In total, I read 52 books. Though I typically try to read a balance of fiction and non-fiction, this year my reading skewed towards more fiction, and a mid-year reading slump had me gravitating toward shorter novels than usual. Despite that, I still tried to read diversely, and my reading journey in 2024 took me to an account of the colonization of Hawai’i, cults and its the power of language, and sentient artificial intelligence among others.

According to StoryGraph, my top reading moods in 2024 were pretty consistent with previous years: reflective, emotional, informative, sad, and inspiring. My top genres included: literary fiction (18 books), contemporary fiction (10 books), historical fiction (6 books), autobiography (6 books), and memoir (5 books). There were two repeat authors from 2024: Claire Keegan (her books are short but they pack a punch), and Satoshi Yagisawa (his Morisaki Bookshop series were wholesome and helped me get out of my reading slump).

For 2025, I’m sticking with my 52-book goal and plan to dive deeper into Indonesian literature and explore more translated works. Interestingly, I realized that I haven’t read any translated literature from Southeast Asia, despite being born and raised there! That will have to change this year. On the non-fiction side, I’m looking forward to read more books on nature and climate change. I have a few books on my shelf that I’m excited to read.

As always, this list of top books isn’t just a roundup of what I enjoyed most—it’s a collection of stories that left a lasting impression on me. I hope you enjoy it!

Five Little Indians by Michelle Good (2022)

I discovered Five Little Indians when a new independent bookstore, Narrative, opened in my neighborhood. Set primarily in British Columbia, Canada, the novel caught my attention as I was preparing for a trip to Vancouver. I’ve always wanted to learn more about the Indigenous peoples of North America, so it felt like the perfect read—and it absolutely delivered.

Though fictional, the book was profoundly educational for me. While I was aware of Canada’s shameful treatment of Indigenous peoples, I hadn’t fully grasped the devastating scope of the abuse. This novel shed light on those dark chapters, particularly the residential school system that forcibly separated children from their families starting in the late 19th century. One of my favorite things is when a book sparks curiosity about history, and this one did exactly that. I found myself pausing multiple times to google and learn more about the events it described.

At its heart, Five Little Indians is a deeply moving story of historical trauma, the search for belonging, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship. It’s a powerful and necessary read that stayed with me long after I turned the last page.

Not the End of the World by Hannah Ritchie (2024)

I don’t usually read books as soon as they’re released, but Not the End of the World by Hannah Ritchie was an exception—I’d been eagerly anticipating this one. In it, Ritchie tackles some of the most persistent myths about the environment, offering a fresh perspective that challenges common misconceptions. For example, she delves into the idea that palm oil is inherently bad or that we’re powerless as individuals to make meaningful change.

In a time when climate doomerism dominates the headlines, this book feels like a breath of fresh air. Ritchie’s optimism isn’t just comforting—it’s backed by data and thoughtful insights that inspire a more hopeful outlook. This comes as no surprise as Ritchie is Deputy Editor and Lead Researcher at Our World in Data, an online publication that provides data on the world’s most pressing issues. What’s more, she doesn’t just stop at changing mindsets; she also provides practical, actionable tips for incorporating sustainability into our daily lives.

Written in an approachable, easy-to-understand style, Not the End of the World is a book I’d recommend to anyone—whether you’re already passionate about the environment or just looking to learn more. It’s hard to imagine anyone finishing this book without feeling both more informed and empowered to make a difference.

Last but not least, I’d be remiss to include this book and not mention that all the data included in this book is also accessible via the book’s website. I’d highly recommend checking it out!

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Michelle Zevin (2022)

Even 50 pages in, I knew Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin would make it onto my Top Books of 2024 list. It’s been wildly popular since its release (there’s already a film adaptation in the works), and now I completely understand why—it was simply un-put-down-able.

There are a few reasons this book captured my heart. For one, it centers on main characters who develop video games, so there’s a lot of discussion about software development—something I’m both deeply familiar with and enjoy. Plus, a significant portion of the story takes place in Cambridge, MA, which is basically home for me (well, technically I live in Somerville, close enough!). A book about tech that’s set in my backyard? Of course, I was going to enjoy it!

Beyond the personal connections, what truly stood out to me was the way this novel explores friendships over decades. I’ve always been fascinated by stories that delve into the complexities of long-term relationships, and this book does it so beautifully. The friendships here aren’t simple or idealized—they’re messy, flawed, and incredibly real. The main characters are lovable but not without fault, and Zevin does an amazing job of making you root for them in one chapter and want to strangle them in the next.

