24 books for 2024
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Dear Catriona,
Like most good advent calendars, we are thinking about 24 wonderful gifts you could give yourself this year. However, in our world, sometimes the best gifts are the time you give yourself and the escape of reading. Together, during this past year (okay, and also a bit of last year), we would like to share with you 24 books that we read in 2024 and our short reviews on why you might want to read them.
Let us know your books of the year in the comments!
Fiction books
Most Unlikely by Dani J. Norwell
What it is about:
This easy-to-read novel is about a young woman, Stacy, who faces many challenging changes all at once. Navigating these changes is especially difficult for her because her self confidence and identity are tied up in a story she begins to realize no longer fits her future. An unusual friend, mentor, and a source of inspiration come in the form of Harry. As their relationship develops, so does Stacy’s ability to face the changes and grow into the person she sees herself becoming. Her new story is anything but linear but soon she sees that there is more on her side than she previously thought.
My thoughts:
Firstly, I would like to congratulate Dani on her first novel and I would support all our readers going out and buying a copy. You will probably laugh, cry, and (hopefully) grow along with Stacy during her journey. This was the first book I have read a physical copy of in a long time and it was the right place to start. Stacy faces many emotions that I have also faced and, while there are some circumstances I hope to never confront, how she navigates and finds the best new route for her, was charming and uplifting. And while the topics may be challenging, the book is cozy and a perfect read during the holiday season.
Shiva Trilogy by Amish Tripathi
Immortals of Meluha, The Secret of the Nagas, The Oath of the Vayuputras
What it is about:
This is actually a trilogy about a fictional story that ties in elements of present life in Indian culture. It follows our main character, Shiva, as he follows different paths and faces many trials, finding love and understanding along the way (although it is not without anger and war as well). Shiva finds his path as a guide for not only his people but also for many people in the world he lives in. We learn about different elements of Indian history and religion as well as about how different people can see the same situation from two sides of the coin. Shiva shows us how one can begin to interpret the world from these different perspectives and uses his compassion and understanding to also teach others around him. While this book is based in 1900 BC and is not (and could not be) historical fiction, it feels like it could be one way that story unfolds.
My thoughts:
The trilogy was recommended to me by an Indian friend and I am so grateful that he pointed me in the direction of it because I have read it several times—I am one of those people who reads and rereads books I like. As someone who grew up mostly reading books written by U.S. or British authors, I love the exposure I now have to different types of authors from different backgrounds. The series is very easy to read and draws you into the story in a way that makes you keep reading.
A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf
What it is about:
In this short and relatively simple book, Virginia Woolf dives into the question about women and fiction. She presents it as though she (the fictional narrator) would have to write an article on the topic and takes us through a story with both historical and fictional elements. Woolf uses powerful ideas to share with us why women simply could not be as prolific as men in fiction (or any area of writing) because they have not been given a chance. She also highlights that all women who are successful support other women going forward but that for success, in most cases, a woman must have access to a small salary and a room of her own to dedicate herself to writing.
My thoughts:
I already had Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf in my Kindle library but hadn’t yet opened it. Now that I have read the book, I feel like every female author and people who support female writers should read this book because it does an incredible job of outlining why it has been harder for women to get into writing both for leisure and professionally. I have never really contemplated the fact that, historically, we have had fewer female writers than male writers but this book broke it down for me in a way that I really enjoyed. It is a bit of a classic in the sense that it sometimes feels old fashioned but its message is as more meaningful now as ever and gave me a second push to make a bigger effort to read female authors.
Ghost Music by An Yu
What it is about:
Starting off slow and ending intensely, this book follows the path of our main character Song Yan as she navigates life in an everyday yet surreal way. When her mother-in-law comes to live with her and her husband, Song starts to realize that she doesn’t really know the man she married and that their life together will not be what she dreamed of. Parallel to the unraveling of her expectations, Song also faces some overwhelming (and bizarre) dreams that pull her towards a pianist who has been missing for ten years. Our protagonist has to face the greatest depths of herself before she is ready to live life again and, as the book finishes, we can almost feel that she will make it.
