A list of all the books I read in 2024 seems an appropriate enough way to start a new personal blog, right?
I thought so.
So, my goal this year was 12 books, and I’ve hit 19 so far. Will I make it to twenty in the next week? Doubtful, but I can always update if so.
Either way, all of those numbers seem too low for the amount of time I want to spend reading books. Then again I have maybe 30 minutes a day available for reading, so I’ve decided to feel pretty good about it.
Also, my real goal this year was to spend more time reading actual printed books in my comfy bed at night and less time listening to audiobooks while I did laundry.
Nothing against audiobooks, I think a couple of my reads this year were listens. But I was craving the feel of getting totally absorbed in a good book, and in that I definitely succeeded.
The majority of my reading was done on paper, in my cozy bed (and like two waiting rooms) and I’ve taken full advantage of our local library this year (beyond just the kid’s area).
Here’s what I’ve been reading (keep scrolling for my brief thoughts):
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle – Barbara Kingsolver
Easily one of my favorite books now. Right up there with Braiding Sweetgrass. I only abuse books I want to refer to over and over, and this one is dog eared and written in at this point.
A Fever In The Heartland – Timothy Egan
Truly fascinating. The true story of how the KKK essentially took over parts of the midwest, and nearly the country, and in the 1920s. Such an interesting read, especially when you think how recent in the past that was.
How to Forage for Wild Foods Without Dying – Ellen Zachos
To be honest I skimmed this one. It’s more of a reference than a novel though, in my defense. Still a handy read.
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek – Kim Michele Richardson
I don’t know why I waited so long to read this one. Was a really good read that had me looking up info on the packhorse librarians all throughout.
Home Ec For Everyone – Sharon Bowers and David Bowers
I don’t even remember this book, so it must not have been super impressive. Pretty sure I skimmed it. 🤷🏻♀️
The Fourth Turning – William Strauss and Neil Howe
Long, sometimes dry (audiobooks don’t do tables justice), but the concept is eye opening.
Pale Rider: The Spanish flu of 1918 and how it changed the world – Laura Spinney
A really interesting read that felt like it could have been written in the middle of 2020 at times.
Filterworld: How algorithms flattened culture – Kyle Chayka
This was recommended on the social media by my friend Monica, and was enlightening. It’s one of a long list of books that helped solidify my need to escape Meta.
The Fourth Turning is Here – Neil Howe
More of the same from The Fourth Turning, but updated to include more recent events.
The Witch of New York – C. Alexander Hortis
The story of a woman persecuted in the courts and media in 1840s NY. Hard to read at times, but also a page turner.
Middle of the Night – Riley Sager
I loved the first book of Sager’s I read, so I was excited for this one. It was okay, but not nearly as thrilling or twisty as the first.
The Midnight Feast – Lucy Foley
A decent summertime twisty mystery.
Ultra-Processed People – Chris Van Tulleken
I cut out a ton of processed food after reading Michael Pollan years ago. This book solidified that choice and gave me the science behind it.
Outlander – Diana Gabaldon
Meh.
The Occasional Human Sacrifice – Carl Elliott
This was fascinating and well worth the read. Also a bit gross at times, shocking, and a hilarious thing to read in the waiting room of a doctor’s office.
The 12 Week Year – Brian P. Moran
I liked this one so much I bought a used hard cover to mark up after listening to the audiobook. The concept of treating each 12 week period as a year in and of itself sounds great to my easily distractible brain.
Black Pill – Elle Reeve
Oof. I’ve read so many articles on the rise of white supremacy, the far right, christian nationalism, etc, etc. This one was still eye opening. Not an easy read.
The Christmas Appeal – Janice Hallett
A short cozy mystery told through the fictional emails and texts of the cast of a small town theatre group. Exactly what I needed after that last book. I actually switched between them to keep things lighter.
Apprentice in Wonderland: How Donald Trump and Mark Burnett Took America Through the Looking Glass – Ramin Setoodeh
This is more focused on Trump’s time on The Apprentice than it is politics, although it does connect a lot of dots from then to now. An interesting enough read, but I’m not a huge celebrity follower so I glazed over on some of the more Hollywood-y stuff.
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