12 Books I Read and Loved This Year
Plus one I wrote because of course
I’ve never been the kind of person who reads just one book at a time. Instead, the time of day influences what books I read when and the genre of the book influences the format I want to read it in. Perhaps you can relate.
If you’re interested, here’s a list of facts about my reading life, including when I read certain genres and how I prefer to read them:
Morning: Spiritual Life, Poetry, Spiritual Formation (favorite examples: John O’Donohue, Henri Nouwen, Barbara Brown Taylor)
Afternoon: Business or Self-help types (favorite examples: Gino Wickman, Brene Brown, Greg McKeown)
Evening: Fiction or Memoir while I walk or piddle in the kitchen (Louise Penny, Wendell Berry, Ina Garten, Viola Davis)
Physical books > ebooks with the exception of memoir, which must be audio
I almost always use a timer when I read in the mornings (10 - 15 minutes)
Historically I’ve used Audible for my audiobooks but between the Libby app and Spotify Premium I’m likely going to cancel my Audible subscription in the new year
Typically this rhythm works for me, but 2024 is the first year in my memory when I haven’t felt like I ever found my reading groove. I didn’t read as many books as usual and hardly read any fiction at all.
I also think this year was different because it’s the year How to Walk into a Room released and I’ve noticed I don’t read as much in years when I’m launching a book. Which, BY THE WAY, thanks for reading, sharing, and engaging with this book this year. She has made her mark!
If you or someone you know is:
trying to decide if it’s time to quit their job or leave their church
entering into a new school, community, or adventure
preparing to graduate or retire
discerning a move or big transition
looking for thoughtful questions to ask about current commitments
grieving a loss or an ending
navigating unexpected news or information
parenting a child who has recently come out
. . . then this book might make a good gift for you/them.
With that, here’s a list of books I’ve read and loved this year! (Most links are affiliates. Thanks for supporting the work!)
Note: This post is for paid subscribers but we offer scholarships to literally everyone who asks. Learn more here.