I may spend my writing time on non-fiction topics related to health technology and women’s health, but I spend the majority of my reading time diving into fiction! If you ever find yourself in conversation with me in real life, one of my favorite questions to ask people is, “What are you reading?”

There were times, like immediately after graduate school and when my kids were newborns, where I hardly picked up a book. Over the last four years though, I have made a conscious effort to read more. I find that it relaxes me in a way that few other activities do. Reading also makes me a better writer.

In 2024 I got a Kindle for my birthday. I’d hesitated on e-books for years! I loved the smell and feel of a “real book” but once my local library cancelled their mobile app to request regular books but started providing Libby to request e-books, I converted. And I have to say, I love the ability to have many books on one slim device and to be able to read a night while my husband is sleeping. In 2023 I began listening to audiobooks as a way to increase my book consumption while doing household tasks. Sometimes I even tag-team between a written book and an audiobook! I have an Audible subscription and use my Spotify premium account as well as Libby for audiobooks.

Three years ago, one of my friends started a bookclub. It’s the first I have ever been a part of, and I’ve come to appreciate both the fellowship and opportunity to consume books that wouldn’t have been on my radar. I’ve rarely missed a monthly meet up!

If you are a reader, or thinking about adding fiction to your life again, I’m happy to make suggestions. I’m cataloguing everything I read over the last year below but have many other recommendations!

To good books and open minds,

Katie

Books I Read in 2024

I always love historical fiction, but over the last year I opened myself up to some fantasy, modern fiction, and science fiction. I’ve learned that it isn’t always the subject matter that hooks me — good writing spans genres. My favorites from the year have a star at the end.

1. The Last Devil to Die (Book Four of the Thursday Murder Club series), Richard Osman ⭐️ for the series

2. Tom Lake, Ann Patchett ⭐️

3. Birds of a Feather (Maise Dobbs series), Jacqueline Winspear

4. An Unlikely Spy, Rebecca Starford

5. The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, James McBride

6. Plaid and Plagiarism, Molly MacRae

7. Ilium, Lea Carpenter ⭐️

8. Hench, Natalie Zina Walschots ⭐️

9. A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR series), Sarah J. Maas

10. A Grave Robbery (A Veronica Speedwell Mystery), Deanna Rayburn

11. 1776, David McCullough

12. The Book of Longings, Sue Monk Kidd ⭐️

13. The Good Sister, Sally Hepworth

14. A Court of Mist and Fury (ACOTAR series), Sarah J. Maas

15. Crocodile on the Sandbank, Elizabeth Peters

16. A Court of Wings and Ruin (ACOTAR series), Sarah J. Maas

17. The Ministry of Time, Kaliane Bradley ⭐️

18. The Adventures of Amine Al-Sirafi, Shannon Chakraborty

19. Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murders, Jesse Q. Sutanto ⭐️

20. The Sicilian Inheritance, Jo Piazza

21. The Frozen River, Ariel Lahon

22. Woman Eating, Claire Kohda

23. A Court of Frost and Starlight (ACOTAR series), Sarah J. Maas

24. The Cloisters, Katy Hays

25. A Discovery of Witches (All Souls series), Deborah Harkness ⭐️

26. The Book of Life (All Souls series), Deborah Harkness ⭐️

27. Shadow of Night (All Souls series), Deborah Harkness ⭐️

28. The Great Divide, Cristina Henriquez

29. Time’s Convert (All Souls series), Deborah Harkness ⭐️

30. The Takedown, Carlie Walker

31. The Blackbird Oracle (All Souls series), Deborah Harkness ⭐️

32. This is How it Always Is, Laurie Frankel ⭐️

33. Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books, Kirsten Miller