Last year, I got back into the reading swing, and I thought I’d give you a bit of an all-in-one review on all the books I managed to get through.
Let’s jump right in.
The Beauties by Anton Chekhov
★★★★☆
I’ve never read any Chekhov before, so this was a great introduction to his work – short stories that really stuck with me. And it had the most beautiful cover.
Some of these were pretty dark (a theme that seems to run through the books I’ve read this year) but there were others that seemed to just capture a moment in time, as some of the best short stories do.
It took me a while to get through all of them, but once I had finished, I was keen to read more Chekhov. I’ve borrowed some books from my mam so I’ll report back soon.
Luke Kelly: A Memoir by Des Geraghty
★★★★★
Speaking of my mam, I also borrowed this little gem from her, as she loves Luke Kelly. His version of Raglan Road is actually one of my favourite songs of all time.
This was a short book and I flew through it, not only for the insights into Luke Kelly’s life, but also the wider context of the Irish music scene when he was making his stamp on the world.
If you’re interested in Irish music at all, this is definitely one to pick up.
The Connection Book by Emma Serlin
★★★★☆
My old boss bought this for me years ago and I’ve dipped into it now & again since then. But this year, I decided I really wanted to absorb everything it had to offer.
It’s a great little pocket book, perfect for taking little tips from. I particularly loved what I learned about body language and how you can say so much without speaking a word.
Where or When by Anita Shreve
★★★★☆
I haven’t read an Anita Shreve book in a while so thought it was high time I revisited her writing, and this was a lovely little treat.
It follows two childhood sweethearts who are reunited, and realise their love for each other hasn’t died, despite the fact they’ve married other people, and had families of their own. One to get you thinking about whether what’s truly meant for you will ever pass you by.
Middle England by Jonathan Coe
★★★★★
I picked this book up in Hay on Wye a couple of years ago, and had never got around to reading it. First things first, the cover feels really nice in your hands – it’s sort of papery, rather than glossy. It made reading it even nicer.
This was more a political novel than anything else, something I’ve never read before. Set around the time of the Brexit vote, it follows group of individuals through the impact of the vote, and what it means for their futures. A really interesting insight into Britain at a time when a political vote truly divided the country.
The MakeUp of a Confident Woman by Trisha McEvoy
★★★☆☆
This was a book my sister bought for me a few years ago, and one that’s easy to pick up and dip into. It combines confidence tips with make-up to show you how to build your confidence ‘from the outside in’. For me, this goes against everything I personally believe about feeling good in yourself (I always think it should come from the inside first) but it made some very lovely points about self-care.
I’ve given it 3 stars because a lot of the same make-up looks were pretty similar, so the second half of the book was easy to flick through. I have kept it, however, for any make-up looks I might want to try in the future.
Then We Came To The End by Joshua Ferris
★★★☆☆
If you’re looking for The Office in book form, you’ll likely find it in this book. It’s a great insight into agency life where boredom prevails, and the politics between colleagues largely steers how the day pans out.
I wasn’t super into this one unfortunately, it kinda lost me halfway through but I had to finish it. Gave it 3 stars for some of the wittier moments throughout.
The Second Chance by Alan Sillitoe
★★★★☆
Alan Sillitoe is one of my favourite writers ever, so I was really looking forward to digging into this short story collection. What I didn’t expect was just how dark they would be!
A glimpse into Northern life unfolds in each one & I love those little vignettes, but overall, they were very sad and dour.
The Break by Marian Keyes
★★★★★
A holiday read while we were in Kefalonia in May, Marian Keyes never fails to disappoint. I can’t believe I’d never read this before, and while it’s a tome of a book, I flew through it, finishing it just before we landed back home.
Amy’s husband Hugh tells her he wants to go on a break for six months to go travelling, leaving her behind with their children. But will it be the end for them? And will Amy actually rediscover herself while Hugh is away?