My thoughts:
This is the first novel I have read by a Chinese author and while the pace is different from what I would normally read, once I got into the feeling of the book I didn’t want to put it down. Song has to face many situations that I hope I never have to confront but her openness and strength, even when it is hard, is a source of inspiration. Like with the Shiva Trilogy by Amish Tripathi above, I feel like it is definitely worthwhile to read books written from people in different cultures. Bonus: this book is written by a young female author!
The Guilty Can’t Say Goodbye by Mariam Navaid Ottimofiore
What it is about: Three women from totally different backgrounds find themselves in Portugal, navigating all sorts of expat experiences while also battling dark secrets from their pasts that continue to haunt them. The story is told through multiple POVs and timelines across numerous countries, making each woman’s story come alive, encouraging you to read “just one more chapter” to see what will come next for each character.
My thoughts: This book blended some of my favorite aspects of fiction–multidimensional characters, strong female friendships, and an air of mystery–with highly relatable expat experiences. Author Mariam Navaid Ottimofiore intimately knows the experience of intercultural families starting anew in a foreign country and has a deep love for Portugal, all of which shines through to make this book so great.
I Could Live Here Forever by Hanna Halperin
What it is about: Protagonist Leah falls in love with Charlie, the peculiar but lovable guy next to her in line at the grocery store one faithful day. But don’t be mistaken, this book is not a romance! Their love story is anything but ordinary, coming in starts and stops, as intense and beautiful as it is toxic and destabilizing. As Leah learns more about Charlie’s past, she is confronted with what it means to love an addict and whether or not love can see them both through their pain.
My thoughts: I’ve never read anything quite like this book. The characters and subject matter are so real and raw. It is anything but a lighthearted read, and yet it is such a page-turner. Author Hanna Halperin does such an amazing job allowing you to feel for and root for each character, despite their brokenness and flaws.
The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth
What it is about: This is a suspenseful women’s fiction novel told through the POVs of two sisters, Fern and Rose, who have very different perspectives and memories of their childhood. While the women are incredibly close, a dark secret from the past forever linking them, there is also so much they don’t know or understand about each other. These difficult truths come to light as Fern takes on the unlikely and unconventional mission to get pregnant and have a baby for her sister Rose.
My thoughts: This book was recommended to me via Kindle when I finished I Could Live Here Forever and I do think it was a great follow up to Halperin’s women’s fiction novel. In a certain way, they are nothing alike–this one didn’t feel nearly as heavy as the topic of addiction did to me and the storylines have nothing in common. Yet, the depth of the characters and writing style did pull me in very much in the same way. It really keeps you guessing, too!
Swimming & Friends Series by Susan Carew
What it is about: Another women’s fiction option, Take the Plunge and Beyond the Buoy offer a much more lighthearted and even comical option for those who love to read about Spain, friendship, and adventures. In the first book, Claire and Alison join a motley crew of new friends on a swimming holiday in Spain and in the second book we see the original duo back in the UK along with their families, and navigating in a whole bunch of new themes and plotlines.
My thoughts: Susan Carew is a fellow indie author I met here in southern Spain and so it is always a special pleasure to read and recommend a friend’s work! I found both books in the series to be enjoyable and well-written, introducing characters and scenarios that are relatable and multidimensional. If you’re reading this blog, I think you’ll particularly enjoy the way she can transport you to Spain and immerse you in the swimming adventures.
House on Fire by D. Liebhart
What it is about: Bernadette is a neo-hippie turned ICU-nurse with a father who suffers from dementia, but who made her whole family swear they would never put him in a nursing home. When his health declines to the point that Bernadette’s mom asks her to “help him go peacefully,” her world is turned upside down as she reckons with her decision. the ethics of what her mom sees as assisted suicide but she knows would be considered murder. Add to that struggles with her son who has recently been expelled from yet another school for breaking another student’s nose, there’s a lot on Bernadette’s plate during what should be a relaxing two-week vacation from work.
