Here are the remaining titles that I read in 2024. This year’s reading choices marked a real, but deliberate departure for me from earlier subject matter.
Always drawn to historical fiction, I have been pulled to books related to WWII, the Holocaust, the Resistance, and the like. There came a point where I decided I had to stay away, for at least awhile, from these hauntingly painful books. Whatever I view or read at nights goes to bed with me and fills my dreams, and I needed a break, with hopes of better sleep.
This year’s books were largely based around family dynamics. There were three authors whose names recur several times, so I can honestly say that at this moment, they are my favorite authors: Kristin Hannah, 4 books; Joyce Maynard, 4 books; and Lisa See, 3 books. Each introduced me to spectacular women, often ahead of their times, and families, whose travails brought insight into my own life, complete with its unexpected turns. On more than one occasion, the words of these authors brought me to tears.
I cite these authors and the magic of their pen (or computer) with no disrespect to others whom will always remain on my list of favorite authors: John Irving, Pat Conroy, Barbara Kingsolver, Jodi Picoult, and Abraham Verghese.
So here is the remainder of my 2024 reading list — mostly hits, with very few duds.
*Goyhood, Reuben Fenton, 275 pages. This story is a coming-of-age tale of two grown brothers as they rediscover each other and what their Judaism means to each of them. Found parts of their adventures juvenile and unbelievable. Cannot recommend and perhaps my first one-star rating ever!
*****Lady Tan’s Circle of Women, Lisa See, 395 pages. Lisa See has never disappointed me, and I think this is her best book yet! It is a historical fiction account of a famous female Chinese doctor in the 15th century. Book was beautifully written, education and insightful.
****Dear Evan Hansen, Val Emmich, et. al., 358 pages. Story is an endearing tale of lost teenage souls and their struggle to make it through high school — some do, while others do not. Looking forward to seeing this story on stage this week at Charleston’s Gailliard Auditorium.
*****The Island of Sea Women, Lisa See, 365 pages. A breath-taking (no pun intended) story of women divers, who worked and supported their families from their dry fields and wet fields (water). A close-up look at a matrifocal society in Korea and a way of life that is fading away, this book is a must-read.
***When Cicadas Cry, a debut novel by SC attorney Caroline Cleveland, 320 pages. Story revolves around an African-American man charged with killing a white woman in church. Cleveland weaves a good story of murder, unrequited love, and the meaning of family.
****Bel Canto, Ann Patchett, 318 pages. This book was a log overdue read of a beautiful story. What begins as a hostage takeover becomes a love story.
****Our Missing Hearts, Celeste Ng, 331 pages. This book is a very modern look at how society closes its eyes to gross injustice — in this instance, injustices against Asian-Americans in a Covid-stricken world. A beautiful and heart-breaking story …
****The Things We do for Love, Kristin Hannah, 464 pages. One of Hannah’s earlier words, I think this story lacks the depth of some of her later books. This story, rather predictable, is a story about motherhood and how families come together. Don’t get me wrong — the book was still a good read.
*****The Women, Kristin Hannah, 471 pages. I really delayed buying this book, for fear that it would contain gruesome accounts of warfare that would pervade my dreams. Though there were some tough battlefield scenes and detailed operating scenarios, the book is the story of the female nurses who served so valiantly in VietNam and were ignored, even by the Veteran’s Administration, upon their return home. One of the best books I have ever read!
***Life and Other Love Songs, Anissa Gray, 322 pages. Not the first time this has ever happened, but I failed to remember reading this book earlier in the year. Obviously, the book was a pleasant-enough read but apparently not memorable!
****Dreams of Joy, Lisa See, 349 pages. Though not a fan of serial or sequel books, I read this continuation of the story of Shanghai Girls, and was not disappointed. You can easily pick-up this book without reading Shanghai Girls, knowing that Lisa See is always worth reading.
****To Die For, Joyce Maynard, 241 pages. An early Maynard novel (1992), this book was a fast read and engrossing story of young love, ambition, family and murder. Delighted to have found an autographed, first edition for $5.
****Night Road, Kristin Hannah, 385 pages. Hannah gives us a close look at how the lives of one family was uprooted in one evening, after three teenagers attend a senior party, drink too much, and drive. This book takes you on an emotional roller coaster that is at times beautiful, tragic, and happy as it explores maternal love, sibling love, and young love, that sometimes is meant to last forever.
*****How the Light Gets In, Joyce Maynard, 487 pages. Once again, this book is a sequel to Count the Ways, but it is not necessary to have read Count in order to love this story. It is one of those rare books that brought tears to my eyes and a big sigh when finished.
In reviewing the books I have read this year, I try to be stingy awarding 5 stars. Those books to get that rave review from me included: Boys in the Boat, Daniel James Brown; Count the Ways and its sequel How the Light Gets In, Joyce Maynard; Magic Hour, Kristin Hannah; Circle of Women, Lisa See; The Island of Sea Women, Lisa See; and The Women, Kristin Hannah.
So some 10,500 pages later, a new stack of books awaits me, and I am excited to begin my 2025 reading. Hope you have a marvelous year of reading transformative books.
The Accidental Blank 