My Top 10 Books of 2024 So Far

As the year of 2024 progresses, there are books that trail through my thoughts each day. Although I am proud to admit I have absorbed a total of 59 books so far, both print and audio, the last couple weeks of May revealed to me that my purpose for reading had been distorted. It became a challenge. A task. A chore. At one time, reading provided sense to the world I lived in, or an escape from it when it became too much to bear. Now, I will take time to soak in the words and appreciate each of them. Below are the books I read this year that I hold in my soul with the highest regard.

Isla Negra - Pablo Neruda

Along the flowing stream of Venice, I endeavoured within Isla Negra, where Pablo Neruda presents a delicately stunning collection of poetry in tribute to the sea. Drawing connections between life and the waves, as well as all that surrounds and lives within. Consisting of words that, at times, drew my breath. I admired this book.

Love & Saffron - Kim Fay

Through an intimate exploration of friendship and food, Love & Saffron unfolds the developing correspondence of two women. Written communication utilised in literature is something I adore, so this book rapidly captured my heart. It is through these letters to each other that the women build trust and can consolidate their emotions and life occurrences, a practice beautifully demonstrated in the following line: “When a new experience comes into my life, it doesn’t feel real anymore until I’ve shared it with you.”

deluded - Isabella Dorta

When I read Isabella’s poetry, I swoon. Her work is a masterful representation of talent combined with a pure heart. deluded is certainly my favourite work of hers, thus far. The imagery conveyed within these pages frames an intimate atmosphere that I just adored. Speaking of love with passion, completely and wholly unapologetically. Truly, Isabella is an inspiration to my own work and is a powerful voice in this generation.

Their Eyes Were Watching God - Zora Neale Hurston

Writing a review for this novel proved to be a challenge for me - as it left me speechless. What a powerful piece of art. Based in twentieth-century Florida, Their Eyes Were Watching God surveys an array of deft topics - including racial inequality and the female desire for freedom. Through motions of self-discovery, the concept of youth is discussed in a thoughtful and stimulating way. Almost lyrical, the words used to portray this narrative were gorgeously purposeful. Poetic and poised. Combined with a wonderfully expressive use of phonetic dialogue, I adored every moment of this story.

Better Together - Sheila O’Flanagan



During the time I reached for the book, it had been a while since I had just enjoyed one like I did Better Together. The fictional novel follows the experiences of a woman losing her job, her partner and, seemingly, her life. With a constant air of self-discovery and career throughout the pages, the choice between love and existing ambition is questioned - a theme I always find fascinating. The plot was attentive and flowed at a satisfying pace. With enough moments to shock me, my attention and curiosity were held firmly.

The House of the Spirits - Isabel Allende



Through a narrative that unveils the Southern American battle of capitalism and socialism in the twentieth century, The House of the Spirits earned my praise from multiple angles. With exquisite language written, seemingly, by the hand of the divine. Devastating, yet, wondrous. Themes that explore life in a bigger world outside of daily life - outside of being in love. I cherished the journey of development through each character’s life. This is a book I believe will hold a place in my mind for some time now.

Absolutely & Forever - Rose Tremain



From beginning to end, I adored the novel, Absolutely & Forever. Each word held an angelic nature that I became utterly engrossed within. Captivating the process of teenage infatuation that shapes a future, the narrative and purpose were raw. Honest and unashamed. I just loved it.

Playing Games - Huma Qureshi

Huma’s writing, how I adore it. Each word, delicate, yet full of intention. In her first novel, Playing Games, she explores the story of two sisters - contrasting in lifestyles and personalities. The essence of family, eternal goals and purpose are poignant in its presence. No book is capable of warming my soul the way that Huma’s can. It was perfect.

Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop - Hwang Bo-Reum



There are books that make you want to clutch your heart and exhale, “Ugh!” Simply due to the sheer soul of it. I read Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop with absolute affection. Highlighting the conversation of career, and the significance of it to sustain a good life. Dialogue proved rather heavy in this novel, and I enjoyed that very much so. As, conversation is the way I desire to receive intimacy within human relationships. When a book explores philosophies through this, I accept a close connection.

Blue Sisters - Coco Mellors

Coco Mellors’s anticipated novel, Blue Sisters, is the very reason I currently find myself amongst a reading slump. It satisfied my heart in a way only Coco Mellors can. With her beautiful language, layered intelligence, expert storytelling and unmatched wit. Revolving the loss of a sister, the range of moulds grief can hold is represented through her three sisters. Participating within themes of addiction, parenting and love - the Blue sisters travel through the story attempting to find purpose in a life that has a piece forever missing.