My thoughts: I’ll be honest, I haven’t actually finished this book yet, but the story is so well-written and the topic is one I find engrossing so I know I will want to recommend it regardless. While the ethical dilemma at the center of the storyline with Bernadette’s father is what drives the plot, I find the unique aspects of Bernadette’s past living on The Farm, her family dynamics, and her mothering dilemmas to be page-turning as well.
Non fiction books
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker
What it is about:
A deep dive into the science of sleep for those of us who are not sleep scientists. Matthew Walker shares extensive expertise in this subject and does his best to convince the reader that sleeping, and sleeping a lot, is important for all types of health. From mental capacity to physical health, he sets forth a compelling argument of why it is important to sleep. He also shares scientific insights to what happens if you don’t sleep or sleep very little and why sleep aids might not be as beneficial as people think. Overall a very interesting read of sleep science made easy.
My thoughts:
I decided to read this book during a rather trying time as my little one was figuring out his own sleep cycles, mostly to see if there were any suggestions on how to improve my own sleep. Disclaimer, this book is not for new parents and does not really support us! However, it does provide a ton of data and research broken down in an easily digestible way so that you can understand why it is important to sleep. I have new appreciation for my sleep needs—something I knew was key for feeling good before but didn’t always value—and some key ideas on how to help me ensure I prioritize sleeping, once my little one is big enough to allow it, of course.
Allergic by Theresa MacPhail
What it is about:
Medical anthropologist Theresa MacPhail takes us through her own story of facing allergies after her father dies of anaphylactic shock related to a bee sting. Throughout the story she ties in the complexity of what allergies mean, how allergies are diagnosed, and who are those people who help you understand your allergies. She is open about her own allergy struggles and how, despite all her knowledge, she does not have the “markers” of having a true allergy. MacPhail also dives into how allergies seem to be exploding in the modern world and has some suggestions on how to prevent them in little ones.
My thoughts:
I have the weirdest allergy you have never heard of—wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (WDEIA)—so I am always interested in learning about allergies. This is definitely the most comprehensive book on the subject I have read and, at the same time, my biggest takeaway was that we just don’t know that much about allergies and even diagnosing them seems to be a subtle art. It also has inspired me to get in contact with people who are studying my allergy though and offer my services (aka my body and allergic reactions) in case it could help them understand more.
A Conversation about Healthy Eating by Nicholas A. Lesica
What it is about:
This book is classified as a health book, focused on diet and fitness but I read it because a mom shared it with me (for free) in a group I am in. The main idea of the book is to break down what it means to eat and get nutrients in, how our bodies process food, and what it means if the body isn’t as efficient as it should be. It is a book about daily living and how our bodies function. My biggest, mind blowing takeaway was: the body is so amazing it often keeps you at a very steady weight, without you even trying.
My thoughts:
This is the first more “scientific” book I read this year and it jumped started something inside my brain that reminded me: I like to read more than fiction! The dialog format was a little bit hard for me to get into but then the book started to flow. It was so easy to read that I read the whole thing on my phone, while nursing my little one. I am one of those people who have never really worried about my weight and it was explained to me how my body has done the heavy lifting for me. At the same time it has helped me start conversations with friends or family who are looking to lose weight and give some insights into why it is so hard.
You can also find a free copy of the pdf version of this book here.
Memoirs
Nest: a memoir of home on the move by Catriona Turner
What it is about:
Written by fellow expat (and one of our Artist Way Creative Cluster comrades from back in the day) Catriona Turner, Nest is a memoir about life on the move and finding a sense of home in spite of constant international address changes. It’s filled with the adventures you would expect from a travel / expat story, but it dives so much deeper than that. Author Catriona Turner really opens up about the side of expat life that we don’t talk about enough, revealing mental health struggles and shining a light on the upheaval and loss of self that so often comes along with the beautiful adventures.
