And all the rest...2024 edition

It is once again time to briefly mention those books that I did read during 2024, but for whatever reason, did not get their own review on the blog. I am always surprised by just how much I manage to read in any given year, and the idea that there are even more books than the ones that have already been discussed is pretty hard to believe.

Weyward by Emilia Hart: This book won the 2023 Goodreads Choice Award for Favorite Historical Fiction. Using the stories of three women - one from the 1600s, another from 1942 as World War II continues with no end in sight, and the last from 2019 - this book explores female resilience, and the history of how unusual women have been dealt with. After leaving modern-day London, Kate will run to the cottage she inherited from her mysterious great aunt, and will begin to suspect that both the cottage and her aunt were hiding something.

Places We've Never Been by Kasie West: This is not the only West book that will appear on this list, and this one was an impulse buy during the annual LibraryPalooza that is put on by one of the school districts in my city, where West was one of the speaking authors. When Norah is reunited with her childhood best friend as both of their families prepare for a joint road trip, she does not quite get the reception she was expecting. If anything, it seems like Skyler would rather not be around her. But as the trip and the summer continues, both Norah and Skyler make new discoveries about themselves and their families.

The Elephant Vanishes by Haruki Murakami: Since I have finished all of the Japanese author's full-length novels (including the one published late this year), I have begun to tackle the short story collections, starting with The Elephant Vanishes, a copy of which I was actually able to buy while in Tokyo in April. As always, readers can pull out their Murakami bingo card and see which of the author's common themes they come across throughout the 17 short stories.

The Good Lord Bird by James McBride: After reading both Deacon King Kong and The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, I decided to read McBride's The Good Lord Bird, mostly because I found a copy at Half Price Books. When legendary abolitionist John Brown comes into town, events lead young slave Henry Shackleford to follow him out of town. But things are complicated by the fact that Brown believes Henry to be a girl. Also, while Brown is righteous and long-winded, he also has a bounty on his head and attracts trouble almost everywhere he goes. So young Henry must do his best to stay alive, and also keep his secret.

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman: Many readers are familiar with Backman's most popular novel, as well as both the Swedish and American movie adaptations that followed. From the outside, Ove may be the epitome of a cranky old man, but there is an intense sadness, and even loneliness, that serves as an explanation for nearly everything he does. And while he would prefer to simply be left alone, poor Ove cannot seem to escape his chatty new neighbor, her kids, and the cat that insists on hanging out around his house. This book is as funny as it is heart-warming, and incredibly touching.

P.S. I Like You by Kasie West: The second West book on this list follows Lily, a young girl with a habit of spacing out during Chemistry class, and writing song lyrics in her beloved notebook, and on her desk. One day, after sitting at her usual desk in Chemistry, Lily notices that someone has continued her song lyrics. Once Lily and this mystery writer begin exchanging actual letters via the desk, she cannot help but wonder who this person is, all while attempting to remain focused on the actual Chemistry lesson; maintain her friendships; keep her distance from one enemy in particular; and do her best on her entry for a song contest, the prize for which she could really use.

And that is the last of them for 2024. There are many books slated to be published in 2025 that already have a great deal of buzz surrounding them. Every year I am surprised and discover new (to me) authors, while also (maybe) exploring some of the classics. As always, I am excited, and ready, to see what the new publishing year will bring.