Best Books I Read in 2024
I set myself a target of 50 books. I read 54. And while I haven’t quite caught up in writing my review for each book, I’m slowly catching up.
This years reading was significantly shaped by preaching preparation in the first half of the year, with plenty of books on sexuality. A few were excellent, but none managed to make it into my top 5 reads for the year.
I finished off the year with my first genuine newly published fiction book, The Lost Bookshop. I did read a few other fiction books through the year – a couple of Narnia books – and I listened to Audibles excellent recording of 1984. The Lost Bookshop helped me understand why people read fiction. I can understand it’s appeal. But I would so much prefer to read (and enjoy) non-fiction. I’ll add another one or two fiction for 2025, but that’ll be all.
The other lesson from The Lost Bookshop was that fiction is SO much easier and faster to read than my normal diet. I’d get through a lot more books if I increased my fiction intake. But it just doesn’t have the personal appeal. (Sorry to those who I’ve disappointed!)
I read a lot of really good books this year, and it was hard to narrow it down to my five favourites. There were several I rated 5/5 that didn’t make the cut, and plenty more 4s and 4.5s. But the following five rose above the rest, and, if any of them sound interesting, I’d heartily recommend. Though, I also understand they are not for everyone!
#5
Wonderful, fascinating, comprehensive, and far more interesting than it might sound.
#4
A great exploration of the mind and memory. It corrects many commonly held beliefs about memory, and what does (or doesn’t!) help to improve it.
#3
One of the best books on communication I’ve ever read. A rare gem that practices exactly what it teaches.
#2
An intriguing title that offered a brilliantly detailed and complex analysis and critique of the modern virtue of authenticity.
#1
It’s about storytelling, but this book will read you *at least* as much as you read it. Insightful, confronting, surprising.
Not the book I expected might top my list for 2024, but well deserved.
Hi Luke Chris has read your number 5 and really liked it.
I like the sound of some of your others.