This is the third part of my best books of 2024, focusing on books for adults. We already have the best books read in 2024 for Young Adults and Middle Grade.
Part of my role as a school librarian is looking after the bookcase in the staff room. All of the titles listed below went onto the bookcase so others might enjoy them. Other people drop books they have read and it works as a good sharing point.
I also set up a Staff Book Club and we are currently reading The Housemaid by Frieda FcFadden which some of you may recognise. It would be really lovely to know if you would like to take part in an online Book Club using Mum In The Madhouse as a meeting point, do leave a comment below so Jen and I can put our heads together and work out how to start.
During 2024, I read 26 books for adults and for this list I have chosen my top ten. The titles are a mixture of old and new, some published as far back as 2009. I chose to read them for many different reasons, either I liked the author’s previous work, or it was the Book Club choice, or simply because it appealed when I read the blurb. I’ve included a couple of non fiction titles I enjoyed too. I don’t normally read non fiction but I’ve started to push myself to explore new areas of reading.
When it comes to reading, I don’t persevere with a book I am not enjoying. Life is too short and there are way too many books out there. So, if you pick one of my favourites and don’t like it, move on. We are all different and have different tastes, that’s what makes us all so special. On the other hand, if you do choose one, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
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Fiction
I Am, I Am, I Am by Maggie O’Farrell (2017)
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I’m a huge fan of Maggie O’Farrell and Hamnett remains one of my all time favourite stories. This book is a personal account of her near misses. Those moments in life when she could have died, or someone close to hear nearly lost their life. A fascinating short book to read which is beautifully written and encourages you to reflect on your own life path. Were there any near misses?
The Life Impossible by Matt Haig (2024)
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Absolutely loved Haig’s latest book which is set in Ibiza, an island I haven’t visited but has jumped to the top of my list. Grace Winters is a widowed, retired maths teacher who lives a very dull life. One day, an old friend she met years back leaves her an apartment in Ibiza and Grace decides to go and see what it’s all about. The trip is life-changing for her. This is fun, frivolous and full of smiles.
All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (2014)
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What a beautiful read. Firstly, don’t be put off by the size of the book as it is written in very short chapters that will have you racing through the pages. Set in World War II, the story follows the parallel lives of two protagonists that will come together at some point. This book is a work of art with characters who jump out of the page and live with you for a while.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt (2022)
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The unlikely friendship between a widowed night cleaner who lost her son Erik aged 18 in never solved mysterious circumstances and an octopus who not only is incredibly intelligent he is a fascinating narrator throughout the story. Full of wit and wonder, this story had me from the first page and stayed with me long after I’d finished the last.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (2023)
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A romantasy and the first for me. The thrilling story of twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail, a small for her age girl affected by a brittle body who is always a heartbeat away from death. She was supposed to spend her life working in the archives but her mother (nasty piece of work) has other plans and sends her off to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders. It’s graduate or die for Violet and the fight starts from the first page. This gets hot and steamy along the way. Supposedly a Young Adult book but I class it a fantastic crossover.
One Day by David Nicholls (2009)
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I’m not sure how I missed this book when it came out. Oh yeah, I gave birth to twins in 2008, that’ll be why. You’ve probably seen the film but this is a wonderfully written story that merits a read.
Daisy Jones And The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2019)
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A really interesting concept of writing a story through a series of interviews. The interviews follow the rise and fall of a notorious rock band in the 70s. Daisy Jones is our protagonist and she gives us all of the elements we expect in a rock and roll story. You can expect passion, ambition and lies.
Non Fiction
Ultra Processed People by Chris Van Tulleken (2023)
The science behind food that isn’t food. This one will blow your mind at how the food industry purposely adds elements to our food so that we start craving for more. You might start checking the ingredients more often and change habits after reading.
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Save The Cat Writes A Novel by Blake Snyder (2019)
Possibly one of the best books on writing I’ve read to date with a very simple procedure to follow that helps map the book you want to write. If you want to write a book, then add this one to your reading list. Very helpful.
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Strong Female Character by Fern Brady (2023)
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A bold autobiography and emotional journey into Brady’s life from a young age to where she is today and the fact she only discovered she was autistic as an adult. So looking back she is able to see so many missed opportunities that could have saved her from various life-changing events.
I would love to know what was the best book you read last year. Do Leave a comment letting us know. Plus don’t forget about the book club idea!