Like you, I love to read. Some books I thoroughly enjoy in the moment, then quickly forget. Others I nearly set down, again and again, but push through—only to discover I’m still thinking about them days, weeks, months later. Some books won’t let me walk away unchanged.
What causes a book to stay in our hearts and minds long after we’ve finished reading it? What makes a book continue to influence our thoughts, ideas, and dreams? Send me a message with your thoughts.
Here’s my list of the most memorable books I read in 2024. And if I could recommend just ONE novel and ONE non-fiction book from my 2024 reading list?
Abraham Verghese’s incredible saga follows three generations of people living in southern India.
The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control
Psychotherapist Katherine Morgan Schafler presents a life-altering approach for ambitious women with perfectionist traits.
Fiction
Maeve Binchy’s stunning novel about the collateral damage created by a family pursuing a questionable dream. Also memorable by Binchy: Light a Penny Candle (two women remain friends through and beyond WWII), Echoes (two young people return to their home in coastal Ireland), and Silver Wedding (a twenty-fifth wedding anniversary transforms a family).
Amy Hempel offers thoughtful, extraordinary writing in this collection of short stories about sensitive subjects.
Robin Lee Hatcher’s historical Christian romance is brimming with promise and second chances.
Jodi Thomas’s well-written, compelling historical romance includes just enough heat.
Opposites attract in my friend Holly Varni’s second book set in Moonberry Lake, home to quirky characters and small-town surprises.
My friend Deborah Clack’s story of a modern-day marriage of convenience slowly unfolding into true love.
Graeme Simsion’s story of a charming yet socially challenged genetics professor who sets out to learn if he’s capable of true love.
This Year It Will Be Different
A collection of Christmas-related short stories by Maeve Binchy. (My favorite? “A Typical Irish Christmas.”)
Charles Martin’s gripping story about a modern-day Texas Ranger. Also memorable by Martin: A Life Intercepted (a young football player is wrongly imprisoned) and Unwritten (an actress running from her past finds escape with a man hiding from his future).
A gypsy woman and an English palace guard come to terms with their own truths in this engaging historical romance by Brandy Vallance.
Non-Fiction
Cozy: The Art of Arranging Yourself in the World
Isabel Gillies helps readers identify and focus on what we love about ourselves and our situations.
From Paul Barbera, gorgeous photography of inspirational home interiors and their resident cats.
David Brooks presents thoughtful suggestions for individuals in a disparate society to reach deeper connection.
From Ken Foster, inspiring photographs and stories about some of America’s most popular yet misunderstood dog breeds.
Artist Nancy Bates offers patterns for 63 beanies depicting America’s National Parks.
Novelist John Gardner presents interesting and debatable thoughts about what defines art.
Novelist Patrick Craig threads his love for the Pacific Northwest’s natural features throughout this heart-warming memoir.
Former ballerina Miranda Esmonde-White presents clear techniques for gaining strength and mobility. Also memorable by Esmonde-White: Aging Backwards.
Mary Claire Haver presents the latest research and options for thriving through and beyond.
The Salish Sea: Jewel of the Pacific Northwest
From Audrey DeLella Benedict, this keepsake book includes gorgeous photography and fascinating information about the Salish Sea, where stories in my Wren Island series are set.
Just like you, I’m still reading! To see my current choices, subscribe to receive my emails. Or check out my Most Memorable Books from 2023 and 2022.
