all the books i read in 2024

the Life with MD reading awards [80]:

Bibliothèque nationale de France, an impressive place to see in Paris

Hi friends,

As we’re getting close to the last week of the year, I thought it might be fun to share everything I have read this year: my favorite, not-so-favorite, the weird, creative, informative, inspiring reads.

I did a variation of this post two years ago and always enjoy reading what others are perusing. This post was inspired by

Erifili Gounari

’s 2024 reading round-up. After wrapping this post, feel free to check out her Substack. I enjoy reading her pieces a lot.

This is my seventh!!! year doing the Goodreads reading challenge. In 2024, I set my goal as 30 and I’m currently at 25 books. I go back and forth with the purpose of hitting my arbitrary reading goal. I read a lot in 2022 (45 books) and 2023 (34 books), but I also rushed through many of them to get to a certain number. I made myself finish books that I didn’t like or find relevant. Over the years, I found confidence in leaving books unfinished and never adding them to my “read” list.

I also believe you can only learn so much from books as long as you are ready to take in the information. All will come in right time if you make yourself ready. This year three-fourths of books I read are fiction. I love putting my imagination to work and as much as I appreciate a solid non-fiction book, the sky is the limit when it comes to fiction. Authors aren’t censored to write about anything. There are pockets of truth that the self-help world can’t teach you.

“Fiction reveals truth that reality obscures.”
― Jessamyn West

My 2024 reading list, in no meaningful order. The full book list with individual ratings can be found here:

Without further ado, here are my reading awards:

1. Best feel-good book

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt (4/5☆)

As a kid, I love reading about simple living and life’s mundane moments with warm-hearted characters. This book reminds me of that.

2. Best contemporary story with interesting characters

Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (5/5 ☆)

Super interesting theme that revolves around games, creating a business and technology. The author successfully created complex characters and impart lessons about love and friendships through the story. A page turner and delight to read.

3. Most out-of-the-box fiction

Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan (4/5 ☆)

Think high-tech San Francisco meets old-world fantasy (there are no witches or magic), this book snaps me out of the usual contemporary works. I also love Robin Sloan’s other fiction called Sourdough.

4. Most inspiring essays

This Is The Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett (5/5 ☆)

Ann Patchett is famous for her novels - The Dutch House, Tom Lake, Bel Canto, etc. but personally, I love her non-fiction essays collection: These Precious Days and above title. They capture the beauty of life marvelously. She is unabashedly honest about her feelings and as a younger woman, I usually learn something from reading Ann’s stories.

An honorary mention to Calypso by David Sedaris - his essay collection cracks me up.

5. To find some calm and sweetness

True Love by Thich Nhat Hanh (5/5 ☆)

A quick read or something to mull over for some time, this book can be both. I always appreciate Thich Nhat Hanh’s words and as I have been made a romantic the past two years or so, this book is even more special.

For more reviews by yours truly, you can go to my Goodreads profile to become friends. I’d love to know if you have read any good books this year - feel free to leave recommendations below.

All my love,

Minh

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