A Joyful Failure: My 2024 Reading Wrap-Up and Favourite Books
Can you believe we’re already a month into 2025? Time has flown, and I’ve yet to share my 2024 reading wrap-up here. If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you might have caught glimpses already, but here’s the full story.
In 2024, I read 260 books. This wasn't the plan—in fact, my New Year's resolution was to read less! So, technically, I failed spectacularly, but what a joyful failure it was. For 2025, I've curated a more modest list of around 150 books, many of which have been patiently waiting on my TBR for far too long. You might recall a similar list for 2024, and yes, there are still four titles to be read from last year. These are books I own, which I tend to neglect in favour of library books with looming due dates. But I’m determined to finish those final four in the next month or so.
Reflecting on my favourites from last year, I realise my taste has evolved. In the past, I agonised over recommendations, thinking about what others might enjoy. But reading is deeply personal. Even when we read the same words, our experiences differ, shaped by where we are in life and what speaks to us at that moment.
I gravitate toward books with flawed, complex characters, stories that reflect the human condition, narratives that introduce me to different cultures, and beautiful writing. I adore books that make me pause, think, and feel—those with exquisite character development and beautiful storytelling.
That said, I know my recommendations won't resonate with everyone. If you prefer fast-paced, plot-driven thrillers or escapist fantasies, my list might not be your cup of tea—and that's perfectly okay! The beauty of books is that there's something for everyone. My one piece of advice? If a book isn't capturing you, put it down. Maybe it’s not the right time or simply not the right book. The perfect story is out there, waiting for you.
May 2025 be the year you stumble upon that perfect book at the perfect moment, the one that makes you exclaim, "Yes! This is it."
Here are some of my favourites from 2024:
Remote Sympathy by Catherine Chidgey
Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll
A Million Things by Emily Spurr
Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy
The Things That Matter Most by Gabbie Stroud
Ash by Louise Wallace (this is the only one from the list I haven’t reviewed so here you go)
This was an unexpected gem that I picked up on Christmas Day and couldn’t put down, finishing it by Boxing Day morning. It resonated with me on such a deep level for two reasons. First, although it’s set against the backdrop of volcanic ash fallout, the eerie parallels to the COVID lockdown—masks, isolation, working from home—were striking and brought back so many familiar feelings. The way Wallace described this scenario felt like her describing my lockdown experience. Secondly, it dives into the complexities of patriarchal workplaces and the uphill battle women face in trying to advance their careers. This is a veterinary practice, but I think the treatment of women is unfortunately pretty universal. Wallace captures that quiet, simmering frustration perfectly. It’s sharp, reflective, and left me thinking (and fuming). If you’ve ever felt stuck—whether literally inside your house or within the invisible walls of workplace politics—this book might speak to you too.
Margo’s Got Money Trouble by Rufi Thorpe
Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro
We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman
Brotherless Night by V. V. Ganeshananthan.
May your 2025 be filled with beautiful books and unforgettable stories, because life is too short to read bad books.