One year later, and I'm back with my lone blog post for the year. What can I say? I like to reflect on what I've read in a year and then never use my blog for anything else ever.
This year of reading felt a little 'meh.' I ended the year with 55 reads, but there were quite a few months where I either A) didn't read at all or B) read but it felt like a chore to get through the novel I was reading.
In previous years, I've felt like I couldn't keep up with all of the excellent books I read. This year feels more lackluster.
That being said, there are some self-appointed 5-star reads that I do want to share. Buckle up. Here's my much-anticipated (all jokes) 2024 list of 5-star reads:
New-to-Me Books (Published before 2024)
The People We Keep by Allison Larkin
Summary: Set in 1994, April Sawicki is a 16-year-old living a less-than-ideal life with her negligent father in a small town. When she gets into a fight with her dad, she packs up what little possessions she owns and sets off to make a new life for herself. Paying her way by singing anywhere that will have her and meeting new friends along the way, April learns that she is in charge of her own destiny.
This book was so beautifully written and intriguing, I didn't want to put it down. This is a story about heartbreak, strength, and courage. I loved it to say the least.
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Summary: Trevor Noah, comedian and talk-show host, details his upbringing in this honest and funny memoir. From the trials his family went through living in South Africa to the ramifications of apartheid, Trevor details how growing up the way he did made him who he is today.
I've always been a fan of Trevor Noah and this book has been on my list for years to read. This summer, I finally made it happen. I felt like this book was honest and real while also being full of humor. I really enjoyed the voice that the story was written in and felt like I learned more about a celebrity I already admired.
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Summary: When Leni's unpredictable, abusive, and volatile father moves their family to rural Alaska, darkness and hardship descend on the family like never before.
I have yet to meet a Kristin Hannah book I didn't thoroughly enjoy (stay tuned for yet another Hannah novel later on this list). She just writes with such an eloquent voice and crafts such compelling characters. This story was truly a page-turner as well as deeply depressing. I cried while reading it which is always the mark of a good book (in my humble opinion).
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Summary: When Tova is widowed and still reeling from the loss of her adult son several years earlier, she finds solace in her work at a nearby aquarium. Her unlikely friend at the aquarium is an octopus named Marcellus. Marcellus has made it his mission to uncover the truth about Tova's son's passing to finally bring his friend peace.
I didn't think I would like this book. I mean, a woman and an octopus becoming friends? I was skeptical. But, this book was at the top of everyone's list a few years ago, so I figured, what the heck? This book is phenomenal. Also, I cried. Again, that's the mark of a great read.
Sold by Patricia McCormick
Summary: Technically a young adult novel, this story follows Lakshmi, a thirteen-year-old girl living in Nepal. When she is sold into prostitution to raise money for her family, Lakshmi learns of the true evils this world can contain.
This novel was absolutely heartbreaking, and I mean that. While this was a very difficult read, it was an important one. Also, interestingly enough, this book is on the banned book list despite this story being an absolute true retelling of what children in our world face to this day.
The Measure by Nikki Erlick
Summary: Set in a futuristic society where people are delivered a length of string to determine how long their life will be, this novel follows 8 individuals as they grapple with the decision to look at their string or leave it a mystery.
If there's one thing about me, it's that I love a dystopian read. This was exactly that. It was also heartwarming, heartbreaking, and everything in between. I also thoroughly enjoy a book that makes me reflect, and I thought about this book for quite some time after finishing as I reflected on whether I would want to look at my string. I'm still not sure what I would do.
New-to-the-World in 2024
Mercury by Amy Jo Burns
Summary: Marley West is 17-years-old when she finds herself in Mercury, Pennsylvania looking for a family to call her own. When she finds herself entwined with the Joseph family, she finally feels she has a place to call home. However, her complicated relationship with the Joseph brothers makes the family she wanted less attainable.
This was one of the first novels I read in 2024, and it really raised my expectations for this year of reading. While this novel has mixed reviews on Goodreads, I really enjoyed this contemporary tale. This is one of those mundane stories about small details that still tugs on your heart strings. I thought it was great.
Funny Story by Emily Henry
Summary: Daphne and Miles are people with one thing in common, their exes are dating one another. When these two look for solace in one another, they realize there might be more there than just a shoulder to cry on.
Emily. Henry. Does. Not. Miss. Again, this is a novel with some mixed reviews on Goodreads, but I disagree 100% with anyone who didn't love this book. If you're a fan of romance and great storytelling, this is a story for you. Come back next year when Emily Henry releases her next book and I undoubtedly rate it 5-stars yet again.
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Summary: Frankie is a 20-year-old nursing student during the Vietnam War. When she makes the decision to enlist, she learns that not everyone is in favor of her courageous choice. What Frankie finds in Vietnam and beyond is devastating and loving all at once.
It's a wonder Kristin Hannah can keep writing these phenomenal novels, and, yet, here we are. This novel was a feat. I cried (because of course I did) and I learned more about women serving in the Vietnam War. This book was eloquent, compelling, and devastating all at once.
Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
Summary: Lucy is accused of murdering her best friend. Years later, a true-crime podcast decides to uncover the truth of that fateful night.
I won't lie... I can't remember specific reasons why I loved this book. I enjoy a good thriller, but I've read so many of them all the details start to blend together. I do know it takes A LOT for me to rate a thriller 5-stars... so, maybe just take my word on this one?
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
Summary: Phoebe arrives at a beautiful Newport, Rhode Island resort ready to enjoy her final moments. She intends to kill herself after a day of pampering. When she runs into a soon-to-be bride who has rented out the resort for her wedding, the two become unusual friends and Phoebe's plans are sidetracked.
While this novel seems dark (i.e. a woman intending to take her own life), it is full of humor, lightheartedness, and tenderness. I cannot express how much I enjoyed this story. It's a good one, and I recommend it regularly.
This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune
Summary: Lucy meets Felix while vacationing on one of her favorite small town islands. The two hit it off. The problem? Felix is Lucy's best friend's brother.
This was a stereotypical cheesy rom-com that I absolutely love. It was everything I want a good rom-com to be: corny, heartwarming, and predictable. Perfect.
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
Summary: Justin and Emma have deemed themselves cursed. Whenever they date someone, that person ends up breaking it off with them just to find their true love shortly after. When these two decide to date each other assuming it'll be a short-lived fling, they realize they bit off more than they can chew and Fate may be acting in their favor for a change.
Abby Jimenez is another author that truly does not miss. All of her romance novels are top-tier and some of my very favorites. Each time she releases a new novel, I hold my breath in fear that it won't be as good as her last. So far, that hasn't happened. This was a great romance read.
Down the Drain by Julia Fox
Summary: An honest and raw memoir, this story details Julia Fox's life growing up in New York City.
I kind of can't believe this book made the list, but, alas, here we are. I unapologetically loved this book. It was wild and truly unbelievable. Julia Fox has lived more life than I've lived and will probably ever live. This was a wild ride to read, and I enjoyed every single minute of it.
If' you've made it to the end of this blog, first of all, thank you for reading my words. Second of all, please tell me your favorite reads of 2024. I'm hoping 2025 is a more exciting reading year for me, and I could use all the help I can get.
Happy Reading in 2025!
