Recently, the lovely staff member here at Red Deer Public Library responsible for curating lists for email delivery asked all staff what their favourite one (or two) reads of 2024, opens a new window were. Immediately, like any mood reader or undecided voter, I panicked knowing that choosing one (or EVEN TWO) would be an impossible task. Obviously this means that I must go rogue (with permission *wink) to create a list of my favourite reads I had this year.
At first I wondered if I should limit myself to books published in 2024, and I thought..."No"...if I am going rogue on my own list of favourites, I am making my own rules as I go along. Some readers may recognize my name as one of the hosts of the library's podcast Part of the Story, and know I am constantly AND consistently breaking my own list rules. In an effort to be somewhat organized, I will present to you my favourites bundled by their genres.
Historical Fiction
I have long loved anything related to Ancient Egypt. In high school I had books, and books of history and mythology, and notebooks filled with little tidbits I found fascinating. It comes as no surprise that The Heretic Queen tops one of my lists, I am only surprised that I hadn't read it before now.
Continuing in my ancient history historical journey, I read my very first Kate Quinn, and I LOVED it. Mistress of Rome is part of a larger series of interconnected books, I have not read any others in the series (as yet) and enjoyed it completely as a standalone.
The Veronica Speedwell series is one of my absolute favourite discoveries in years! I read this entire nine book series this year, and had a good time with Veronica every time. I have linked the first book in the series, and I believe it is best read in order.
Non-Fiction
Historically speaking, I have not been a well-known non-fiction reader. So, looking back on my list of books I read in 2024, I was surprised to not only discover how many non-fiction titles I enjoyed, but that I actually had favourites amongst them.
The first was recommended (and loaned to me) by a friend. Though not every aspect resonated with me (I still don't understand the mechanics of motorcycles), the underlying thesis was fascinating.
Shop Class as Soulcraft : N Inquiry Into the Value of Work
In an age where we know more and more about favourite authors, artists, musicians, etc., Claire Dederer's Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma asks whether we can separate art from artist.
And finally in this category, a history of the Sackler family, how the opioid crisis started, and how it evolved to what we see today. At times frustrating, heartbreaking, and angering I was engaged to the very last page.
Fantasy
I used to think that I was too dumb to read fantasy, or perhaps had no imagination. I would get taken out of stories because I couldn't keep track of the rules of the world being created. Turns out, I was reading the wrong fantasies for me!
One of my top favourite reads of the year was a debut from Gareth Brown. I was so incredibly emotionally invested at times, that I actually had tears in my eyes. Beautifully written, and imaginatively designed, I would recommend this title to those of us looking to get into fantasy and don't know where to start.
I am a mood reader (and book buyer...), and sometimes Past Claire has some real gems just waiting to be discovered on my TBR shelf. One such discovery is Axie Oh's Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea. This is a fairytale for lovers of Studio Ghibli. I went into it with no expectations, and absolutely fell in love. Even my mum (who NEVER reads fantasy) couldn't put it down.
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea
A complete departure for any mythology I have consumed and enjoyed in the past was Sophie Kim's The God and the Gumiho which introduced me to some aspects of Korean mythology. A thoroughly enjoyable mystery, fantasy, and romance, I couldn't have asked for more. Excited for the second book coming in 2025, but satisfied enough that a reader will enjoy this as a standalone.
Science Fiction
I am a Star Trek girlie from way back, and yet have rarely read sci-fi. I love interesting technologies and high stakes!
I don't know how I was originally introduced to Sierra Greer's debut Annie Bot, but since that moment (and after having read it) I have recommended it to many in my work and personal life. I listened to the audio, and it was perfection. Grappling with the ideas of sentience, what it means to be an individual, and how choices shape our existence kept me glued to the listen. I constantly found myself wanting to check back in with Annie.
In full transparency, I only discovered Bo-Young Kim's I'm Waiting for You because it is rumored to be an upcoming project of one of my favourite film directors Denis Villeneuve. I chose this selection for our Reader Rendezvous book club. Honestly, it met readers with varying degrees of success but I found the first in the collection and the final in the collection to be beautiful and haunting.
I listened to the entire trilogy of The Wild Robot, and it was absolutely wonderful. After the first film having just been released this year, I thought it time to dive into the trilogy and it did not disappoint. This is a trilogy that builds on the previous book, and must be enjoyed in order.
Dystopian
Let me first start by saying that sometimes when things get popular I refuse to engage with them like any good little contrarian. And so, I finally read the bestselling series -- The Hunger Games. I'm sure you are probably wondering how I managed to dodge the books and films this long, and all I can say is that it was well fought, but I am glad I finally lost. I get the hype. Though I still haven't watched all the films, the books were amazing. Again this series must be enjoyed in order (I would even argue to read them in publication order.)
Another favourite from Reader Rendezvous this year was a complete departure in narratives I thought I liked. This is open ended, doesn't offer all the answers, and is a slow and consuming book. Waubgeshig Rice's Moon of the Crusted Snow gives the best kind of narrative claustrophobia.
The best audiobook I listened to this year was Nana Kwame Adjeh-Brenyah's Chain-Gang All-Stars. It boasts a full cast and excellent production values. Absolutely riveting to listen to. It is everything you could want in action, social commentary, and dystopian fiction.
Fiction
I had a great year for trilogies looking back at my books read in 2024. I discovered Jennifer Lynn Barnes The Inheritance Games trilogy in January and enjoyed revisiting the world on and off all year. This YA series is best enjoyed in order, and there are supplementary books, and a spin-off series.
Years, and years ago when I would browse my parent's book shelves, I'd pick up a Stephen King now and again, and then didn't for years and years. A member in one of the book clubs I host suggested I might enjoy King's books better on audio and they were correct. I listened to my first King in April and have enjoyed quite a few since. However, the first of his that I listened to this year does remain my favourite.
One of my favourite co-workers (and to not cause hurty feelings as they are all my faves in their own ways), Sandy, had recommended Taylor Jenkins Reid's Carrie Soto is Back. Again as a contrarian from way back, I had decided that she was "too popular" to read at this point. Sandy convinced me to give this one a try, and 'lo and behold it became one of my favourites of the year. It's about tennis -- something I don't care about. An unlikeable protagonist. The nineties. AND YET...perfection.
And here we come to the end of my very long reading recommendation journey. One of my biggest surprises of the year was a book I hadn't heard of until I picked it up. It wasn't a recommendation, or an anticipated read. It was funny, relatable (as a Millennial), and had a little romance. I couldn't have asked for more.
If you made it to the end, congratulations, and thank you for this indulgence. Reading is one of my favourite things in the world. I listen to books walking my dog, or doing housework. I read before bed, or in the middle of a beautiful afternoon on my deck. Reading is an escape, a comfort, a learning opportunity, and a place to find community. I wish you a year of great reads in 2025. And, if you feel so inclined, please drop your favourite 1, 2, or 15 from your 2024 reading journey in the comments.
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