If you’re a frequent reader of this blog, you may be familiar with the fact that I often like to refer to myself as a slow, sometimes easily distracted reader. These days, however, I’ve been picking up and finishing books with a passion that I haven’t felt for quite some time, probably not since my preteen years. In fact, the past few months for me have been all about reconnecting with the things that brought me immense joy when I was younger, including books.
Just recently, I managed to complete my 2024 GoodReads Challenge with a total of 10 books, and I am so close to finishing my 11th. Since March, I’ve been delving into books from a variety of genres—even far beyond my usual Speculative Fiction choices. In case you’re looking for something new to read, here’s my mini review of all the books I’ve read so far this year.
One Day – David Nicholls
Rating: 3.5/5
I watched the movie One Day for the first (and last) time many, many years ago. And since I was aware of its gutwrenching ending, I thought I knew what I was in for when my bookclub chose it as our March read. Boy, was I wrong. I think I may have cried–no, sobbed–throughout the majority of this book.
One Day is an (extra, extra) slow burn romantic drama. The “will they won’t they” story follows the lives of friends Emma and Dexter over decades following what was supposed to have been a one night stand. Tackling themes like grief and aging along the way, it’s both enjoyable and excruciating, especially for late twenty-something year olds.
American Gods – Neil Gaiman
Rating: 5/5
Before I heard of the recent allegations against Gaiman, American Gods was probably one of my favorite reads this year. It’s an immersive tale and one that blends elements of fantasy and mythology with a cross-country road trip. It’s a journey, and a slow one at that, but that’s one of the many things that made it enjoyable for me.
My Sister the Serial Killer – Oyinkan Braithwaite
Rating: 4/5
If you want a book that will have you screaming at the main characters to “please, for the love of god make better decisions”, this is definitely one to consider. It’s a quick and fast paced read that follows Nigerian nurse Korede as she struggles to cope with (and cover up) the harrowing fact that her sister, Ayoola, is a serial killer. It’s suspenseful and intriguing and also manages to touch on issues like colorism, abuse, and sexism as well as familial loyalty vs morality, though the ending may leave you wanting more.
Black Cake – Charmaine Wilkerson
Rating: 4.5/5
Another tear-jerker, Black Cake is a book that I would recommend to any and every Caribbean person I meet. It took me a while to get into this book, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down. After their mother’s death, siblings Byron and Benny learn that there was much more to the woman they knew as Eleanor Bennet. She has left behind two things for them: a black cake and a tell-all voice recording that paints the story of her colorful and complicated past.
I’m Glad My Mom Died – Jennette McCurdy
Rating: 4.5/5
The only memoir (and audiobook) for me this year, I’m Glad My Mom Died is a must-read, especially if you grew up on shows like iCarly and Sam & Cat. This book’s blurb describes it as “heartbreaking and hilarious” though I wouldn’t really agree with the latter. McCurdy is witty at times, yes, but this is a heavy at times book that touches on topics that run the gamut from eating disorders to toxic mother-daughter relationships.
No One’s Gonna Take Her Soul Away – Amanda B. Weaver
Rating: 5/5
Despite being a horror novel, No One’s Gonna Take Her Soul Away was quite the feel good story for me—torture and seven levels of hell aside. It’s a found family story, one with plenty of suspense, action, adventure, and yes, lots of gore, too.
The book follows Sapphira Gail, a survivor through and through, as she grapples with a terrible betrayal—one that sees her spirited away to Pandemonia. As she fights to escape literal hell, she encounters a dynamic cast of characters, including a werewolf, a demon, and a (in my opinion) swoon-inducing vampire. Amanda is a dear friend of mine and I’ve mentioned her books before on here. I truly love how well she crafts compelling and diverse characters that usually end up pulling at your heartstrings in one way or the other.
What was your favorite read for 2024?
(This is part one of a two part blog. Be sure to come back later to check out part two!)
Khaila A. Gentle 