The year that is nearing to a close has been a year of quite a few good reads. I don’t read the newest releases so if you’re looking for a list of 2024-published hits, this is not for you. In fact, I tend to avoid the most hyped books until the dust settles and only then give them a try. I’ve learned over the years that too often the hype is not as well-deserved as it seems at first sight. Though some thoroughly deserve it. There are a few on this list too.
Surprisingly (or not), I read far more children’s books this year. In part, that is due to a research I was doing for a paper, but I also just seemed to enjoy them more. However, I was lucky with the adult novels that I picked up because almost all of them were exceptional reads.
Some children’s titles first:
The Queen of Thieves – Johan Rundberg
This is a historical mystery that doesn’t disappoint. But you might want to read the first novel in the series (The Night Raven) first to familiarise yourself with the characters and setting. It’s atmospheric, suspenseful, with surprising characters. And it takes place in my beloved Stockholm!
The story takes place in a dystopian future that doesn’t sound as far-fetched as we’d like to think. A world without bees spells famine and natural catastrophe, but Mirabela is doing everything she can to help our civilization to survive – by doing the work of bees.
Outlaw Girls – Emily Gale, Nova Weetman
Emily Gale teamed up with Nova Weetman for their second novel of time travelling escapades. This time, they tackle the story of the infamous Kelly gang. Great outback setting, appealing characters (including the gang members), and a lot of sneaking around in the dark of the night.
This one doesn’t need a lot of words. The heart-wrenching story and the magical atmosphere of the holidays supported by Lisa Aisato’s masterpieces speak for themselves.
Wishtree – Katherine Applegate
Told from the perspective of a tree, the story of a new family moving into the street unfolds in front of our eyes. Not everyone is willing to welcome them. If only people had the wisdom of old trees.
Sanna is not nearly old enough to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders, but after her mother’s death and her father’s inability to cope, she isn’t left a choice. Her saviour comes in the form of the new guy in school, Yousef. Difficult topics are dealt with in an unsentimental style, but full of hope.
A more light-hearted approach to a similarly difficult topic as in Alaei’s novel. As a reader, you’re rooting for Ubbe from the start and laughing through his comic attempts at succeeding. But there’s a lesson in there, too, if you’re willing to look for it.
Adult tiles:
As a translator and a bookworm, this one called out to me. The intricate world of Oxford that Kuang created is astonishing and mesmerizing. Also, it’s exhilarating to know the power that translators hold in their pens, for a little longer at least, until the AI takes over.
Olive Kitteridge – Elizabeth Strout
Yes, a thousand times yes to this book! I love how it’s told through stories of numerous people, shedding a light on how Olive Kitteridge affected them one way or another. Something we don’t seem to realise we all do in our daily lives. A good reminder that a passing remark can have a lasting effect.
Fresh Water for Flowers – Valerie Perrin
This is such a pearl of a book. Unusual, heart-breaking and simultaneously uplifting. Can we ever really pick ourselves up after tragedy strikes? Or is it okay if we don’t, not entirely, anyway?
The Tenderness of Wolves – Stef Penney
Another unusual tale, part mystery, part thriller, part historical romance and so much more. Evocative story-telling at its best. I can’t believe this is a debut!
I’m on the fence about this one. It’s my first Rooney and like I said, I’ve been avoiding the hype. After the first 50 pages I wanted to give up. I didn’t like the style of writing, but the two brothers intrigued me. I’m glad I finished it because their story and their dynamic was beautifully crafted. I still think, the novel could’ve been a 100 pages shorter.
I could add a number of other books to this list. But truth be told, I’m a little pressed for time with tying up a few loose ends before the year is over. I’m going through some last minute edits for an academic paper I finished writing almost two years ago(!) and I hope it will finally be published in January. Academia can be shockingly slow at times.
I’m also finishing some other work-related stuff so that when the Slovenian editor sends back the edits for my middle-grade novel, I’ll have time to work on that. April will be here before we know it and the story needs to be in perfect shape by then. Can’t wait for Jonas to see the light of day!
I wish you all happy holidays. I hope the New Year brings you challenges that will enrich you and realisations that will spark joy and satisfaction.
Brigita Orel 