Best Books of 2024: My Year in Reading (Full List + Top 5)
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Here’s each and every one of the books I’ve read cover to cover this year, the ones that have been shaping, inspiring, and impacting me before, during, and after each of this year’s travel adventures.
From a young age, books have been my escape realm, a way of traveling without traveling and getting lost in worlds so different from my own. Whereas fantasy, light beach reads, and romance novels captured me then, these days it’s all about what’s relevant to my next trip, the subject I’m suddenly curious about, or a global event I’m searching for context for. In other words, everything I read these days is very specifically selected and full of purpose.
This year, for the first time, I’ve been keeping track of each book I’ve cracked open and read cover to cover. Why? Because not only is it a bit of a record log and time capsule of what I’ve been interested in exploring thematically throughout the year, but it’s these books that have actually shaped the way I’ve been exploring and experiencing the patches of planet I’ve been to this year - from Sri Lanka to Ireland, Portugal, and even my own home turf of the United States.
If you’re into boundary-bending narratives, historical fiction that brings destinations and their story to life, and deep dives into religion, philosophy, politics, and cultural events, then you just mind find your next read hiding within this list. At the very bottom of the page, you’ll find the five books that left the deepest impressions on me this year and why.
My Fiction Reads of 2024
Historical & Contemporary Fiction
The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton
Set in 17th-century Amsterdam, The Miniaturist follows the story of Nella Oortman, a young woman who, upon marrying the wealthy merchant Johannes Brandt, finds herself thrust into a world of mystery and intrigue. As Nella begins to settle into her new life, Johannes presents her with an elaborate dollhouse, which she commissions a mysterious miniaturist to furnish. As the tiny figures come to life in eerie and unexpected ways, Nella uncovers secrets about her husband’s past, her household, and the city's hidden undercurrents. With themes of power, identity, and the constraints of society, Burton’s novel weaves together suspense, historical detail, and a sense of growing unease.
Only the River by Anne Raeff
In this sweeping, multigenerational novel, Anne Raeff follows the intertwined fates of two families displaced by war and revolution. Fleeing wartime Vienna, Pepa and her family find refuge in the Nicaraguan town of El Castillo, where Pepa becomes captivated by the jungle and its eccentric inhabitants. But when her family moves to New York, she is left heartbroken. As time passes, Pepa’s life diverges from that of Guillermo, a local boy she once loved, while Nicaragua is swept into revolutionary fervor. Pepa’s son joins the Sandinista fight, only to disappear into the jungle. Spanning decades and multiple wars, Only the River explores how love, loss, and revolution shape personal destinies and how the history of one family can shape the course of a nation’s future.
Ireland by Frank Delaney
In this richly woven historical novel, Frank Delaney takes readers on a captivating journey through Ireland’s mythic and tumultuous past. The story is narrated by a wandering storyteller who, in the 1950s, captivates a young boy with tales of Ireland’s ancient history, from the arrival of the Celts to the rise and fall of its great heroes and kings. As the boy listens, he learns not only about the legends and tragedies of his homeland but also about his own identity and the power of storytelling to shape the future. Ireland is a vibrant exploration of the country’s cultural heritage, its struggle for independence, and the ways in which history and myth are intertwined.
The Wolf in the Whale by Jordanna Max Brodsky
Set in the harsh, mystical world of the Arctic regions of North America in AD 1000, The Wolf in the Whale follows the journey of a young Inuit woman named Omat. Gifted with the ability to communicate with the spirits of the land and sea, Omat navigates her people’s complex relationship with the natural world. When Norsemen arrive on the shores of her homeland, Omat must confront not only the tension between her people and the invaders but also the power of love, loyalty, and fate. With elements of history, mythology, and a fierce heroine at its center, Brodsky’s novel is a stunning exploration of survival, identity, and the collision of cultures in a time of profound change.
Island of a Thousand Mirrors by Nayomi Munaweera
Set against the backdrop of Sri Lanka's brutal civil war, Island of a Thousand Mirrors is a haunting and lyrical exploration of identity, belonging, and the impact of conflict on the lives of individuals. The novel follows the intertwined stories of two women—one Tamil, the other Sinhalese—whose lives are irrevocably altered by the violence and division of their country. Through their eyes, Nayomi Munaweera examines themes of love, loss, and survival, offering a powerful narrative about the complexities of ethnic and national identity in a time of war.
The Maiden of Ireland by Susan Riggs
Set in 17th-century Ireland, The Maiden of Ireland follows the story of a fiercely loyal Irishwoman named Caitlin MacBride, whose life is shaped by the turbulent political and cultural conflicts of the time. Against the backdrop of the English Crown's attempts to exert control over Ireland, MacBride must navigate loyalty, love, and the fierce desire for independence. Through rich storytelling and vivid historical detail, Susan Riggs brings the struggles and resilience of Ireland's people to life, creating a captivating tale of courage, identity, and the spirit of a nation.
