I started the reading list in January with a single minded focus. My goal was to read more books and encourage others to follow suit. The focus branched out to accommodate more objectives, namely exploring more genres, discovering authors in the process and also understanding myself in pursuit of this passion project.
Since this is the grand finale list of 2024, I am a little nostalgic about the previous instalments and the process I applied in selecting my picks.
I wrote the first installment in January, fresh with ideas, which is why my first list was a potpourri of genres, while the second was a little too ambitious and rooted in non-fiction and history- it is also the list that remains unfinished barring My Beloved Life.
The third installment was high on the fun & mystery quotient.
I browsed reading lists, Reddit posts, Quora answers and Twitter recommendations to bring you the fourth and final instalment of the 2024 Reading List.
Here we go again……
Annie Bot by Sierra Greer | Genre: Speculative Fiction
What is it about: Not far into the future, AI dolls become an unsettling echo of human fantasies, embodying exaggerated femininity and traditional gender roles. Annie, an AI doll, multi-tasks as a maid, nanny, and companion until she starts questioning her reality. Can she break free from her programming? A reflection on identity and autonomy in a digital age.
The Golden Road by William Dalrymple | Genre: History
What is it about: India’s golden age of innovation and trade left an indelible mark, drawing the world’s fascination. Dalrymple traces medieval India’s influence from Southeast Asia’s temples to scientific discoveries that traveled from Baghdad to Europe. This journey examines India as a fabled paradise and reimagines the history we think we know.
Vanishing Treasures by Katherine Rundell | Genre: Nature/Essays
What is it about:I am a lover of magical realism usually, but I don’t mind ignoring it for this equally magical book about some of the most fascinating beings of the animal kingdom.
This beautifully illustrated book of essays dedicated to twenty-three endangered but magnificent animals from around the world. From mid-sky mating Swifts, to American Wood Frogs who freeze themselves to survive winters to Seahorses who mate for life and celebrate their love daily with a dance, the essays are full of facts and heart. Vanishing Treasures promises to be the Fantastic Beasts of the muggle world.
Drop Dead Sisters by Amelia Diane Coombs | Genre: Murder Mystery/Thriller
What is it about: Nothing like a vacation whodunnit to unite a trio of estranged sisters responsible to clear their names off a very byoyant corpse. The introduction of the book has been penned by Mindy Kaling and that was partly the reason for me to add this on my finale list, but the book’s unique blend of comedy and mystery sealed its spot on the list!
Bonus Reads from the 2024 Library
While curating my reading list this year, there were some standouts too remarkable to leave out.
Here are three of my favorite additional picks, each offering a distinct journey through history, suspense, and haunting introspection:
Smoke and Ashes by Amitava Ghosh |Genre: Non Fiction/History
Borne out of Amitava Ghosh’s research for his works of fiction, Smoke and Ashes traces Opium’s imperial path through centuries, cultures, civilizations & contemporary globalism itself.
You Like it Darker by Stephen King | Genre: Horror
Authored by Stephen King( need I say more), You Like it Darker is a collection of twelve stories about life’s mysteries that are sometimes complemented by magical surrealism. As a disciple of the Stephen King school of writing, I would read anything he writes, and some of the stories in the book is as dark as they come. Get it for the sequel to Cujo & On Slide Inn Road.
The September House by Carissa Orlando | Genre: Suspense/Horror
In The September House, horror of this world and the beyond blend seamlessly against the backdrop of a sprawling hundred year old mansion. Imagine Nicole Kidman’s character in The Others, but with a traumatic twist-abandoned by her husband, the protagonist must brace herself against an increasing barrage of unwanted encounters that expose way more than just the supernatural. It was a very difficult but a very worthy read.
Reflections and Hopes for 2025
I will start with the cliche- this year went by in a frenzy even when it was a leap year. If this year was a song, it would be an indie summer playlist, great to experience but ends too soon.
I read more fiction this year as compared to last year, endeavored to write more here. I don’t know how much of an impact reading more fiction had on my writing, but I will magically get this hindsight next year as I always do.
I’ll continue exploring diverse genres, engage with a broader reading community, and share great books in my book club to keep the literary flag waving high.
With that, here’s wishing an epic prologue to 2025 everyone.
Fingers in symphony 