Everything I read in 2024
+ why reading challenges stress me TF out
I’m very jealous of my friend Lisa. She created a Goodreads account when she was 13, and thanks to this precocious tween thinking, she possesses a complete catalogue of all the books she’s consumed for the last decade-plus. While I wish middle school Alli had that foresight, I have been cataloguing my books to various effect for the past few years.
I started with Instagram stories, then transitioned to a running note on my iPhone. But my favorite method is the most old-fashioned: a hand-written list tucked in the back of my notebook.
Although I would enjoy a Spotify-wrapped style infographic at the end of the year, the handwritten list also helps me avoid “reading challenge” culture. There’s nothing wrong with this trend, and I enjoy seeing my friends participate. But personally, numerical goals leave me feeling rushed and spazzy. Earlier this week, for example, I started Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides. I immediately loved the writing — but it’s dense and takes a while to understand. I was tempted to put it down and crank through a few smaller books to reach a higher number in 2024, but ultimately desisted.
As a result, my number of books this year isn’t staggeringly high. I’m not going to hit triple digits. But that’s okay. I really loved this year of reading.
You’ll see from my highlights (pink highlights = my favorite books of the year) that 2024 started off a bit slow, with books that didn’t really stick with me. Fast forward to this month, and there’s a huge chunk of favorites stacked one on top of another.
This system isn’t for everyone, but it’s how I’ve been cataloging my books for the last few years. How do you keep track of your books? Also, have you read any of the below? Drop me a comment and let me know! 💌
The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka (6)
This slim, 3-part novella is about motherhood, immigration, and memory. Very sad, but very good.
Foster by Claire Keegan (11)
I recommended Claire Keegan in a Bookpeach about contemporary Irish literature earlier this year, and Foster is ideal for a rainy day and a strong cup of tea. I think all of Keegan’s books make great presents — this one especially.
On All Fronts by Clarissa Ward (19)
I recommended this book in my post-election Bookpeach, and it’s remained one of my favorite memoirs this year. Great for journalists and non-journalists alike.
The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz (21)
I loved The Plot by Korelitz last year, so decided to give this earlier novel of hers a chance. It has some classic pieces I enjoy — super-wealthy New Yorkers, difficult siblings, romantic triangles (or parallelograms, really). I recommend this for fans of Taffy Brodesser-Akner and Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney.
Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead (23)
This book could have been silly, but it was really well written and just delightfully told. There’s a reason why wedding novels are so fun to read! (And I liked it way more than her historical novel Great Circle, which I know people love … but I found bloated and burdensome by the end).
Come and Get It by Kylie Reid (31)
This book received mixed reviews, but I actually prefer it to Reid’s bestseller Such A Fun Age. I love how this book tackles consumer culture, college relationships, and money. Great for fans of the Money Diaries series on Refinery29.
When We Lost Our Heads by Heather O’Neill (36)
Ugh. This book is the BEST. Set in 1800’s Montreal, this tale is sapphic, strange, and coarse in all the right places. I SUPER highly recommend. There were times I laughed-out-loud and had to send loooooong voice memos to my friends breaking down plot points.
The God Of The Woods by Liz Moore (39)
Arguably, I’ve written too much about this book! Check out full thoughts in My favorite 2024 books (so far).
No Ordinary Assignment by Jane Ferguson (41)
Like the Clarissa Ward memoir, I recommended this book in my post-election Bookpeach. War reporter Ferguson is a terrific storyteller, and this book really delivers.
Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford (45)
I recommended this book a few months ago, and it remains the perfect treat for a sad/stressful day. Gift to your mom or a friend who loves “The Great British Bakeoff.”
Liars by Sarah Manguso (46)
Alright, this book is the OPPOSITE of cozy. It’s very stressful and had me questioning whether marriage can ever be healthy and equal. Read if you want to feel deeply unsettled!
I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue (47)
Back to coziness here … this book is sweet without being saccharine, and Sue skewers modern office culture to perfection. This is a great present for your favorite coworker.
Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors (48)
Although I enjoyed this book when I first read it, I’ve wavered a bit as time has passed. Check out my description in My favorite 2024 books (so far).
Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten (51)
Brimming with charming anecdotes and wonderful life advice, this memoir exceeded my expectations. For more, see my Bookpeach on cozy books. Team Ina forever.
Margo’s Got Money Problems by Rufi Thorpe (52)
The more I think about this book, the more I love it. Check out my description in My favorite 2024 books (so far).
Piglet by Lottie Hazell (53)
This book is creeeeepy, but super affecting. Read if you like body horror and/or descriptions of delicious food.
All Fours by Miranda July (54)
Of everything I read this year, I think this book will stay with me the longest. Every woman should read this. Hell, every man should too! For my full thoughts, see My favorite 2024 books (so far).
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn (55)
THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD AND SCARY, WTF. I don’t know if I can even stomach the show on HBO, although I hear it’s excellent…
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro (59)
I wrote about how much I loved this book a few weeks ago, and as I said then, it totally changed how I feel about science fiction. Read if you liked The Giver as a kid.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (60)
It’s so fun to read a long-popular book for the first time. Now I get what all the hype was about — twenty years later! The writing isn’t revelatory or anything, but the STORY! I couldn’t put this down! Amazing.
Cold Crematorium by József Debreczeni (61)
Hands down the most affecting book about the Holocaust I’ve ever read. This should be taught in schools.
The Wedding People by Alison Espach (62)
Another wedding book that could have been dumb but isn’t because the writing is so good. Perfect to break out of a reading slump.
My Husband by Maude Ventura (63)
Eek! This was so creepy and fun. Like a French version of Gone Girl.
📚 On my shelf
To my earlier point, I’m tempted to grab a short book, ditch Paul for the day, and get my number up to 66 to end 2024! Alas, I have already started Colored Television by Danzy Senna and am loving it so far. I was going to wait to read on my Kindle, but when I saw it in Shakespeare & Company in Paris, I had to buy! PS — this bookstore was amazing … thanks to all who recommended. 🇫🇷
I’m about a third of the way through Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad and am struggling to stay engaged. Has anyone else read?
📚 Links and Things
This Harper’s profile on Olympia Gayot, aka the woman who made J. Crew cool again 🛍️
I love Wolf Blitzer so much.
My favorite Jimmy Carter profile of ALL TIME. If you read just one thing about the former president, let it be this 🥜
I am obsessed with this new(ish) Substack —
. Every month, journalist Lisa Abend visits a new place in Europe, and travels without using the internet … like, at all. No Google Maps. No Instagram reviews of restaurants. No Uber. It’s super impressive, and I love her essays so far!
XOX and Happy New Year! 💛
Alli
Thank you so much for the mention, Alli—and for giving me some great ideas for what to read next!
Hi! It’s always fun to see others reading similar books. I read, loved and wrote about some of your favorites from this year too— though the book I read was about Margo’s money *troubles* 😉. Following for more!