How to choose my favorite reads from the 115 books I read in 2024? I picked 12 – six fiction and six non-fiction – books that stood out as ones I recommended to people after I read them. These are the books I kept thinking about and wanting to talk about to others. You can find full reviews of them in my monthly reading bookshelf posts, so I’ll just give a little snippet here.
FICTION
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
One of the main characters is an octopus! Need I say more?
The Winners (Beartown #3) by Fredrik Backman
Heartbreaking and real. Beartown is not an easy series to read but it will stay with me. It’s about family, justice, loyalty and love.
Hinds Feet On High Places by Hannah Hurnard
A bit of Pilgrim’s Progress but with a female main character who is striving to find her way through life’s hardships and temptations.
Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis
A gripping re-telling of the story of Cupid and Psyche.
Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset
A long book, but tells Kristin’s story from start to finish in medieval times.
The Ocean and the Stars by Mark Helprin
Wonderfully descriptive writing about a modern action and love story.
NON-FICTION
Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom
Albom’s own story about learning about the faith of his people and finding his own way to faith.
Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist by Brant Pitre
Amazing book showing how the Old Testament foreshadows the Eucharist. A must-read!
He Leadeth Me by Walter Ciszek
Ciszek’s story of being a prisoner in Russia and how he clung to his faith is amazing. It must be read with his other book – With God in Russia.
With God in Russia by Walter Ciszek
Ciszek’s story of being a prisoner in Russia and how he clung to his faith is amazing. It must be read with his other book – He Leadeth Me.
Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson
Whether you like him or hate him, Elon Musk is an important figure in our time. This book gives great insight into his story and how his brain works.
All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot
Fun stories of a country vet. I laughed out loud many, many times!
What were your favorite reads in 2024? Share them in the comments!