16 books into 2024 and counting…

It’s National Book Lovers Day! 

I’ve been a book lover since I learned to read, and in honor of today, I wanted to share a list of the books I’ve read this year. My goal is 25 by the end of December, and I’ve read 16 so far — if I can squeeze in an extra title or two, I definitely will! 

Here’s a list, what I rated them out of 5 stars, and a quick synopsis:

1.The Humans” by Matt Haig

I couldn’t get enough of this book! An absolute masterpiece from start to finish, this quirky story about an alien who switches bodies with a human is a nonstop commentary on human existence, life, love, relationships, and so much more. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll question everything about yourself.  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

2. “When a Crocodile Eats the Sun” by Peter Godwin

A memoir about the collapse of Zimbabwe into a dictatorship, I really had no idea what to expect when I started this story. I learned so much, and am in awe of the people who stayed in the country and bravely stood up to the leadership there, even if their courage resulted in death. A well-written, informative read. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

3. “The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches” by Sangu Mandanna

This is a young adult novel, and it was very cute. An easy, fun read about a modern-day witch who is called to a house of young witches to teach them how to survive in the world. Throw in a little romance and what else can you ask for? ⭐⭐⭐⭐

4. “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig

Another Matt Haig book! This one follows Nora, who at the beginning of the novel finds herself in the midnight library, a sort of purgatory between life and death. The story is her journey to find herself, and she goes down many different paths — literally — to do so. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

5. “Taste” by Stanley Tucci

I love Stanley Tucci. His passion for food is unmatched, and this memoir is simply all about his favorite foods, restaurants, and countries where he shared some of the best meals of his life. What I love about this book is that he shares family recipes throughout, and his lentil pasta is now a staple at my house! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

6. “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz

This teeny tiny book is packed with so much wisdom, and it’s such a quick read, that everyone should read it! If you want to find inner peace and gain personal freedom in your everyday life, read this book. And then read it again. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

7. “Anxious People” by Fredrik Bachman

I was disappointed by this novel. I loved Bachman’s “A Man Called Ove,” so I was very excited to read “Anxious People.” I think part of it was a translation issue, because there were a handful of references and phrases that just didn’t land. It was entertaining enough (about an accidental bank robber who also accidentally kidnaps people), but I wouldn’t recommend it. ⭐⭐⭐

8. “One Italian Summer” by Rebecca Serle

For what many people think of as a beach read, this story had me in my feelings! It’s both lighthearted and introspective, and I really enjoyed it. It’s about a young woman whose mother passes away, so she decides to take the trip to Italy solo that they had planned before she passed. During this time, she meets someone who reminds her very much of her mother, and reflects on their relationship in the process. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

9. “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt

I LOVED this book! Oscillating between various narrators (including a heart-stealing octopus named Marcellus!) it’s a story about different relationships, grief, healing, finding yourself, and more. The characters were so endearing and I didn’t want it to end. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

10. “Demon Copperhead” by Barbara Kingsolver

Another incredible book — definitely one of the best I’ve ever read in my life! The main character, Demon, has been through the wringer (and that’s saying it lightly) and it follows his life from birth through young adulthood. Kingsolver hit this out of the park, and I couldn’t recommend it enough. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

11. “Expiration Dates” by Rebecca Serle

This one was definitely more of a beach read, and I didn’t connect to it like I did Serle’s “One Italian Summer.” It follows a young woman looking for love, but there wasn’t enough depth for me. If you’re looking for something light, though, it’s an easy story to get through. ⭐⭐⭐

12. “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides

Unfortunately, I cannot understand the hype around this book. I didn’t love the writing, and I didn’t think the story was very compelling. Super disappointed. ⭐⭐

13. “Heavy” by Kiese Laymon

Much like the title suggests, this memoir was heavy, but it was also inspiring! Laymon’s writing is incredible, powerful, and moving, and I really enjoyed it, despite how hard some parts were to read. I admire his vulnerability and honesty in sharing his life with his readers. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

14. “Thicker Than Water” by Kerry Washington

Another memoir, I learned so much about Kerry Washington’s life that I didn’t know before! She was very vulnerable in sharing her battles with anxiety, depression, and disordered eating, as well as insight into how the acting industry can affect people. It’s also a commentary on her family, particularly her relationship with her parents, and what it means to not know exactly who you are or where you come from. ⭐⭐⭐

15. “Maame” by Jessica George

Pronounced “Ma-may”, this novel follows the main character, Maddie, who is a 25-year-old Ghanaian woman living in the UK and caring for her ailing father. It’s about race and stereotypes, family dynamics, and discovering yourself. I really enjoyed this book, especially the dedication at the end by the author, Jessica George. It made the story that much more meaningful to me. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

16. “The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post” by Allison Pataki

This is one of the best historical fiction books I’ve read! I was blown away by Marjorie Post’s life and story. She was a huge advocate and leader for women’s empowerment and rights, and her passion for charitable giving was astounding, especially given the time period in which she lived. I will definitely be planning a trip to one of her homes in D.C. soon, the now-preserved Hillwood Museum. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Up next? “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros. Gotta see what all the hype is about!

How many of these have you read? Which are on your TBR list? Any I need to add to mine? Let me know!