Isn't reading wonderful?! So far this year, I have finished reading 54 books, which means that I have traveled to 54 different worlds, heard at least 54 different stories, and met hundreds and hundreds of characters along the way. Here are my Top 10 Book Lists for 2024.
I have broken my Top 10 lists up into 3 different categories:
Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Poetry.
So let's start with...
Top 10 Fiction:
The Stranger in the Life Boat - Mitch Albom
A ship sinks and a bunch of people end up on a lifeboat together. Days later, they pull a man from the water, who claims to be God. This is the story of what happened.
To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
Set in the 1930s, written from the POV of a child, and all about adult topics: ignorance, racism, literacy, the law, rights, morals, and courage.
Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov
This book is written so darn WELL. It is deep and brilliantly poetic, but unfortunately is about a rather nasty topic: pedophilia.
The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
Set in the 1950s. About one woman's demise. Her literal breakdown. She starts off as a well-dressed student with a bright future, and slowly loses her mind, ending up institutionalised and having electroconvulsive therapy sessions. It is not a happy book. It is not uplifting. It is a hard read and could be very triggering for some people. Gives genuine insight into a person with serious mental health issues (the author committed suicide days after the books release).
At the Foot of the Cherry Tree - Alli Parker
A real-life forbidden love story about an Australian soldier stationed in post-war Japan who falls in love with a Japanese woman. They have to fight racism, prejudice, discrimination, and the White Australia policy in order to be together.
The Riders - Tim Winton
Well written. I expected a book about a husband searching for a missing wife, and it is, but it also isn't, which I didn't get until I finished the book and went "huh?", and then I got it. It isn't about the outside journey, it is all about the inside one. So good. So clever.
The Good Sister - Sally Hepworth
The main female character is neurodiverse with a lot of sensory issues and a different way of seeing and interpreting things. The story kept me hooked, and it was an easy (Aussie) read.
Darling Girls - Sally Hepworth
About three adopted women, the secrets of their traumatic childhood, and the impact that it has on their adult lives.
The Red Tent - Anita Diamant
A biblical retelling. About the story of Dinah, daughter of Jacob. Not a Christian book. I actually only gave it 3-stars, but the book has stuck with me.
For One More Day - Mitch Albom
A fictional story about a character getting an extra day with his mother after she dies. Ultimately, it is a reminder of our mortality and to make the most of every moment we have with our loved ones.
Top 10 Non-Fiction:
The Artist’s Way - Julia Cameron
This book was a reminder that I am absolutely NOT wasting my time on any sort of creative act. We are creative beings who are gifted with our creativity, and we honour God by using it. This book also reminded me to focus on the act of creating and not the outcome.
I’m Glad my Mom Died - Jennette McCurdy
I could not put this book down. An autobiography written by a child star about her experience with fame and life. It is about trauma and abuse, but it is also more than this. It is about resilience, mental health, therapy, relationships, and so much more.
Phosphorescence: On Awe, Wonder, and Things That Sustain You When the World Goes Dark - Julia Baird
This book is about staying happy in dark times and has a strong focus on finding happiness in the art of the world: poetry, conversations, and especially in nature. Some bits were a bit boring, but the bits that resonated for me, really resonated for me.
The Happiest Man on Earth - Eddie Jaku
I INHALED this book and finished it in a few hours. It is heartbreaking. My privileged and sheltered little self cannot even begin to imagine the absolute ATROCITIES that this man has been through. The author is the happiest man on earth because he CHOOSES to be. He chooses to be GRATEFUL, and he chooses LOVE.
Greenlights - Matthew McConaughey
An easy-to-read autobiography written by a movie star, all about his life journey and the lessons he has learned along the way. Entertaining. Painted an attractive picture of a free life, being true to oneself, and turning positives into negatives. The author is a bit naughty (and not in a sexual way).
I am Autistic: An Interactive and Informative Guide to Autism (by someone diagnosed with it) - Chanelle Moriah
This is the absolute BEST book that I have read about autism so far. It is visually appealing, the sections are short, and written in an easy-to-understand way. I wish I could hand out copies of this book to help people understand.
Out of the Box: A One-Stop Guide to Navigating Neurodivergence - Rebecca Sparrow
The subtitle says it all. Practical, useful information and advice about how to navigate challenges and 'the system' to arrive at best outcomes for neurodivergent people.
Diary of a Crap Housewife - Jessica Rowe
The author is a totally down to earth woman who absolutely owns her status of 'crap housewife' - someone who is a pretty crappy cook, whose house is messy, who forgets school functions, and generally doesn't have it all together, but most importantly, she doesn't pretend to! She owns who she is and absolutely GLOWS.
Be Useful: Seven Tools For Life - Arnold Schwarzenegger
Any person with Arnold's mindset and work ethic could achieve anything. A good book containing the basic elements of success.
The Writing Life - Annie Dillard
The most poetic book I have read about writing. The book is a work of art in itself, a beautiful journey and honest reflection about what it means to be a writer.
Favourite Poetry Books:
Life: Poems to Help Navigate Life’s Many Twists and Turns - Donna Ashworth
This book touches on many of the subjects that we battle with in our minds: fitting in, body image, ageing. Donna's poems are a great place to start if you aren't all that sure about poetry. She is a light for us all. Do read.
I Wish I Knew: Poems to Soothe Your Soul and Strengthen Your Spirit - Donna Ashworth
Wise words. Positive and beautiful. I want to buy my own copy so I can read the poems again and again.
Celebrations: Rituals of Peace and Prayer - Maya Angelou
A book of poetry written for various celebrations. I absolutely LOVED it! Especially 'Sons and Daughters' which was written for the Children's Defense Fund.
Growing Brave: Words to Soothe Fear and Let in More Life - Donna Ashworth
More of the same gold from my favourite poet.
Now... I've been thinking about what I would name as my top read for 2024, and it's actually a really hard one.
I devoured:
The Stranger in the Lifeboat
The Happiest Man on Earth, and
I'm glad my Mom Died, the FASTEST
While,
The Artist's Way, and
Phosphorescence, probably had the most IMPACT on me.
HOWEVER
I am not going to name my top overall BOOK for the year, instead,
I am going to name my top AUTHOR
and this absolutely has to go to...
DONNA ASHWORTH
Earlier in the year, I stumbled across a video on Facebook of Donna reading aloud her poem, Sadness Comes (you can find a link to the video HERE).
This poem caught me. Her voice! Her dress! Her words! Oh yes!
I watched it a bunch of times and was totally moved each time.
I had to find out more...
It was then that I fell into a Donna Ashworth rabbit hole, spending many hours reading her poetry and the very personal and insightful words that she shares on social media. I read her poetry online, and in books that I bought and borrowed from the library. I visited her shop repeatedly, and just all out fangirled!
Donna reignited my love for poetry. She reminded me of the profound beauty in simply sharing words from the heart. The words don't have to be fancy, they just have to be REAL.
So, thank you, Donna!
2024 has been a gem of a reading year. It's been swell, and I can't wait to find even more books, stories, characters, and authors that move me, make me think, help me to see things from different perspectives, learn, laugh, fall in love, and grow.
So, do tell:
What was your top read for 2024?
Much love,
Marley
P.S.
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