Reading In 2024: Favourites and Letdowns So Far

Plus bonus picture of my dog

So far in 2024, I’ve read 26 books, which is less than usual for me.

Let’s see if I make it to my yearly goal of 45 books (I know it’s just the numbers — but my Duolingo-wired brain wants to see the celebratory animation of a completed challenge on GoodReads).

In terms of my reading intentions for 2024, I decided at the beginning of the year to focus on my long TBR list from previous years.

Along the way, I ended up reading a mix of those “older” TBR books and new, random picks.

I mostly focused on non-fiction this year. This genre can be hit or miss, but these books were definite hits and worth recommending:

“What’s our problem?” — a witty book about social and political dynamics that I didn’t know I needed.

“It doesn’t have to be crazy at work” — a refreshing read about workplace culture and corporate dynamics, and how to rethink them.

“Find your artistic voice” — this book is almost singlehandedly responsible for me sticking with my writing here on Medium.

These are non-fiction books I read this year and would not pick up again:

“Made to stick” — this book is about how to present your ideas and tell captivating stories in the corporate environment and beyond. I have to say, it just wasn’t memorable. This book about allegedly captivating ideas did not captivate me at all.

“What’s in it for them?” — this book focuses on making connections and networking. It just didn’t resonate with me, and I can’t even remember why I picked it up in the first place.

I guess the examples above show that it’s important to be selective when it comes to non-fiction.

I read some beautiful novels this year, and cannot recommend these enough:

“Vladivostok circus” — a moody, beautiful, almost mystical book set in the Russian Far East.

“This thing around my neck” — a captivating collection of short stories set between Nigeria and the States.

Overall, I am happy with my 2024 reading year so far. I did have longer than usual breaks from reading — but it’s also my first year living in Scotland, with so much going on, and it’s okay if life gets in the way sometimes.

Reading is such an important part of my life, but I won’t turn it into a chore or beat myself up for not accomplishing some — random in the first place — reading goals.

I do not post book reviews without a beer recommendation. Books & beers — a perfect combo!

Today’s beer is a pale ale from our local brewery Moonwake, which has been a highlight new discovery for me this year. Their XPA is my go-to lighter beer, and pale ale is my second choice, one I’ll always happily go for.

The picture features our pup, who is adorable and truly the best boy ever ❤️