Tender is the Night by F Scott Fitzgerald
★★★☆☆
This absolute classic has been on my shelf for years, so I thought I would start reading it while I was in Nice, being on the south coast of France and all.
While I loved the story, I did feel like it went on for a bit too long, and I struggled through parts of it. The sentences are also very long, and there are a lot of words, so it takes a bit of concentration to get through! If you have the patience, it’s definitely worth the read.
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
★★★★★
I’ve heard about this one for years, and managed to pick it up from a charity shop last year. It’s a story about injustice, love, and how a wrongful conviction can turn a marriage upside down.
All I can say is please read it.
The Blue Book of Nebo by Manon Steffan Ros
★★★☆☆
My mother in law lent me this book to read as it’s by a Welsh author, and has been raved over as a great book for young adults. It’s a book about nuclear disaster and how a mother and her son navigate their way through it.
I gave it 3 stars – the writing was brilliant, but I just struggled to read this one as it was another level of dystopia. Very depressing, and horribly realistic.
Michael Rosen’s Sad Book
★★★★★
Another lend from my mother in law, this one made me cry.
In just a few pages, Michael Rosen shows children that it’s okay to be sad, and to let your emotions out. With illustrations by Quentin Blake, this is a truly essential book for adults & kids alike.
The Dangers of Smoking in Bed by Mariana Enriquez
★★★☆☆
Another lend, and another dark read!
These short stories were honestly so tough to get through. Enriquez is a fanatstic writer, but the subject matter itself was way too dark for me, hence the 3 stars.
31 Dream Street by Lisa Jewell
★★★★☆
A little treat in amongst the darkness of the other books I’ve read!
I felt like I needed a nostalgic read and this was a proper throwback to early ’00s London. Toby Dobbs owns a Victorian house that he’s divided into a house-share for many years. However, when his father comes to see him after decades apart, he’s convinced he can impress him by getting it into tip-top shape, and selling it on. However, his housemates aren’t that easy to get rid of.
Good Material by Dolly Alderton
★★★★★
I love anything by Dolly Alderton, and I was kindly sent this by the good folks at Penguin.
This was a lovely read in the colder months, curling up by the fire to get stuck into it. It’s all about a guy called Andy who gets dumped by his girlfriend Jen, and really struggles to get his life together without her. Throughout the book, we get a glimpse of Jen’s perspective, and the whole thing is just completely bittersweet. I loved it.
The Butterfly Summer by Harriet Evans
★★★☆☆
I love Harriet Evans’ work, and I was really looking forward to digging into this. Overall, I would say that I enjoyed it & did speed through it pretty quickly. There was a great twist in it, which I adore in a book too.
3 stars for the confusing family tree, and the family history that went on just a bit too long.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
★★★★☆
My sister lent me this one, and I was keen to read it as I’d seen so many people raving about it.
I read this one in Corfu, and was so glad I took it away with me – it’s a real gem. It’s about Elizabeth Zott – a chemist who becomes the unlikely host of a TV cookery show in the 1950s. I’ve knocked a star off for some moments that seemed a tad unrealistic (the ‘and then everyone applauded’ type of moments.)
I’ve yet to see the TV series too.
How to Quieten Your Mind by Anna Barnes
★★★★☆
I flew through this. It’s a very simple book that gives you some practical tips for slowing down, and having a few moments of calm throughout the day.
Worth having in your bookcase if you’re a worrier like me.
The Butterfly Room by Lucinda Riley
★★★★☆
And finally, my first introduction to Lucinda Riley was one I’ll never forget. This was a huuuuge book & I really did enjoy it – every chapter kept me hanging.
Posy is turning seventy, and is torn between keeping her beautiful country home, and selling it to downsize. As the dramatics of her family unfold, it’s clear to see there are many more dilemmas that need sorting out too.
And that’s it! Here’s to a great reading year in 2024.
Let me know your best books of 2024,
Allie x
Allie Morgan 