Books I Read in 2024
Some recs and mini-reviews
Every year, books become my sacred spaces for solace; I meet interesting strangers in some, take adventurous journeys with others, and often become a fly on the wall of their world, witnessing their stories unfold. Some books stay with me long after I’ve finished them, while others don’t quite resonate or I fail to get around them due to some reason or the other. This year too, like many others, saw plenty of books stacked on the wooden shelf of my tiny room, some covered in dust, and some in the afterglow of my sincere perusal—I explored classics, modern fiction, and thrillers, and for a change, I even took self-help for a spin.
Following up on my year-end list of films, here’s a look at what I read, what I loved, and the ones I couldn’t get around to finishing, with the hope that maybe you can finish what I didn’t and let me know your thoughts.
Classics That Left an Impression
Great Expectations – Charles Dickens
Alongside Orwell, Charles Dickens gets the credit for getting me into reading. Had it not been for Dickens and his innocent Pip, this blog might have never seen the light of day! I’d recommend this novel to anyone looking to read a Bildungsroman, a dramatic love story, a sentimental drama, and, of course, a literary classic. A novel that checks all the boxes—I might just re-read it every year.
The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald
I started this novel two years ago and dropped it after the first few pages. At the time, I didn’t think my head was ready to be wrapped around it. But this year, I gave it another shot—and I’m so glad I did! One of the most exhilarating and engaging pieces of writing I’ve encountered. I’d recommend this novel to any casual reader looking for a classic that still feels fresh and relevant.
Stories That Inspire and Intrigue
The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
I picked up this book being well aware of its reputation. A short novel, yet one that needs no blurb. With its fable-like storytelling, it transports you into a world of treasures, farms, and deserts. If you’re looking for a light read that also makes you reflect on life, this is a great pick. A perfect book to give to new readers and young curious minds.
Salt and Sawdust – R.K. Narayan
An R.K. Narayan special. The titular short story is the highlight of this small collection which is filled with interesting and nostalgia-inducing tales. If you want to be transported to the India of the 60s and 70s, pick this one up.
Thrillers and Page-Turners
Bali Conspiracy Most Foul – Shamini Flint
Pulpy, featuring an unconventional protagonist, a terrorist plot, AND a murder conspiracy—what’s not to like? Grab this one next if you’re in the mood for something sensationalist, lucid, pulpy, and engrossingly thrilling.
Catch my longer review of this novel here.
A Rising Man – Abir Mukherjee
A gripping historical thriller set in colonial India. A murder mystery entwined with political intrigue and class conflicts, this novel offers both suspense and an insightful look into a bygone era.
Self-Help and Reflection
You Can Be an Optimist – Lucy MacDonald
Ah, self-help shenanigans. But why let some bad apples ruin the taste of others? This is one of the juiciest ones out there. A much-needed book about hope and positivity, with actionable steps to navigate life’s roller coaster.
Why Am I an Atheist? – Bhagat Singh
A thought-provoking and powerful collection of essays by Bhagat Singh. If you enjoy philosophical and political reflections on belief systems, this is a must-read.
Did Not Finish (DNF) – But Worth Mentioning
Mistress of Spices – Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
A fascinating premise that blends fantasy, mystery, and the bittersweet aspects of daily life. One of Jhumpa Lahiri’s early novels—though heavy on exposition, it offers a nuanced look at the lives of diasporic South Asians. If magical realism is your thing, give this a read!
The Namesake – Jhumpa Lahiri
Another Lahiri novel, this one inspired a major movie adaptation starring Irrfan Khan, Kal Penn, and Tabu. A coming-of-age story of a second-generation Indian American, it carries all the hallmarks of Lahiri’s writing—deeply personal, beautifully crafted.
The Fault in Our Stars – John Green
Yes, I know—I’m late to the party. This book is far from perfect and has its flaws, but the premise of two fatally ill teenagers falling in love is undeniably compelling.
More Reads from This Year
The Individual and Society – A collection of essays and stories exploring human interactions and societal structures.
Sunlight on a Broken Column – A South Asian literary classic offering a layered narrative of pre-independence India.
Tell Tale – A collection of short stories by Jeffrey Archer, blending intrigue with human emotions.
I hope this list will give you ideas on adding new books to your TBR list. :)
And, I’m also looking to add to my list, so do share your favourite reads of the past year in the comments below!
Read more like this:
Glad that the list contains some underrated thrillers and not just the mainstream buzzing novels. Also, I read The Fault in Our Stars, cover to cover. And I loved it! Sure, I cried a lot, but it also taught me how to be expressive about my feelings. The Eulogy- it was nothing less than a poem.