The Bentonville Public Library has released its list of the most popular books of 2024, providing a snapshot of the city’s reading trends for the year. Bentonville’s most-read books of the year are all works of fiction, with several of the titles in the romance genre. 

Historical fiction snagged the top slot in a novel set in the days of the Vietnam War and its aftermath. The second and third spots are held by the first two books in Rebecca Yarros’ “The Empyrean” romance fantasy series.

Here are the top 10 books (physical copies) checked out from the Bentonville Public Library:

1. The Women by Kristin Hannah (438 checkouts)

2. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (317 checkouts)

3. Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros (297 checkouts)

4. Funny Story by Emily Henry (214 checkouts)

5. The Housemaid by Freida McFadden (211 checkouts)

6. Happy Place by Emily Henry (189 checkouts)

7. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (183 checkouts)

8. It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover (183 checkouts)

9. None of This is True by Lisa Jewell (182 checkouts)

10. First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston (180 checkouts)

Children’s Books

In children’s books, Jeff Kinney, author of the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” book series, dominated the list. 

“All of the authors within both lists are fan favorites of our reading community,” said Courtney Fitzgerald, senior circulation librarian with Bentonville Public Library. “The stories these authors choose to share with the world have engaged our readers for years; therefore, any title they publish tends to be very popular.”

Here are the top five children’s books:

1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Getaway by Jeff Kinney (218 checkouts)
   

2. No Brainer by Jeff Kinney (206 checkouts)
   

3. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel by Jeff Kinney (201 checkouts)
   

4. Diper Överlöde by Jeff Kinney (196 checkouts)
   

5. Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder by Dav Pilkey (180 checkouts)