Every time I buy a book, I delight in thinking I am helping support writers, without whom the world would be quite bleak and narrow.

Before I go to bed each night, I read for up to an hour. I disconnect from all devices and find my way into another human being’s imagination. Reading and disconnecting from all devices sets me up for a restful night of sleep.

I read a number of dystopian books (not my usual genre) that were not only excellent, but unfortunately prescient in an eerie way. I encourage you to read at least one that isn’t your ‘type.’

These titles are not listed in any order other than the order in which I read them. In all honesty, I enjoyed them all, but the ones that really packed an impact will have a word or two description.

Reading is a beautiful way to escape for a few moments with the added benefit of growing perspective. By pure virtue of immersing ourselves in the author’s imagination, we are exposed to something unique. Our minds grow and expand, and perhaps also, our tolerance.

Every time I buy a book, I delight in thinking I am helping support writers, without whom the world would be quite bleak and narrow. I don’t wait for sales if there is a book I want to own–many of us spend more money on our lattes in a given week after all! Books, in my opinion, are the best gift to give. (Unfortunately, I’m not a good receiver of such gifts because nine times out of ten, I already own the book or have read it!)

Here are the books I read in 2024:

I hope you find something on this list that speaks to you. And, if like me, you are horrified by this period of book banning, please consider a donation to Pen America, one of the leaders in the fight against censorship.

Also, while some of the links I provide may be to Amazon, please consider purchasing from your independent bookstore or the website Bookshop.