These were the top books that were checked out of the NYPL in Manhattan this year

That’s a wrap! The New York Public Library (NYPL) released its list of the top 10 books that were checked out in Manhattan this year.

Taking into account checkouts of physical books, e-books and audiobooks, NYPL compiled data across the system to see what were the major page-turners for New Yorkers this year. In Manhattan, the adult titles span several fiction genres, including fantasy, romance, historical and comedy.

“Year after year, our lists of top checkouts represent the stories that most spoke to our patrons and their interests. At The New York Public Library this year, we saw audiobooks continue to play an important role in our top checkout titles—reflecting how our readers are reaching beyond print to access books—as well as an incredibly diverse range of titles,” said Brian Bannon, Chief Librarian and Merryl and James Tisch Director of Branch Libraries and Education at The New York Public Library. “I’m thrilled to see the wide-ranging reading habits of our patrons represented in these lists.”

Most checked out books NYC: 

1. The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride*, a historical fiction novel about a mysterious death that took place in a Black and Jewish community in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.
2. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin*, a novel about two friends who go into business to create a successful video game company.
3. The Women by Kristin Hannah, a novel about a young woman who goes to serve as an Army nurse during the Vietnam War.
4. Yellowface by R.F. Kuang*, a satirical novel about cultural appropriation, particularly in the publishing industry, stemming from a white struggling author taking on an Asian moniker after the death of her friend and colleague.
5. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus*, a novel about a woman chemist in the 1950s whose career takes an interesting turn when she accepts a job as a cooking show host.
6. The Bee Sting by Paul Murray, a novel exploring the life of the Barnes family in Ireland, with portions of the book exploring the dysfunction through the lens of each family member.
7. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros*, a high-romance fantasy novel about a young woman who is mandated by her mother to learn how to become an elite dragon rider.
8. Tom Lake by Ann Patchett, a romance novel about three girls who are itching to know more about their mother’s relationship with a young actor.
9. James by Percival Everett, a retelling of the famous story “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” through the eyes of Finn’s friend Jim, an escaped slave.
10. Good Material by Dolly Alderton, a romantic comedy about a struggling comedian who gets blindsided by a sudden breakup.

*also made the citywide list

For more information, visit nypl.org/topcheckouts2024.