2024 Reading Wrap Up
I read a whopping 86 books in 2024. That’s one more than in 2023. (I read fast.) Of those 86, I had some favorites. Here are my top ten, in no particular order.
The God of the Woods by Liz More
This multi-award winning book has a plot that involves a missing camper, a distressed camp counselor, and what happens when the rich have more pull in a small community than the poor. Wait until the book starts alternating between the past and the present so you can see all of the pieces fit together.
Why I Liked This Book
There’s a reason why this book has won so many awards: it’s great. The characters, the setting, the action, and even the resolution at the end of the book are all very well thought out.
American Fire by Monica Hesse
An serial arsonist set fire to a number of buildings in Accomack County, Virginia. In American Fire, journalist Monica Hessa follows the story from beginning to end, including details about the buildings that burned and the many suspects.
Why I Liked This Book
I love true crime in all of its forms, and this is one of the most interesting that I’ve read. Hesse goes into plenty of depth on the fires, with all of those details making the crimes come to life on the page. The book also explains how Accomack County, Virginia stayed a rural area, making it as much a “character” as the suspects.
The Debutantes by Olivia Worley
This Young Adult book follows the lives of several upper class teenagers in New Orleans as they figure out who killed their fellow debutante Les Masques Ball participant and is trying to sabotage the event.
Why I Liked This Book
The characters are one of the main reasons that I liked this book. All had dimension, which is tough to do in the Young Adult genre. Plus the action kept me interested. I think I read this book in one sitting, if I remember right. I know that I couldn’t put it down.
Private Equity by Carrie Sun
This memoir follows Carrie Sun as she leaves the typical finance jobs for something a little different: working as a personal/administrative assistant to a rising hedge fund owner. However, it’s more than that; it’s Sun’s journey to find herself.
Why I Like This Book
I enjoy memoirs that show different fields and expose parts of the business world, so I was instantly attracted to this book. What really made me like it is Sun’s writing style and overall voice.
Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner
Mrs. Everything follows two sisters from the 1950s until the present. As they go through their lives, they remain intertwined by the very fact that they grew up together. Although they go periods of not speaking, family is family at the end of the day.
Why I Liked This Book
The plotlines sucked me in and I enjoyed watching the characters grow up and find themselves.However, it’s important to note: Warning: Do NOT read this book while having surgery.
I started this book prior to a major abdominal surgery to remove cancerous tumors. I finished it while sitting in my hospital room. I cried. The book made me feel like life is too short. Regardless, I loved it.
Raised by a Serial Killer by April Balascio
April Balascio was raised by an unpredictable man with a violent temper. He also happens to be a serial killer. This true crime/memoir goes over past incidents in both April’s and her father’s life to explain why he turned out as he did.
Why I Liked This Book
The author doesn’t sugarcoat anything. She explains the facts of what happened and how it effected her, as well as what her father did. Also this sounds cold and “just the facts,” this memoir isn’t that at all. Balascio blends both together masterfully.
The Anti-Heroes by Jen Lancaster
A number of people in a coffee shop join a personal improvement (hero) group after witnessing a robbery. Were they set up? What’s the deal with the leader of the hero group? Will all of them get past their fears and timidity?
Why I Liked This Book
I’ve read everything that Jen Lancaster’s ever written. (Check out her Substack with Karyn Bosnak if you want some additional entertainment- they’re funny.) So, it makes sense that I’d love this book. I liked the characters, their situations, and everything else. By the end of the book, I wanted more.
Wanted: Toddler’s Personal Assistant by Stephanie Kiser
More than your average nanny, Stephanie Kiser has (accidentally) rubbed elbows with celebrity parents and those on the Upper East Side. She works as a nanny for the rich, and deals with standard child issues, like tantrums, in kids that are wearing $500 sweaters. It’s an interesting peak into their lives, as well as her own.
Why I Like This Book
Kiser hasa great writing style and told her personal story in a compelling way. I love books that are a peak into others’ lives, and this one definitely fit the bill.
My Mama, Cass by Owen Elliot-Kugell
The one thing that people remember best about Mama Cass of the Mama’s and the Papa’s is completely incorrect. She did die due to choking on a ham sandwich. Instead, she had multiple health issues and spent some time in younger days doing drugs, which harm the body. Anyway, this book not only dives in Mama Cass’ life from a perspective not seen before: that of her daughter.
Why I Liked This Book
I don’t know much about the Mama’s and the Papa’s except that they’re a singing group from the 60’s that came out with some great songs. Because of this, it was interesting to learn more about one member of the group from someone close to her, her daughter.
Hey, Hun by Emily Lynn Paulson
You probably know someone in an MLM. In fact, you’ve probably purchased items from out at a “party” out of guilt. Now, you get to see things from the other side – the pushy, expensive, time-consuming “girl boss” side.
Why I Like This Book
The description of it above seems to say it all. Having been in an MLM briefly (it was 2002), and spending a lot of time on anti-MLM sites, it was interesting to read about what happens when you’re a success in this field.
Mandy's Book Nook 