The storytelling is nothing short of brilliant. It’s the kind of book that sticks with you, makes you feel deeply, and leaves you wishing it didn’t have to end. I absolutely devoured this, and I can’t recommend it enough.

Teruslah Bodoh, Jangan Pintar by Tere Liye (2024)

“Keep Being Foolish, Don’t Be Smart”

I don’t often get the chance to read Indonesian literature since it’s so hard to find in the US. However, when my parents visited in the fall, I took the opportunity to “smuggle” a few books from home. After researching recent top releases, I came across Teruslah Bodoh, Jangan Pintar by Tere Liye—a novel that delves into the corruption deeply embedded in Indonesian society.

The story is uniquely structured around a court hearing, with each day in session bringing testimony from different witnesses. Through these varied perspectives, the narrative spans decades, uncovering the far-reaching impact of corruption. You might notice by now that I love multi-viewpoint, time-spanning stories, and this was no exception.

What really stood out to me was the political commentary in this book. Corruption, unfortunately, remains a significant issue in Indonesia and many other developing countries. For those who didn’t grow up surrounded by it, the way corruption infiltrates daily life and impacts people on a material level can be shocking. Tere Liye does an excellent job of shedding light on these realities, creating compelling story that is both eye-opening and thought-provoking.

If you’re drawn to themes of social justice and inequality, Teruslah Bodoh, Jangan Pintar is a powerful read that will stick with you. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear to be translated yet, but it’s worth keeping on your radar!

How High We Go In The Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu (2022)

This book explores humanity’s resilience and capacity for connection in the face of profound adversity—in this case, a devastating climate plague. Having experienced the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself relating to elements of the story that I would have felt more abstract prior to 2020. Yet, Nagamatsu takes pandemic to a whole new level, crafting a story that is as imaginative as it is grounded in reality. The story really makes you think of the “what ifs” in life.

One of the things I loved most about the novel is the structure: the story is masterfully told through the perspectives of different characters spanning hundreds of years. Each chapter feels like a self-contained story, but you can still see how everything is interwoven. Listening to the audiobook version also improved the reading experience; the full cast of voice actors brought each character to life in a way that the reading voice in my head wouldn’t have been able to. Overall, How High We Go In The Dark is a must-read for people who enjoy reading deeply moving and provocative speculative fiction.

Blue Light Hours By Bruna Dantas Lobato (2024)

I picked up Blue Light Hours by Bruna Dantas Lobato more or less by accident. I was in the middle of a reading slump and looking for shorter books when I stumbled upon this one at the Harvard Bookstore. The synopsis immediately caught my eye—it felt like something I could connect to on a deeply personal level.

The novel follows a woman who leaves her life in Brazil to attend a liberal arts college in Vermont. Much of the story unfolds through video calls with her mother, whom she can’t visit during her university years because of financial constraints. While my background is different from the protagonist's, I found her experiences of longing for community, homesickness (and enduring freezing New England winters) deeply relatable. Having moved abroad myself for education, I understand the struggle of navigating two worlds—staying connected to your roots while building a new life.

What I loved most about Blue Light Hours is how much it resonated with me despite being a relatively short novel at 192 pages. It managed to evoke such strong emotions and made me care deeply about the characters. For anyone who has ever felt the pull of home while chasing dreams elsewhere, this book is a powerful and tender read.

Honorable Mentions

With a selection of 52-books, it was hard to narrow it down to just 6. Here are a few more that almost made the cut:

• Yellowface by R.F. Kuang: A thrilling exploration of racism and identity in the publishing industry. Some parts may feel a bit over-explained, but the (very important!) message lands powerfully.
• Mirrored Heavens by Rebecca Roanhorse: The gripping finale to the Between Earth and Sky trilogy, a fantasy inspired by Pre-Columbian Americas and rich with queer representation.
• Days at the Morisaki Bookshop (and More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop) by Satoshi Yagisawa, translated by Eric Ozawa: Pick these up if you’re looking for a heartwarming and wholesome.
• Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela: A powerful and inspiring autobiography for those keen on deepening their understanding of South Africa’s struggle against racial oppression.
• Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan: Despite being just 128 pages, this novella packs an emotional punch, making you feel deeply for its characters in a short span. A film adaptation was recently made with Cillian Murphy as the protagonist.
• Exercised by Daniel E. Lieberman: A fascinating mix of history and myth-busting about exercise. As someone with a desk job, it inspired me to prioritize movement in my day.

See my top reads of past years: 2022, 2021.