2024 in books

Books read: 50. I was surprised by this as I felt that I didn’t read much during those stressful months (April-July).

Fiction: 18. More than previous years and truly enjoyed the experience and plan to read more fiction in 2025.

Memoire: 6. No surprise that I enjoy reading memoires.

Favorites (not ranked, all 5 stars):

The changing world order. This may be a boring book for non-economists but I loved it so much that I recommended to colleagues, which I rarely do. He trusted my recommendation (because I rarely do) and thanked me after reading it. I love when the same stories/histories can be told in a different way through a broader lens.

Sapiens. Same feeling as the one before. I listened to it while running and kept feeling AWW.

Sandwich. Fun, emotional, relatable, just a blissful experience.

Leaving. Sad and beautiful, another great reading experience, thanks Nicole.

State of Wonder. I never in a million years thought I’d read a fiction book about the amazons. But I was in the middle of preparing for Brazil interview process. I wanted to know more about the country in a non-technical way. This book blew my mind in many different ways. While I was reading it, I was afraid that if I don’t get the job, I’d never have the chance to actually visit the place. I also didn’t expect that I’d be traveling to the Amazon so soon, end of Jan 2025!

Revenge of the tipping point. I absolutely love Malcolm’s braid. How is it possible one person can be so deep and thoughtful, coming from curiosity and talent for narrating the story? He’s among the top 3 thinker that I’d read anything he writes and sure about the AWE moments I’ll experience.

Ina’s memoire. She’s such a beautiful person. I love learning about her story and share her work ethics. Focus on the process, something good will happen when you put passion and effort to something you are genuinely interested. I also enjoy learning about her love story with Jeffrey and why they don’t have kids. This couple reminds of me of my academic mentor’s marriage, companionship with so much love and mutual respect.

Stolen focus. I read it in a time when my mind was shuttered. I was committed to have my mind centered again so this book helped me to craft my personal solution.

The life council. I like Laura’s work (podcast, books) and it came no surprise that I enjoyed her second book. Friendship was never the center of my life (unlike Sofia and Lizzy who NEED friends). I am grateful for the handful of life long friends and this book made me feel that I have more than I had because not all friends need to be BFF.

The gods of the woods. I was surprised to enjoy it as much as I did. I rarely read thrillers, mainly because the endings are usually not satisfying (i.e., makes me think). This one was different, I found the ending was 80% of the reading I enjoyed it. The plot was entertaining and engaging but was confusing at the time as it changed perspectives every chapter, but the ending, I loved it.

Choose Strong. I love reading about runners’ inner world. Sally is really an inspiration. This one came recommended by Jenny.

The wedding people. An ice cream experience. Fun, joyful, reliable pleasure read.

Meditation for mortals. I probably need to re-read it again, week by week per book’s recommendation to absorb the ideas better and implement them.

Finding ultra. I listen to Rich’s podcasts from time to time and it was good to learn about his story.

Wellness. While it is long, I enjoyed parts of it, as a mock to the modern life.

Books that I finished by felt a bit disappointed (maybe because I had high expectations):

Shell seekers. While it was an enjoyable read, I didn’t fully understand its high rating.

My brilliant friend. Same as above.

All fours. This book was in all best lists and had quite polar reviews. I am on the negative spectrum because I found it too wild to my taste.

The Dutch house. With Ann Patcher, it’s a hit or miss. I loved Precious days, DNF Bel Canto, gave 3 starts to Tom Lake, loved State of Wonder, and found the dutch house just so so.

Intermezzo. I finished it but it was a disappointment. I still love normal people but last two felt blah to me.

The woman. Not as great read as I was expecting.