I made a goal to read more books in 2024, especially more fiction. These are not all of the books I read this year, but a majority…
But first, let me share some tips that helped me read more books this year!
- Use multiple forms of books (audiobook, ebook, paperback) — don’t restrict yourself to one form of book. Audiobooks are great for driving or doing things around the house, ebooks are great for when you’re on the go, and paperbacks are great for when you want to unplug.
- Don’t read a book just because it’s popular or recommended — trust your gut when you feel like a book is calling out to you. Don’t simply read it because you feel pressured to, or because everyone else says they like it. Taste in books is unique and personal.
- Read fast and skim if you want — do not dwell on every single sentence, overanalyze every single word, or think too hard while you’re reading. Go through the pages quickly and lightly. There are certain parts that you may want to read more slowly, but don’t be afraid to rush through the boring parts. And ironically, forcing yourself to read faster actually helps you focus better.
This Is Your Mind on Plants by Michael Pollan
Nonfiction, science (audiobook)
My first book of the year was an audiobook. It’s a deep dive into three of the world’s most famous mind-altering substances that come from plants: opium, caffeine, and mescaline. I thought this was super interesting!
“You Just Need to Lose Weight”: And 19 Other Myths About Fat People by Aubrey Gordon
Nonfiction, social justice (audiobook)
This book is a perspective shifter that helps you understand the complexity of weight loss. Diet culture really tries to simplify an issue that has so many more layers to it. I think that everybody should read this.
Brides of Rome (Vesta Shadows trilogy #1) by Debra May Macleod
Fiction, historical fiction (Kindle)
This historical novel that takes place in ancient Rome follows the Vestal Virgins, the young women who joined the priesthood and dedicated their lives to Vesta, goddess of the home and hearth. The characters are fictional, but the storyline involves real historical figures including Cleopatra, Mark Antony, Caesar, and so forth. The writer is highly educated on ancient Rome, so this felt like an authentic look into a time portal.
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
Nonfiction, autobiography (audiobook)
The title is jarring — but when you read this book, it makes sense. I listened to the audiobook version in which Jennette records it herself. Jennette gives a very honest look into life as a child star — raised by an abusive mother. Where do you begin when it comes to explaining how abusive she was? Everything from being starved into an eating disorder as a child, to being forced to strip naked and let her mom perform “medical checks” on her as a teenager. It’s absolutely a dark and heavy book, but Jennette’s self-awareness and introspective abilities allow her to find healing — and courage to share her story.
Neon Gods (Dark Olympus #1) by Katee Robert
Fiction, fantasy (Kindle)
I don’t often read smutty novels. This is a novel based on the figures in Greek Mythology. It centers around Persephone and Hades. After Persephone has ran away from Olympus, she finds herself trapped in the Underworld with Hades, and unwilling to leave. I definitely would like to read the rest of the series!
The New Vesta Secret: Finding the Flame of Faith, Home & Happiness by Debra May Macleod
Nonfiction, spirituality (Kindle)
After reading her novel, “Brides of Rome,” I saw that the author had also written a nonfiction book on spirituality. While the “Brides of Rome” series centers around the real, historical worship of Vesta, this book takes a look into the modern revival. She discusses the importance of Vesta in the ancient world and how this can apply to today’s search for spiritual answers. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is into paganism.
Rhea Silvia by Debra May Macleod
Fiction, historical fiction (Kindle)
Yet another book by this author, this is a fiction series that goes even further back from ancient Rome — all the way back to the myth of how Rome was created. The famous myth is that there were two twin boys, Romus and Romulus, raised by a wolf. The two boys got into a fight and Romus ended up killing his brother, then founding Rome and naming it after himself. This story follows Rhea Silvia, the mother of Romus and Romulus. This book was super thrilling, very dark, and incredibly captivating!
Ten Drugs: How Plants, Powders, and Pills Have Shaped the History of Medicine by Thomas Hager
Nonfiction, science (Kindle)
This book covers the history of medicine and drugs, highlighting the ten most popular. It looks at drugs from an unbiased perspective, noting the power to heal verses the power to harm, neither demonizing nor glorifying it. In the end, the author is left with a classic conundrum: should I take this new blood pressure medication or not!? What this ending reveals is that since the dawn of man, and until the end of time, drugs are always going to be a double-edged sword.
Drinks and Sinkholes by S. Usher Evans
Fiction, cozy mystery (audiobook)
The genre of “cozy mystery” has recently become popular, in which a story has low stakes, and you are guaranteed a happy ending. I love this trend because sometimes a book (or movie, show, etc.) can feel so dark and heavy that it weighs you down. The downside is that it may not captivate your attention as much, as you’re not going to be on the edge of your seat. I thought that this was a cute book!
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Fiction, romance (audiobook)
There has been so much hype around this book! It’s about a journalist who’s been given the honor of recording the life story of Evelyn Hugo — a fictional superstar who rose to fame in the 1950s, left show business in the 80s, and lives to tell the tale in the 2010s. We learn about her seven husbands along the way — including a major plot twist. Read full review here.
Baby Proof by Emily Giffen
Fiction, romance (paperback)
I bought this book at a used book sale in Ocean Grove that my uncle Joel told us about (shoutout to uncle Joel!) I recognized this author because my mom used to love her books. I had read “Heart of the Matter” by this author, a copy that Mom let me borrow, so I thought I’d try this one out. This story is about a couple who gets married, deciding that they would never have children, when the husband suddenly changes his mind. The story says a lot about relationships and marriage, how people can change their minds on major issues, and how much partners should compromise for one another. I really enjoyed this and it made me think a lot about these things.
Manic Pixie Egirl by Nate Lemcke
Fiction (paperback)
The most hated and controversial book of the year — of course I had to read it! This was written by an indie author. The book was signed and came with a unique tarot card (mine was page of swords.) I really loved this book — but I understand why many would not like this. I think that in order to appreciate this book, you really have to go in with an open mind, and try not to take it too seriously. I applaud this author for writing a story that is both spiritually awakening and yet so trashy at the same time.
The Way of the Rose: The Radical Path of the Divine Feminine Hidden in the Rosary by Clark Strand and Perdita Finn
Nonfiction, spirituality (Kindle)
This was a life changing book for me. This book explains the spiritual importance of the rosary, and praying the rosary, even if you are not Catholic. You don’t even have to be traditionally Christian. It’s an open minded look into the rosary for those who simply want more spiritual guidance and hope to feel a greater connection to something beyond this world. After reading this, I bought myself a rosary and have learned how to pray the rosary. I have successfully used this meditation to relieve myself from anxiety, it’s also helped me get through a panic attack, so it’s been a great tool for me.
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
Fiction, fantasy (Kindle)
This cozy mystery is about a professor, named Emily, who is in the process of writing an encyclopedia of faeries. Around the year 1900, she travels to a small village where she can study the fae face to face, having curious interactions with them. Emily is an introverted curmudgeon, while her academic rival, Bambleby, is just the opposite with a charming and bubbly personality. The story is full of imagination, and it’s fun to see the tension growing between Emily and Bambleby.
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
Fiction, fantasy (paperback)
Another cozy mystery — and perhaps the coziest of them all! Viv, this hulk-like monster, is ready to leave behind a life of danger and trade it for a new path — opening up her own coffee shop. There’s a few problems that arise, such as Viv’s naiveness to what it takes to run a business, but overall, it’s quite anti-climatic in the best way possible. Expect lots of imagery of warm coffee and freshly baked cinnamon rolls!
Cheers to more books in 2025!
Crystal Aura Gaze 
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