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.

Young Adult Fiction: The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

Seeing the name of author Ruta Sepetys on a future new release is always exciting, and this time she has joined forces with another author, Steve Sheinkin, for The Bletchley Riddle. Set during World War II as Hitler advances across Europe, Sepetys and Sheinkin present the adventures of the Novis siblings, and the codebreakers of Bletchley Park.

The Situation: Nineteen year-old Jakob Novis is proud to be at Bletchley Park as part of Britain's top secret team of codebreakers working to solve the riddle of the Nazi's Enigma cipher. He knows this means humble living quarters, long hours, and, if they are not successful, possible future devastation for all of Britain at the hands of Hitler. But something Jakob did not expect was to have his 14 year-old sister Lizzie join him there. She was supposed to be on a ship headed for America to stay with their grandmother, since their father died years before, and their mother disappeared when Hitler invaded Poland. But Lizzie is not only determined and resourceful, but also convinced that life in America with her strict grandmother is not for her. She has her own riddle to solve, and must stay on this side of the ocean to do so.

The Problem: The work Jakob is doing is tough, but he does love it. Even Lizzie's presence brings some comfort as he is glad to have his sister close, and she has found a purpose as a messenger, physically delivering correspondence all around Bletchley Park. But things quickly take a darker turn as Lizzie insists what they were told about their mother cannot be true. Then there are the mysterious notes and letters that start arriving at the Park, along with the appearance of an intimidating inspector who begins making uncomfortable accusations. With two riddles to solve, in the middle of an ever-present war, the Novis siblings will have to decide who to trust, what is true, and which secrets to keep.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult fiction novel that follows 19 year-old Jakob and 14 year-old Lizzie in Bletchley Park in 1940. As a young man with a mind for mathematics, Jakob finds himself working as a codebreaker in the same eccentric facility as famed mathematician Alan Turing, with a team that is doing their best to crack the Enigma cipher. Lizzie arrives after escaping her grandmother's plan for her to travel to America, but her powers of observation and straightforward manner serve her well in her new environment. Bletchley Park is the place known for cracking the Nazis' Enigma cipher during WWII, and various methods of coding messages is discussed, along with how they are solved, and have evolved through time.

My Verdict: With this book being tagged as both 'young adult' and 'middle grade,' it is served well by having both a 19 year-old narrator, and one that is only 14. Jakob is serious and committed, and so is Lizzie, but she is also more willing to take risks in a search for the truth. I think people of all ages will relate to her desire to be believed and trusted. While I found the first 100 pages to be less than exciting, things do pick up quickly, and discussions regarding codes and codebreaking were informative as well as interesting. Plus, it is always fun for readers to see if they are able to solve a puzzle before the characters in the book can, and then to still be surprised by the book's plot when they think they know what is coming.

Favorite Moment: Jakob and Lizzie's grandmother's presence is felt mostly through her letters, the stories they tell about her, and her henchman Mr. Fleetwood. Even so, it is enough to get a sense of what type of woman she is, and I enjoyed any moment that Lizzie managed to outmaneuver her.

Favorite Character: Lizzie is a lot. I imagine if I met her in real life I would do what I could to avoid her. But from a distance, I can appreciate her straightforward manner and ability to get things done. Also, she is incredibly self-aware and knows her flaws.

Recommended Reading: I recommend Sepetys' I Must Betray You, which also deals with secrets and mysteries in 1989 Romania.

Historical Fiction: This Motherless Land by Nikki May

The last historical fiction post for 2024 will discuss a book that takes readers between Nigeria and England over a 20-year stretch. This Motherless Land by Nikki May looks at the lives of two young girls who are connected as family, but often separated due to events that happened before they were born, and the people in their lives that cannot seem to let go.

The Situation: Funke was happy with her life in Nigeria. Although NEPA (the National Electric Power Authority in Nigeria) routinely shut off their power, and it was obvious that her little brother was her dad's favorite, Funke had little to complain about. Even with her mother being a teacher at her school, Funke preferred that embarrassment over the daily slights she now feels living with her mother's family in England. She loved listening to her mother's stories of this place when she was young, but the reality is not quite as enchanting as she imagined. Her one bright spot is her cousin Liv. Lively, full of joy, and fiercely protective, Liv has her own struggles, but still resolves to be Funke's protector, and the two girls grow up as best friends.

