Special Report
The Best Books of 2024
As the year draws to a close, with all its new books stretched out before us, Smithsonian magazine's editors and writers have clear favorites. Whether you're doing some holiday shopping or looking for your own next read, consider our thoughtfully curated lists.
The Ten Best History Books of 2024
Our favorite titles of the year resurrect forgotten histories and examine how the United States ended up where it is today
The Ten Best Science Books of 2024
From a deep dive on a fatal space shuttle disaster to a study of a dozen iconic trees, these are our favorite titles this year
The Ten Best Books About Food of 2024
Travel to the American South, Vietnam and beyond with this year’s best cookbooks, memoirs and historic deep dives
The Best Books of 2024, as Chosen by Smithsonian Scholars
Staff at the Institution pick their favorite reads of the year, including riveting memoirs, fascinating true histories and fun fiction
The Ten Best Books About Travel of 2024
These top titles of the year whisk readers away on adventures and remind us of the many wonders in this world
The Ten Best Photography Books of 2024
These works are not just for casual readers—they are for those who seek to expand their horizons, enrich their lives, and connect with the world on a deeper level
The Ten Best Children's Books of 2024
This year’s top titles range from an alphabet book of quirky tunes to an authentic portrait of our nation