh and compelling. Urbanski uses an AI perspective to critique humanity, while Jones transforms a genre known for shock and gore into something profoundly moving.
Honorable Mentions: More 2024 Favorites
While these two books stood out, the Engadget team discovered plenty of other gems this year. Here are a few that deserve a nod:
- Final Cut: A gripping mystery with enough twists to keep you guessing until the very last page.
- All Fours: A deep dive into the complexities of modern relationships, told through razor-sharp dialogue and unflinching honesty.
- James: An experimental narrative that blurs the line between memoir and fiction, leaving readers pondering its deeper truths.
Each of these books offered something unique, proving that 2024 was a standout year for literary innovation.
Books remain a powerful escape, even in our tech-driven lives. Whether it’s a harrowing tale of survival or a heartwarming story about friendship, they remind us of the beauty and complexity of the human experience. Here’s to another year of great reads!
