Favourite Books of 2024 — Homegrown Learners
James by Percival Everett
That is one other retelling of a traditional – this time it’s Huckleberry Finn. What a delight this guide was!
James reimagines Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the attitude of Jim, an enslaved man looking for freedom. The novel begins with Jim’s escape from Hannibal, Missouri, after studying he is to be offered away from his household. As Jim and Huck journey down the Mississippi River, they encounter numerous challenges, however the story takes a darker flip when Jim is separated from Huck and offered a number of instances.
All through his journey, Jim demonstrates his intelligence and literacy, even partaking in philosophical debates in his desires. The novel explores themes of identification, freedom, and the brutal realities of slavery, culminating in Jim’s daring escape north together with his household because the Civil Battle begins. Everett’s work affords a delicate and sometimes violent take a look at antebellum America whereas showcasing Jim’s resilience and humanity.
I can simply perceive why this guide was so well-liked with readers in 2024.
The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman
It has been laborious for me to search out magical realism books that would compete with these by Sarah Addison Allen. Properly… I learn two books by Lynda Cohen Loigman this yr and beloved each! (I discover all these books are nice when I’ve a guide hangover and want one thing mild and enjoyable – however not too mild and enjoyable! Are you aware what I imply?)
The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern is a heartwarming novel that weaves collectively two timelines within the lifetime of Augusta Stern. In Nineteen Twenties Brooklyn, younger Augusta works at her father’s pharmacy whereas being intrigued by her great-aunt Esther’s unconventional therapeutic strategies. As she prepares for pharmacy school, Augusta navigates an advanced relationship with Irving Rivkin, her father’s supply boy. Determined for readability, she impulsively makes use of one in all Esther’s potent elixirs, resulting in disastrous penalties.
Sixty years later, newly retired 80-year-old Augusta strikes to a Florida retirement neighborhood (I beloved this a lot as a result of it jogged my memory of a neighborhood the place my dad and mom lived!), the place she unexpectedly reencounters Irving. The guide is about second possibilities, household secrets and techniques, and the enduring energy of affection as Augusta confronts her previous errors and wonders if she will be able to reclaim the magic of her youth.
Christmas with the Queen by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb
Final yr, I learn Final Christmas in Paris by the identical creator duo, so I knew I’d love Christmas with the Queen! (I’m additionally a sucker for an excellent Queen Elizabeth II story.)
Christmas with the Queen is a historic novel set in the course of the early years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. The story follows two principal characters: Olive Carter, a single mom and aspiring BBC reporter, and Jack Devereux, a widowed chef from New Orleans.
In December 1952, Olive will get an surprising alternative to cowl the royal Christmas celebration at Sandringham Home, whereas Jack accepts a last-minute place within the royal kitchens. As they reunite after years aside, their paths proceed to cross over the following 5 Christmases, rekindling an previous connection. The novel provides enjoyable glimpses into the younger Queen’s life as she prepares for her annual Christmas broadcasts, transitioning from radio to tv. Amidst the backdrop of post-war Britain and royal traditions, Olive and Jack navigate private {and professional} challenges whereas harboring a secret that threatens their rising relationship.
The story culminates in 1957 with the Queen’s first televised Christmas speech and a revelation that would change every thing for Olive and Jack.
The Rosemary Tree by Elizabeth Goudge
I learn TEN books by Elizabeth Goudge this yr. One among my greatest bookish blessings of 2024 was becoming a member of the Elizabeth Goudge E-book Membership! Every guide by Elizabeth Goudge is sort of a huge, heat hug. Her books comprise Godly truths that at all times convey me to tears. For those who’ve by no means learn her books, it is best to attempt them. She at all times weaves collectively components of religion, household dynamics, and the fantastic thing about the English countryside to create an exquisite portrayal of the human expertise – one which we will deeply relate to.
The Rosemary Tree is a heartwarming novel set in post-World Battle II Devon, England. The story revolves across the Wentworth household: John, a kind-hearted however forgetful vicar; his spouse Daphne, who struggles with discontent; and their three younger daughters. The household’s life intertwines with a number of different characters, together with Nice Aunt Maria, who lives within the household’s ancestral dwelling, Belmaray Manor; Harriet, John’s bedridden former nanny; and Mary O’Hara, a passionate younger instructor on the native faculty.
The arrival of Michael Stone, a former well-known creator not too long ago launched from jail, causes nice change in the neighborhood. As Michael seeks a contemporary begin, his presence impacts the lives of these round him, significantly as he reconnects with somebody from his previous. We take into consideration forgiveness, redemption, and the ability of compassion because the characters confront their struggles and discover therapeutic by way of understanding and love.
The Final Love Observe by Emma Gray
I obtained just a little obsessive about this creator’s private story! The Final Love Observe is her debut novel and is drastically based mostly on her life expertise of her younger husband’s demise. I listened to many podcasts and watched a number of YouTube movies with Emma Gray and grew to understand her a lot. I do know she has a brand new guide popping out in 2025, too!
The Final Love Observe is a poignant novel (get out your tissue) that blends grief and romance. The story follows Kate, a 40-year-old widow and single mom who misplaced her husband Cam to early-onset Alzheimer’s two years prior. As Kate struggles to navigate life after loss, she finds surprising help from her boss, Hugh. When the 2 are stranded collectively on Australia’s east coast because of journey issues, Kate begins to course of her grief and take into account the potential for new love.
The novel alternates between present-day occasions and flashbacks of Kate’s life with Cam. As Kate discovers a path of notes left by Cam and uncovers a secret Hugh has been maintaining, she should determine if she’s able to open her coronary heart once more. This guide is in the end about shifting ahead after tragedy whereas honoring previous love.
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
I listened to this guide and was so glad I used the audio! The narration was glorious and added to the story for me. That is, nonetheless, a type of books that I’d like to learn once more and mark my favourite passages as a result of it was simply SO stunning.
Possibly you learn Slicing for Stone, one other glorious guide by Abraham Verghese. This creator is each a surgeon AND a author, so he brings an unimaginable depth of expertise and experience to his writing.
The Covenant of Water is an EPIC multigenerational novel set in Kerala, India, from 1900 to 1977. The story begins with a 12-year-old lady, later often known as Massive Ammachi, who’s married to a 40-year-old widower. The story follows three generations of their household, that suffer from a peculiar affliction they name “the Situation,” the place no less than one individual in every technology dies by drowning.
As Massive Ammachi turns into the household matriarch, she witnesses important modifications in India, together with social upheavals and the transition from British colonial rule. The novel contains a number of storylines, together with that of Dr. Digby Kilgour, a Scottish doctor whose life turns into unexpectedly linked to the household. The story culminates with Massive Ammachi’s granddaughter, Mariamma, turning into a physician and unraveling the thriller behind “the Situation” whereas discovering shocking truths about her heritage.
Full Disclosure: I took longer to hearken to this guide as a result of it was HARD and generally graphic. Nonetheless, it was price it to persevere as a result of it felt like a terrific accomplishment and journey accomplished after I completed the guide.