Trespasses by Louise Kennedy
In this poignant and harrowing novel, Louise Kennedy immerses readers in 1970s Northern Ireland, during the turbulent period of the Troubles. Cushla, a young Catholic schoolteacher, finds herself drawn into a forbidden affair with a married Protestant barrister, navigating the complexities of love and loyalty in a divided society. As political tensions escalate, Cushla is forced to confront not only her own personal desires but the violent realities of the world around her. Trespasses is a haunting tale of passion, betrayal, and survival in a time of deep societal unrest.
Spiritual & Inspirational Fiction
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
The Alchemist is a philosophical novel about following one’s dreams and the quest for personal destiny. The story follows Santiago, a young shepherd from Spain, as he embarks on a journey across the desert to find a treasure hidden near the Egyptian pyramids. Along the way, he encounters a series of characters, including an alchemist, who guide him toward self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment. With its timeless themes of hope, perseverance, and the pursuit of one’s true calling, The Alchemist is a powerful allegory about listening to one’s heart and trusting in the universe.
The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho
In this reflective and inspiring novel, Paulo Coelho recounts his own spiritual journey along the ancient road to Santiago de Compostela - the Camino de Santiago in Spain. The story follows the author, as a seeker of wisdom, who embarks on a physical and metaphorical pilgrimage to discover deeper truths about himself and the world around him. Along the way, he encounters challenges, meets mysterious figures, and learns life-changing lessons. The Pilgrimage explores themes of faith, personal transformation, and the importance of embracing one’s inner quest for meaning.
My Non-Fiction Reads of 2024
History & Politics
This Divided Island by Samanth Subramanian
In this poignant and deeply evocative book, Samanth Subramanian journeys through post-war Sri Lanka to uncover the scars left by decades of brutal civil conflict. Through intimate interviews and vivid reportage, he delves into the lives of those affected—soldiers, rebels, survivors, and bystanders—revealing the human cost of a divided nation. Richly textured and profoundly moving, This Divided Island is a powerful exploration of memory, reconciliation, and the lingering shadows of war.
Twelve Tribes by Ethan Michaeli
This compelling work of non-fiction offers a vivid and intimate portrait of modern Israel through the voices of its diverse citizens. From kibbutz pioneers and high-tech innovators to ultra-Orthodox Haredim and Palestinian villagers, Ethan Michaeli weaves a tapestry of personal stories that reflect the complex and paradoxical reality of a nation at the crossroads of history, culture, and identity. Based on four years of immersive research, Twelve Tribes is an insightful exploration of a land where global challenges converge and coexist.
Fields of Blood by Karen Armstrong
In this groundbreaking work, Karen Armstrong challenges the common belief that religion is the root cause of violence. Through a sweeping exploration of history, from ancient civilizations to modern conflicts, she reveals the complex interplay of political, economic, and social forces behind human strife. With her characteristic depth and clarity, Fields of Blood offers a thought-provoking reexamination of religion’s role in shaping humanity, arguing for a more nuanced understanding of its place in our shared history.
The King and the Catholics by Antonia Fraser
This gripping historical account by Antonia Fraser chronicles the turbulent struggle for Catholic emancipation in Britain. Centered on the dramatic political battles of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Fraser examines the key figures, including King George IV, the Duke of Wellington, and Catholic leader Daniel O’Connell, whose efforts culminated in the Catholic Relief Act of 1829. With masterful storytelling and meticulous research, The King and the Catholics vividly brings to life a pivotal moment in the fight for religious freedom and equality.
Central America’s Forgotten History by Aviva Chomsky
In this illuminating and incisive book, Aviva Chomsky unravels the deep historical forces that have shaped Central America and driven migration to the United States. Exploring the legacies of colonialism, exploitation, and U.S. intervention, she connects past struggles for justice and sovereignty with the region’s present-day challenges. Central America’s Forgotten History is a compelling call to recognize the often-overlooked stories of resistance and resilience in the face of systemic oppression, offering crucial context for understanding contemporary debates on immigration and policy.
Religion & Philosophy
The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer
In this transformative guide to inner peace and self-discovery, Michael A. Singer explores the nature of consciousness and the barriers that hold us back from true freedom. Through insightful teachings and practical exercises, The Untethered Soul invites those who read it to release limiting thoughts, embrace the present moment, and cultivate a deeper connection with their true selves. Profound and inspiring, this book offers a roadmap to achieving a life of clarity, joy, and spiritual fulfillment.