The Problem: The only thing that could possibly come between Funke and Liv is the members of their own family. Liv's mother has long held resentment against her sister, Funke's mother, over decisions made long ago. Now as a bitter and angry woman, she is determined for Funke to not receive the same benefits that her own children would. And after a terrible night of conflict, and misunderstanding, which all leads to the two being separated again, it seems that there will not be anything that can bring them back together. As they move into adulthood, each woman is determined, though neither one is living the life they imagined for themselves.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a historical fiction novel that begins in 1978 when Funke is ten years old and still enjoying a childhood in Nigeria. When she is sent to live in England after a terrible tragedy, she cannot help but make note of all of the differences, and not just between the two countries. There is a difference, and disconnect, between the England her mother told her about, and the England she now sees. There is also the difference in her lodgings, how she is treated by her own family, and how people look at her. As the story continues over the next 20 years, both Funke and Liv will struggle with identity, while reconciling their own privilege in both settings, and what it means to be a family.

My Verdict: The premise is intriguing. The plot is interesting and full of twists and turns, but not so much to be exhausting or ridiculous. The settings are bright (even when they are not) and easy to see. And the characters feel like real people, each one reminding the reader of someone they knew or still know. If there was any issue I had with this book, it was the pacing in certain points. Sometime things seemed to move way too quickly, while the ultimate (and almost predictable) conclusion seemed to approach at a snail's pace. But the juxtaposition between Nigeria and England is handled so well, and I simply wanted to read more. I wanted to continue moving back and forth between the two and reliving the different experiences. It is an excellent read full of heartache and triumph.

Favorite Moment: There is some discussion of the difference between a "stipend" and an "allowance," mostly in how that difference is very small (at least in the way the words are used in this book). Liv gets to make this point in the end, and it is wonderful.

Favorite Character: Funke and Liv's grandmother is a good woman, but she has her flaws and regrets like everyone else. Ultimately, she wants to do the right thing, and even manages to hold out against her stubborn daughter on some things.

Recommended Reading: I recommend Maame by Jessica George.

Graphic Novel: Adulthood Is a Gift! by Sarah Andersen

The fifth collection of comics in the Sarah's Scribbles series by Sarah Andersen is Adulthood Is a Gift!, which once again contains always humorous, often insightful, and sometimes thought-provoking illustrations about life and what it is to survive in the world today. I am always thrilled to pick these up and laugh at life, and at what I find in these comics that reminds me of myself.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a collection of comics that follows 2021's Oddball. Andersen once again tackles familiar territory of adventures at social events as an introvert; the stress and uncertainty that comes with being an artist; and what cat ownership really entails. Also included are more topical comics dealing with the changes to Twitter, the rise of TikTok, the return of early 2000s fashion, and even the obsession our society has with true crime and serial killers. Near the end, Andersen reflects on the last ten years of her career, how it started, and how she got here. Included are some of her earliest comics, as well as a few pages dedicated to showing how each comic goes from an idea to a finished product. And a delightful inclusion with this book is a page of stickers at the end, because as one of my friends recently pointed out, no one truly ages out of the ability to have fun with stickers.

My Verdict: I have enjoyed all of the collections in the Sarah Scribbles series, but this one may be my favorite. They have all made me laugh out loud, and shake my head, and occasionally roll my eyes and some of the more painful truths. But this one shows more maturity (which makes sense as it has been 10 years since Andersen started this journey), while still being funny and remaining true to what brought such a large audience to Andersen's work in the first place. And her thoughts and reflections at the end of the book provide an interesting look at her process, growth, and some of the lessons she has had to learn along the way. I am happy to be able to slide this one in next to the others on my bookshelf, and am excited to see what follows.

Favorite Comics: There is one comic that employs the phrase "Christian Autumn Girls" and I laughed out loud, because that is certainly a thing. And then there is the comic where a minimalism advocate is stressing the importance of clean lines and empty spaces, while Andersen's character expresses exactly what those of us with large and very full bookshelves think of that kind of advice. But the winner for me - the one that made me laugh out loud the longest and hardest - would be a comic where an aging Andersen with a walker is talking to Death, and his response is so perfect and classic that I may end up printing out this comic and pinning it on my board at work.

Recommended Reading: I of course recommend every book in the Sarah Scribbles series, but also the work of Kate Beaton, and the graphic novel A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat.

