My 2024 Reading Wrapped
12 books. 3981 pages. 1 year.
I only started reading again this October after four months of a moderately unfulfilling internship and another four months of never-ending deadlines, exams, and burnout. I always forget how much I love wandering through the aisles of a library for hours, judging novels by their covers and debating (again) if I should finally become a non-fiction reader. But as soon as I pick up a book and dive into its pages, I remember why I love it so much.
Here’s a recap of the books I read in the last three months—my entire "year" of reading—summed up in about three sentences each.
But first, some stats:
All 12 different authors.
11 authors read for the first time.
Average rating on StoryGraph: 3.97
Average length: 332 pages
Average time spent: 7 days
The Language of Love and Loss by Bart Yates
A heartwarming tale about a complicated family (as all are) learning how to love one another, despite all their flaws. The plot is chaotic at times, and the writing can veer into melodrama, but I didn’t mind—I was too busy falling in love with the characters. Even without having read the first book in the series, I found this sequel easy to follow and impossible to put down.
Blood Money: The Story of Life, Death, and Profit Inside America's Blood Industry by Kathleen McLaughlin
This book offers a sobering look at the ethically murky world of the American blood and plasma industry. While insightful, the narrative often felt repetitive, with many stories circling back to the same, sanitized conclusions without deeper exploration. Still, McLaughlin provides a fascinating introduction to a topic most of us don’t think twice about.
Snow Flower & The Secret Fan by Lisa See
Beautiful, haunting, and heartbreakingly real. This novel immerses you in the lives of two women bound by a secret language during 19th-century China, capturing the harrowing reality of their experiences. As someone with family ties to this history, reading this felt like a punch to the gut—but one I couldn’t look away from.
Short Changed: How Advanced Placement Cheats Students by Annie Abrams
The concept intrigued me, but the execution left something to be desired. Abrams does a thorough job unpacking the history of the College Board and the mechanics of AP courses, but I wanted more on how these programs actually impact students. A good read if you’re curious, but don’t expect groundbreaking insights.
Down The Drain by Julia Fox
Julia Fox’s memoir is a raw, unflinching look at a life filled with chaos and loss, yet so much love, and resilience. I’ve always been fascinated by her public persona, but her writing offers a depth that goes far beyond tabloid headlines. She’s not just a captivating figure—she’s a captivating person and writer.
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
I truly believe Jennette McCurdy’s memoir is a must-read, especially for those of us who grew up in the age of Nickelodeon and Disney Channel tween shows. She is an unbelievable writer, who makes your heart clench and eyes water with one sentence and a chuckle escape from your lips with the next. She’s a revelation.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brönte
This gothic classic left me feeling a little lost at first—I had to reread parts to fully grasp the dense prose. But once I got into the rhythm, I was drawn into the twisted, tempestuous lives of Heathcliff and Catherine. It’s not an easy read, but the payoff is worth it for the rich characters and brooding atmosphere.
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
This was my favorite book I read this year. I devoured it in two days, staying up until 3 a.m. to unravel the secrets of its beautifully messy characters—they are deeply compelling and relatable, even their worst traits. The slow burn of their lives colliding and unraveling was intoxicating, and I still think about it weeks later.
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo
An intricate web of stories of 12 interconnected lives, this novel is bold, thoughtful, and deeply human. Evaristo’s writing effortlessly weaves together diverse perspectives and histories, creating a narrative that feels alive with meaning. A must-read for anyone who loves stories about identity, connection, and resilience.
My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh
I feel like I’m in the extreme minority here on Substack, but I didn’t love this book. While I found the premise intriguing and parts of the story entertaining, I struggled to connect with the protagonist or the resolution. I appreciate Moshfegh’s skill in crafting a complex, deeply flawed character—I just didn’t feel as moved as I wanted to.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
An endearing and heartwarming story about unlikely connections, featuring a brilliant octopus who steals the show. The narrative is charming and bittersweet, blending quirky humor with poignant moments. It’s no wonder this book has become a fan favorite—I adored it, too.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
This novel is a masterclass in storytelling, unraveling the lives of twin sisters who choose vastly different paths. Bennett explores identity, race, and family with remarkable nuance, creating characters that linger long after the final page. A beautifully written book to the end the year on and carry with me into next year.