My thoughts:
I was enthralled by this debut novel and I highly recommend checking out Catriona’s memoir! As an expat, but someone who has never had the experience of being an accompanying spouse or being at the whims of a job placement, this memoir struck a perfect balance for me. I found so much I could relate to in terms of Catriona’s personal journey, including the ways she struggled to find her community and meaning in her life at each new address, but there was also so much that was unique about her experience to keep me intrigued to read on.
Educated by Tara Westover
What it is about:
This unimaginable story follows a young girl, Tara, as she discovers that the life she was brought up living is not what anyone else considers to be “normal.” Born to a family that isolates itself because of religious reasons, Tara doesn’t go to school and, instead, works around the farm or at her father’s junk yard from a very young age. When one of her older brothers gets into college, she decides to start studying on her own. Her story is both intriguing and horrifying. Finding her own path to education (eventually in world renowned institutions) took determination, inspiration, and a lot of bravery.
My thoughts:
I had no idea that this sort of story could be the reality for someone of my generation growing up in the US and it was fascinating-in-a-horrifying-way to read this story. Tara faces things that I could never dream of. It makes me so grateful for the upbringing I had and also sheds light into scenarios that I now know exist. This book is on the New York Times best seller list for a reason and I think that, at the very least, it will keep readers entertained. For me, it also allowed for introspection and reflection.
Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl
What it is about:
This book is written in two parts. The first part, without much in the way of chapters or division, is the author’s analysis of what it was like to be a person in the concentration camps. Frankl blends the view of the psychologist and the prisoner. The second part of the book is focused on Frankl’s own theory of psychology or psychoanalytic that he calls logotherapy, from the word “logo” from the Greek for meaning.
My thoughts:
This book popped up in several places in my life and I took it as a sign to start reading it. The first part of the book, Frankl’s description and analysis of what it was like to live in the concentration camps was somehow beautiful while sharing an experience so unimaginably horrifying. The second part of the book tries to help the reader understand that by finding meaning (and Frankl gives three different options for how to find meaning) is what man needs. This book is a very good link between this section and the next section on more spiritual or self-help books.
Spiritual books
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
What it is about:
This spiritual, fictional classic shares the journey of a young shepherd, Santiago, who decides to follow a dream he has twice about a great treasure buried near the pyramids of Egypt. In the unfolding of the story, our protagonist meets many key actors along the way, some who support him on his quest and others who get in his way so that he must learn how to read the signs of the universe and surrender to its path, discovering himself along the way.
My thoughts:
The Alchemist is another one of those books that I have read multiple times. It is just easy to read, and to get sucked into the story. It is not complicated and feels very light, despite touching on complex topics. In addition, this story always makes me feel lighter and a bit inspired to follow my own dreams when I am done reading. This book is especially touching for me because I have a gifted copy of the Portuguese version of this book and it always reminds me of a beautiful friendship.
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
What it is about:
This book focuses on how, as humans, we tend to live in the past or the future but the magic of life can only be found in the here and now. Tolle shares questions and answers about how the mind and mind identity are tied to overthinking and how to let go of that to find peace, joy, and love. Tolle references many different spiritual teachers of the past (including Jesus and Buddah) and says that they all teach the same thing. This is what he attempts to share with us in this book.
My thoughts:
I have to admit—I have a tendency to live in my mind. All the things Tolle talks about in terms of “mind movies” or getting into arguments with no-one about imagined scenarios are things I have done. Now, I am trying to practice being present and seeing how that makes everyday life flow and be a bit more satisfying. Having a little one definitely makes this practice easier but I feel I am still a long way away from mastering the techniques he proposes, so I bought the book in paperback and am reading it again.