Young Adult Fiction: The Glass Girl by Kathleen Glasgow

As someone who completely missed the train for 2016's Girl in Pieces, I am glad to have picked up this year's The Glass Girl by Kathleen Glasgow. With addiction and alcoholism at its center, I expected a story full of intense situations, big emotions, and hard conversations, and that is exactly what is in this book.

The Situation: Fifteen year-old Bella's previously good grades are starting to slip, and she knows the last thing her mother needs is to deal with her daughter's suddenly poor academic performance. If her job does not have her working odd hours, then there is Bella's younger sister, Ricci, to worry over, not to mention the crazy aftermath that comes from divorce. Bella's dad needs her to be normal too, as well as helpful and agreeable. What Bella needs and wants is the ease and comfort that came from hanging out with her grandmother, but her recent passing has removed that option, leaving an empty house where Bella can do the one thing that has brought her any form of comfort lately.

The Problem: For Bella, drinking is no big deal. First of all, everyone does it. Even her grandmother did it. Her friends certainly do it, and why wouldn't they? It makes everything better. And easier. Including high school, which is a feat in and of itself. Even when Bella starts missing assignments and having arguments with people who have always been her friends, some of whom she would drink with, Bella does not think alcohol is the issue. But everything changes when Bella wakes up in the hospital after a party with a fractured face, and a few painful and embarrassing memories of what happened. She is only given one option, and it is rehab, which feels to Bella like an ending, but the real journey has only begun.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult fiction book set mostly in and around modern-day Tucson, Arizona. Bella is a 15 year-old girl who lands in rehab after a night of partying that ends in a hospital visit. There are many things that lead Bella to look for a bottle of vodka to add to her Sprite; or a hidden bottle of rum to steal sips from; or even a bottle of NyQuil from someone's medicine cabinet to chug from for a quick fix. There is the grief over her grandmother's death; her parent's divorce and their constant fighting; her dad's inability to communicate effectively; and of course, the general nightmare that is high school. Glasgow admits in the author's note that she writes from experience, and that the stories in the book may be fiction, but they are common.

My Verdict: Like pretty much any story about addiction, this one was difficult to read in many places. Decisions are made; things are said; and events happen that we wish were pure fiction and had no correlation to real life, but they do...even for 15 year-old girls. What I appreciate about Glasgow is the respect that she shows not only for the subject matter, but to the characters, and not just Bella. The reader will meet kids with different issues, and the story is thoughtfully planned out and not gratuitous in its telling. There is careful thought behind every scene, allowing for a story that feels honest, and not contrived or pandering.

Favorite Moment: Something that Bella deals with when it comes to her parents is this constant feeling of "Bella do it." There are things that her parents should do, but they don't, so Bella just takes care of it herself, sometimes when they ask, and sometimes on her own. This plays out perfectly in a scene involving her little sister when they are staying at her dad's house for the week. It is actually a pretty tough scene, but it perfectly displays the "Bella do it" issue and how her father so easily employs this, while actually doing and saying very little.

Favorite Character: There are a few here, but I will go with Bella's friend Amber, who makes it very clear where their friendship will stand if Bella keeps drinking. There is also Tracy from the rehab, who has clearly seen enough teens in trouble to not be at all bothered by one more angry/scared/hurting resident. 

Recommended Reading: Jeff Zenter's Colton Gentry's Third Act is a novel for adults that follows a man attempting to piece his life together after a regrettable tirade he had on stage while drunk.

Winner of the 2024 Goodreads Choice Awards

The results are in, and it is time to announce the winners of the 2024 Goodreads Choice Awards.

Of the 22 DSNs that were originally nominated across the various categories, I am pleased to see that two of them won! 

Kristin Hannah's The Women won by a landslide for Favorite Historical Fiction, with Percival Everett's James coming in second. And Kaliane Bradley won for Favorite Science Fiction with The Ministry of Time. 

Every year the competition is incredibly fierce, and I am always amazed that any DSNs are nominated. With the omission of many well-loved authors who have had nominations in the past, this year has proved that just because someone was included in a previous year (or years), it does not mean their book will make the cut again. There are always surprises in the list of nominations, as well as the list of winners.

I once again look forward to next year, and will be looking into some of the nominees that I may have missed.