2024 Book Roundup
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It’s the end of 2024 which means it’s time to recap the year in books! I’ve talked before about not meeting your Goodreads goals and how we should all give ourselves a little bit of grace. And I stand by that. But that doesn’t mean we don’t celebrate the little wins, and gush about the books we loved. So, welcome to my 2024 book roundup!
Books that Take Place in the 1600s
This year I randomly read multiple books that take place in the 1600s. It was a tumultuous and fascinating hundred years with everything from the Great Fire of London (The Phoenix Bride) to rich and interesting cultures (The Miniaturist) and fantastic art (Girl with the Pearl Earring).
Series
This year I completed one series and started, but couldn’t bring myself to finish, another. I really enjoyed The Inheritance Games, though the personalities and drama of the brothers got to me a little. I then started Once Upon a Broken Heart and it was not for me.
The main character, Evangeline, drove me a little bonkers. Though I loved the concept of the story, I just could not get into it. In the end, I read two of them, but never picked up the third.
Stories that are a Little Scary
I am not a horror reader. At all. However, I can do a little scary and added The Road by Cormac McCarthy and Hide by Kiersten White to my 2024 book list. The Road is absolutely fascinating and creepy with an amazing writing style that I will definitely be revisiting. Hide had a great mystery element to it with lots of gore but limited outright horror—which is perfect for me!
The final little bit scary read this year was The Reappearance of Rachel Price. The scary part wasn’t actually scary per se, but a good twist that makes your skin crawl.
Religious
I don’t often talk about religion on this blog or my bookstagram, but I am a religious person and occasionally slip a few more religion-based reads into my yearly reading. The first in 2024 was The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis. A classic, The Abolition of Man is definitely a must for everyone! The second more religious book was about Princess Ileana of Romania: queen turned monastic. She lived through some of the most crazy historic times and held a very steady faith that helped her entire nation.
UK & Ireland
Surprise, surprise I’ve read books that take place in the UK and Ireland. Some of my favorite places, of course I prioritize books that take place there. These are some more contemporary books that were super fun! The Lost Bookshop was one of my favorite reads this year. With a little bit of fantasy and, of course, a bookshop, how can you possibly go wrong? North and South was so much fun—especially since you get a lovesick Mr. Thornton—swoon!
I had to sneak an Ian Rankin book in there! Riveting mystery and creepy murders cursed London and brought the Scottish detective to the amazing city for Tooth and Nail. So much fun! Finally, I bought An Irish Country Doctor on a whim and it was a great read. Very nostalgic with fun, countryside tales of being a doctor in the middle of the last century.
Books Based in America
Heading back to America, there were some notable books from the States. The shortest read was The Outsiders with its loveable gang of misfits who are just trying to survive and grow up without being imprisoned or killed. Next was The Martian. While not my favorite, it was interesting to imagine getting stuck on a planet and having to fight your way off of it. Finally, was Demon Copperhead—a triumph of amazing writing and a heartbreaking story that is all too familiar to many Americans.
Conclusion
This year was a good year of books. I really enjoyed every book—even the ones that weren’t really for me in the end. I can’t wait for 2025, more trips to the library, some Bookshop.org purchases, and all the books I discover.
Happy reading!