The Islamic Jesus by Mustafa Akyol
In this thought-provoking exploration, Mustafa Akyol bridges the worlds of Christianity and Islam to uncover the shared reverence for Jesus in both faiths. Delving into the Quran, early Christian texts, and historical context, Akyol reveals how Jesus became a central figure in Islamic tradition as a prophet and messenger of God. The Islamic Jesus offers a fresh perspective on interfaith understanding, emphasizing the profound connections that unite these two major world religions.
The Life You Were Born to Live by Dan Millman
In The Life You Were Born to Live, Dan Millman presents a guide to understanding your life’s purpose through the lens of numerology. Drawing on his experience as a spiritual teacher and life coach, Millman reveals how your birth date can offer profound insights into your personality, relationships, and life path. The book explores the concept of "life path numbers," helping readers uncover their true potential and discover the deeper meaning behind their experiences. A blend of self-help, spirituality, and practical wisdom, The Life You Were Born to Live offers tools to help readers live a more fulfilled, authentic life.
Memoirs & Biographies
We Don’t Know Ourselves by Fintan O’Toole
Blending memoir and national history, Fintan O’Toole offers an intimate and incisive portrait of Ireland’s transformation over the last six decades. From the rigid conservatism of mid-20th century Ireland to the social and economic revolutions that reshaped the nation, O’Toole weaves personal anecdotes with sharp cultural and political analysis. We Don’t Know Ourselves is a masterful reflection on identity, change, and the contradictions of modern Ireland, seen through the lens of a celebrated journalist’s life and work.
The Invention of Nature by Andrea Wulf
In this captivating biography, Andrea Wulf brings to life Alexander von Humboldt, the visionary scientist whose ideas shaped our understanding of nature. Through vivid storytelling, Wulf traces Humboldt’s adventures across continents, his groundbreaking discoveries, and his profound influence on thinkers like Darwin, Thoreau, and Goethe. The Invention of Nature celebrates Humboldt’s holistic view of the natural world, highlighting his legacy as the father of modern environmentalism and one of history’s greatest polymaths.
Lotus Girl by Helen Tworkov
In this poignant and introspective memoir, Helen Tworkov traces her journey from the vibrant world of the New York School of Abstract Expressionism to a deep exploration of Eastern spirituality. Set against the backdrop of the 1960s, Lotus Girl is an intimate self-portrait that reflects on Tworkov's search for a true home and the convergence of Buddhist wisdom with American values. Through a mix of personal experience, research, and revelation, Tworkov offers insight into the transformative power of Buddhism in the West, providing a unique perspective on personal growth and spiritual exploration.
My Top 5 Favorite Reads This Year (& Why)
Not only is The Invention of Nature exceptionally well-written (I'm officially a huge fan of Andrea Wulf!), but it also brought to life a figure I previously knew only in passing and transformed him into someone I now deeply admire and respect. Through her vivid storytelling, Wulf reveals the profound influence Alexander von Humboldt had on our understanding of the natural world, and I found myself truly appreciating the depth of his vision and the lasting impact he's had on science, exploration, and environmental thought.
I picked up Lotus Girl right after my own experience with Buddhism in Sri Lanka and Thailand, drawn to it through that connection. What I discovered was not just a story about Buddhism, but a deeply relatable journey of a woman who spent much of her life uncertain of her purpose. She traveled, explored, and followed her curiosity, but in comparison to those around her, she seemed to accomplish little of "value" and appeared to be going nowhere. Written at the age of 80, Helen Tworkov reflects back on her life with the perspective that only hindsight can bring, recognizing how each seemingly aimless experience and relationship ultimately shaped her greatest life’s work. It was both reassuring and inspiring to see the parallels between her early struggles and my own journey.
The Wolf in the Whale was an absolute joy to read, seamlessly blending the mythology and cultures of the Vikings and the Inuit into one epic love and adventure tale set against the stark beauty of the Arctic tundra. What truly stayed with me long after I turned the final page was the deep reverence for nature embedded in the Inuit worldview—a perspective that resonated deeply with me, added a powerful layer to the story, and had me looking at nature and the world around me so differently.
As someone who doesn't adhere to any one religion but is deeply curious about them all, The Islamic Jesus opened my eyes to a historical thread I hadn’t previously recognized between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It was fascinating to explore the origins of each faith through the lens of an open-minded, Muslim-identifying author, who seeks to contribute to bridge-building efforts between the diverse beliefs about God, Jesus, and the monotheistic traditions that shape our world.
I discovered Trespasses on a book exchange shelf in a hostel in Galway, and it instantly gripped me. It’s a powerful love story between a Catholic and a Protestant set during The Troubles in Northern Ireland. Louise Kennedy masterfully captures the tension, emotion, and humanity of this tumultuous period, keeping me on the edge of my seat and, at times, reduced to tears as the heartbreaking tale unfolded with each page.
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