2024 Reading Life
many words about many books
When I initially started writing this post, I wrote: “For the past five or so years, I’ve shared my favorite books of the year on social media and it’s always my favorite post of the year!” But, y’all!! I looked back on Instagram and I’ve been sharing end-of-the year book posts since 2014! Ten years: what a fun realization!
This year with the launch of my Substack, I’m thrilled to give even more words to my beloved reading life. Growing up I remember my grandmother asking my mom if I was anti-social because while everyone else in our large extended family was hanging out, I was holed up in a back bedroom at my grandmother’s house, with my nose stuck in a book. In college, I started out as an English major, but after one Great Texts class that was required in the Honors program and an absolutely phenomenal professor, I changed my major to Great Texts and my minor to English. So, yes, I majored in reading and I don’t regret it one single bit.
I love reading because it educates, inspires, and mostly because reading transports the reader to places and situations she otherwise couldn’t visit. And as we all know, life can at times require a bit of transporting. Reading has expanded my understanding of the world, given me great empathy for different life experiences, and nourished my creativity. I love being known as a book person and I cherish my book people.
So. Let’s get into it.
Fifteen Favorite Reads from 2024
The books on this list are the ones that I couldn’t stop thinking about, that I wanted other people to read so we could discuss them, and the books whose writing stopped me in my tracks. My favorite books are well written and have characters I remember after the story is over.
Time of the Child by Niall Williams. I first heard about Niall Williams this summer when John Mark Comer recommended Williams’ book This is Happiness. I didn’t pick that one up at the time but tucked it away on my TBR list. This Advent season when I was needing a seasonal read, I was delighted to see that Niall Williams just released a new book called Time of the Child. After seeing that it is endorsed on the front cover by Ann Patchett–I was sold! The story is slow and quiet and exquisitely written. I underlined multiple passages because of their beauty. Not much happens in the first hundred pages, so I know this book won’t be for everyone, but Niall Williams captures the human spirit and the heart of Christmas with such poignant beauty that I was brought to tears by several scenes. It exceeded my expectations in every way and earned its spot as my favorite book of the year.
The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali. I loved reading this with my book club and all of us included it on our end-of-year favorites list. Historical fiction set in Iran, this is a story that celebrates friendship in the midst of a country in the depths of political tension and cultural upheaval. There are heavy things that happen but the beautiful relational aspects keep the story hopeful. I loved the food descriptions and getting a close up look at Iranian culture. It’s inspiring and heartwarming! I can’t wait to read Kamali’s book, The Stationary Shop.
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. I read this in January and it has remained a favorite all year! Historical fiction at its finest, Lawhon brilliantly wove a fascinating story of the real life woman, midwife, and a hero of mine: Martha Ballard. Martha was a trail blazer and seeker of justice in the 1700s and I loved reading about this time period. There is intrigue and mystery that carries the story along–be warned that both rape and murder are part of the storyline, however neither is shared beyond a scene or two. This is one of my most recommended books of the year!
Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten. Ina Garten’s memoir was absolutely delightful to listen to! Her happy laugh and mannerisms really came through as she told her story in a heartfelt and often vulnerable way. Her life is fascinating and I loved every detail, especially learning about the difficulties and beauty in marriage that she and her beloved husband, Jeffrey, experienced along the way.
James by Percival Everett. James was a highly acclaimed book this year and rightly so! This retelling of Huckleberry Finn from Jim’s perspective was full of cutting criticism and biting humor pointed at a dark time in American history. It’s so good. I haven’t read Huckleberry Finn since highschool, so it’s not necessary to reread it beforehand in order to enjoy James.
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker. Whew! I loved this book. Interestingly, the middle portion dragged for me, but the beginning and ending of this literary mystery were so excellently executed that I didn’t mind. It’s full of heartbreak and humanity.
When the Heart Waits by Sue Monk Kidd. This is the most spiritually refreshing book I’ve read in a long time. I’ve long loved Sue Monk Kidd’s novels and really appreciated her vulnerability and resonated with her journey to appreciate seasons of waiting and allowing space for her authentic self to emerge in God. I was challenged and deeply encouraged.
Table for Two by Amor Towles. In true Amor Towles fashion, this collection of short stories and a novella are witty, insightful, and absolutely delightful. The stories range in times and topics. I could read his writing endlessly! The novella centers on a character from Rules of Civility but you don’t need to have read it to appreciate her story.
Deacon King Kong by James McBride. James McBride has such a gift for getting into the nitty gritty parts of humanity. The story starts slowly but by the end I was completely immersed in the lives of the quirky characters whose lives were woven together in a masterfully revealed mystery. I loved the glimpse into life in 1960s New York, specifically what it would’ve been like for many poorer people of color dealing with drug wars and trying to make their way. I loved McBride’s hilarious and too true reflections on the dysfunction of church life. He somehow used comedy to bring lightness to tragedy.
How Far to the Promised Land by Esau McCaulley. I felt so honored to read McCaulley’s account of his family history. He brings the reader into the story, which is one of both heartbreak and redemption. No matter how many stories I hear of what it’s like to be Black in the south, I am always devastated to hear it again. I admire and appreciate Esau’s willingness to recount his pain. I also loved his reflections on his and his wife’s marriage. The way he sees the thread of God in his life is powerful and inspiring.
Habits of the Household by Justin Whitmel Earley. I was so encouraged by the practical and Biblically inspired ideas for guiding your family. Earley offers spiritual guidance in discipling your family in ways that create purpose and intention with freedom and grace. I loved the specific stories and ways to create family life rhythms. Highly recommend.
