Favorite Books of 2024

Last year I fell back in love with reading. Reading was something as a child I committed most of my time to. I have always loved reading, the stories, the worlds, the writing styles, it was always beautiful. I read many book over the year of 2024 but a handful of them really stood out to me and made me feel things deeply. Here I will discuss the 8 books that impacted me the most and that I enjoyed immensely.

Book 1: Girl With Pearl Earring by Tracey Chevalier

This book has easily become one of my all-time favorite novels to date. So beautifully written and full of intrigue and wonder. The book was inspired by a Johannes Vermeer's painting that Tracey Chevalier bought as a young woman and cultivated a story behind the painting. The main character of the book, Griet, was a beautiful, strong, determined young woman, someone to relate to. Her story in the book is one of lower class, hard work, commitment to family, learning new skills and admiration from the painter. The way the author incapsulated the emotions of Griet and a few other main characters was so incredible. Just a beautiful story of a girl that fought for where she ended up and all the while capturing the attention of someone forbidden.

Book 2: The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

What an incredible story that young women can relate to. The main character Esther was a young woman that struggled with anxiety and disorientation. Her story of struggles and finding her way through life was something many can relate to. Topics in this book that are touched on is the struggle of the freedom of men and the suppression and struggles of women. Esther's dreams of being a writer that were crippled by her issues was a powerful journey to read.

Book 3: The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

This memoir was absolutely, heart wrenchingly beautiful. I fell in love with this story of Jeannette's life and felt a deep connection to her. The experiences she had as a child were heart breaking, but she learned to adapt and grow into a strong woman. I loved the little pieces of family connection woven into the pages of this book. She went through poverty and abuse and still made something of herself and her life and that was just beautiful to witness on page.

Book 4: A Little Life by Hanya Yanagigara

This book, if you want to feel all the emotions, cry your eyes out, this is the book for you. It was absolutely incredible! I enjoyed this book so much and could not put it down. The story of 4 college boys, the journey of their lives and the connection they shared was heartwarming and heart breaking. I fell in love with the main characters and became invested in their lives as the story goes on. There were many connections I felt to these characters and related to them on so many levels. This book follows their friendship and their struggles in life. If I were to recommend any book, it would be this one. Just beautiful.

Book 5: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

What an incredible story of a young boy finding his way to his treasure, to his dream. This book touched my heart and was inspirational. The main character, Santiago, his journey through life, love and spirituality was written beautifully. The courage that he had amidst struggles and hard time, he still persevered. I found this book to be very inspirational and encouraging to follow your dreams and to work hard to get there no matter the stops you have to take along the way.

Book 6: March by Geraldine Brooks

This book is a Civil War retelling and it was powerful. The journey of the main character, Mr. March, was a tough one. The history this story touched on of the times during the Civil War were heart breaking. His goals to bring the rights of boys and girls of all races was inspiring and heartwarming. I enjoy following his life and reading about his struggles. This story touched my heart and broke my heart.

Book 7: Ripe by Sara Rose Etter

What a beautiful, powerful book! I loved this book and the depths of emotions that were written on each page. The main character Cassie was very relatable in her hardships and struggles in a toxic work culture. The story of her life with trying to fight to stay caught up and the pressure she felt to compromise who she was, it was beautifully written. I took away much from this book with the powerful message it held to young people and women.

Book 8: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

Absolutely loved this book! It was so heart breaking and emotional. The main character, Mariam had an incredible part in this book, with her story of struggle in Afghan society. It was a beautiful "mother-daughter" type story with the main character relationships and how it developed. The struggles of these women during a time that men had control was difficult to read at times. It was a very moving story. One of my favorite all time books as well.

As I have said, I read many book last year but these are the ones that stood out the most and were very emotional and impactful reads. I enjoyed each of these in their own unique way. I encourage you to read one or all of these books, immerse yourself in these worlds and lives of these characters. Sending you all my love and light, happy reading.