Merry Christmas! 🎄
I hope you’ve unwrapped a great book today or shared the joy of reading with someone you love—there truly is no better gift. Since it’s Christmas Day, and I’m sure you have far better things to do than check emails, I’ll keep this short and sweet, and in list form - sure to make Santa jealous.
Here are some fab books I read in 2024, with some quick reviews to inspire your TBR for the New Year.
Non-Fiction Highlights:
📚 Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
A therapist turns the lens on herself, sharing her own experience in therapy alongside those of her patients. It’s raw, insightful, and a reminder that we’re all just figuring it out. You’ll laugh, cry, and feel so seen.
📚 Life of Dai by Dai Henwood
A beautiful, funny, and deeply moving memoir from one of New Zealand’s most beloved comedians. Dai shares his journey through life, laughter, and cancer with grace and grit. I enjoyed this far more than I expected to!
📚 Code Dependent: Living in the Shadow of AI by Madhumita Murgia
A fascinating and unsettling deep dive into how artificial intelligence is reshaping our lives, often in ways we don’t even realise. Murgia explores the human stories behind the technology, revealing both its promises and its dangers. Eye-opening, timely, and essential for anyone curious about our AI-driven future. I even made Mr Matilda read this one – the impact on developing countries and those who are already marginalised was thought provoking.
📚 This Is the F**en News by Patrick Gower
Patrick Gower at his most candid—raw, real, and unapologetic. From hard-hitting journalism to personal stories, Gower invites you behind the scenes of his chaotic, colourful career. It’s pure PG: gritty, honest, and full of heart. Another I didn’t really expect to enjoy but really did.
📚 From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough
A heartfelt memoir that explores Lisa Marie Presley’s extraordinary life and her journey through love, loss, and legacy. Beautifully narrated by Julia Roberts and Lisa Marie’s daughter, Riley Keough, the audiobook is exquisite. A moving tribute that’s both reflective and unforgettable.
📚 Woman Uninterrupted by Brodie Kane is a candid and entertaining memoir that delves into her dynamic life as a broadcaster, podcaster, and adventurer. I am not really a big follower of Kane, and I feel like I am repeating myself when I say I didn’t expect to like this as much as I did. I guess what I mean is I didn’t really have many expectations. With unfiltered honesty, Kane shares personal stories ranging from humorous mishaps to profound experiences, offering readers an intimate glimpse into her journey of self-discovery and resilience. It felt like having a few wines with one of your friends and sharing stories.
📚 Briefly Perfectly Human by Alua Arthur is an engrossing fab memoir that reframes how we think about death and how it can help us lead better, more fulfilling, and authentic lives. Arthur, a death doula, shares her journey and experiences, offering insights into embracing mortality to enrich our lives. Her compassionate storytelling encourages us to contemplate the meaning of a life well-lived and the significance of embracing our impermanence. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to live authentically.
Some Fiction Highlights:
📚 The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue
A witty, heartfelt coming-of-age story about messy relationships, big dreams, and the complicated reality of growing up. O’Donoghue captures friendship, love, and loss in a way that’s both funny and gut-punchingly real. You’ll feel like you’ve lived these pages alongside Rachel. This would make a fab summer read!
📚 The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
This one’s a classic, and I’m so glad I finally ticked it off my TBR this year. A beautifully written, deeply moving exploration of adolescence, identity, and finding your place in the world. Heartfelt and raw - deserving of its cult status!
📚 This Motherless Land by Nikki May
A powerful and thought-provoking story that explores identity, belonging, and the complexities of family and culture. May weaves a gripping narrative filled with tension, heart, and unforgettable characters. A beautifully written novel that will stay with you.
📚 The Last Days of Joy by Anne Tiernan
A gripping family drama that unravels the secrets, struggles, and love that bind us together. Tiernan writes with empathy and insight, giving each character depth and humanity. If you love books that explore the messy beauty of family, this one’s for you.
📚 Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
Rooney’s signature style shines in this tender and understated novel about love, longing, and the moments that define us. The quiet tension and complex relationships will pull you in, while Rooney’s sharp, effortless prose makes every sentence sing. A beautifully crafted story you’ll want to savour. This one has had mixed reviews but I am a forever Rooney fan so I loved it!
That’s it from me for 2024—short (well, not really…oops), sweet, and full of some great reads. Thank you for sticking with me! There have been moments this year where I’ve wondered whether to keep going with these reviews, but honestly, I love doing them. They’re as much for me—and my ever-fading memory—as they are for anyone else, and if you get a little joy or inspiration from them, then that’s a bonus.
If you’re looking for an excuse to sneak away for some peace and quiet today, grab a book and dive in. Merry Christmas and happy reading—because life’s too short to read bad books.