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. A classic that reads like a thriller! An unreliable narrator, an atmospheric setting featuring a terrifying mansion home, a creepy housekeeper, plus the coziness of unending scenes of afternoon tea and cakes and scones. The twist and turns kept me guessing and intrigued. I especially enjoyed reading this as part of Laura Tremaine’s Secret Stuff Book Club.
Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer. I really enjoyed reading Comer’s book with a group of friends over the summer. We met two different times to discuss what we learned and how to implement it. I think that is the best way to read this and definitely increased its value and meaning for me. I felt deeply encouraged by his practical guide for being a follower of Jesus.
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett. Bel Canto is such a unique story in that the whole thing takes place in a single location. The writing and weaving together of character’s lives is creative. Ann’s writing is romantic and whimsical. I loved the celebration of language, culture, and music that are at the heart of the story. I also loved receiving a copy of the annotated version of Bel Canto that I received for my birthday. It’s like taking a master class in writing to read Ann’s handwritten notes about her work. So special!
The Anxiety Opportunity by Curtis Chang. This is a book that I came back to and referenced many times. The quote on the front cover sums in up really well: “Theologically vibrant and psychologically wise.” It’s hard to find books about anxiety that honor the physical, spiritual, and mental aspects of it. I learned a new approach to anxiety by reading this that gave me valuable practical help.
2024 Favorite Bookish Moments
I experienced many delightful moments this year that thrilled my book lover’s heart. In March I attended The New Orleans Book Festival with a dear friend who captured a hilarious photo of me smiling SO BIG as I met Amor Towles. He was extraordinarily kind as we spoke for a few moments, I enthusiastically expressed my appreciation for his work, and he signed my copy of A Gentleman in Moscow. My friend and I also attended his lecture and I was blown away hearing him share about his creative process.
My Baton Rouge book club went on our second annual reading beach trip in April. I’ve written all about it here and I can’t recommend going on a beach trip with your book club enough. We have the best time.
Reading Ruth Reichl’s A Paris Novel on a train from Marseille to Paris was absolutely magical. I was thrilled to visit the famous Shakespeare and Co. bookstore, which is a main part of the novel. Sitting with my husband upstairs and sketching my window view of Notre Dame is a moment I’ll never forget.
Visiting The Last Bookstore in LA was iconic! I was fascinated by all the quirky nooks and crannies of this massive shop. They sell both new and used books and it was a blast looking around. My family indulged me—shoutout to my husband and in-laws who wrangled the kids while I browsed. I could have stayed there for hours!
In September, I visited Nashville and Franklinton, Tennessee with one of my best friends and book twins. We were attending a homeschool conference and while there we spent a couple hours at Parnassus Books, a bookstore owned by Ann Patchett and a spot I’ve been wanting to visit for several years. We had an absolutely delightful time browsing and buying books. Ann wasn’t at the bookstore at the time, but I had the pleasure of meeting her a couple weeks later when she came to Garden District Bookshop in New Orleans for a book signing event for her new children’s book. I took my daughter along and we had so much fun! I loved meeting Ann, she was personable and kind, taking time to chat with us. Upon introducing her to my daughter Annie, I asked her if anyone called her Annie–she replied that her mom’s best friend and Barbara Kingsolver were the only ones who did. How fun to learn that detail!
Book Club(s)
My Baton Rouge book club is six years old and I couldn’t love these gals more. We have a GroupMe chat and an Instagram group chat where we nerd out on books and book memes. We also interact a lot on Goodreads like the nerdy bookworms we are. I don’t go to every monthly meeting since I’m coming in from New Orleans, but I do Facetime in. Being in person is the best though and I love discussing our book selection. Our beach trip and our Christmas book exchange are highlights of my year.
I’ve met a couple times with a fledgling New Orleans book club and it’s been really fun. We began in the summer and we’ve read Real Americans, The Four Winds, and The Familiar. We’ve traded off hosting in our homes and we’ve had great food and great conversations each time.
I love reading and discussing books with my college besties via Voxer. We mostly chat about life but periodically we will read a book together and share our takeaways via Zoom.
In November I joined my first online book club hosted by Laura Tremaine, a podcaster and author whose work I’ve long been a fan of. She hosts a monthly “Secret Stuff” book club and I gifted myself the year long subscription as my end of the year teacher appreciation gift (homeschool mom life!). I absolutely loved discussing Rebecca with the group in November and attending (via Zoom) the end of the year meeting when we shared our favorite books of the year. It’s a group of smart women who love books! The 2025 list looks amazing and I’m excited to continue on!
The Breakdown
I keep up with my reading progress on Goodreads where I rate and review each book. I really like looking back at my reviews because it helps me remember what each book was about. This year I read 65 books which is a good number for me! Many more than that and I feel like I’m not really savoring my reading life.
These are the categories that are important to me to know:
Nonfiction: 29—this surprised me and feels like a good number.
Fiction: 36—great.
Women authors: 45—love this!
2024 releases: 22—too many!
Backlist: 43—pretty good.
Authors of color: 13—more next year!
Book club reads: 17—love it.
Personal growth: 15—more next year!
2025 Reading Hopes:
–Read/finish at least 3 Classics: I want to finish East of Eden, read all of The Brothers Karamazov, and make progress in Les Mis–I’ve read 300 pages of the over 1000!
–Less new releases, more backlist! I often get distracted by shiny new books being released, but there are so many backlist books that I want to get to.
–Not being on my phone an hour after I wake up in the morning and an hour before going to bed at night. I’d love to replace evening scrolling time with more reading!
-I’d like at least 20 of the authors I read this year to be people of color. It’s important to me to learn from differing life experiences.
What a blessed year of special reading moments!