Worthy by Jamie Kern Lima
What it is about:
Written by an author who went from a Denny’s waitress to a billion-dollar entrepreneur, Lima wants you to know that, exactly as you are, you are worthy. She shares different stories, scenarios, and practices to help you see that you don’t need anything more than what you already have. She credits this type of thinking to what has made her successful because she says that you only succeed to what you think you are worthy of having.
My thoughts:
Overall, this book was a very interesting read and I really like the premise of getting to the point of feeling worthy exactly as I am right now. At the same time, there may have been a few too many examples or stories for me to really love the book and I feel like a good hard edit would have helped it flow. All that said, I made lots of notes and am working to put many of the lessons shared into practice in everyday life as well.
Pregnancy or parenting books
The Positive Birth Book by Milli Hill
What it is about:
Like you might guess from the title, this book focuses on how mothers and couples can have a positive experience giving birth. The author uses examples to help you really understand different birthing options and encourages you to outline the type of birth you want. Hill also gives suggestions on how to communicate your birth plan, both in personal and professional settings.
My thoughts:
When I was pregnant I didn’t read anything or do any research until I was about 8 months in. Then I tried to double down and learn what I hadn’t already learned. Unfortunately, I was also very tired, still working, and overall focusing my energy elsewhere. This is one of the only resources I reviewed before giving birth that really stuck with me. Like the title, it is a positive book. I didn’t feel like it was dogmatic (although the author does lean towards certain practices) and encourages women to find their own path. It is a bit UK focused and I am not sure how much it *impacted* my birth story but it felt good reading it beforehand.
Matrescence by Lucy Jones
What it is about:
This powerful non-fiction read is both a serious, well-researched examination of the “physiological, psychological, and social metamorphosis” that is motherhood, as well as a deeply personal account of what the transformation was really like for author Lucy Jones. It couples ground-breaking, scientific exploration of
My thoughts:
I cannot shut up about Matrescence–I’ve gone so far as to set up a book club with my local mom friends! I have never read any other book like it. It dives deep in the transformation of becoming a mother in a way that really acknowledges the wild ride that it’s been for me. I haven’t felt so seen in a long time. I highly, highly recommend it if you are (or if you simply love) a mother.
The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives by William Stixrud and Ned Johnson
What it is about:
The purpose of this book is to help parents hand more control over to their kids, using science to show that this makes for happier, more motivated, more successful individuals. Stixrud and Johnson draw on their own professional and personal experiences to share with parents what they can do for their kids to help them prepare for a future where the kids themselves are in charge of their destinies. There is a lot of focus on supporting with resilience, drive, and imagination.
My thoughts:
I really like how this book focuses on the benefits of giving more control to children, not only for the sake of the child but also for the parents. The authors use the science to show how having a sense of control improves a plethora of skills including managing stress and why it matters so much. For me, the key idea that “your job is not to solve your children’s problems but to help them learn to run their own lives” (p. 31) is something that also brings me peace. At times it might be harder but, ultimately, I love the idea that I can only try to teach the tools and support when it is needed.
The Wonder Weeks by Hetty van de Rijt and Frans X. Plooij
What it is about: This book walks new parents through the predictable, yet overwhelming developmental changes that babies go through during their first twenty months. This guide takes what are usually called “regressions” and explains them instead as magical leaps forward, which are simply ushered in by fussy periods. Each chapter addresses one of these difficult periods in which babies are learning new worldviews and skills (understandably making them more cranky and needy) and helps parents identify what is happening and support their little one through the process.
My thoughts: To be perfectly honest, I haven’t read any other child development books yet, but this one really fits my needs well. It breaks down key developmental leaps into easy-to-digest chapters, allowing me to read only what is of particular relevance to our little one at this time. When I have the chance to read ahead, it is valuable to have a heads-up of what to expect in the coming weeks. When I don’t, it’s comforting to get confirmation that a difficult period we’ve been experiencing was perfectly normal. The Wonder Weeks is based on extensive case studies, providing confirmation that you and your little one are not alone in the ups and downs of their development.
Happy reading, friends!
Sincerely,
Spain
